No matter what you do for a living, there’s a decent chance that you need to travel frequently for business purposes. After all, a report shows that over 1.3 million business trips are taken in the US every day, with the figures being much higher on a global scale.
Now, the question a lot of business travelers are asking is: What do I bring with me on a business trip?
Let’s be honest about one thing here and say that it mostly depends on your niche and your area of expertise. But there are also a few items that everybody needs, so keep reading to learn the seven most important things you need to have on you while traveling for business.
Apple Laptop Charger
You don’t go on a business trip without a computer, so the first item on our list is the Apple laptop charger. We don’t even need to explain what makes chargers so precious because you simply cannot do your job without them. Even the finest laptops on the market can hardly make more than seven or eight hours when fully charged, which is not enough for a serious professional on a major business trip.
Business Cards
You never know who you’re going to meet or bump into during the business trip, so it’s mandatory to bring a lot of business cards along. This item is super-practical because it doesn’t take too much space and you can carry it easily in your pocket. At the same time, business cards represent an unmatched ice-breaker in new professional relationships and they also make you look trustworthy and credible.
Hand Sanitizer
Item number three should be with you on all business trips because it’s the simplest way to take care of personal hygiene on the go. What makes a hand sanitizer even more important is COVID-19, a vicious virus that took the world by storm and killed millions in 2020. As a traveler, you are at a greater risk of getting infected and you should take hand sanitizers wherever you go as it will help you simplify coronavirus prevention.
Wrinkle-Free Business Attire
Most teams organize multiple meetings when traveling for business purposes and it requires thorough preparations clothing-wise. A typical business traveler needs at least one suit with a tie, a pair of shoes, a belt, socks, and underwear. But there is a catch here: You should opt for wrinkle-free attire because it makes your journey a lot more comfortable. Travel-friendly threads will save you time and nerves.
Mobile Broadband
You can take dozens of electronic devices on a business trip, but is it really worth it if you are struggling with Wi-Fi networks in a hotel or a conference room? A much better solution is to carry mobile broadband, aka a portable modem that guarantees Internet connection no matter where you are. That way, business professionals make sure to have the Internet available 24/7, which is quite a big deal in modern business.
Solomon203, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lightweight Carry-On Luggage
Another important tip here is to rely on lightweight carry-on luggage when traveling for business. Of course, we are not talking about 10-day journeys with dozens of meetings, but rather about the vast majority of quick one or two-day trips. Apart from that, do not forget to check the maximum bag dimensions allowed at a given airport because you don’t want to end up carrying a larger bag.
Toiletries
Finally, you should remember to take toiletries like shampoo, soap, razor, shaving cream, makeup, toothbrush, and so on. Firstly, toiletries available at a glance will save you a lot of time because you won’t have to ask for them in the hotel. And secondly, toiletries will keep you neat and clean around the clock, so you can look highly professional all the time.
The Bottom Line
If you frequently struggle to determine which items to carry with you on a business trip, you should start with the seven things we discussed above. These items are a must for every business traveler, but let us know in the comments if you have other useful tips to share with your fellow colleagues.