What Every Business Traveller Needs to Pack

Business travel, at least from the outside, appears to be a glamorous perk and lots of fun to be involved in. A lot of the time it is, let’s face it, travelling to a meeting in New York or London has got to be a lot more appealing than your daily commute? 

However, living out of a suitcase is a challenge, especially having to do it over an extended period. We all have our favourite things in life, imagine having to live without them. 

Having the ability to pack smart is a requirement for any business traveller. It makes life so much easier. But what does every business traveller need? What are the absolute essentials that they should not leave home without? Here are a few ideas. 

A water bottle with a filter 

Most people are aware that staying hydrated is an essential part of any kind of travel. Getting on and off pressurised aeroplanes and going in and out of air-conditioned hotels and meeting rooms can leave you tired and dehydrated. Investing in a filtered water bottle will ensure you always have clean and healthy water to drink. 

A battery back up 

A mobile phone and a laptop are two modern day essentials for business travel that aren’t even worth mentioning here. However, both are run by batteries and batteries run down.  

On most modern aeroplanes and trains there will be a means of charging your equipment, and your serviced apartments will have the same when you arrive. However, let’s not forget that business travel also has its fair share of hanging around in airports and cafes. It’s not a case of leave home, take flight, arrive at your corporate housing!  

One delayed flight can see you using your electrical equipment more than you otherwise would have, making a battery back up/power pack an essential piece of kit. 

A suitable carry on bag 

There are bags available now that contain every possible pocket, hook and feature that a business traveller might need. There are key hooks, laptop sleeves, tablet sleeves, phone chargers, sunglasses’ hooks, umbrella pockets. As well as security features like hidden zips and pockets.  

Shop around for your ideal carry on bag. 

Apps for travelling  

Another modern day essential! There are now countless apps available which will ensure every business traveller’s life is made simple. Apple phones have the ‘Wallet’ in which you can not only store your credit cards, you can also store your boarding passes too. 

There’s also expenses apps, city mapping, translators, calendars, to-do lists, packing reminders. The list is endless. Think of something that you need help with and as the saying goes, there’s an app for that! 

Wrinkle-free work wear 

This kind of thing does exist! If you’re going to be living out of a suitcase and you want your smart wear to be more than just the suit you’re wearing, then it’s a good idea to take clothes that aren’t going to need ironing every time you take them out of the case. 

An even better advantage of this is that you can fold up clothes really small and perhaps just take a carry on bag. No more waiting at baggage collection for you! 

Hand sanitiser 

It’s not hard to imagine that aeroplanes and hotel rooms have a lot of people through them on a daily basis. Also, you’re on a business trip and are more than likely going to be shaking more than your fair share of hands. 

It’s prudent, but not practical, to visit the bathroom and wash your hands as often as possible. However, carrying a bottle of hand sanitiser and having a quick rub together every now and again is the next best thing. 

Travel umbrella 

Something small and discreet. There’s no need to bring your oversized golfing/F1 umbrella that’s the size of a small house!  

If you’re travelling to Singapore or London then an umbrella is essential. You’re going to encounter a lot of rain and the last thing you want is for your finite amount of clothes to be soaked. 

Toothpaste/Toothbrush/Mouthwash/Breath Mints 

Or at least the first two and/or one of the others! You’re travelling, eating, sleeping but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of the essentials. If your clients, customers, colleagues are waiting for your arrival straight off of the flight then you owe it to them to be minty fresh! 

While we’re on the subject, a small can of deodorant probably wouldn’t go amiss either!