Have you ever been confused about which items to take with you on a business trip? If so, you aren’t alone.
While it is always best to be prepared while traveling, it’s equally important to minimize the number of items that you pack into your suitcase so that you can easily move about.
Understanding which items to pack for a business trip will also help you to increase your productivity as you travel.
Here are the top 6 things to pack for a business trip.
1. Clothing
Arguably the most essential thing to pack for a business trip is your clothes.
It’s a good idea to pack formal business attire such as dress shirts, suits, skirts, and slacks. If your trip is only for a few days, one or two suits or skirts with a few shirts will provide more than enough selection!
If you’re attending any formal events as you travel, ensure that you have appropriate attire packed into your bag. This includes a dress, a suit, or even slacks.
You also need to pack socks, underwear, and pajamas. You have lots of flexibility when it comes to your nighttime attire but we’d suggest sticking to something very comfortable. If you don’t own a pair of comfortable pajamas, you may want to invest in a pair from a reputable brand like Eberjey.
2. Personal Hygiene Items
You should start by packing basic toiletries including:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Hairbrush or comb
- Razor
- Medication
- Sunscreen
- Makeup
- Hair products and styling tools
A hotel will usually provide the essentials such as shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner, but you can always pack your own if you wish to.
3. Tech Equipment
Packing the right tech for a business trip can help to alleviate some of the stress while allowing you to concentrate solely on the more enjoyable aspects of business travel.
Regardless of the industry that you are working in, you will undoubtedly require access to presentation software, applications, and personal business files on a business trip. Taking your laptop with you ensures you can work efficiently wherever you are traveling to.
Make sure to pack all the necessary cables and wall plugs for your tech so that they don’t run out of charge! Alternatively, you can invest in a power bank or portable charger to keep your devices charged while you’re on the go.
You can even pack a notebook and a pen as a backup in case something goes wrong with your computer and you still need to take notes.
If you need glasses or contact lenses to see your screen, don’t forget to pack them alongside your laptop or tablet!
4. Essential Documents
Make sure that you have a valid form of ID with you at all times such as your driver’s license or passport, especially if you are traveling internationally for business purposes.
You can print hotel confirmations, airline reservations, and even details of a rental car you must use and then keep them safely stored in an easy-to-reach zip pocket. If you opt to keep things digital, make sure relevant documents are organized into one area on your smartphone.
If you’re taking your wallet or purse, take only the things that you require with you such as your ID, bank or credit cards, and small bills if you end up in an establishment that only accepts cash.
5. Business Cards
There is no substitute for a professionally printed card that features all of your information! This means it’s essential whenever you go on any type of business trip.
This small card includes lots of relevant details such as your name, contact details, and your company name.
Some business cards will also have a QR code that potential business connections can scan to view a digital portfolio, a specific social media platform, or even a professional website.
6. Entertainment
Although you are traveling for business purposes, make sure to pack something to pass the time. Whether that’s a novel, a puzzle book, or simply packing earphones to listen to a new podcast, there are plenty of things you can do to make your business trip that much more bearable.
Summary
Packing for a business trip doesn’t need to be a difficult or time-consuming task! Provided you remember to pack the essentials such as your clothing, laptop, and travel documents, you will be good to go! However, you must be strategic with the items you take as you don’t want to end up having to carry a very heavy suitcase around with you.
