What to bring on a business trip

Quick insights

• Have a packing list for your business trip that includes essentials like professional attire, travel documents and a laptop.
• Consider the length of the trip and your available transportation options when choosing a travel bag.
• Take some time to research where you're going and how you'll get around once you arrive.

Packing for a business trip can look very different depending on the purpose and length of the trip. How you pack for a three-day conference will look different than a two-week consulting gig where you're working with top executives at a company.

In this article, we'll cover how to prepare for business travel, what to bring and what bag to pack no matter the purpose of your trip.

Preparing for a business trip

Some people prefer to pack days in advance while others are content with gathering their things a few hours before a flight. No matter which type of packer you are, a little planning can go a long way.

Before you get out your suitcase, here are a few business trip preparation tips to consider:

Purpose

What are the objectives of your business trip? Is it about building team comradery with internal teams or meeting with external clients? Will you be sitting in meetings all day, speaking in front of a crowd or participating in offsite activities?

Understanding what your trip may entail will help you decide what to bring, especially in terms of outfit options.

Research

If you're headed somewhere new, it might be worthwhile to spend some time getting acquainted with the area online. Get the lay of the land by searching for transportation options and checking out places to eat near your hotel or workplace. Doing so may help keep you from scrambling while you're in transit or work mode.

Productivity

You may want to maximize your down time by completing tasks or answering emails. If so, determine if and how you can use Wi-Fi while in transit.

Will there be Wi-Fi on the plane? Do you have a hotspot that will allow you to work while in the car? If you plan to work at night, consider if the location you're staying at has reliable internet.

It may also be a good idea to arrive at the airport a bit early to get some task work done prior to boarding your flight. This way, you might not feel so behind on work as you spend time networking with colleagues or clients during the trip. If you have enough time before your flight departs, you may be able to find a quiet space to get work done at an airport lounge.

Self-care

Travel is a disruption to your regular schedule. It's easy to slip into bad habits out of convenience. Consider how you can incorporate a healthy diet, exercise and rest while away. It may be helpful to scope out food options in advance or check if your hotel includes a gym.

Your business trip packing list

After you've thought about what your trip will look like, what activities are involved and how you will spend your time, it's time to plan what to bring.

You likely don't want to lug around more than you need while traveling. A well-planned packing list may be your ticket to a successful trip—and, hopefully, leaving nothing important behind.

There are some key items that should be on most business trip packing lists:

• Professional attire: Even if this is an informal team gathering, you may want a set of professional clothes just in case. Choosing outfits that can mix and match may help maximize luggage space.
• Travel documents: Passports for international travel are a must, but it may also be helpful to have tickets and reservations together and easily accessible. See if your airline has an app where you can save these for easy access.
• Work documents: This could include binders, notes, important paperwork or any other business-related materials that you'll need on hand during your trip.
• Essential electronics: Most people don't travel without a phone and laptop but consider what your other essential electronics may be. An e-reader? A digital notepad? If you're sensitive to sound, that could include noise cancelling headphones too.
• Cords and chargers: If you pack electronics, you'll need a way to charge them. Pack any related cords or chargers along with your electronics so you don't need to buy replacements at the airport.

Once you've made your packing list, find somewhere to store it—possibly in a note on your phone. Having a standard packing list that you're not recreating with each trip will go a long way toward ensuring nothing important is forgotten.

Selecting the right bag for your business trip

What bag you bring on your trip may be determined by a few factors:

• How long you're staying
• The weather
• Modes of transportation (for example, a bag with wheels may be useful if you're walking between destinations)

If your number one goal is packing light and deboarding quickly, it might make the most sense to pack everything in a carry-on bag. You may want to check your airline's guidance on carry-on bags, and whether there are any associated fees. If your trip is short enough, you might also be able to get away with packing only a backpack or other personal item.

Longer trips may require more packing strategy. You probably can't avoid bringing a larger bag if you'll be gone for days or weeks.

Traveling to colder climates also often requires bulkier items and a bigger bag. If your bag is big enough to check, consider packing cubes or using luggage with a lot of compartments to help keep you organized while you're living out of your suitcase. 

Additional tips for successful business travel

Part of a successful business trip may include managing your finances. Have a plan for keeping track of expenses, both while traveling and once you reach your destination. If you're using a company credit card, find out what you can and can't use the card for before your trip.

If you're using a personal credit card, you may also need to save your receipts to receive reimbursement later. It might be a good idea to take photos of receipts as you get them in case you lose any. This may make business bookkeeping more streamlined when you're recording your expenses.

In summary

Packing for a business trip doesn't have to be complicated. A little bit of preparation can go a long way. Before you pack, consider the type of trip you'll be taking and the activities it may entail. Choose your clothing and accessories to fit the trip you're taking.

You'll also want to give some thought to how you'll be getting around once you're there and how easy or difficult it will be to carry your luggage with you. Lastly, having a plan for keeping track of the business expenses you incur on your trip can be useful for when you return.