Packing for a Business Trip

Business travelers can benefit greatly from creating and using a standard packing list for their business trips. Learn the importance of such a list and what items to include on it.

The Importance of Creating a Packing List for Business Trips

Before you decide what to take on your business trip, you should realize that there are several goals in creating and using a standard packing list for business travel. First, the process of hashing out a list will help you to sift through all the things you would like to bring with you on your journey so that you can focus on those items that you must bring. Using a packing list also helps to ensure that none of those essential items are left behind- especially if you are the kind of person who leaves the packing for the last minute. Finally, you can capitalize on past packing mistakes by refining your list over time.

Keep in mind that though the goal is to have one standard packing list for your business trips it does not mean that it is set in stone either. Part of the list may necessarily change to accommodate factors such as the weather at the destination, local customs that may affect dress, as well as the duration and purpose of the trip.

The Business Trip Packing List: What Should You Take?

Just a note before getting into what to put on your packing list: The following list is meant as a guide, offering suggestions to help get you started. For this reason it is broken down into categories rather than specific items. After all, the only one who can really know what you should be taking is you. Here are the important categories to consider:

Lightweight, versatile luggage. Choosing which pieces of luggage to bring with you on your business trip is one of the most important decisions on your list. You should take no more than one small briefcase or travel bag, plus one mid-sized wheeled suitcase with an extendable handle. Consider soft style luggage that can easily be moved around and stored and that can accommodate all the items on your list. You may also want to consider buying a suitcase organizer, such as a packing cube or packing folder, to help keep your belongings in place.

Trip itinerary information and travel documents. Though packing your passport, photo ID, or airplane ticket may seem obvious, you do not want to arrive at the airport without them. So make sure to include them on your packing list.

You should also compile a list of important trip information including the addresses and phone numbers of contacts in your destination area, confirmation numbers for all travel and lodging arrangements, customer service phone numbers, hotel addresses, and business meeting adresses. You should make a hard copy of all this information to store permanently in a pocket of your carry-on. Do not rely solely on your smartphone, PDA, or notebook computer in case these items are stolen, lost, or the battery has died.

Cash, credit cards, and traveler’s checks. Before leaving for your business trip, you should prepare a small amount of travel cash, preferably no more than $100 dollars and store it in a money belt. Try to avoid taking large sums of money or debit cards. Traveler’s checks and credit cards used exclusively for travel are generally safer options.

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