A Packing Checklist for Business Trips

A Packing Checklist for Business TripsA Packing Checklist for Business TripsWhether your job requires frequent business travel or just the occasional overnight stay, keeping a list handy of what to pack will help you save time and minimize stress. Even though most major airlines now charge a separate fee to check your bag, it might be worth it. Airports are big and overhead compartments on airplanes fill up quickly. Business travel is stressful enough without the additional worries associated with lugging your bag through security and to the gate only to find out that the overhead compartment above your seat is already full and that your bag is being put in the back of the plane. Relax, check your bag, and consider it a worthwhile investment in you and your travel sanity. Basic Bottoms Whether you plan to wearpants or skirts while traveling for business, pick one basic color for your bottoms (black, brown or blue) and stick with it. This consistency will eliminate the need for mu ltiple pairs of shoes and belts in different colors. Dark colors are preferable as they dont show travel wear, tear, and dirt as easily. Jacket or Blazer Choose a basic, solid-color jacket or blazer that matches your basic bottoms color scheme. Tops, Blouses, and Sweaters Choose prints and solids that coordinate with your basic bottoms color scheme. A Travel Outfit If your travel days are long, consider packing a comfortable travel outfit and comfortable shoes for the trip home. Shoes Bring a maximum of one to two pairs of shoes. Select a style and heel height that will work with your basic wardrobe selections described above. If youll be doing a lot of walking while on your business trip, choose comfort over style. Underwear and Socks Pack enough for each day of your trip, plus two extra pairs of each. You never know when you might want to change clothes or just freshen up a bit. Pajamas Consider a pajama top style that buttons down the front so it can doubl e as a robe. Most robes are bulky and take up too much valuable space in your suitcase. Workout Clothes Pack one lightweight, quick-dry exercise outfit. Wash it out in the sink after each exercise session and hang it to dry. Toiletries Pack shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, facial cleanser, toothpaste, toothbrush, a razor, and make-up in resealable plastic bags or a toiletry bag.If youre traveling by air and not planning to check your bag, keep travel restrictions in mind. All liquids and gels must be smaller than 3 ounces and must be packed in quart-size plastic bags. Pack these bags in an outside pocket or on the top of your suitcase since youll need to remove them as you go through security checkpoints. Travel Documents distributions-mix airline reservations, hotel confirmations, and rental car confirmations in a separate folder for quick and easy reference. If you have these items on your phone or tablet, then bookmark the sites or flag the email confirmations for qui ck access. LaptopBag If youre traveling by air, make sure your laptop or tablet is easily accessible since youll need to remove it from your briefcase as you go through security. Dont forget yourpower cords and thumb drives. Cell Phone Charger Pack both a wall charger and a portable charger or power bank in case you need to charge your phone but dont have an outlet. Bring a car charger if youre traveling by car or will be renting one at your final destination. Office Supplies Pack pens, pencils, paper clips, sticky pads, and notenzeichenpads. Dont take an entire office supply store with you in your briefcase- just what you will actually need for your trip. Business Cards Replenish your supply of business cards before each business trip. You never know who you will meet. 10 x 13 Envelopes for Expense Receipts As you drop each receipt into your envelope, make a note on the front that includes date, expense amount and the reason for the expense. Doing this will help y ou save time when you submit your expense report and ensure you can easily find all of your receipts. Your Purse While most female travelers prefer tocarry a purse in addition to a briefcase, the general rule of thumb for business travel is to carry a small purse with minimal contents. Pack your ID, wallet, gum or mints, a small make-up bag, phone, and any medications you need. Small Travel Umbrella Pack this in the outside pocket of your suitcase so its accessible in the event it is raining when you arrive.