Traveling for business can be an exciting and stressful time that requires a good amount of planning. Forgetting things isn’t the same as when traveling for vacation. Work schedules can minimize time for finding a store to buy a replacement.
Also, business trips require more professionalism, meaning people need to know you are put together even when away from home. Having a good packing list can make the difference between putting your best foot forward and falling flat on your face. Here is a list of the top seven essentials not to forget for your next upcoming business trip:
1. SHAVING SUPPLIES
A scruffy face might work if you are on a college beach trip, but it has no place in a business setting. Pack a good razor, one that won’t contribute to nicks and cuts. Also, The Art of Shaving brush is a great tool that can give you a close shave while allowing your skin to look and feel better than ever. Of course shaving cream is essential in this kit too. A clean shaven appearance goes a long way toward looking your best and making the right impression.
2. LINT BRUSH
Again, business trips mean making a great impression. No one will notice if there isn’t lint on your clothes, but they will surely notice if there is. Make sure you bring your lint brush so you don’t have hair, dandruff or dirt when you go into your meetings. For the flight, keep the brush in your suitcase. When you go to your meetings, make sure to keep your lint brush in your brief case or messenger bag to have it on hand, just in case you need it.
3. BREATH MINTS OR GUM
You will definitely want to grab a cup of coffee on your way into work, but coffee breath won’t win you any friends. They also might help keep you awake for long meetings. Make sure you not only pack breath mints and gum for the trip, but bring them with you each morning. Since you will most likely be meeting a variety of people during your business trip, even potential clients, you will want to make sure you are always making a good impression with fresh breath for those you meet.
4. EXTRA SOCKS, UNDERWEAR, AND TIES
It’s frustrating enough when you can’t find what you are looking for at home, but at least at home there is always a substitute lying around. In a hotel room, you don’t want to be scrambling around looking for the only pair of socks you brought. Save time and stress. Pack extras! Make sure when you pack your ties to roll them so they stay wrinkle-free and ready-to-go when you need them.
5. ELECTRONICS AND THEIR CHARGERS
When it comes to work trips, smart phones and laptops are absolutely necessary. However, they won’t help much if they lose power at the end of the first day. Make sure you remember the chargers! With a dead phone and computer, you are sure to have trouble communicating. Especially if you work in a tech-heavy industry, you want to make sure your devices are always charged.
6. PRESENTATION DOCUMENTS OR WORK FILES
Nothing looks worse that showing up for work unprepared. It’s even worse when you left all your files in another state. Don’t let all your hard work go to waste. Pack your supplies carefully. Consider bringing a flash drive in addition to your computer and phone, in case you run into technical difficulties.
7. A LIST OF THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA
It’s possible that not every minute in this new city will be spent working. Have an idea of some things you might want to do if you get some down time. Go to a museum or try a great restaurant. You are in a new place, so make the most of it! Being in a new city is a perfect excuse to go ro a fun local joint for lunch or dinner. Most cities also have tourist attractions of some kind. Some a bit of time from work to soak of the local atmosphere of the city you are visiting.
Hopefully this list will take a little bit of stress out of planning your business trip. Try to be as organized as possible. Good impressions are important!
