Do you have to travel for a business trip and don’t know what to pack? You’ve come to the right place.
Whether it’s an eleventh-hour domestic business trip, overnight trip, or 10-day long conference overseas, there are several essential items you need to pack.
Unlike a fun vacation, a business trip is all about professionalism and efficiency. So, whatever you pack should meet your personal and professional needs during the trip.
Before the trip, you need to identify the most important items you’ll require so your trips can go through without any hitches.
Here, we’ve provided you with a list of 5 essential items to carry on your business trip. Read on for more information.
5 Items to Pack for a Business Trip
Clothes and Accessories
Make sure you bring the right clothing for your trip. If the trip only lasts for 3 to 5 days, pack light. Bring a few versatile attires, both casual and formal, instead of a different outfit for every occasion. Since you’re travelling, carry an appropriate jacket that you can wear several times. Invest in a quality jacket that’s tailored to look flawless when you put it on. You can also add one coat that complements the rest of your outfit.
If the meeting falls on weekdays, a pair of classic black trousers and several shirts can do the trick. Don’t forget to include jeans for those after meeting drinks or when you want to run errands. Although jeans are comfortable, don’t go for trendy jeans with rips. Choose a bootleg or slim foot that appears great when paired with your jacket.
Pack 2 to 3 pairs of comfortable shoes that scream fashion. So even when you put on a simple outfit, your shoes will still make a statement. Don’t forget to bring along socks, pyjamas, and underwear. Also, factor in the weather of your destination. If it’s sunny, sunglasses will come in handy to shield your eyes. If it’s windy and wet, you might have to carry a raincoat or umbrella.
Remember to carry toiletries, including toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner, just in case the hotel will not provide you with them.
Essential Travelling Documents
If you’re travelling abroad, you need to ensure you’ve packed your passport. Forgetting your passport means you will not leave the country. If you don’t have a passport, apply for one in advance so your application can get processed, and you will have it before the day of the trip.
If you’re already a passport owner, check its expiration date. You don’t want it to expire when you are still on your trip. Also, remember to carry both soft and hard copies of your passport. So, in case you lose the original during the trip, you can easily replace it.
Another travelling document you need to bring is a visa. You can get a tourist visa before leaving your country or upon arrival. You also need travel insurance to cover you in case of trip cancellation, lost belongings, or medical emergencies. Although it’s not a must, it’s wise to have it in case of such situations.
You might also need to carry proof for accommodation, airline reservations, and rental car details. Safely store this document in a place you can easily access them fast when they’re needed.
After Shave and Perfume
Whether you’re travelling locally or abroad for a business trip, remember to take your favourite perfume and aftershave. The long flights and bus rides will make you sweaty, and your perfume will come in handy to mask your body odour before you reach your hotel and shower.
Before attending the meeting or conference, you can shave and wear your signature aftershave and perfume. Not only would you look presentable, but you will evoke an aura of confidence. Your perfume will make a statement and help you stand out in a room full of other business associates.
If you’re using an expensive perfume, consider storing it in your hand language rather than checked luggage. This is because there’s have been so many cases of people losing their checked luggage while travelling. Also, your perfume might get damaged if your luggage gets mishandled by handlers. To avoid spillage of your perfume while travelling, consider storing it in a small plastic vial.
Earplugs, Eye Mask, and Adjustable Neck Pillow
Earplugs come in handy during flights because of their noise-cancelling effect. If you are tired of wearing noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds and you want to sleep, earplugs are the key. These will drown out the disturbing noise around you.
If you can’t sleep on the plane because of the bright plane cabin, carry an eye mask. The darkness from the mask, combined with the noise-cancelling effects of earplugs, will allow you to sleep peacefully throughout the trip.
Remember to pack a comfortable, adjustable neck pillow with bulky padding, especially if it’s a long trip. A neck pillow allows you to snooze comfortably without any aches and pains.
Phone, Laptop, and Chargers
It’s hard to forget your phone because it’s one of those items you always carry around. But on a business trip, your phone becomes more valuable since it’s the only way to keep in touch with your family at home. You will also need to contact your business associates and clients. So don’t forget its charger and a power bank.
Also, carry your laptop or tablet because they will help you stay productive throughout the trip. This way, you won’t have to use public computers, which can expose your data to hackers. Another advantage; you will be able to use your laptop 24/7 without any restrictions, unlike public computers. Remember to pack relevant chargers for your devices.
Final Thoughts
Of course, if you’re travelling for a month or more, your packing list will definitely be more extensive. However, don’t forget to pack these essentials, irrespective of your trip duration. That said, don’t only depend on this list. Go online and see other items that are worth carrying during your business trip.
