Get All Access for $5/mo

The One Thing Richard Branson Surprisingly Can't Travel Without When on the road, the celebrated, billionaire entrepreneur always takes this one item with him. Guess what it is?

By Jason Fell

When traveling for work or for pleasure, what's the one item you can't go anywhere without? A good book? Your smartphone or tablet? A pet? Your toothbrush?

One entrepreneur who's always on the move is billionaire Richard Branson. For the founder of the Virgin Group empire, one might think his must-have travel item would be some high-tech gadget to keep his busy schedule in check or to help manage his multitude of projects. Nope. Branson's go-to travel item is very analog.

A notebook.

"I like to record conversations, and I like to capture the wonderful life I lead," Branson says in a recent video from FreeEnterprise.com, a site produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Related: Richard Branson on Developing a Vision for Your Company

"If I'm having meetings with people and they're not taking notes, I know they're not going to remember what we discussed," Branson continues. "So, at least one of us in the room will remember what's been discussed."


I don't know about you, but if I was in a room with or sitting on a plane next to Richard Branson, I'd remember every word that man says. Something tells me I'm not the only one.

What's the one item you cannot travel without? Let us know in the comments below.

Related: Richard Branson on Constructing the Perfect Pitch

Jason Fell

Entrepreneur Staff

VP, Native Content

Jason Fell is the VP of Native Content, managing the Entrepreneur Partner Studio, which creates dynamic and compelling content for our partners. He previously served as Entrepreneur.com's managing editor and as the technology editor prior to that.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

At 16, She Started a Side Hustle While 'Stuck at Home.' Now It's on Track to Earn Over $3.1 Million This Year.

Evangelina Petrakis, 21, was in high school when she posted on social media for fun — then realized a business opportunity.

Health & Wellness

I'm a CEO, Founder and Father of 2 — Here Are 3 Practices That Help Me Maintain My Sanity.

This is a combination of active practices that I've put together over a decade of my intense entrepreneurial journey.

Business News

Remote Work Enthusiast Kevin O'Leary Does TV Appearance Wearing Suit Jacket, Tie and Pajama Bottoms

"Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary looks all business—until you see the wide view.

Business News

Are Apple Smart Glasses in the Works? Apple Is Eyeing Meta's Ran-Ban Success Story, According to a New Report.

Meta has sold more than 700,000 pairs of smart glasses, with demand even ahead of supply at one point.

Money & Finance

The 'Richest' U.S. City Probably Isn't Where You Think It Is

It's not located in New York or California.

Business News

Hybrid Workers Were Put to the Test Against Fully In-Office Employees — Here's Who Came Out On Top

Productivity barely changed whether employees were in the office or not. However, hybrid workers reported better job satisfaction than in-office workers.