business travel packing list template

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Business Trip Packing List for Overnight, 3-Day, and 5-Day Trips

Published September 19, 2023

Written by:

Laura Lopuch

Laura’s first trip was when she was 3 months old, instilling an insatiable wanderlust. She hasn’t stopped traveling, or writing...

Fred Perrotta

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Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

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Table of Contents

Whether you’re heading out on a last-minute, overnight business trip, or a five-day conference abroad, packing for business travel is always different than prepping for a fun vacation.

Your work trip packing list will likely include more electronics and gear. So you’ll need to plan around the extra items and weight.

Also, traditional business clothes are notoriously delicate and wrinkle-prone, so they can be difficult to pack.

This article will break down how and what to pack for your business trip. We’ll cover men’s and women’s business clothing , advice on managing your electronics, and more.

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How to Pack for a Business Trip

Carry on plus personal item.

When packing for a work trip, use carry-on-sized luggage plus a personal item that can carry your laptop.

How to Pack Your Laptop for Travel

Pack your laptop in your personal item when you travel, ideally in a backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag with a dedicated laptop sleeve for protection. If you’re using a tote or other bag that doesn’t have a padded area for your laptop, invest in a laptop sleeve to protect it.

If you’re one-bagging, make sure you choose luggage that has a dedicated laptop compartment. Remove your laptop before stowing your bag in the overhead compartment so that you can work during your flight.

Whatever you do, never, ever put your laptop in a checked bag and risk it being broken, lost, or stolen while in transit.

Roll Your Clothes and Pack Them in Packing Cubes

Once upon a time, I didn’t use  packing cubes . And my bag was a disaster. It took long minutes to find the shirt I was looking for or clean socks. Not anymore, thanks to packing cubes.

To look your best, you should fold your clothes along the seams then roll them . Yes, this even applies to most dress clothes. When you arrive, hang your clothes in the closet or even in the bathroom when you shower to release more wrinkles. Your hotel should have an iron for any necessary touchups beyond that.

For maximum organization, use packing cubes and assign each one a purpose. For example, a smaller packing cube holds underwear. A larger cube keeps your shirts organized and wrinkle-free. Then, roll them before zipping them away to make each item easy to find while preventing creases and wrinkles.

How to Pack Your Suit: Fold, Don’t Roll

A traditional, wool suit must be packed properly to keep its shape while in transit. To pack a suit in a carry on , fold it, don’t roll it.

Alternatively, you can try a wrinkle-free suit from Bluffworks or Ministry of Supply ( men’s , women’s ). Wrinkle-free, synthetic fabrics have improved dramatically from the early days of stiff, plastic-y dress shirts.

Stuff smaller, soft accessories like your socks, tie, and pocket square in your shoes to preserve their shape.

Business Trip Packing List

A good business trip packing list is built around a solid core, personalized to your needs and style. “Work clothes” can vary depending on your industry and the nature of your trip. You could be dressed anywhere from a three-piece suit to a shirt and slacks to a hoodie and jeans. Pack and dress as makes sense for your business trip.

Let’s start with the basics.

• Copy of itinerary
• Boarding pass
• Transportation and accommodations

If your business trip takes you across borders, don’t leave home without your passport. If you’re traveling abroad for your business trip, know that some countries won’t let you in without a guarantee of when you’ll leave. Pack a copy of your complete itinerary, including evidence of when you’ll leave the country, to show border security.

After your passport, your boarding pass is your most important document. Mobile boarding passes are convenient, but make sure that you’ll have internet access via your phone if you plan to use one. Or, take a screenshot of the boarding pass and use it offline through your photo app.

For your own convenience, print out the details of your transportation from the airport to your accommodations (if you’ve booked anything), the address of where you’re staying (for customs forms and taxi drivers).

I use  TripIt  to aggregate all of my trip details in one place. Using the app is more convenient than carrying a stack of printouts with me. However, paper copies are better for border crossings and for when you don’t have WiFi access or a local SIM card.

Electronics

• Phone and charger
• Headphones or earbuds
• Laptop and charger
• Adapter (if traveling abroad)

Carry earbuds if you want to travel light or noise-canceling headphones if you want a quieter trip. For the latter, we like Bose’s QuietComfort line.

The  Macbook Pro  and  Macbook Air  are the most popular choices for Apple users. We recommend the lightest computer you can get that doesn’t sacrifice the performance you’ll need. Dave at Too Many Adapters wrote a helpful guide to  choosing a laptop for work and travel .

• Eye mask and ear plugs
• Water bottle
• Kindle or book
• Pen and notebook

If you’re taking long flights or overnight trains, earplugs and an eye mask make for all-natural, compact sleep aids.

Get a reusable, refillable water bottle for your travels so that you can stay hydrated without generating the extra trash of plastic bottles.

I’m still old-school and read physical books instead of using a Kindle. Either way, don’t forget a good book to pass long hours waiting or traveling.

Clothes: Business Travel Wardrobe

When packing clothes for a business trip, look for items that pull double-duty and that can be dressed up or down.

Meaning: that black dress looks equally stunning with a scarf for a casual business meeting or a statement necklace for a client dinner. Whatever your personal style is, pack items that make you feel comfortable and confident.

Although the exact items will differ depending on your style and gender, the clothes section of a 3-day business packing list looks like this:

• 3 tops; 2 dress tops and 1 casual top
• 1-2 bottoms
• 3 pairs of underwear
• 3 pairs of socks
• 1 set of pajamas
• 2 pairs of shoes : 1 dress shoe and 1 athletic/casual shoes
• Workout clothes (optional)

Women’s Business Travel Wardrobe

Use the above business trip packing list template and add the following for a 3-day business trip.

2 Blouses and 1 T-Shirt

• 1 lightweight t-shirt to dress up or down

Pack two business-appropriate blouses or collared shirts and wear the more casual t-shirt on the plane. I love J.Crew’s vintage cotton t-shirts as they look chic (and feel comfortable) with jeans or slacks. 

Everlane has a range of modern, basic shirts that work for both business and casual attire. Their Japanese GoWeave line is especially good for travel since the fabric is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and comfortable.

• 1 dark-colored blazer or suit jacket

It’s no secret that I’m a huge J.Crew fan. Their women’s blazers fit well, look chic, and last a long time. Consider a wool blazer that keeps you cool in hot boardrooms and warm on chilly airplanes.

If you’re willing to make the investment, consider a wrinkle-resistant blazer, like the Kinetic Blazer by Ministry of Supply , that you can pack without worrying about it turning into a rumpled mess. En route, wear your blazer so it doesn’t get wrinkled in your carry on bag.

2 Bottoms and 1 Dress

• 1 pair of slacks or skirt
• 1 pair of dark-wash  jeans , worn on the plane
• 1  dress (optional)

Opt for  Betabrand’s Yoga Dress Pants  for sleek black pants made from stretchy material like your favorite yoga pants. Alternatively, look at ADAY’s line of pants for a wrinkle, odor, and pill-resistant pair of business travel pants that are technical, travel-ready, and fashionable.

I live in jeans, and even on the dressiest business trip, I’d yearn for a pair. If you’re like me, wear your jeans on the plane. My favorites are Lucky Brand jeans with some stretch woven in.

Love your dresses? Pack a versatile dress like one from  Draper James  or any of the odor-and-wrinkle-resistant merino wool dresses by Wool& .

3 Pairs of Underwear and Socks

• 3 pairs of  socks
• 3 pairs of  underwear
• 2  bras

If you want to hand wash your underwear, you can get away with packing less. However, for a short 3-day business trip like this one, pack one pair per day. Because you’ll save more on time vs packing space.

2 Pairs of Shoes

• 1 pair of business-appropriate shoes
• 1 pair of athletic shoes, worn on the plane

Pack one pair of professional shoes that are small, light, and comfortable, like this  pair of classic black heels from Clarks , or a simple and easy-to pack pair of flats or loafers by Rothy’s .

You can wear your heels through the airport, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, I wear a pair of black athletic shoes that I can use for a run or workout at my destination.

1 Set of Pajamas

• 1 lightweight shirt
• 1 lightweight, athletic pair of shorts

My favorite packing light secret? Make your pajamas and workout clothes the same outfit. Snag a quick, sweaty workout in the AM and hand wash your clothes in the sink. By the time you’re ready for bedtime, your clothes will be dry and ready for you.

Men’s Business Travel Wardrobe

Use the business trip packing list template and add the following for a 3-day business trip.

2 Dress Shirts and 1 Casual T-Shirt

• 2 wrinkle-resistant dress shirts
• 1 casual shirt that’s suitable for after-dinner drinks and on the airplane

Ironing dress shirts is a pain. Instead, opt for a wrinkle-resistant dress shirt (or two), like one from Bluffworks . They are made from 98% polyester (that’s a good thing), have lots of stretch, are breathable, and dry quickly. The best part is that they’re machine washable. Perfect for happy hour or the boardroom in any city you visit.

For your casual shirt, opt for a versatile merino wool t-shirt that will stand up to the rigors of travel.

2 Pairs of Pants

• 2 pairs of pants and/or  jeans

For a pair of pants that can easily work for business and leisure alike, pack a pair of basic, but high-performance pants, like the good-looking  Outlier Slim Dungarees . If you prefer jeans, try  Bonobos’ Extra Stretch Travel Jeans  which are made from lightweight, 10.5 ounce denim and have a 1% stretch.

Stick to 1-2 pairs of pants and wear your more casual pair on your flight.

Avoid doing laundry on a quick, three-day business trip and, instead, pack three pairs of underwear and three pairs of socks.

1 Blazer or Jacket

Read the full Buyer’s Guide to Travel Blazers for all of our favorites. Or, jump right to our top pick, the wrinkle-free  Bluffworks Gramercy Travel Blazer .

• 1 pair of dress shoes
• 1 pair of athletic shoes for workouts (optional)

Think small, light, and comfortable for your shoes. Like the  Lenox Hill Cap Toe Oxfords from Cole Haan  or  Vivobarefoot Ra II.

Packing two pairs? Wear the heavier or bulkier pair through the airport and pack the lighter pair.

• 1 lightweight, athletic pair of shorts

5-Day Business Trip Packing List

For a longer, five-day business trip, be prepared to hand wash your clothes mid-trip. Or, have the hotel do it for you. Check with the front desk to see if they offer a laundry service for guests. Make sure to ask how long it will take and the price.

Not keen on doing laundry? Prepare to pack a little more in your luggage. You can still pack carry-on-only for a five-day trip. Some of our customers travel for weeks, months, or years out of just a carry on .

When your clothes get a little wrinkled or smelly, hang them up in the bathroom while you take a hot, steamy shower. The hot, moist air eases wrinkles and smells from your clothes.

What to add to the base list above for a five-day business trip:

• 2 pairs of socks
• 2 pairs of underwear
• 1 blouse or dress shirt
• 1 casual shirt to dress up or down

Overnight Business Trip Packing List

Ready for a quick, easy packing list for a one-night business trip? Reduce the number of items in your one-day work trip packing list by two.

Pack an outfit, wear an outfit, and add the non-clothing essentials.

What to pack for an overnight business trip:

• 1 dress shirt
• 1 casual shirt
• 1 pair of dress pants or skirt
• 1 pair of casual pants
• 1-2 pairs of shoes (one dress pair and one athletic)
• 1 pair of underwear
• 1 pair of socks
• 1 blazer or jacket
• Book or kindle
• Notebook and pen
• Ear plugs and eye mask
• Travel adaptor and passport (if international)

Steal a page from George Clooney’s well-refined playbook from  Up in The Air  and streamline your airport experience by packing only in a carry on bag . You’ll save time at the airport and feel more confident.

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Max Carry On Size

Laura’s first trip was when she was 3 months old, instilling an insatiable wanderlust. She hasn’t stopped traveling, or writing about it. As an expert in carry on travel, she’s flown on over 100 flights with only a carry on bag. Even on trips with her husband and kids.

She believes travel is the great educator — and vital to our humanity.

Read more from Laura

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The complete business travel checklist

• Passport/ID
• Boarding pass
• Laptop and chargers
• Phone charger
• Notebook and pen
• Cash and credit cards
• Reusable water bottle
• 1 set of workout clothes
• 1 suit with two matching shirts
• 1 pair of pants/jeans
• 2 nice tops
• Light fleece
• 1 pair of dressy shoes
• 1 pair of travel shoes
• Swim suit (depending on destination)
• Glasses/contacts
• Coat/rain jacket
• Razor & shaving cream
• Mini shampoo and conditioner
• Dry shampoo
• Prescriptions
• Pain reliever
• Tsa-approved first aid kit
• Moisturizer
• Portable charger
• Downloaded movies, music and podcasts
• Healthy snacks

How to create a business travel checklist

• Travel documents (forget your passport – or Real ID after October 2020 – and your trip will end before it begins)
• Business supplies/work documents
• Laptop and other tech gear and accessories
• Personal items (ID, cash, credit card)
• Personal tasks associated with getting ready to travel (itinerary planning, bookings, notifications to be made, etc.)
• It streamlines both trip planning and packing
• It keeps you focus on necessities (and ensures you forget nothing essential)
• It helps you say no to non-essential “might-needs”
• It allows you to continuously refine your business travel packing skills

What should you consider before creating a business travel checklist?

How do you know your business travel checklist is complete, best business travel checklists, what makes a good business travel checklist.

• There are the things that will vary according to the details of each trip (your wardrobe, business documents, etc.)
• And there are things that will always go, no matter what – things like toiletries. You can set yourself up for maximum business travel packing efficiency by pre-assembling these necessities so they are grab-and-go ready.

Before you use your business travel packing list

Invest in quality luggage, use suitcase accessories to your advantage, read up on how to boost your immune system before flying, consider a tech-forward travel bag, read up on hotel safety tips, buy a tsa-approved first aid kit, steps to preparing for business travel.

• Prepare to do business, whatever that entails for this trip  -- daily schedules, documents, presentation materials, etc.
• Prepare your itinerary and other travel documents  -- unless your trip will be a quick turnaround, be sure to build in some time to yourself to hit the gym, the pool, the local shops or the pillow for a nap. You’ll be happier and more productive if you’re better rested
• Prepare personally to travel  – booking your flight, hotel, etc. and making arrangements for whatever work must continue in your absence
• Prepare your trip-specific packing list  and get ready to fill your carry-on luggage

How do you know what you'll need for a business trip?

What travel documents will you need, what will you need to conduct business, what personal items will you need, how will you pay, will your phone work at your destination, will you need travel insurance, things to do before traveling on business, secure all necessary travel documents., secure travel insurance., decide which credit card to take., fully charge all electronic devices., prepare your trip-specific packing list., pack like a pro by sticking with carry-on luggage., purchase a travel wallet., research your destination ahead of time, use social media to connect with peers, plan your in-transit entertainment., set your home to “away” mode., what happens if you don't get everything done before you go on a business trip, how far ahead should you plan before going on a business trip.

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The Ultimate Packing List for Business Travelers

Marty Levart

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Business travel can be both exciting and stressful. Having the right items with you can make your trip more comfortable and productive. In this article, we will provide you with the ultimate packing list for business travelers, ensuring that you have everything you need for a successful trip.

Editor’s Note: This article was partially generated using AI technology.

When it comes to professional attire, it’s good to consider the level of formality of your trip. Business suits are a professional staple, providing a polished and put-together look for any occasion. For a more business casual situation, dress shirts and blouses paired with slacks or a skirt are a good option. Pieces that can be dressed up or down, like a linen blazer or a black dress , allow you to create multiple outfits with minimal packing.

In terms of outerwear, consider the climate of your destination. Blazers and suit jackets are popular choices, providing a structured and put-together look. Sweaters can be worn over dress shirts or blouses for a relaxed yet professional appearance. For colder destinations, a tailored option like a peacoat or a well-fitting lightweight puffer jacket will do the trick.

For footwear, consider dress shoes such as oxfords, loafers, pumps, flats, or dressy boots. It is important to choose shoes that are appropriate for the workplace while still being comfortable enough for any sightseeing you have planned.

In addition to business attire, pack a few casual items for after-hours activities and for the flight. These can include comfortable pants , jeans , t-shirts , and sweaters .

The ultimate business trip packing checklist should always include:

• Business suits
• Professional dress shirts and blouses
• Slacks and dress pants
• Skirts and dresses
• Jackets and sweaters
• Shoes (at least two pairs)
• Socks and underwear
• A tie and belt (if applicable)
• A scarf (if applicable)
• A hat (if applicable)

It is essential to pack toiletries for a business trip, especially if you will be away for more than a few days. Consider packing items such as:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap and body wash
• Razors and shaving cream
• Hairbrush and comb
• Facial cleanser and moisturizer
• Makeup and cosmetics
• Menstrual products
• Skincare products (including facial cleanser and sunscreen )
• Contact lenses and solution (if applicable)
• Prescription medications

When it comes to personal hygiene and self-care, it is essential to have a few items on hand. The most basic necessities include a toothbrush , toothpaste , shampoo , conditioner , soap, body wash , deodorant , and any skincare products part of your typical routine. For those who prefer a clean-shaven look, don’t forget your razors and shaving cream.

For hair care, bring along a hairbrush or comb , hair styling tools , and any hair products you use on a daily basis.

Lastly, individuals who require prescription medications should always have them readily available. Pack any necessary medication in your carry-on or personal item to ensure that they reach your destination safely.

Electronics

Staying connected on-the-go is never more important than when traveling for business. Make sure to bring the following items:

• Cell phone and charger
• Any necessary external hard drives or flash drives
• Power cords and adaptors
• Portable Wi-Fi device
• Portable charger

A laptop is a must-have for any business traveler as it allows you to work on important tasks and stay connected with your colleagues and clients. Additionally, a cell phone is essential for communication and a tablet can be useful for reading documents or presentations on the go.

Headphones can be useful for listening to music on the plane or taking calls in noisy environments. A portable Wi-Fi device can provide you with reliable internet access while on the move. Lastly, a portable charger can be a lifesaver when you are running low on battery power without an outlet in sight.

Be sure to bring important travel documents on your business trip, such as your passport, driver’s license, copies of your itinerary, and tickets. In addition to these typical travel necessities, make sure to print out any contracts, reports, or presentations you may need for your trip. Keep all of these documents in a folder or bag that you can easily access.

Miscellaneous Business Essentials

When traveling for work, make sure to pack all the business travel essentials needed to complete your job for the duration of the trip. This can include additional accessories like a briefcase or laptop bag , business cards, notebooks , and pens . If you’re giving a presentation, make sure to bring all the necessary equipment and materials, such as presentation notes, cables, and extra batteries .

Lastly, make sure to bring any industry or job-specific items that your work may require, such as name tags, ID cards, building keys, specialized gear or equipment, or uniforms.

Miscellaneous Travel Items

There are a few items you’ll want to have in your suitcase no matter the type of trip. These include:

• Travel-sized laundry detergent
• Travel pillow and blanket
• Travel-sized umbrella
• Snacks and water bottle
• Travel-sized first aid kit
• Travel adapter for charging devices
• Travel-sized sewing kit
• Travel-sized stain remover

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Business Travel Packing

About this template.

Packing for a business trip can quickly become a struggle. From your travel documents, to your technology, to the perfect business casual outfit, it's essential to keep a checklist of what you need to pack.

Use this template to keep track of every important item for your trip, so you never forget your laptop charger, lucky shoes, or passport again.

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The Ultimate Business Travel Checklist

Over the years, I’ve been on many business trips, and how successful they were almost always came down to how well they were planned.

There’s an awful lot to think about when planning a business trip, from where to stay to what to pack. You also need to prepare for your home and office while you’re absent.

In this article, I cover everything you’ll need to do to set yourself up for a successful business trip, including tips for accommodation, packing, transportation, preparing your home and work space, and purchasing your flight.

While getting to travel on the company’s dime sounds like the Holy Grail of great travel jobs , it can honestly be a lot of work to organize a business trip . Below you’ll find my complete business travel checklist so you’ll be able to plan the best trip possible, and avoid my mistakes!

In this article, you’ll find a:

• Business Travel Checklist , which covers all aspects of getting ready for a trip other than packing.
• Business Trip Packing List , with everything you’ll need for a successful trip. Scroll down for our printable business trip packing list!

Our business travel checklist

Click here to download a printable business trip travel checklist!

Your first steps

First, find out who’s responsible for your travel planning. Some businesses leave all the travel planning and flight booking to their employees, and have you submit your receipts later. Other businesses will handle every last detail of your travel planning (lucky you!) from pickup at the airport, to flights, hotels and accommodation.

Most businesses fall somewhere in between. It can save you a lot of hassle if you find out who’s responsible for what, early on.

Years ago, I had a last minute business trip to Amsterdam where I spent a few hours and a lot of stress trying to find affordable accommodation in the city. It turns out my employer had already arranged a place for me to stay with a colleague. Even if you think you know who’ll plan your trip, ask!

If you’re responsible for booking your flight, and you’re looking to save money, be sure to check out our post on six easy steps for nailing the cheapest flight . o start, we really love getting a quick price comparison on Google Flights (here are a few great tips for using Google Flights ) or Skyscanner .

Check flights on Skyscanner.

If you’re flying regularly for business, be sure to sign up for an airlines loyalty program, and book with them as much as possible. This can translate into some great upgrades and free flights as well as other perks.

Get your work place ready

So you don’t worry about work while you’re away, and to ease your transition back when you return, try to get your affairs in order at your office before you leave.

Make sure you finish the work projects you are currently working on.

Let coworkers and business partners know where you’re going, and how long you’ll be gone.

Set up an out of office email, if necessary.

Prepare the schedule for your business meetings on your trip; you should know exactly where and when each meeting will take place.

Make sure you’ve organized all the important documents for your trip, including the confirmations, copies of your travel documents, presentations and handouts. Print them out, if necessary, and insure they’re saved to a zip drive or on your hard drive. It’s a good idea to back them up to a cloud service (we like Amazon) to ensure that you can access them anywhere in the world.

Prepare your home for when you’ll be gone

Tell your family about your exact itinerary and leave your addresses and contact phone numbers.

Tell a trusted friend about your exact itinerary and ask someone to take care of your family pets and plants while you’re gone.  If you don’t have a friend or family member that can pitch in, consider getting a housesitter. Probably the most well known and largest place to find house and pet sitters is through  Trusted Housesitters .

Check sitters available on Trusted Housesitters here.

Take safety measures, such as locking all doors and windows, turning on the alarm and try to create the illusion that you are at home by turning some lights on or with a radio that has a timer function.

Suspend or redirect routine deliveries such as newspapers or milk, if necessary.

Give the house a quick clean before you leave. Normally, my house is kinda messy and chaotic, but I hate coming home to a dirty, messy house after a trip, so we give it a complete clean before we go. It’s nice to be able to relax a bit when you get back, rather than stress about how messy the house is.

Turn down the thermostat if it’s cold outside or turn it up if it’s really hot. There’s no point warming or cooling an empty house.

Make sure you check with your home insurance to see if you need to have someone check in on your house while you’re gone. Each home insurance policy is different, but many policies won’t cover damages from floods, water leaks, break ins or theft if the house is not regularly attended.

Travel preparations

If you are going abroad, make sure you have all the necessary travel documents.

If you need any vaccinations or medical documents for the country you are going to, take care of that, too.

Get some cash in the local currency. There are ATMs in nearly every airport in the world. however sometimes the lines are long or the machines are down. You don’t need money for your entire trip, just make sure you have enough on hand to pay for the taxi and a bite to eat when you get there.

Look into any specific workplace customs or practices for where you’re traveling. There’s a great article here on business culture in Singapore , and one for Japan here . A quick Google search should help you find others.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Charge all of your devices the day before you leave on your trip. That way you won’t be caught flat-footed if your plane doesn’t offer outlets or USB charging ports.

Where to Stay

I’ve put these tips near the beginning, because I honestly believe that your accommodation is the most important part of your stay once your dates are set and your transportation is booked.

Start looking for accommodation early. It can be surprising how early accommodation books out. The earlier you start looking, the easier it will be for you to find a good place for a good price.

Look beyond a hotel room. Hotel rooms are often small, impersonal and honestly, overpriced. You’ll probably be surprised at how favorably the price of a fully furnished, serviced apartment compares. Corporate apartments also have the advantage of having essential business amenities like fast WiFi.

For example, corporate serviced apartments are often more comfortable and private than a hotel. Singapore’s well known as being one of the most expensive destinations for business travel in the Asia-Pacific region, making value for your dollar especially important.

Stay close to work. Look for accommodation that is not far from the place where most of your meetings will take place to avoid having to commute in a foreign city. I’m often surprised how bad traffic and subway crowding can be, even during off peak hours.

Make it work friendly. Make sure your accommodation has a work space where you can use your laptop and make phone calls. A small table and chair will work perfectly.

At the airport and in the air

Savvy business travelers suggest signing up for Global Entry and TSA Precheck . Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that pre-qualifies you for faster customs, while TSA Precheck will get you boarded faster, as many US airports have special (and faster!) precheck lines where you can skip needing to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets.

Double check any baggage requirements.  You never know when the rules will change. The USA has even floated the idea of banning laptops in the cabin for all flights that depart, land, or even touch down in the USA.

Try to travel carry on only. Checked bags have a potential to be lost or delayed, adding to your stress. If you can do with just a carry on you’ll be more flexible if there are problems and out of the airport quicker once you land.

If you do check a bag, be sure to keep essentials like your laptop, any business documents and tech, some underwear, and prescriptions in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed.

Get a lightweight, sturdy carry on bag with wheels, and carry a personal item as well. You can find more tips on choosing a carry-on here , and our tips for choosing the best business laptop backpack here .

Get clothing designed for travel. If you’re short on space, consider getting a travel jacket or travel gear with hidden pockets or that is wrinkle resistant. We like the SCOTTeVEST women’s trench coat or the streamlined men’s Revolution jacke t.

Stay hydrated on the plane . It’s amazing how much a flight can dehydrate the body. Drink more liquids than normal, and go easy on the alcohol to stay hydrated.

Go to bed normally. Studies have shown that the best way to reduce jet lag is to get as much sunshine as possible at your destination and to sleep normal hours. Tempted to take a quick power nap? Chances are it will just extend your jet lag.

Packing tips

When you pack, use a list with everything you need (see our handy packing list below). Focus on clothing items, toiletries, personal documents, money and banking cards, chargers and the items you need for your business meetings and give yourself time to add and remove items from the list. Try to limit the items you pack to the ones that you will really need.

Tip: Check out our favorite toiletries bags for travel here!

Don’t forget to take weather into account. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten to check the rain forecast and wished for my handy travel umbrella.

I love packing cubes, because they make organizing my luggage a snap. Check out more in our blog post on how to use packing cubes .

Make sure the liquids in your carry-on luggage (such as your shampoo or your soap) are in bottles that are not larger than 3 oz. (100 ml), otherwise you risk getting them removed by airport control.

Put your shampoo and conditioner, and any other liquids that may leak, in a zip-lock plastic bag. Changes in air pressure on the plane have made liquids come gushing out of bottles more than once on my flights, and the zip-lock bags have saved my clothes from many a spill.

Don’t pack what you don’t need. If you’re certain your hotel will have a hair dryer, shampoo and conditioner, there’s no need to pack these items. If there’s none in your room, ask for one to be brought to you.

Business Trip Packing List

Your business culture will determine exactly what to bring (whether it’s formal business attire like suits or business casual), but these tips should work either way.

Click here to download a printable business trip packing list!

Personal items

Credit cards and bank cards

Any other banking or personal ID you’ll need

Business cards to hand out

Find out what business functions you’ll need to attend (e.g., formal business dinners, or giving a presentation) and include clothes for those.

Bring layers, and make sure all your clothes coordinate by sticking to colors and patterns that all mix together.

Shirt. I recommend one top per day, if possible.

Pants or skirt. I recommend one pair for every two days. If you’ve color co-ordinated your clothing, you can get away with wearing a neutral colored bottom at least two days in a row.

Underwear. I recommend one pair per day, if that’s possible, so you won’t need to bother washing them.

Jacket. Check out our favorite  casual women’s hoodie travel jacket here . For more formal business travel, we like the SCOTTeVEST women’s trench coat, men’s travel blazer, or the streamlined  men’s Jacket .

Outerwear. Depending on the weather, you may need extra gear like sunglasses and a sun hat, or a scarf and gloves.

Footwear. Make sure that you pack at least one pair of comfortable business appropriate shoes, as you never know if you’ll have to walk between offices. If you enjoy working out, make sure you bring some proper footwear for that as well.

Pantyhose. I am NOT a fan of these devices of torture, but if you’re in a very conservative business environment, they may be expected.

Tech and business

WiFi hotspot. Hotel WiFi can be unreliable, so we bring our GLocalMe portable WiFi with us wherever we go. I love having internet at our fingertips across the globe, and it saves us a fortune in roaming charges.  Check out our review of GlocalMe mobile WiFi here.

Tip! Too much gear? We understand. Read our article on how to travel lighter with electronics .

Laptop or tablet

Cell phone charger. Consider both a wall plug charger and a portable external battery charger.

Bring noise cancelling headphones. They’re not only fantastic for shutting out the chatty seatmate next to you when you’re trying to work, but they also do a wonderful job in loud hotel rooms, cafes, and new workplaces.

Tip! If you’re looking for a place to work while you’re away, check out our article on how to find the best places to work while traveling .

Plug converter. Depending on the country you’re in, you might need a different electrical plug. To make life easier, make sure all your chargers and devices are usable with 110-240 volts.

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Earplugs. You’ll thank me for this one, whether it’s for the plane or the hotel room. These affordable  Flents Contour Ear Plugs  get great reviews.

See prices and reviews.

Prescription and non-prescription drugs

Skincare products

Electric razor or disposable razor

Spare contact lenses, a case and contact lens solution if required

Prescription for eyeglasses

For women only

Bring your own tampons and pads, or use a menstrual cup like the Diva cup. In some countries, tampons can be especially hard to find, and brands can be quite a bit different away from home. Trust me, as a female traveler, the last thing you want is to overestimate the absorbency of a new product.

Optional extras

If you have the room and want to take along a few extras that’s fine. Here are a few examples.

Wide scarf in your carry on. This can double as a blanket during flight, and a fashion accessory later.

A small first aid bag with items you think you’ll need like pain relievers, band aids and cough drops. It’s never a bad idea to pack Pepto Bismol and Ex-Lax (or, as we call it, the stop and go duo).

Birth control

Voltage converters. We like this  Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter .

See prices now.

Tip! Check out our article on How Not to Fry Your Electronics overseas for more tips.

Travel clothes steamer or travel iron

Tide stain remover pen

Lint roller

Small compression bag for laundry

Breath mints. Avoid gum, as it’s considered rude in many countries.

Travel pillow and or blanket

Baby wipes or facial wipes. We always travel with a small pack of these, as they’re wonderful for freshening up before leaving the plane.

Snacks. We often carry small packets of trail mix or protein bars in our carry on. They’re fantastic if airplane food service is sketchy, or if our hotel doesn’t have an affordable minibar.

Was this list helpful? What do you pack on a business trip? Let us know in the comments below!

Need some more packing list tips?

Check out our  beach packing list and our road trip packing lists!

I suggest to check your wallet. Nothing is more evanescent than the title “best travel credit card.” The competitive balance is always shifting and just this month Chase seized the high ground with two of the first Visa Infinite cards issued in the United States

Thanks for the perfect checklist, Ms Micki Kosman. I use to travel often, but do not know that there is such a huge mandatory checklist to be noted. One tip “earplugs” are some useful tips for a traveller. Your tips on “easy tips for nailing the cheapest flight” were really very useful. Also, the travel Preparation tips were very useful.

You shared very important information and I read it carefully and gain amazing knowledge. Thanks and keep it up.

If I were to go on a business trip, I would make sure to find the right limousine since this will provide convenience. Well, I also agree with you that it would be a great idea to hire a person that will plan the travel. Thank you for sharing here as well the importance of talking to a family member who will take care of my house whilst I’m gone.

This is an awesome blog on travel checklist, very helpful and full of resources that will save you time and money when you travel.

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Business Travel Guide

Essential business travel checklist [updated 2024].

Business travel comes with its own set of complexities and uncertainties. To navigate these successfully, you need careful planning and attention to detail. Our comprehensive business travel checklist will ensure that you’re well-prepared for every aspect of your business journey. From the moment you start planning your trip to the post-travel follow-up, we’ve got you covered.

So, whether you’re about to embark on your first business trip or looking to enhance your travel routine, read on to discover how to make your business travel experience efficient, enjoyable, and productive.

Let’s get started on the path to becoming a savvy business traveller with our ultimate business travel checklist.

Pre Business Travel Checklist

• Check and Validate Your Documents: Ensure that your passport, ID, and any required visas are up-to-date and valid.
• Budget and Itinerary Planning: If you are responsible for booking your travel, be aware of any budget constraints or itinerary requirements. In case someone else handles the bookings, submit your proposed itinerary to the designated person.
• Opt for Direct and Simple Travel: Consider your budget when booking your travel; aim for the most direct options available.
• Strategic Arrival and Departure Planning: Align your arrival and departure plans with the purpose of your travel, such as meetings or events. Assess whether arriving the night before or departing the day after is necessary based on your meeting schedule.
• Proximity Matters for Accommodations: Book accommodations near the location where your business activities will take place. This will save you time and streamline your schedule.
• Efficient Transport Planning: Arrange transport to the airport or train station, considering each leg of the journey. Plan and book transportation in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Utilize Loyalty Programs: If you are a member of airline or hotel loyalty programs , take advantage of them when making bookings to accumulate points. If not already a member, consider signing up, especially if you travel for business frequently.
• Fast-Track Your Travel with Programs: Explore programs like Global Entry , TSA PreCheck , or Clear for expedited security processes, making your travel experience faster and more convenient.
• Consider Trip Insurance: Evaluate the option of trip insurance to provide coverage for unforeseen circumstances, offering you peace of mind during your journey.

Business Travel “Packing” Checklist

When it comes to packing for your business trip, it’s important to be organized and ensure you have everything you need. Here’s a checklist of essential items to pack:

1. Travel documents

Travel documents are crucial for a smooth journey, ensuring you have the necessary paperwork to reach your destination and return home. These documents establish your identity, authorize your travel, and provide vital information to authorities. Having a complete set of travel documents is essential for a hassle-free trip.

Documents Checklist For Business Travel:

• Visa (if required)
• Driver’s License
• Travel insurance documents
• Business permits
• Itinerary with flight details and hotel reservations
• Photocopies of important documents
• Emergency contact information

2. Electronics and accessories

In today’s digital age, electronic devices and accessories play a pivotal role in staying connected, productive, and entertained during your journey. They enable you to work efficiently, communicate seamlessly, and stay organized while on the road. Packing the right electronics and accessories ensures you’re well-equipped for the demands of modern business travel.

Electronics Checklist For Business Travel :

• Laptop or tablet
• Chargers for all electronic devices
• Adapter plugs (if travelling internationally)
• Headphones or earbuds
• USB flash drive
• Travel surge protector
• Portable Wi-Fi hotspot (if needed)

3. Medications and personal care

Maintaining your health and personal care routine is essential to feeling your best during your trip. Medications and personal care items help you stay healthy and comfortable. Packing these items ensures you have the necessary supplies to address health needs and maintain hygiene, contributing to a worry-free journey.

Personal Care Checklist For Business Trave l:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Allergy medication (if needed)
• First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
• Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)
• Razor and shaving cream
• Contact lenses or eyeglasses and solution
• Hand sanitiser

4. Toiletries & cosmetics

Toiletries and cosmetics help you maintain personal hygiene and grooming standards during your trip. They contribute to your comfort and confidence, ensuring you look and feel your best while conducting business and engaging with colleagues and clients.

Toiletries & Cosmetics Business Travel Checklist:

• Body wash or soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Face wash or cleanser
• Moisturizer
• Hairbrush or comb
• Makeup (if applicable)
• Makeup remover wipes
• Hair products (gel, hairspray, etc.)
• Feminine hygiene products (if needed)
• Perfume or cologne
• Nail clippers and nail file

5. Clothing For Men & Women

Selecting the right clothing is essential for business travellers. Your attire communicates professionalism and reflects your respect for the business environment. Packing appropriate clothing ensures you’re well-prepared for meetings, presentations, and other business-related activities. 

Checklist For Men:

• Dress shirts
• Suits or blazers
• Dress shoes
• Socks and underwear
• Casual clothing for downtime

Checklist for women:

• Blouses or formal tops
• Dresses or suits
• Comfortable but stylish shoes
• Accessories (jewellery, scarves, etc.)
• Undergarments

Bonus Business Travel Tips

While we’ve covered the essentials, here are some bonus tips to enhance your business travel experience:

1. During Your Stay

Explore local cuisine : When dining out, try local cuisine to immerse yourself in the culture regardless of your business travel destination . Ask colleagues or locals for restaurant recommendations to savour authentic dishes.

Network beyond meetings : Look for events, industry conferences, or local business gatherings during your stay. These can provide valuable connections and insights.

Cultural Awareness : Show respect for local customs and traditions. A small effort, like learning a few basic phrases in the local language, can go a long way in building rapport.

Stay Active : If your schedule allows, find time for physical activity. Some hotels have fitness centres, or you can take a morning jog to energize yourself for the day.

2. Staying Healthy and Safe

Travel insurance review: Before departure, thoroughly review your travel insurance policy to understand coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage.

Hydration reminder : In-flight and during your stay, prioritize hydration. Carry a reusable water bottle and drink regularly to stay alert and healthy.

Emergency contacts on speed dial: Save local emergency numbers, including the nearest hospital and embassy or consulate, in your phone for quick access.

3. Expense Tracking Tips

Expense Tracking Apps : Consider using digital expense tracking apps or software to log expenses in real-time. This simplifies the process and ensures you don’t miss any deductions.

Organize receipts : Keep all receipts in one place, such as an envelope or a designated folder in your bag. This makes it easier to account for expenses when filling out reports.

Currency conversion Apps : Install a reliable currency conversion app on your phone to instantly calculate expenses in your home currency. It helps you stay within budget.

Credit card statements : Regularly review your credit card statements online to spot any unauthorized charges or errors promptly. Notify your bank of any discrepancies.

Is travel insurance necessary for a business trip?

Yes, having travel insurance is highly recommended for business trips. It can provide coverage for unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage, offering you peace of mind during your travels.

How can I prevent jet lag during long-haul flights?

To minimize jet lag, adjust your sleep schedule before departure, stay hydrated, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, and set your watch to your destination’s time zone as soon as you board the plane.

Are there any apps or tools to help me find local networking events?

Yes, several apps and websites can help you find local networking events, such as Meetup, Eventbrite, and LinkedIn. You can search for relevant business or industry events in your destination city.

How can I make the most of downtime during business trips?

Use downtime to explore the local culture, try new cuisine, or relax and recharge. You can also catch up on work tasks, read, or use the hotel’s amenities like the gym or spa to make the most of your stay.

This checklist has covered everything you need, from preparing before your trip to staying safe and tracking expenses. Each journey is a chance to grow and discover. So, pack wisely, embrace the adventure, and make the most of every moment. Remember, business travel is more than just reaching your destination; it’s about the experiences and connections you make along the way.

If you’re seeking top-notch hotels and serviced apartments for your business trips, explore our business travel accommodation options and take the first step toward seamless and comfortable travel. Click here to book your next business trip and experience the difference.

Read more Business Travel Guide articles

9 Corporate Credit Card Policy Best Practices

What is MICE Travel? Everything You Need to Know in 2024

A Complete Guide to Corporate Travel Allowance

9 Benefits of Organizing Company Trips for Employees

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Creating a business trip packing list

Even in our post-digital world, there are some physical items you can’t do without – especially on a business trip. Forget your passport and you won’t be getting on your flight. Forget your phone or laptop and you’ll struggle to communicate with your colleagues and clients. Forget important business documents and you could be risking anything from your professional reputation to a client relationship. These are all easy mistakes to make, but you can see how much they would cost your business to put right – and cause you stress in the process.

This handy guide explains how to pack for a business trip – giving you more time to focus on acing your meeting or that big conference you’re presenting at. Here are 10 essential items to include on your packing list for a business trip.

1. Travel documents

The most important item on your business trip packing list is your passport, without which you won’t be able to set foot on an airplane. It’s a good idea to keep all your travel documents – including any airline reservations, hotel confirmations and rental car details – in one safe place. That way, you can access them quickly as soon as you need them, avoiding that moment of panic when you can’t find your boarding pass.

2. Laptop or tablet

Taking a laptop or tablet with you on your trip is a great way to stay productive. Whether you’re reviewing a presentation or typing up post-meeting notes, using a laptop or tablet to work while you’re on the move will really make your travel time count. Whatever electronic devices you find most useful – don’t forget to pack the relevant chargers. Adapters are a must if you’re travelling abroad, so try and pick up one before your trip – it’ll save you time and money compared to buying one at the airport.

Phones are an essential in modern business life. Without one you’ll really struggle to communicate with your colleagues or your client, and they can also help you stay organized. Download a corporate travel app such as myCWT   and you’ll be able to sync your phone with your work calendar to give you the reminders you need to stick to your work schedule and travel itinerary.

4. Wi-Fi access

Think about wireless options if you need to work remotely, navigate your way around your destination, or speak to your family back home. Wi-Fi access in hotel rooms is not always free. At certain hotels, in-room internet can come with a heft daily charge, one that’s equivalent to what you might pay in a month with a wireless card. All major phone carriers sell internet cards – and you can also use them across different devices, whereas a hotel’s Wi-Fi will often only cover one device. Alternatively, sign up to CWT Hotel Intel  and you’ll be able to browse a directory of global hotels and read travelers’ own reviews. This will let you see which hotels rank highest in terms of Wi-Fi options – enabling you to make an informed choice about where to stay.

5. Clothing and accessories

Bring the right clothes. Being armed with the most appropriate jacket, pair of shoes or accessories can make all the difference when you’re preparing for a jam-packed itinerary – and even those spontaneous, last-minute drinks which are great for networking. You’re likely to need to pack a mixture of formal business attire and casual clothing, along with underwear, socks and pajamas. Bear in mind the weather at your destination – if it’s wet and windy, you’ll wish you’d packed a travel umbrella and a raincoat. Remember that toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste might not be provided in your hotel – so bring your own just in case.

6. Wallet or purse

Remembering your wallet or purse is an absolute must. Without it you’ll struggle to pay for anything on your business trip, causing yourself unnecessary headaches. Even if you’re likely be making most of your payments by card, it’s always good to have loose change and small notes for smaller items. As a general rule of thumb, only take what you need, like the cards you need to use, and take just a small handful of local currency – it’ll limit the damage if your wallet or purse gets lost or stolen. Make sure you have your wallet or purse close to hand – perhaps in a jacket or trouser pocket – so you can easily retrieve it when you need to.

7. Breath mints

When you’re meeting someone for the first time in the business world, it’s important to make a strong first impression. You never know who you might meet – and if this person is a client or potentially important connection, you don’t want to worry about bad breath. It’s easy to overlook this essential – so don’t forget to pack some mints to chew at regular intervals and particularly after meals.

8. Printed handouts

Ask yourself: what work documents do you need for your business trip? Whether it’s presentation handouts or meeting agendas, they’re an important part of any business travel checklist. Sure, there will probably be somewhere to print them at your destination, but don’t leave that to chance. It won’t take a minute to print and pack the handouts you need, and you’ll feel much better knowing you have them with you when you arrive at your destination.

9. Office supplies

Think about what kind of stationery you’ll need to take with you. It sounds simple, but if your business trip involves a client meeting, you’ll need a pen and notepad to record any action points and make sure you look organized. Think about what other office supplies you need to include on your business trip packing list – sticky notes to set yourself quick visual reminders, paperclips to keep your documents together, and folders to protect them from damage. You don’t need to take an entire office supply store with you – but a few useful items will really help.

10. Business cards

Even if you’re only intending to meet with familiar faces, you can’t leave business cards off your business trip packing list. You never know when you’ll bump into someone who could be a great addition to your network – and in those cases, you’ll want to be sure they can get in touch with you. Bring a generous supply of business cards so you don’t run out, and tuck them in your pockets, briefcase, wallet or purse so you’re always prepared when you make a connection. Business cards are essential if you’re going to a conference – and they make great name badges too.

Once you’ve ticked off each of these elements of your business travel checklist, don’t forget to check and double check.

Packing for an overnight trip

If you’re packing for an overnight trip, pack for carry-on luggage only. This will save you time when you arrive and eliminate the risk of losing your luggage. As such, you should aim to keep your business trip packing list to a minimum, taking a change of clothes and essential toiletries, your phone, laptop and a notepad and pen. You should also let key people know where you are, making sure your travel manager knows your business trip itinerary, and carry minimal cards and currency in your wallet or purse.

Travelling for 3, 4 or 5 days

Your business travel checklist will clearly be more extensive for a trip that’s a few days long. As well as the overnight trip essentials above, you’ll need a combination of smart and casual clothes. If you’re travelling between different destinations, consider where your internet access is coming from – a Wi-Fi card or hotspot is your key to staying productive and connected with the right people.

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A Business Travel Packing List for Every Trip

June 26, 2019

by Rob Browne

We’ve all been there before. 

You leave home, get well on our way to your destination, and realize you forgot a crucial thing on your packing list. Nowhere is this possibility more terrifying than on a business trip, where forgetting an essential part of your packing list can have tough consequences for both you and your company, not to mention the embarrassment that can come with forgetting something as essential as a laptop charger or a belt.

Even if you’ve mastered how to prepare for a business trip and know every business travel tip in the book, it’s nice to have a set packing list before a trip so you can ensure you don’t forget anything essential. We’ve outlined everything you need right here to help you avoid embarrassment, or worse, on your upcoming business trips.

Business travel packing list: the business trip essentials

We’ll go over a business travel packing list that includes work clothing, non-work clothing, work essentials, toiletries, and other necessary items to bring on a business trip. Using this guide, you’ll be sure to have everything you need for your next trip.

Work Clothing

• Jacket/blazer
• Outerwear (if necessary)
• Socks/undergarments

The first part of your packing list you should address is work clothing. Make sure that you’re bringing appropriate dress for the business obligations you have on your trip. Even if there aren’t specific dress code limitations on a trip, you should still make sure you represent your company well with a polished appearance.

This aspect of your packing list includes all the essentials to dress for business success. If you’re traveling to a chilly destination in the fall, winter, or spring months, make sure you bring appropriate outerwear. And as always, bring more than enough socks and undergarments. 

Non-work clothing

• Comfortable travel clothing
• Workout clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Hats or sunglasses

You’ll also want to be sure to bring clothes that are comfortable for traveling and spending downtime outside of business hours. Getting in a quick workout can be a great way to blow off steam from a long day of business obligations, so be sure to remember some gym clothes if you are so inclined.

Also, comfortable shoes are a must for time outside the office. If you’re in a city that may require more walking than you’re used to, you won’t want your dress shoes picking up more wear than you anticipate. 

Work-related

• Laptop or tablet
• Chargers for all devices
• Business cards
• Pen and notepad
• Snacks for work
• Calendar or itinerary

This part of your packing list includes all of your work-related essentials. Obviously, you’ll need the laptop, tablet, or whatever devices you use for your work. Remembering chargers for your work devices and phone is a must, as is a pen and notepad for any checklists, goals, or notes you’ll need to make during your trip. Business cards are great for when you are meeting new clients or unexpected networking opportunities.

With the hectic nature of business travel, it is essential that you set out some kind of calendar or itinerary for your trip. Whether it’s a physical itinerary or simply on your phone, don’t forget to make sure it’s with you on your trip so you can make sure you’re sticking to the most effective schedule possible. 

Remember that you’re also going into what is potentially an unfamiliar environment and, when visiting with a client, you won’t be able to control how long you’ll need to be around for your business obligations. Bringing some backup snacks in case you need an extra boost during the workday is a must.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Razor and shaving cream
• Contacts and glasses
• Shampoo, conditioner, and soap (if necessary for personal use)
• Makeup (if desired)
• Medication (if necessary)
• Basic first aid needs

Toiletries are of course an essential part of your business packing checklist. Rather self-explanatory, you’ll want to make sure your personal hygiene is at its peak when meeting with clients and performing other business obligations. Remember that you are representing your company, and make sure that you put forward an image of professionalism and cleanliness that your company would be proud of.

Medication and basic first aid needs are important additions to this aspect of your list in case of any unexpected medical emergencies. When it comes to your health on the road, you can never be over prepared. 

Miscellaneous must-haves

• Books or magazines
• Snacks for downtime
• Wallet 
• Phone 

These additional items are all essential to a business trip, even if you don’t use them for work purposes. You’ll want to bring headphones and any other forms of entertainment, including books or magazines, for your travel time and downtime on the trip. In addition to bringing some snacks for your business obligations, you should also bring backup food for time outside the office, as you may find yourself caught in a flight delay or unknown area while hungry.

Of course, remembering your wallet, keys, and phone may sound intuitive, but it’s always best to include them on a checklist to make sure than you have them with you when you leave for your trip. Especially if you booked your trip via travel management software , you’ll need your phone to stay up to date with your reservation while in transit.

Let’s get packing!

Ready to start packing yet? Using this list as your guide, you’ll be sure to have everything you need to rock your next business trip. Good luck out there on the road!

Now that your packing list is squared away, you should read up on the 8 most common business trip mistakes to make sure you're extremely prepared in the event of a major issue!

Rob is a former content associate at G2. Originally from New Jersey, he previously worked at an NYC-based business travel startup. (he/him/his)

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August 26, 2018 By Michelle Maraj 35 Comments

The Ultimate Packing List for Work Trips

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. All opinions are those of the author.

As you start to travel almost every week, your business trip packing list will become routine. You might find yourself packing for your corporate trip in less than fifteen minutes! When trying to create my packing list for a work trip, I consider what items I will pack for personal travel as well. My work trip packing list is similar to my regular travel packing list, just the types of clothes that I bring will change. If you travel frequently enough, you might find it helpful to keep some items permanently in your suitcase, and only repack your clothing every week.

Building a Packing List for a Work Trip

Since I travel on a weekly basis, this Ultimate Business Trip Packing List is broken up by the following:

• Essentials left in my suitcase each week
• Items refreshed each week
• What’s in my laptop bag
• What I expect at the hotel

Packing Essentials for a Business Trip

If you travel for work frequently enough, it may make sense to have “doubles” of your toiletries, so you do not have to include them on your business trip packing list and pack them every single week. I keep the following items in my suitcase at all times:

Umbrella  // It is a good habit to check the weather before you start packing, but I have a small travel umbrella that I leave in my suitcase at all times, just in case. If you have an outer pocket on your bag, I would recommend leaving the umbrella in that pocket for easy access.

Toiletries // I keep travel-sized bottles of all of my usual toiletries in my suitcase at all times. This includes small bottles of: shampoo, conditioner, face wash, make-up remover, lotion. I then refill these every few weeks as needed. In addition I will keep a double of my toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton balls, deodorant, hairbrush and hair ties, and razor so that I do not need to repack these each week. As a woman, I also keep tampons and pads in my suitcase at all times.

Spare phone charger // I have a habit of leaving my phone chargers behind at home or at the office, and I have accidentally traveled without a phone charger before! Now, I always leave an extra phone charger in my bag, just in case.

Laundry Bag // My  Away Bigger Carry-On  suitcase came with a laundry bag inside, and I use this to keep my dirty clothes separate from the clean clothes I have not worn yet. I would recommend bringing some type of reusable bag to use as a laundry bag in your suitcase, so you can keep dirty underwear and socks at minimum separate from your work clothes.

All of my toiletries on my business trip packing list are travel sized, so that I do not have to worry about checking a bag. I keep shower items (shampoo, conditioner, face wash) in a separate plastic bag from my remaining items, so that when I am fast to unpack after arriving at the hotel. I use this TSA-approved clear toiletry bag to keep my items organized.

Refreshed Each Week While Traveling for Work

When I am traveling for work, I always bring enough clothes for the number of days that I am traveling, plus one extra day. You never know when you will spill something on your shirt, or you get stranded somewhere overnight! If I was traveling for work Monday through Thursday (3 nights), and I dressed business professional and wore a suit on the plane there, then I would pack in my suitcase:

4 Button-Up Tops // I primarily wear Express Portofino Shirts to work. I like these tops because you can wear them with a blazer, without a jacket, and even out to dinner in the evening. They are very versatile, and a staple in my work uniform. I always pack one extra shirt than days I am traveling – if I am staying 3 nights, I will pack 4 shirts to have one as a back-up.

2 Work Bottoms (Pants or Skirt) // If you include the dress pants that I wear on the plane, I would typically pack two additional bottoms to rotate between. I will bring additional bottoms that coordinate with my blazers for the week. For example, if I am wearing a black blazer, I would choose black bottoms. Navy blazer, navy bottoms.

1 Additional Blazer // Some people can get away with only bringing one blazer (worn on the plane) with them during the week, especially if you only wear your blazer while traveling but then take it off during the day while working. I personally like to bring a blazer to rotate between, and as a back-up in case I spill something on my other blazer.

1 Pair of Jeans, No Holes // It is a good idea to bring a pair of casual pants for when you are going to a team dinner or running errands after work. Occasionally I will wear my work pants to dinner as well, so I do not feel a need to bring more than one pair of casual pants. I opt for no holes or tears, to remain slightly more professional.

1 Pair of Heels // Assuming I already wore a pair of heels on my travel day to the client, I will bring an additional pair of heels to rotate between. I find that if I try to wear the same pair of heels everyday for a week, that they will start to smell.

1 Pair of Casual Shoes (Sandals or Flats) // It’s a good idea to bring a pair of casual shoes, for both team dinners or walking around the hotel. If you need to run down to the front desk, it’s a bit awkward to do so in pajamas and heels.

4 Pairs of Underwear // Always bring an extra pair, just in case!

4 Pairs of No-Show Socks // Whether you need no-shoe socks for your heels or dress socks for your shoes, don’t forget to pack your socks in your suitcase.

1 Set of Pajamas // You will not want to sleep in your dress clothes at night; don’t forget to pack a set of pajamas in your suitcase. My pajamas are usually a free firm shirt and a pair of shorts!

Work-out Clothes // I don’t typically work out during the week while I am traveling, but I threw this on the list so that you do not forget. It is a good idea to work out on the road, but you will need to find extra space to fit your work-out shoes and clothes. It’s possible, though!

Make-up Case //  My make-up case contains all of my daily-wear make-up, and since I use the same make-up on the weekends I will repack this each week. Depending on your routine, it may make sense to have doubles of your make-up on your business trip packing list as well

Hair Dryer  // You may be fine with the hotel hair dryer, however I have been working on improving my hair maintenance. I recently invested in the T3 Featherweight Compact hair dryer – it is so fast at drying my hair, and it is great for traveling. This hair dryer came with a dust bag and the hair dryer folds in half, for easier packing.

Jewelry // Depending on the level of formality, I might bring my jewelry case while traveling . I prefer studs or small hoops for a professional look, and might bring a few necklaces and bracelets to rotate between.

I also have developed a wardrobe that will work for both the work day and the evening. The shirts or blouses that I bring are usually convertible and fine for dinner in the evening. However, if you are wearing nicer shirts or dresses during the day, you may also want to consider packing casual tops for the evening as well.

My Laptop Bag Necessities

My biggest fear is leaving my laptop charger at home. Most of these items are always in my work bag and travel with me even to the office, but I wanted to go ahead and include on the packing list for work trips here. 

Work Laptop & Charger // Make sure that you bring your work computer! It’s difficult to get anything done without your laptop and you do not want to waste time waiting on it to be shipped. The single most important thing for you to bring is your computer.

Wireless Mouse // You can order a cheap mouse off Amazon  for less than $10, and you can bring it on the road to increase your efficiency. I always opt for colors other than black, so that it does not get mixed up with anyone else’s belongings.

Headphones // I love my AirPods as they are great for taking calls, but any type of headphones are a good idea to keep in your work bag. You may have to take phone calls or watch videos in a conference room with your colleagues, and it is much easier to take these calls hands-free.

Phone Charger // I leave a phone charger in my work bag as well, so that I can charge my phone on the go. Especially if you are wasting time at the airport, it is important to keep your phone charger so you can contact coworkers when you land, or call an Uber if necessary.

Office/Client Access Badge // If you have been traveling to a client for a while, you likely received some sort of access badge to get into their building. You do not want to have to bother your client to get another badge assigned to you, or go through the hassle of speaking to security each time. If you have an access badge, make sure to leave it in your work bag so you do not forget it.

Pens & a Notepad // Even though we primarily use our computers these days, you may need to jot down client notes while your computer is loading, or draw out a sketch to explain an idea. It is a good idea to leave pens and a notepad in your bag at all times, so you never have to worry about asking your coworker to borrow one.

Gum  // Especially after a long flight or lunch, you will want fresh breath over the course of your work trip. Make sure to pack some gum in your laptop bag, so that you always feel fresh.

These items are always in my bag, so I will usually have them on my work trip as well. You never realize how badly you miss your wireless mouse until the day that you accidentally leave it at home!

Packing for a conference? Check out our post on What to Pack for a Business Conference . 

Hotel Expectations During a Business Trip

There are a few items that I do not have on my packing list for work trips, because I expect my hotel to have them. If you are not picky about your toiletries like shampoo or conditioner, it would be much easier to just use the hotel versions rather than worrying about leaks in your suitcase. These items include:

Hand Lotion // I am picky for my face, but not for the rest of my body when it comes to lotion. It’s one less bottle that I have to pack, so I do expect to be able to use the hand lotion available in the hotel room.

Water Bottles // You typically get free water bottles with Marriott Platinum! It is greener to bring your own reusable water bottle, however I will admit I do not usually remember to. I do expect that there will be water in my hotel room, or at least easily accessible in the hotel, when I arrive.

Iron // One day, I do hope to invest in a portable steamer. For now however, I do expect an iron in the hotel room so that I can iron my clothes. I like to unpack the night that I arrive at the hotel, and I iron all of my clothes for the week at once. It can be difficult to iron all of your clothes the first night since you are likely tired from traveling, but you will thank yourself later in the week.

Towels // I know some consultants are particular and prefer to bring their own towels, rather than using those available at the hotel.  I, however, expect towels in the hotel and will gladly use those.

The single most important thing to bring on your business trip, honestly, is your work laptop. If you need toiletries that aren’t found in your hotel room, you can often call the front desk and they can bring additional toiletries to you. I ran out of toothpaste and forgot to re-pack it, and fortunately the hotel always has toothpaste packets to offer. Everything else, you can buy on the road.

Packing Your Suitcase for a Business Trip

When packing my suitcase for a work trip, 50% of my suitcase will be clothing. I use three packing cubes that fit in the compression compartment of my suitcase – one cube for my blazers and pants, one cube for shirts, and one cube for underwear.

If you liked the Ultimate Business Trip Packing List, you can download a free pdf checklist below. If there’s anything missing from this packing list, let us know in the comments below.

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The Essential Packing Checklist: Hacks & Tips for Business Travelers [Infographic]

Updated: June 10, 2021

Published: December 10, 2015

Packing for business travel can be a bit of a struggle. You leave your place thinking you've got everything you need, and then realize once you get to the airport that you forgot your phone charger. 

Sure, it's easy to overlook things when you're forced to pack light, but leaving behind the essentials could throw off your whole trip.

What are the most important items you should always remember to pack? And what are some great traveling hacks that'll make your life so much easier in the long run?

For some key business traveling tips, check out the infographic below from Café Quill . It covers everything from an essential packing list, packing hacks and tips, and useful information on current TSA regulations. ( Read this blog post for more business traveling hacks that'll save you time, stress, and money.)

What other packing tips do you have for business trips? Share them with us in the comments.

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Business Travel Packing Checklist

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Going on a business trip soon? This handy business travel packing checklist is an exclusive list of all the important personal and business stuff and things to do before you leave.

While packing for your business trip, keep track of important business and travel documents like passport, tickets, itinerary, emergency contacts, laptops, tablets, chargers, etc.

Not only that, you can also check off the items like credit cards, cash, health documents, clothes, and other important stuff.

This business travel packing checklist will make your business trip stress free so that you can focus on the business aspect of your travel.

This empty version offers the flexibility to fill in your list so you can make your list, write the quantity needed and check off when packed or done.

This can be conveniently printed on letter size paper (8.5x11 inch).

To download more free printables, check out our printable library .

Want more and get even more organized for your travel? This Travel Planner Binder is just what you need. This 30 page simple yet functional planner binder includes sections like travel budget, travel expenses sheets and much more.

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How to Pack For a Business Trip

Travelpro Travel Expert Editor

Tips & Tricks

Packing for a business trip and packing for a vacation are very different tasks, and the stakes are often higher. Forgetting your phone charger or a particular piece of clothing on a vacation trip is an inconvenience; forgetting business travel essentials is more serious and could lead to a negative outcome for your trip.

Essential Business Trip Packing List

We’ve put together this packing list to help you remember the essential items you need to make your trip a success. Most of these items are commonplace, but could be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of packing. Use this business travel checklist as you pack to ensure you have everything you need.

• Airline reservations
• Hotel confirmations 
• Passport (if needed)
• Rental car details
• Business Items
• Brochures or printed handouts for presentations. 
• Laptop and / or Tablet
• Portable Wi-Fi hotspot
• Business cards
• Promotional gifts
• Personal Care
• Breath mints
• Hand sanitizer
• Kindle, book, or magazine
• Noise-canceling earphones
• Reusable water bottle

How to Pack Electronics

Ideally, pack your electronics and other business travel essentials in your carry-on to keep it safe. If your  backpack , briefcase , or duffel bag does not have a dedicated laptop pocket, buy a laptop sleeve for extra protection. We don't recommend packing electronics in checked luggage. While rare, the risk of damage or loss during transit is higher for checked baggage than for carry-on bags. 

Use a cable organizer , pack i ng cube , or dedicated zipper pocket in your carry-on bag to keep all cables, connectors, power bars, and other electronic necessities safe and easy to access.

How to Pack a Dress Shirt

Knowing how to pack a dress shirt helps prevent wrinkles from developing during transit. If you don’t travel with a  garment bag , here's how to properly fold a shirt for travel: 

• Button up all buttons,
• Flip the shirt button-side down.
• Fold the sleeves in an X across the back, then fold the sleeves up so the cuffs reach the bottom of the collar.
• Fold the sides of the shirt across the middle in thirds.
• Fold the shirt up from the bottom in thirds.

Once at your designation, hang the shirt in the bathroom while you shower. The hot steam helps remove any wrinkles.  If you’re traveling with a business suit, check out our How to Pack a Suit guide.

How to Pack High Heels

Packing shoes in a suitcase  is always a challenge — packing high heels is even more so. The most effective method is to pack them in their own  shoe bags after cleaning and refreshing them. 

If you have to pack high heels without a shoe bag, take the following steps: 

• Clean the shoes and freshen them with an air freshener.
• Squeeze socks or underwear into the shoes to help preserve their shape. 
• Wrap shoes in wrapping paper or plastic bags to separate them from other clothing. 
• Pack the bottom of the bag with shirts and other clothing.
• Place heels sideways on the clothing you just packed.
• Fill in the gaps around the heels with small items of clothing, then finish packing.

How to Pack Handbags

Avoid twisting or rolling handbags if you’re packing them. Doing so can cause permanent damage to the bag. Instead, pack the handbag in a dust cover and support its shape with either a handbag insert or by filling it with soft items such as underwear or socks.

Well-made carry-on bags are business travel essentials. Travelpro offers high-quality carry-on bags from our  Platinum Elite , Maxlite , and Travel + Leisure collections . 

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The Complete Packing List for Your Next Business Trip

Whether you’re a frequent corporate traveler or only go on a few work trips every year, packing for a business trip can be exhausting. Prepare for your time away from home with a business trip packing list that has everything you need for a meeting, conference, or trade show.

Clothing and Accessories

You need to be prepared for business meetings, long layovers, and morning workouts . Start packing with your itinerary in mind and consider which items can be worn more than once to keep your bag light.

Business-Appropriate Attire

Choose neutral bottoms to pair with multiple tops for different looks during your trip. If you plan to bring multiple pairs of pants or skirts, pack items of a similar color. This reduces the number of shoes and belts you need to bring with you. To keep your limited number of outfits from looking or feeling repetitive throughout your business trip, add statement accessories to your packing list. Necklaces, bracelets, and watches dress up a neutral suit or solid shirt.

Outerwear and Layers

Depending on your destination and the time of year, you may experience very different temperatures throughout the day. Including functional layers on your business trip packing list prepares you for varying weather and aggressive air conditioning.

Start with your suit jacket or a blazer that matches each of your bottoms. For more casual business events, you can also pack a sweater or cardigan. If necessary, bring appropriate outerwear as well: a winter coat, rain jacket (and umbrella), scarf, hat, and mittens.

Casual Apparel

Unless you’re heading straight to a meeting from the airport, it’s okay to travel in comfortable clothes rather than a suit. Opt for fabrics that don’t wrinkle, can be worn again on your return trip, and let you relax during your flight or drive.

Don’t forget to add pajamas, undergarments, and socks to your suitcase as you’re packing for your business trip. You may also want to include workout apparel and a casual outfit for exploring your destination.

Business-Specific Essentials

Packing for a business trip requires a few specific additions to your list. Don’t sweat items that can easily be picked up at the hotel concierge. Instead, focus on must-haves, like your business cards.

• Laptop and charger
• Notebook, pens, and sticky notes
• Business cards
• A place for expense receipts
• WiFi hotspot
• Breath mints
• Hand sanitizer
• Hospitality gift(s)

Work Trip Must-Haves

Make sure your cellphone, charger, and a plug adapter (if necessary) are at the top of your list! Like any trip, your business travel packing list should include physical copies of all necessary documents (itineraries and important addresses, boarding passes, confirmation numbers, etc.), passport, and insurance information. Travel-sized containers of your toiletries and medications are also essential. If you plan to only use a carry on, ensure your liquids and gels are under 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

There are plenty of other items that are nice to have, but not necessary for every business trip. Consider bringing headphones, a book, related guide- or phrasebooks, and a travel coffee mug as well.

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Packing List Template

Do you use a packing list or a travel checklist when you go on vacation or a business trip? Or, are you like me and just go through everything in your head? After a while, you learn that your memory isn't good enough, so you start making packing lists.

Stay Organized from Trip to Trip This packing template can be used over and over again to help you keep track of your travel essentials. Customize it, duplicate it, and adjust it for various destinations.

Collaborative Effort The travel necessities listed in these packing lists were collected by group effort from the experience of a number of different people and families. I hope you will find these useful.

Vacation Packing List Template

License : Private Use (not for distribution or resale)

Description

Use this generalized list to help you consider items to take on your vacation. As you customize the list for your particular vacation, make sure to consider all the different activities you'll be doing and what you may need for those particular activities.

Business Travel Packing List Template

If you travel routinely for business, you can customize this list to make your planning easier for your next trips. And if you don't travel for work very often, this general list may help you consider items to take. Make sure to consider all the activities you'll do while traveling.

College Packing List Template

Some important items to consider when you are headed off to college. Customize the list or use the printable version to help you avoid forgetting some important items. Of course, you may not need everything on this list.

3-in-1 Packing List Template

This older version of the spreadsheet was used to create all 3 of the packing lists. The Vacation Packing List, Business Travel Packing List, and College Packing List are each on separate worksheet tabs.

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Create a FREE online , customizable , and printable travel packing checklist for next trip by selecting from the largest list of items of any website or app!

PRESS HERE TO MAKE YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST

We have groups of items of many different categories from the pre-trip preparation to clothing to electronics to specific trips such as business, ski, scuba diving, camping, golf, beach trips.  Our groups and items have been refined over many trips and with input and suggestions from our many users!

Also, we are the only (or one of the only) travel checklist websites to allow you to add YOUR OWN items to your list!  No list can have everything that YOU want to take on your trip.  With our list, you can add any item you want!

After building your list by selecting the groups and items you want to appear on your list, you can generate it and use it online or print it off for offline use.

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Groups descriptions, travel planning.

These are travel planning checklist items such as checking for travel warnings, renewing your passport, and checking entry requirements for visas.  These items take a little bit more time to do and have a big impact on your trip so you would need to do them as soon as possible.

Pre-Trip Preparation

These are pre-trip preparation items that you would do prior to your trip such as putting your mail on hold, arranging for someone to look after your house or your pets.

Just Before You Leave

These are items that you would do in the day or so prior to your trip.  These are things such as throwing away any perishable food, setting up lights on timers, turning on your out of office on your email, watering your plants, take out your garbage, etc.

Identification and Paperwork

These are items related to identification and paperwork.  These include key items such as passports, birth certificate, travel insurance, cash, and credit cards.

These are items related to what you want to pack in your carry on bags.  These include key items such as passports, ear phones, neck pillow, etc.

Suitcases and Bags

These are suitcase and bags items.  These are items such as large suitcase, carry-on suitcas, toiletry bag, golf bag, and luggage cart.

Womens Clothes

These are Womens Clothes items such as fitted jackets, blouses, sweaters, jeans, skirts, etc.

Mens Clothes

These are Mens Clothes items such as t-shirts, sports jackets, pajamas, neck ties, shorts, jeans, etc.

Cold Weather Clothes

These are cold weather clothes items for when you take trips to cold weather destinations in the winter.  These items include scarfs, thermal underwear, knit cap, and gloves.

These are footwear items.  We have footwear items for all occasions such as walking shoes, dress shoes, high-heel shoes, cowboy boots, slippers, etc.

These are outerwear items.  Depending on the climate of where you are travelling to you will need different outerwear.  These include items such as parka, jacket, windbreaker, or hoodie.

These are swimwear items that you would take on your trip if you are going on a beach or go swimming.  These are items such as bathing suites, swim goggles, towels, etc.

These are headwear items.  Depending on where you are going will make you decide on what headwear to bring.  These are items such as baseball capes, knit caps, sun hats, and headband.

These are eyewear items.  Whether or not you need corrective lenses, you will probably have eyewear.  These are items such as eye glasses, contact lens, sun glasses, etc.

Bathroom Kit

These are items that you would bring as part of your bathroom kit.  This includes items such as soap, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, dental floss, toothbrush, hair brush, nail brush, hand lotion, etc.

These are items that you would bring to do your makeup.  This includes items such as eye liner, foundation, etc.

These are jewelry items that you would consider bringing on your trip.  These are things such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and watches.

Electronics

These are electronics items.  These are things such as your iPhone, phone charge, Android phone, tablet computer, iPad, laptop computer, flash drives, Kindle, etc.

Photography Equipment

These are photography items.  These are items that you would take if you are going to take photographs with something other than your camera.  This includes digital camera, memory cars, tripod, lenses, lens clothes, etc.

Medical Supplies

These are medical supply items.  These are items such as prescription medications, bandages, aspirin, ibuprofen, antacid, vitamins, sunscreen, wheelchair, etc.

Assorted Items

These are assorted items that you may want to take on your trip.  These are things such as pen, paper, laundry soap, umbrella, sewing kit, books, corkscrew, bible, etc.

These are items that you would take if you are travelling with a baby or young child.  These are items such as baby clothes, diapers, wipes, baby powder, bibs, diaper bag, baby wash, sippy cups, car seats, etc.

Business Travel

These are items related to business travel.  These are items such as briefcase, presentation materials, merchandise saples, business cards, laptop computer and cables, etc.

Running Wear

These are running wear items that you may want to take on your trip if you will be running or jogging.  These items include running shoes, running socks, sweat pants, running shorts, etc.

Sun Destinations

These are items that you may want to take with you if you are travelling to a sunny destination or going to the beach.  These items include things like beach towels, snorkel and mask, beach umbrella, drink cooler, beach mat, coverup, etc.

Ski Destinations

These are items that you may want to take with you if you are travelling to a ski resort or going skiing.  These items include things like skis, ski poles, ski tickets, helmet, ski jacket, ski pants, thermal underwear, etc.

Camping Supplies

These are items that you may want to take with you if you are going camping.  These items include things like sleeping bags, pillow, tent, cot, food, utensils, cooler, chairs, etc.

Golf Equipment

These are items that you may want to take with you if you are going golfing on your trip.  These items include golf clubs, golf bag, golf cart, golf balls, golf shoes, etc.

Scuba Diving Equipment

These are items that you may want to take with you if you are going scuba diving on your trip.  These items include mask, fins, booties, wetsuit, weights, BCD, air tanks, dive knife, etc.

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• Travel Planner Templates
• Packing list

Packing List Templates

Quick jump to:, introduction.

The Packing List is very handy, especially if you are going somewhere and want to make sure that all the necessary things and accessories are with you. Such templates will come in handy on different trips, regardless of their purpose, from vacations to business trips. Check out our selection of the best Packing List Templates and choose the one that best suits your needs. You can customize it to your preference and get it in PDF. Enjoy watching and pleasant use!

Packing Lists for Travel

If you look through this section, maybe it's time to pack your bags and go on a trip. In Packing Lists, you can write down everything you want to take with you, and you won't forget about a single item. It may be clothes, toiletry, medications, different goods, toothbrush, sunscreen, beach towels, shampoo, underwear, socks, shoes, shirts, pillows, blankets, phones, cameras, passports, credit cards, visas, wallets, etc.

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• 4 packing list templates for every occasion

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4 packing list templates for every occasion.

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Vacation packing list template: Getting ready for adventure.

Business travel packing list template: keeping it professional., college packing list template: focusing on the future., moving packing list template: relocating with ease..

You’re probably already deep in the details of working out your next trip or major move, but have you considered what you’ll need to do to make the occasion run smoothly?

While it can be easy to get bogged down in advanced planning, logistics, and shifting priorities, using a packing list template to anchor your plans can limit stress and ensure you don’t miss anything you’ll need later down the line.

Packing lists can be particularly useful as checklists to ensure that you have everything you need. Compiled in advance and often based on easy-to-customize templates, packing lists give you a way to double-check the roster and add or subtract items to suit your exact circumstances.

The most common types of packing lists help people with two big life events: travel and moving. Here, we’re providing four packing list templates you can make your own to make your next vacation or relocation a breeze.

When preparing for a big trip full of fun, exploration, and relaxation, the last thing anyone wants is to arrive at their destination and realize they left something essential at home. While you’ll probably be able to venture out to purchase items otherwise left behind, no one looks forward to running to a drugstore or department store to spend money on something they could have brought with them in the first place.

That’s where a comprehensive vacation packing list template can help save the day. Just like you spend time crafting a detailed itinerary for your trip, you’ll want to spend a few minutes reviewing a template and customizing the list to reflect your needs. Then, work your way down that list when you actually go to pack so you can rest assured you have all the essentials for your adventure.

Here’s an example of a vacation packing list template you can use for your own travels. You can download this template and customize it using Adobe Acrobat online tools, such as the PDF editor , to create the end result you need.

While there can be some similarities between packing for a vacation and packing for a business trip, keep a few nuances in mind.

Remember that when traveling for business, you are a representative of the company from the moment you step into the airport, train station, or other mode of transportation. You’ll want to look professional and bring everything you’ll need to get the job done right once you arrive.

Business travel packing list templates typically contain more electronic items and business clothing than other packing lists. Unless you have some extra downtime, you can probably leave the bathing suit behind and focus on bringing business suits and other appropriate attire for your business meetings and dinners.

Be sure to include any supplies relevant to the work ahead, such as business cards for networking events and all of the necessary chargers and cables for your electronics, which you might have to take with you from your office or speak to your IT team about borrowing.

Remember that you’ll want to be careful how you pack your business clothing. Keeping items from wrinkling in a suitcase can be hard, but you can minimize the damage by folding items along the seams and rolling them rather than trying to flatten them. Packing cubes can also be a great tool for keeping like items together and preventing shifting that can wrinkle shirts and pants.

For some, college may seem like a vacation, but packing to head off to university requires more than just clothing and toiletries. Depending on housing arrangements, students may be responsible for bringing their own bedding, small appliances, and even furniture.

Many college housing departments will also provide details on what is not permitted in their on-campus lodging, so be sure to check their lists before making your own. While some may provide kitchenettes for cooking, others may prohibit students from bringing in their own appliances, such as hotplates, which may be considered fire hazards.

To make sure you leave nothing behind, you’ll want to take the following college packing list template and compare it to the guidelines provided by your specific school or landlord.

Relocating to a new home can be a daunting process with so many different aspects to manage — from negotiating the terms to navigating the closing. But making sure you are organized when you pack up can alleviate a large amount of stress once you arrive at your new home and face the dreaded task of unpacking it all again.

As a general rule, make sure to clearly label your boxes, bins, and bags so that your movers (or you and your family) know exactly which rooms each item should be placed in. Labeling can cut down on misplaced items and wasted time and energy dragging boxes back to the right location. When it comes to labeling, don’t be afraid to mark important boxes as fragile so that movers understand how to handle your items properly.

Here’s a universal moving packing list template that can help you move efficiently so your house can start feeling like home in no time.

Make sure you are clear on what is (and what is not) included in the sale of your home when you are packing to move. Some agreements consider fixtures such as curtain rods or installed window treatments to be part of the home and not eligible for packing. The same can be true of larger appliances, such as washing machines and dryers.

Bonus tips: Keeping yourself organized for the road ahead.

Packing up can be made much easier when you have a packing list template free for download. While our templates include the most common items for each scenario presented, some unique situations might cause you to add a few more items to your own list. Check out our bonus tips below to see how you can make your packing process and travel even less stressful.

• Consider travel insurance. A packing list for digital nomads is a unique resource. These individuals can work from anywhere, allowing the world to open up . Carrying only the essentials can help these travelers keep track of their packed belongings, while travel insurance can help cover everything from stolen items to medical emergencies.
• Invest in protective parcels. When it comes to a move, take the time to surround fragile items in bubble wrap, and cover your furniture in moving blankets to minimize damage during transport. For travelers, investing in hardside luggage with 360-degree spinner wheels can protect your items while making them easier to pull behind you, no matter where you’re headed.
• Bring an extra tote. Travelers who stuff their suitcases to the brim may find themselves left wondering what to do after they buy a handful (or more) of souvenirs. Packing a foldable tote bag on the way out can give you extra packing capacity for the way home. Just make sure you don’t exceed an airline’s rules for the number of carry-on items you can bring.
• Separate wet items. From moving a house to heading out on vacation, you’re bound to be bringing along a mix of wet and dry items. In either instance, you’ll want to keep liquids (bathroom items, toiletries, cleaning supplies) separate from your dry items (especially clothing).
• Use a to-do list. Regardless of what you are packing for, you likely won’t want to do all your packing in a day (or in a rush). Instead, use a to-do list to organize how you approach your packing. Many to-do list printable templates are available that can help you tackle your packing in an organized fashion, working through each section one day or week at a time.

Create your packing list template with Adobe.

Packing for a move or a vacation is preparation for an adventure on its own. You’ll probably remember the move or vacation experience for a lifetime and will want the days and process leading up to the big day (or days) to be as smooth as possible.

Downloading a packing list template that you can customize and make your very own is a great way to make sure you have everything you need. Many of these templates can also be used in different formats, and with the Acrobat suite of tools, you can convert PDF files to Excel . This way, you can create packing list templates that go to work for you.

Make sure to explore Adobe Acrobat online services to make organizational tasks like packing for travel or your next move a streamlined experience.

Frequently asked questions.

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Organize Your Travel With Our Blank Packing List Templates

• December 26, 2023

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Are you tired of forgetting something every time you pack for a trip? This post offers printable packing list templates, making travel prep seamless and foolproof. Dive into our step-by-step guide to ensure that your suitcase has everything you need for a stress-free adventure.

Key Takeaways

• Our printable packing list templates help you remember to pack everything you need.
• You can customize these blank packing list templates for different types of trips.
• By using a packing list template, you avoid stress by ensuring nothing gets left behind and your luggage is organized.
• Packing early with the help of a template lets you prepare properly and saves space with versatile clothing items.
• These reusable templates adapt to any trip length or destination, helping ensure smooth travels every time.

*Scroll to the bottom to access our free printable packing list and downloadable lists for different categories for the necessary items.

The Importance of a Packing List for Travel

A packing list is your ticket to a worry-free journey; it’s the blueprint for fitting every vital piece into your travel puzzle. By leaning on this organizational ally, you wave goodbye to last-minute panic and embrace the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything you need is neatly tucked away in your bags.

Ensuring all essentials are packed

Packing for your next trip can be easy with a detailed checklist. It helps you to make sure you have all the important items so nothing gets missed. You will use a blank packing list template to add essential items, like chargers or travel documents. It allows for a more organized and efficient packing process, tailored to the specific requirements of each trip. 

Reducing stress before departure

Traveling itself can be stressful. A packing list helps you feel calm and ready to go. You can see what you have packed and what still needs to go in your bag. This approach not only reduces stress but also saves time and money by avoiding last-minute purchases. Additionally, a packing list aids in managing  luggage weight  and space, which is particularly important for air travel. Over time, the list can be refined based on past travel experiences, making future packing even more effective.

Ensuring nothing gets left behind

A packing list helps you remember every important thing you need for your trip. From clothes to chargers, a good list makes sure you pack all the essential items. This means no last-minute rush or worry that you forgot something important. With a packing list you can keep track of what goes in your travel bag, so nothing is left out by accident. You can even slide your checklist into a sheet protector and bring it along on your trip so you can make sure when you are packing up to return back home, you have everything you brought with you. 

Different Types of Packing Lists

Navigating the myriad of adventures that await you requires a master plan for what goes in your  luggage , and this is where understanding the variety of packing lists comes into play. From the essentials for a tropical getaway to the specifics needed for mountain trekking, each journey calls for a tailored checklist to ensure every item complements your travel purpose.

Vacation packing list

Whether getting ready for your beach vacation or a sporty ski weekend, having a list specific to the type of trip will you take makes all the difference. 

Once you know what type of trip you are taking, you will know what type of clothing and accessories you will need.

A good vacation packing list includes a section where you can note the temperature of your destination. If you’re heading to a tropical island, you will feel confident in knowing that you can leave the heavy jackets at home.

You can even customize it based on where you’re going or what activities you’ll do. Like swimsuits for the beaches and snow boots for the ski resorts.

The packing list helps you keep track of physical items like electronics and must-have accessories for different activities.

Business travel packing list

If you’re taking a business trip, good news! You’ll find a packing list that caters to your professional needs while maintaining comfort and efficiency during the trip will be a big help. This list is tailored for those who for corporations to folks who own small businesses. A business trip packing list will be useful as you attend meetings, conferences, or any work-related events away from home. 

A good travel packing list for a business trip will include items that will allow you to keep working while you travel. Like your laptop, charger, smartphone, and charger, business cards, work ID, and any necessary documents or files (either in print or digital format).

Travel documents list

A travel documents list is where you make sure all essential papers are ready and within reach.

Your passport, visas, driver’s license, and any other ID should top this list. Don’t forget to include tickets for flights or trains, hotel reservations, and if you’re cruising – ship boarding passes.

It’s also smart to have copies of all these documents in case the originals get lost. List details like emergency contact numbers and insurance info too. 

Keep this list with your carry-on bag so it’s always handy when you need it most.

Essential clothes and shoes packing list

Packing clothes that work for many occasions is the strategy that pros use. Choose shirts, pants, and skirts you can mix and match. For most trips, I get away with packing only three pairs of shoes: the ones I travel with, that double for walking, dress shoes for nice dinners and events, and flip-flops for walking around the hotel. (You will never catch my bare feet on the ground.) 

Inflight packing list

There are things you’ll always want to keep in your carry-on. Be it for long flights, a road trip, or a business trip, you can avoid spending time trying to figure out what specific items you will need when you have a ready-to-go customizable packing list template.

An inflight packing list focuses on items that enhance comfort, provide entertainment, and address any in-flight needs or emergencies. 

Toiletries packing list

Now, let’s talk about keeping fresh and clean while on your trip. Your toiletries packing list is key to keeping up with your beauty and grooming routine matter where you go. This part of the checklist covers everything for hair care, dental hygiene, personal cleanliness, and beauty products.

Grab our free printable list as a guide to make sure you include shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, and any makeup or skincare items you might need.

For those times when you can’t get to your luggage right away or if it gets lost along the way – it happens! – make sure your carry-on bag has some small versions of the most important things like hand sanitizer and facial wipes.

You’ll also want travel-sized containers that meet airline rules so nothing will hold you up at security checks. But lately, I’ve been into using  travel solids  to avoid having to worry about exceeding the limiting liquids restrictions from TSA.

Destination-specific packing lists

A destination-specific packing list changes depending on where you’re going. If you’re off to Disney World, your list might include comfy shoes for long walks and a rain poncho or sunscreen.

Or maybe you’re heading on an Alaskan cruise; pack warm layers and binoculars for glacier viewing! Each place has its own needs, from camping gear for nights under the stars to special clothes for dinner at a fancy resort.

Use our templates tailored to these adventures—they have suggested items and space for what you want to bring.

Planning your travel gets easier with these powerful tools. Our blank packing lists help make sure your luggage is ready no matter the destination of your vacation. They are easy to fill out with things like hiking boots for mountain trails or swimwear for beach getaways.

Plus, there’s room to add anything extra that makes your trip great! Many travelers love using them and share 5-star reviews about how these printables keep their adventure organized.

How to Use a Blank Packing List Template

Unleash the power of organization for your next journey with a travel packing checklist; it’s your ultimate tool to ensure every item has its place and nothing is forgotten. Dive into personalizing your travel checklist, making sure each category of essentials is represented and ready to go.

• Categorize Items : Divide the template into different categories such as Clothing, Toiletries, Electronics, Travel Documents, Health Items, Entertainment, and Miscellaneous. This helps in organizing your packing and ensures you don’t overlook any category.
• Personalize According to Your Trip : Customize the list based on the type of trip you’re taking. For instance, if you’re going on a business trip, focus on professional attire and work essentials. For a beach holiday, prioritize swimwear and sun protection.
• Check Weather and Itinerary : Before you start filling in the template, check the weather forecast for your destination and consider the activities you have planned. This will guide you in deciding what type of clothing and gear to pack.
• List Essentials First : Start by listing items you absolutely cannot travel without, such as travel documents, medication, and essential electronics. This ensures that the most important items are packed first.
• Be Detailed : Instead of writing general categories like ‘clothes,’ list specific items, e.g., ‘3 t-shirts, 2 pairs of trousers, 1 dress.’ This helps in ensuring you pack exactly what you need and avoid overpacking.
• Leave Space for Last-Minute Additions : Keep some space at the bottom or on the side of the list to jot down items you might think of closer to your departure date.
• Consider Luggage Limitations : Be mindful of the weight and size restrictions of your luggage, especially if you’re flying. This might influence the quantity and type of items you can bring.
• Use as a Checklist While Packing : As you pack each item, check it off on the list. This not only gives a sense of accomplishment but also ensures you haven’t missed anything.
• Update for Future Trips : After your trip, update the template based on what you actually used and what you could have left behind. This will make the latest version of your template will be more effective for future use.
• Keep a Digital Copy : Consider keeping a digital version of your packing list on your phone or in a cloud storage, like a free Google Docs template. This way, you can access and update it wherever you are.

Adding health items

Pack your toiletry bag as you get ready each day leading up to your trip. This way, you’ll remember to include all the health and hygiene items you use. Think toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash, and deodorant are no-brainers. But make sure you also pack any medicines or vitamins you take. You’ll also want to bring along some proof of your prescription from your doctor, in case you have to show proof during security.

It’s also good to pack a small first-aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and any over-the-counter meds. For example, cold and flu tablets or motion sickness pills.

For convenience try to make sure each item is travel-sized if possible. Check rules for carry-on liquids if flying. However, medicine does not have to be within the liquids restrictions. The blank packing list template lets you customize this section so it fits exactly what you need for personal use.

Noting miscellaneous items

Once you’ve the essential items down, it’s time to think about the extra stuff. These are the kind of things that don’t fit into any one category but are just as important for a happy trip.

For me, I love to travel with peanut butter and water enhancers. So think about your favorite snacks, a comfy travel pillow,  compression socks , or even a small notebook to jot down memories. 

Also, pack an empty plastic bag for dirty clothes. This helps keep clean and used clothes apart in your luggage.

Add small bags within your  carry-on  for different items, and use  packing cubes  to stay organized and fit more into limited space.

Our blank packing list has space for all these extras, so your carefully curated selection of items never are forgotten.

Benefits of Using a Packing List

A packing list template serves as your personal travel assistant, streamlining the formidable task of getting ready for a trip. 

Customizable to fit individual needs

Our blank packing list templates are great because you can make them fit what you need. Even the most simple computer user will find our templates easy to use, edit, and update. Or you can use our pre-set templates to expedite the process. Either way you’ll find blank versions of our templates easy and you can add your items, take away things you don’t need, or even make special sections for different parts of your trip.

Organizes your packing process

Having a blank packing list template helps put order in your travel plans. Write down everything you’ll need on this list, and check them off as you pack them. This way, you make sure all your essentials are ready to go.

It’s like making a map for your suitcase! You won’t forget important things if they’re all listed neatly before you start.

Can be reused for future travels

We have travel packing list templates for almost every trip reason. Once you find the one you need, you can rinse and repeat without having to start from scratch.

One user likes to keep her personalized version in a clear sheet protector, and marks it with dry erase for each trip. Another, just likes the digital form in google docs. Another mentioned they printed multiple copies of their favorite printable travel packing list. My preferred method is via the notes template on my phone.

Whichever way you choose, once you select your list you save time and can enjoy planning other parts of your trip.

3 Tips for Packing Efficiently with a Packing List Template

Maximize your luggage space and streamline your travel preparations by leveraging the power of a packing list template. With careful luggage planning, these actionable tips will help you pack smartly, ensuring that you bring the important stuff without excess baggage.

Packing early helps stop last-minute rushing around. Instead of throwing everything in a bag, you take time to use space-saving tricks like  compression packing cubes . 

Choose clothes that work well for different situations. For example, a pair of jeans can be casual during the day and dressed up with a nice top for evening outings. Also, pick items that you can mix and match to create new outfits.

Your travel destination and how long you’ll stay there are key to deciding what goes on your packing list. If you’re off to Disney World, you’ll need comfy shoes for all the walking.

On an Alaskan cruise, warm clothes are a must. When camping or hiking in mountains, pack gear like a good tent or walking boots. A weekend trip might only need a few items, but a longer adventure means thinking about laundry and whether you can wear things more than once.

Make sure your list matches your trip’s needs! 

Packing List Apps

We can’t talk about packing lists without bringing up packing list apps. Packing list apps are digital tools designed to assist with the organization and management of items you need to pack for travel. These apps often come with features like customizable templates, reminders, and checklists. But, after testing and trying the top ones, I always revert to the simple kind. The kind featured in this article. 

But in case you want to consider a packing list app, here’s an overview of the pros and cons of packing list apps:

My recommended packing list app is 

PackPoint  is the most popular free packing list organizer and for a reason. It will help you organize what you need to pack in your luggage and suitcase based on length of travel, weather at your destination, and any activities planned during your trip. My favorite thing about this app is the ability to pack light by checking the boxes for ‘repeat basics’ and ‘laundry’.

Click here to learn more about PackPoint

Download our travel packing lists, we have a packing list for all of your travel situations.

Check out our sister site Pack Better's ultimate travel packing lists library and download your FREE packing list on us!

Happy packing, and have a fantastic adventure!

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Packing up for a holiday trip can be very stressful and the very thought of pulling out that travel suitcase may be overwhelming for most of us. Making a good travel packing checklist will not only ensure that you do not leave out anything important but surprisingly even helps you travel light.

• Google Docs

Step 1: Make a List of the Things to Do Before You Leave

Step 2: list the documents that you have to carry, step 3: make a clothing and accessories list, step 4: include medicines and toiletries, step 5: make a work related list.

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This Packing Spreadsheet Is Going Viral — and You Can Get It for Free

Packing has never been easier thanks to this spreadsheet.

RgStudio/Getty Images

There are endless tips out there to help you pack for an epic trip — from the type of luggage to use to maximize space to whether or not to bring packing cubes , right down to creating a personal lookbook . But there’s one packing hack going viral on TikTok that you need to see — and all it takes is an Excel spreadsheet.

The tip is from TikTok user Luke Scarpino, whose video showing how he uses a spreadsheet so he doesn’t forget anything has amassed more than 8.8 million views, 1.2 million likes, and more than 29,000 comments, including from some big-name travel brands. The remarkable response led Scarpino to create a free template travelers everywhere can download and copy.

In the video, Scarpino details how he lists every item he wants to pack and the associated bag it goes with. He then has a checkmark for every item to click once he packs it to see what's missing and what's not before his trip. Scarpino can even filter his list and only look at one bag at a time.

"Everyone makes fun of me for how I pack, but I think I'm just organized," he says to the camera, adding, "Am I weird for this?" 

The internet responded with a resounding "no," with hundreds begging for a template they could use themselves. Even Google (or at least the social media manager behind Google's TikTok account) wanted in on the action, calling the hack "so beautiful" in the comments. Tripadvisor also responded, saying, "Is it normal? No. Is it the most beautiful thing we've ever seen? Yes." Utz Snacks wanted to know if there was a specific row in his spreadsheet for snacks, and Booking.com said it "has no choice but to stan."

Another user pointed out that the list is a built-in inventory in case an airline loses your bag . Scarpino also noted, "The fun thing is if you use this same list when it is time to return home, you will never forget something at a hotel again."