Here we will go over eight business travel packing tips to follow before your next trip.
Business travel is stressful enough on its own, so adding the stress of packing into the equation can make the entire planning process beyond overwhelming.
Luckily, there are tips you can follow that ensure you don’t go without the essentials and have minimal or no issues at the airport.
Let’s jump right in.
1. Confirm Airline Packing Specifications
Before getting into the actual packing of your trip, it is vital to take a look at the luggage rules of the airline you will be using.
Each airline has specific rules regarding what you can pack in your luggage and how heavy and big it measures.
For carry-on luggage, the typical size allowed is 9″ x 14″ x 22″. You can expect a weight limit of around 50 pounds for checked luggage. Your luggage will also have content restrictions such as; No weapons, lithium batteries, alcohol, cooking spray, vape pens, and more.
2. Make Your Electronics A Carry-On
Lost, stolen, and damaged luggage is more common than it should be, making traveling with work equipment risky.
To avoid losing items like jewelry, laptops, and phones, make the decision to use your carry-on luggage for your valuables.
Of course, you should bring flight essentials like snacks and earplugs in your carry-on but keeping valuables by your side ensures you can keep them safe.
3. Keep Your Administrative Documents Close
Another carry-on essential would be your administrative documents.
Administrative documents include items like your passport, ID, and social security card.
Cash and debit/credit cards should also be included in your carry-on.
If your luggage is lost with these items, you may have a hard time booking a hotel, renting a car, making purchases, and even leaving the airport.
4. Invest In Nice Luggage
You might not think that the quality of your luggage will make much of a difference. However, it does if you don’t want to replace your belongings.
High-quality luggage is durable and often comes with locks that are hard to break into. Since it is not uncommon for luggage to become damaged and opened during transit, it’s a good idea to invest in better bags.
One option to consider when investing in high-quality luggage is hardcover suitcases. These are known for their exceptional durability and rugged construction. Unlike soft-sided luggage, which is usually made from fabrics, hardcover suitcases are typically constructed from materials like polycarbonate or aluminum. These materials aren’t just picked out randomly – they serve like a shield against impact, scratches, and all the chaos your luggage might face out there. The reinforced corners and edges of hardcover suitcases enhance their ability to withstand the rigors of travel.
5. Use Organizers
Organizers like makeup bags, and shoe holders will be your best friend when it comes to streamlining the packing and unpacking process.
Having your belongings organized according to item type makes settling into your hotel easy and helps ensure your items aren’t damaged inside the luggage.
For example, you would place hair styling devices in a bag separate from clothing to avoid snags, and toiletries would be separate to avoid damage in case of spills.
6. Bring Your Own Toiletries
Many people love to take advantage of the free toiletries provided by hotels, but even free things come with a price.
Hotel toiletries are not of the best quality and may leave your hair feeling brittle and your skin feeling itchy.
Since we want to make the best of our luggage space, one might want to leave their better quality products behind. However, if you opt for travel-sized options, you can still save plenty of space.
7. Wrinkle-Free Packing
When traveling for work or pleasure, one of the last things you want to do is waste time taking your clothes to the dry cleaner because they were wrinkled during transit.
Luckily, there are a few ways to ensure your outfits stay crisply pressed.
- Avoid linens and opt for lycra, nylon, polyester, and knits.
- Roll your clothes
- Try to keep your items flat with heavier items on the bottom.
- Use luggage garment bags
Having wrinkled clothing certainly isn’t the end of the world, but you’re likely paying a high price for the time spent while away, so not spending time at the laundromat is optimal.
8. Use A Packing List
Forgetting travel items at home is a major pain because it means that you will either go without them or be forced to buy a duplicate of something that you already have at home. Therefore, you should make a packing list as soon as you start planning a trip.
When making your packing list, consider hotel stay length terms, and from there, you can decide how much clothes to bring and what types of additional items are needed.
Your list will likely include the basics like toiletries, clothing, and shoes which are easy to remember.
It’s the more unique or destination-specific items that make a list crucial.
Since you’re traveling for work, you might need a wireless hotspot, a printed travel policy, and special equipment.
