The most common things you’ll need for your next business trip
Business travel isn’t like travelling on vacation, and you may end up needing to pack a lot more items than you would if you were going on a simple holiday.
When you’re going on vacation and forget something, you can usually find a store nearby that sells what you need. On the other hand, if you forget certain business essentials when you’re going on a business trip, it may not be possible to find a replacement. Both packing and traveling for a business trip can be stressful, so it’s important to make sure that you’re extra prepared.
Business essentials
Business essentials are everything you’re going to need that’s business-related – as if you were in your office. This can include work documents, office supplies, and business cards. If you need printed handouts, be sure to pack those with you instead of waiting until you get to your hotel to try and print them out.
The printer may be broken, out of ink, or there may not be one at all, so it’s best to have your handouts already printed. Also, make sure you have enough pens/pencils, paper to take notes, or any electronic devices that you may use instead.
Clothes
You’ll want to be a responsible traveler and pack lightly, but you will also want to make sure that you pack both the proper business attire and casual clothing if necessary.
It will help out a lot if you have an itinerary detailing all of the events that you’ll be involved in, whether business-related or leisure time. In addition to your basics (socks, undergarments, pajamas, etc.), make sure to pack a rain jacket, umbrella, and/or rain boots, a coat, and anything else you may need based on the weather.
Electronics
In a very digital world, it’s highly likely that you’ll need some type of electronic device when you’re on your business trip— especially if you use a lot of technology in your office. The most common electronic device that you’ll need on a business trip is your laptop, so make sure that you pack all laptop essentials (i.e., the charger, the mouse, a traveling case, an adapter).
You will, of course, bring your smartphone and charger, but you may also need to bring a tablet and headphones. Traveling without these is one of the biggest business travel mistakes you can make.
Personal care products
Personal care products seem to be something that everyone forgets. Luckily, these items are something that you’re probably able to find in a drugstore in case you forget something.
Personal care products that everyone should bring with them on a trip include toothbrushes/toothpaste, deodorant, and soap/body wash. Others may bring shampoo/conditioner, body lotion, hair tools, and makeup. It’s also a good idea to pack breath mints to have before a meeting.
Other things it’s a good idea to have when travelling for business
It may be necessary for you to have travel insurance when going on a business trip. Depending on how far away you’re traveling from home, you may even be able to acquire travel insurance for domestic travel. Travel insurance protects you in the event of a medical emergency, lost or stolen items, and any other emergencies that may come up while you’re on your trip.
Another type of insurance you’re likely to need is car insurance if you don’t have any already. Travel insurance doesn’t cover any cars you rent while you’re on your business trip. Even if you already have car insurance, it’s still good to even see if you can find better rates to ensure you have the right coverage if you’ll be driving while you’re out of town.
Lastly, if you’re flying, make sure you have all the essential documents you’ll need to board a plane. This will be your plane ticket (which is usually digital), your ID, and (if applicable), your passport. Also, don’t forget your hotel confirmation and your rental car confirmation if you’re going to rent transportation.
Photo by Dovile Ramoskaite
