Tag: packing for a business trip

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Packing Tips For A One-Day Business Trip

one-day-packing-list

One-day business trips can be tricky. In some ways, they are so short it’s not even worth talking about. In other ways, they add additional stress, planning, and time to your work week. You may be surprised by the amount of forethought and strategy that is needed, specifically when it comes to packing. So what are some packing tips for a one-day business trip? 

10 packing tips for a one-day business trip 

  1. Choose the right carry-on bag. Unless your job requires additional bags or large items, you will likely only need a carry-on. Selecting the right carry-on can be tricky though. It needs to hold your computer and professional items, but leaves enough room for additional unexpected items. Years ago I attended a one-day business meeting in another state. They were very generous with gifts and I ended up carrying back a large yeti cup, a soft blanket and a large hardcover book on my lap on the flight home. If I had brought my backpack instead of more professional briefcase, I would have had room for everything and not looked like a hot mess. 
  2. Bring a water bottle. Staying hydrated and alert is more important than ever on these one-day business trips. Bring a water bottle with you to the airport. You can fill it up once you pass through security and use as needed throughout the rest of the day without waiting for breaks or lunch. 
  3. Remember extra business cards. You never know if you might run into someone new or how many people will be attending a meeting. Come prepared. 
  4. Bring company swag and fliers. Speaking of being prepared, be ready to rep the company if you’re meeting with external vendors, potential leads, or existing clients. Bring little goodies for everyone, as well as fliers, booklets or additional information you would readily turn to if you were in the office. 
  5. Remember changers for your phone and computer. I know, a no-brainer, but a second reminder never hurts!
  6. Bring additional computer adapters. I can’t even count how many times I’ve been in a meeting with faulty computer connectors to the overheard screen. Keep the meeting moving smoothly and look like a hero at the same time by bringing your own adapters. 
  7. Remember headphones. You never know if you might be next to a screaming child on the plane or working remotely in a chatty office. Be prepared with headphones. 
  8. Bring a snack. You might not eat it, but having a non-perishable granola bar, nuts, or pretzels on hand may save your sanity by mid-afternoon. 
  9. What else? What are the little things you need in daily life but never think about? Things like: chapstick, gum, hair ties, bobbie pins, extra pen, hand lotion, vitamins or prescriptions, etc. Take a step back from your routine and see what you may be missing for your day away. 
  10. Pack in time for yourself. De-stress by padding time in your schedule. Get to the airport early to check email. Or plan time to explore the area for a few minutes. It’s ok to take time for yourself even on a short business trip. 
    One-day business trips don’t really get the respect they deserve when it comes to planning. Fortunately, following these packing tips for a one-day business trip will help set you in the right direction.
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Travel Packing List For Dummies: Use Carry-on Luggage For EVERY Trip

Passengers gathering at the gate prior to their boarding time is strange to me. My first thought is often, ‘why stand in line before you are called, cutting into time that could be used for work, a preflight meal, catching up on a phone call?’ But then I remember that these travelers, like me, are terrified of not finding a space for their bag on the plane. I pride myself on using the same international sized carry-on for every trip, no matter how long. In fact, I wrote a blog on my favorite packing tips a few years ago.  Since I wrote this, I’ve continued traveling for business and leisure and know even more about packing light. I’ve discovered a few easy tips that are especially helpful as we move into the cooler months.

Carry-on packing tips for business and leisure travelers

1) Invest in packing cubes. They not only help you separate your clothes, but they really do keep everything compact. They are especially useful for sweaters!
2) Boot season is upon us and while they look great, knee-high boots can take up an entire suitcase. If boots are part of your wardrobe, wear them on the plane to save space.
3) Try wearing items that you have packed a few times during the same trip. A scarf or tie can really transform an outfit, and nobody will even notice that you had worn it the previous day.
4) If you plan to use the hotel gym, invest in a good workout outfit that is made of nylon. This material gets really small when folded and you can even roll the items and store them inside your workout shoes.
5) If you buy your cosmetics from a mall department store, do so when you can get a promotional gift. The bags that come with these gifts are often the perfect size for travel and the samples are usually travel sized.

Overall, I’ve learned that even with the stressful pre-boarding line, carry-on luggage is the best option for plane travel. Especially if you have an established packing routine with usable tips and tricks.

Looking for more helpful tips on business travel packing? Check out our other blog posts:

Christopherson Business Travel is a corporate travel management company. We’ve worked passionately for more than 60 years to bring travel solutions to busy businesses. Learn more about our specialty travel technology or consultative services that save our clients time and money.