Heading out on another glamorous business trip, are we? Yeah, right. We all know work travel is less 5-star hotels and swanky cocktail hours and more cramped flights, never-ending taxi rides, and sad desk lunches. But surviving back-to-back meetings is hard enough without having to worry about your suitcase exploding on the airport carousel or realizing your only clean shirt is a wrinkled mess.
The truth about packing for business trips is that it’s an art and a science. And if you don’t get it right, you could end up shaking hands with your boss while wearing yesterday’s underwear because your luggage got lost. Hey, it happens to the best of us. But armed with the right techniques and gear, you can pack carry-on only and breeze through your next work adventure with room left to stash those tiny shampoo bottles.
As road warriors who’ve logged more hours flying middle seat—in heels!—than we care to admit, we’re spilling all our hard-earned secrets so you can travel like a pro. Learn how to build a capsule wardrobe that practically packs itself, avoid checked bag fees without wearing the same outfit on repeat, and keep your devices charged and secure when you’re stuck in a middle seat between two chatty seatmates.
Consider this your business travel packing boot camp.
The 6 Best Packing Tips for Business Travelers
By the time you zip up that carry-on, you’ll have this whole packing thing mastered, from mixing and matching your outfits like a pro to breezing through security without forgetting your phone or, you know, dignity.
List of essentials
If you’re traveling for business, it’s important to bring a few things along with you. One of the most important items is your wallet or purse. You’ll want to carry a few spare changes and small notes in case you need to pay for anything. You should also bring some local currency, but only as much as you’ll need for the trip. This will limit the damage if your wallet or purse gets lost or stolen. Lastly, you’ll want to pack an eye mask for protection from the sun and light.
Business travelers don’t want to bring anything that is too bulky. Bringing a portable hard drive with a high-capacity capacity is a great way to store and access larger files while traveling. Portable hard drives also make it easy to transfer files from one device to another. You can also buy security and backup software to protect your data while you’re on the road.
Your clothing is another important item for business travel. You should always bring a suitable outfit for your destination. If you’re traveling for business, you might want to wear a suit or a blazer. You should also take comfortable shoes. This will help you move quickly from the airport to the boardroom.
Business travelers should also invest in a good quality keychain for their shoes. This tiny tool is designed to protect your credit cards and important IDs. It also comes with a travel case, making it easier to store in your luggage. It has 12 credit card slots and an ID window. It also features a back zipper pocket and a slide pocket. Keeping all of your cards and cash safe and accessible can help you make a good impression while traveling.
Checklist
When planning for business travel, it is important to keep an organized and detailed list of items to pack. This will eliminate any chances of forgetting something important or leaving something behind. Whether you are traveling for an overnight stay or an extended international trip, a business travel checklist is an essential tool. It will help you stay on schedule and be prepared for anything that may come up.
Business travelers also need to bring work documents, so it is wise to make sure they print them out prior to departure. The last thing you want to do is arrive at your destination to realize you’ve forgotten something important. Fortunately, it will only take a few minutes to pack these documents before departing on your trip.
Packing for a business trip requires a certain level of preparation, which starts with a smart carry-on suitcase. While you’re traveling, consider bringing a mini first-aid kit to keep yourself healthy and productive. This includes medications for jet lag and migraines. You may also want to pack some eye drops to help clear your bloodshot eyes.
Business travelers should always pack plenty of business cards. Business trips are all about making new connections and identifying new opportunities. When packing for a business trip, keep in mind that you will shake hands with many new people. Using hand sanitizer can prevent you from getting sick. Coronavirus is a growing health threat, and you don’t want to be the next victim.
Computer travel bag
When traveling for business, it is important to bring all the necessary equipment you need. A computer travel bag makes this task much easier. This type of bag typically includes a laptop compartment and other storage compartments that can hold your tablet, charger, mouse, headphones, and more. It also protects your electronics from damage due to shock or water. These bags also often come with wheels for easy transport.
When traveling, it is important to keep your laptop and other electronics safe from theft. A computer travel bag with a TSA-approved lock can help you do this. This type of lock uses two locks that are both opened by the same key. It is much more secure than a simple combination lock.
Also, consider investing in a bag that can be personalized with your company logo or name. This will make it easier to spot at the airport and also help build your brand recognition. A computer travel bag is an essential item for any business traveler and should not be forgotten when you’re packing for your trip. It can help keep all your electronics organized and safe while traveling.
Antibacterial wipes
A must-have item for business travelers is a pack of antibacterial wipes. These are essential to keeping your hands and surfaces clean while on the road. You can use these wipes to wipe down tables, desks, armrests, doorknobs, elevator buttons, and more. Doing this will reduce the chances of you getting sick from bacteria and germs that may be lurking around.
It is also a good idea to bring a few small containers of antibacterial gel to keep in your pocket for easy access. This will make sure you always have some form of sanitizer on hand, even if you don’t have wipes available. It’s an extra layer of protection when you’re out and about.
Antibacterial wipes are also great for cleaning up spills in the hotel room, such as spilled coffee or juice. They can even be used to clean your phone or tablet if it gets dirty while traveling. These small packs are affordable, lightweight, and a must-have item for any business traveler.
Cooling towel
One of the best ways to keep yourself comfortable on hot days is by bringing a cooling towel. A cooling towel is a towel that gets wet and instantly becomes 20 to 30 degrees colder than the surrounding air. It can be reused as often as necessary. These towels are also machine washable. Make sure not to use bleach or softeners when washing them, and air dry them thoroughly.
Another great thing about cooling towels is that they’re very practical. Many people use them after a workout or when they’re feeling overheated. They are also useful during hiking or even if you’re sitting in the hot sun. They are small and soft and can be easily draped over your shoulders or neck. They are also made from high-quality polyester materials that are breathable and absorbent. A cooling towel can help you stay cool for several hours and keep your clothes dry.
A cooling towel works on the principle of evaporative cooling. This means that the moisture on the towel’s surface evaporates more quickly than it does on other materials. In this way, the cooling towel reduces body temperature by as much as 30 degrees.
Another useful item to pack for a business trip is a notebook. A notebook will be useful for taking notes during meetings, and it can also double as a journal in your spare time. It’s also important to bring a travel towel with you. These travel-sized towels dry faster than regular towels and don’t take up much space. They also repel odors and fit into small travel cases.
Professional outfits
There are a few key pieces of clothing that you need to bring on business trips. In addition to business suits, you should have a reusable water bottle, which can be a huge benefit to the environment, as most plastic bottles end up in the trash. Not only does this prevent the use of plastic bottles, but it also has a built-in filter.
You should have at least two high-quality blazers in your business travel wardrobe. These should be tailored to fit you perfectly, and you should opt for timeless cuts. Another blazer can be worn as a warmer outerwear option. Then, you can pair it with casual shoes.
When you travel for business, you should remember that first impressions are often made in just two seconds, so make sure you look your best. A business trip will take you to all kinds of situations, from the morning gym session to the post-function wind-down. As such, you should have a wardrobe that can meet the many needs of different situations.
For the business trip, you can opt for conservative colors such as black, navy, grey, and beige. These colors go well with white and other light pastels. In addition to this, choose fabrics that match the season and the climate of your destination. A suit will always go well in a business environment, but you can also opt for separate suits or skirts.
