Whether you travel a lot or not for work business travel isn’t always easy. In the rush to get out the door things can be forgotten. Having a good checklist in hand will save you the headache of realizing you are forgetting something important when you are already at cruising altitude 38,000 feet in the air.
When packing, you will need to keep in mind all the things you may need on your trip—anything from appropriate clothing to work related items that you’re carrying on instead of shipping ahead. But, before you can even think about packing, make sure you choose travel luggage wisely.
Luggage
Think function over fashion when picking out a bag. It’s all about efficiency! Will you be gone for a short period or will you be gone for a long duration? Definitely an important detail to consider. Longer business travel may require you to check a bag versus just carrying on.
Find suitcases suited for business travel here: “3 Best Suitcases for the Business Traveler.”
For female business travelers, it’s nice to have a carry-on bag that can also function as a computer bag and purse. For male travelers, business backpacks make a great option. These backpacks have room for your clothes, computer and other electronics.
Once you have picked out the appropriate luggage, you can move onto filling it with business travel essentials. Filling your luggage with essentials means choosing items wisely and taking things you will really use.
Travel Wardrobe
When packing clothes, you may need to be creative. First establish how many different outfits you will need and the weather forecast for the area you are visiting. Account for dinners and meetings you may attend while away. Once you’ve determined how many looks are needed, it’s time to be creative. Figure out how to mix and match articles of clothing so that you can create multiple looks with a minimal amount of pieces. This goes for men and women.
Read more on business travel wardrobe for men & women in, “Wardrobe Checklist for the Business Traveler.”
Once you have settled on outfits to pack, folding each article of clothing into little packing cubes will only add to your efficiency. If you have has seen the Netflix series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” then you know the KonMari method of tidying up. This same method can be applied to make packing easier. Folding your clothes KonMari style and placing them so they’re stacked side by side instead of on top of each other can help to eliminate wrinkles and provide more room for other business travel essentials. Plus, you can see everything at a glance. See the KonMari method.
Toiletries
Stick to the travel size essentials and be sure to follow TSA regulations when packing toiletries:
- Items must fit in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
- Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less per container.
- Make sure the bag is easily accessible; it must be placed in a screening bin at security.
- 1 bag per passenger.
Electronics
Do not forget to pack the key items needed to perform your job. Yes, you packed your computer but did you remember the charger? Same goes for your mobile devices. Consider packing a portable USB Battery Pack. When traveling you may not have the time to plug into a wall outlet. A battery pack can help ensure you are fully charged while on the go.
USB flash drives, and headphones are also things that may come in handy on your trip.
Miscellaneous
Items that don’t fall under the previous categories listed include: boarding pass, passport, business cards, notepad and pen, an envelope to hold receipts for expense reporting, a compact umbrella, a water bottle, and a healthy snack (just in case you don’t have time to grab one in between travel and appointment times.
Here’s your business travel packing list summary:
- Business appropriate clothing
- Shoes
- Pajamas
- Workout clothing
- Jewelry
- Outerear (jackets, hats and scarves if needed)
- Travel size toiletries
- Laptop/tablet
- Mobile phone
- Chargers and/or battery pack
- USB flash drive
- Headphones/earbuds
- Boarding pass
- Passport
- Business cards
- Notepad
- Pen
- Envelope
- Compact umbrella
- Water bottle
- Healthy snack
