The question “What to pack for a business trip” is a common question for business travelers. Business trips, especially for first-timers, can be a bit overwhelming. After all, it is more than booking flights and hotel accommodations. Every detail matters, from your trip’s logistical information and meeting schedules to your clothing and business travel accessories. And in this article, you will learn the reason why a checklist of business travel essentials is necessary.

 

How to Pack for a Business Trip?

Thorough preparation is essential for any trip, whether for leisure or business. Ensuring everything is properly accounted for and checked will save you a lot of time. And to let you have that convenient business travel experience, here is a simple packing list for business trip.

Documents and Paperwork

 

Regardless of your destination, having your hand with your documents is necessary. Documents and paperwork are a constant in any business travel checklist. After all, these documents show your identity and the purpose of your visit or travel. Below are some typical paperwork and documents you should have before traveling.

• Boarding pass (a mobile copy is good, but a hard copy is better).
• Business visa.
• Contracts and memos related to your business trip.
• Copy of itinerary.
• Driver’s license.
• Identification cards with photo.
• Passport.
• Printed and mobile copies of transportation and accommodations.
• Supporting documents for your travel.
• Travel insurance.
• Work permit.

Clothing and Shoes

 

The length of your stay should determine your baggage. Do not ever overpack, as it will only cause hassle. When packing clothes, choose the ones that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a dress worn for a formal meeting but flexible enough to complement a scarf for a casual business environment will be good.

Following the “3 pairs of shoes” rule will be convenient when it comes to shoes. This means having two pairs of comfortable shoes and a more formal pair.

Below is an example of a checklist for one-week clothing essentials for business travel.

For men

• 1 blazer or a jacket.
• 1 hat.
• 2 – 3 polo shirts depending on the destination.
• 2 - 3 bottoms/trousers.
• 2 – 3 pairs of shoes.
• 2 dress belts.
• 2 sets of pajamas.
• 2 suits.
• 5 - 7 neckties.
• 7 long-sleeved dress shirts (3- 4 in a different pattern, the remaining in white).
• 7 sets of socks and underwear.

For women

• 1 -2 sets of workout clothes.
• 1 blazer.
• 1 hat.
• 2 – 3 dresses.
• 2 – 3 sets of shoes.
• 2 – 4 bottoms/trousers.
• 2 belts.
• 2 sets of pajamas.
• 7 bras.
• 7 sets of socks and underwear.
• 7 tops (4 dress tops and 3 casual dress tops).

Electronics and Accessories

 

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Traveling frequently entails wait periods, delays, and more free time than you would have anticipated. Given this, having electronic devices and accessories will be convenient.

Some of the things you should not forget are:

• Chargers– Your phone and laptop do not run infinitely, so having a charger you can use is  
• High-capacity power banks– You cannot always charge in the hotel or airport since you must constantly move with your belongings. Given this, a high-capacity power bank like Anker 747 Power Bank (PowerCore 26k for laptop), which boasts a 25,600mAh capacity to keep multiple devices, will be ideal.
• Laptop– Sometimes, even when you are traveling, you will be tasked to attend meetings or submit documents. This is where a laptop comes in. But in bringing this gadget, bring the lighter one for ease.
• Laptop sleeve– Not everybody has a light laptop. Hence, a laptop sleeve is key in alleviating the weight if yours is heavy.
• Noise-canceling headphones– You will find sleeping hard if the flight or the airport is noisy. Given this, noise-canceling headphones will be good as they let you listen to music peacefully or listen to meetings clearly.
• Phone– A phone is necessary to contact your boss or counterpart for any travel.
• Power strip– Your chargers may not fit the outlets of your hotel since different countries have different plugs. Given this, a power strip like Anker 332 Power Strip is necessary as it has 6 AC outlets, 2 USB-A ports, and 1 USB-C to help you power your phones and laptops.

 

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For Men and Women

Traveling can be different for men and women. Given this, preparing personal hygiene kits that will fit your need is necessary. For example, makeup and menstrual products for ladies, shavers, and shaving creams for men.

Other Tips for Business Travelling

Here are some additional business travel tips you can consider for a more seamless and convenient trip.

1. Always consider the season of the place you will go into.
2. As much as possible, stick to carry-on bags.
3. Do not forget to go to the money exchange.
4. Have a dedicated folder for your papers and documents.
5. Check the documentary requirements of your destination.

Conclusion

It is said that a good plan is half the task done. And as part of the plan, thorough preparation should always be ensured. Business travels may be overwhelming and hectic, but you can lessen the stress by preparing the common “business trip what to pack” things. Given this, having a decent checklist is valuable for a convenient, seamless, and hassle-free business travel experience.

FAQ

How do I prepare for my first business trip?

The first thing that you should do is research the requirements you need to secure. Copy the paperwork and documents you need in a simple checklist. Afterward, check the weather at your destination and prepare your clothes based on that. Lastly, prepare the electronic devices you will bring.

What should you not forget on a business trip?

There are a lot of things that you should not forget on a business trip. Foremost of these things are the documentary requirements needed to pass border security. Likewise, you should not forget to book hotel accommodations in advance since doing so upon arrival will be tedious.

What should I pack for a business trip for 3 days?

If you travel only for three days, you only need to prepare a casual top, two dresses (women)/a suit, 2 long sleeves, and one collared shirt (men). You will also need 2 – 3 pairs of trousers, 2 pairs of shoes (1 formal, 1 casual), 3 pairs of underwear and socks, 3 bras (women), and 1 – 2 sets of pajamas. You can also include a swimsuit and workout clothes.