Packing for your Business Trip

You are going on a business trip and need to pack for your trip. Just what do you bring? Your laptop, cell phone, blackberry and any other electronic device you might need for work are musts but what about clothing?

Depending on the purpose of the trip, your wardrobe may vary. Are you going to meet clients or attending a conference or training session in another city? What is the corporate culture like at your firm? At the clients? Will a shirt and tie be required or if you are attending a conference or training session you may be able to dress business casual.

Who else is traveling with you? Co-workers, your boss, clients? This affects how you will dress as well. When in doubt err on the conservative side, take what you normally wear to work and some casual clothes for the flight and any down time you many have. Remember you are representing your company so dress appropriately.

How long will you be gone? A few days, a week, longer? Will there be an opportunity to do laundry if you are gone for more than a week? Make sure you bring enough clothing to last the length of the trip but don’t over-pack.

Do some research on your destination. Are you traveling to another country or another city in your own country? Check out the weather channel to see what the temperature will be, it may be warm and dry in your home town but cold and raining in the city you will be visiting.

Research the hotel, see what facilities are available. Is there a gym, swimming pool, hot tub and will you have time to use them. If working out is part of your regular routine, bring workout clothes and a bathing suit. You may not have time to swim, but a relaxing dip in the hot tub at the end of a long day might be an option.

If you are traveling to another country, find out about their business culture. This is especially important for women as what might be acceptable dress in your office at home is not acceptable in a more conservative country. Bring something to cover your arms and a scarf for your head. Don’t wear short skirts or revealing or clingy tops.

Try and work from one color scheme. Use a neutral color as a base and bring clothing you can mix and match. Pack your heavier items at the bottom of the suitcase and roll your clothing to avoid wrinkles. Pack the things you will be using first at the top of your suitcase. Put shoes in plastic bags. Bring clothing that doesn’t wrinkle. Avoid linen items instead try cotton knits, cotton/polyester blend or light weight jersey wools. You can help prevent wrinkling by packing your clothing in dry cleaning bags.

Most hotels that cater to business clients supply shampoo, soap and some other toiletries but it is best to be prepared. Check your local drug store or pharmacy for travel size containers of the products you like to use. They can be carried on to the airplane and don’t take up a lot of space.

The debate over carry on luggage versus checked luggage continues. While it is more convenient to carry on your luggage it is not always possible. With the new restrictions on the size of carry on luggage and what you can put in them, sometimes it is easier to check your luggage. Pack a change of clothes in your carry on in case your checked luggage goes missing but save the space in your carry on for your important items such as your laptop and business documents.