Last Updated on September 20, 2022 by Rose Morah
When going on a business trip, proper planning and preparation can help save you time and money and ensure that you enjoy your trip.
In this article, we have listed some essential tips for preparing for a business trip.
Related: Hotel Safety Tips For Business Travelers.
Tips for preparing for a business trip
1. Pack as light as possible
The most common mistake that most people make is overpacking. I highly recommend packing to a minimum.
For example, when going on a long business trip, let’s say a 5-days trip, you don’t need to pack clothes for all those days. Instead, you could carry very little business attire and do regular laundry at your travel destination.
In other words, you don’t need to carry 20 pants for a 5 day-trip!
2. Try to fit all your things in one carry-on case
Have you ever been in a situation where you arrive at your destination but your luggage is nowhere to be found?
Well, imagine that happening on your business trip!
I have experienced that and it, unfortunately, ruined my trip in general because I was on a tight schedule and had nothing to wear.
Therefore, putting everything in one carry-on case that you will board with can save you the time you might lose on baggage reclaim.
This is another reason why you need to pack light!
You may also like: Clever Ways To Keep Your Money Safe When Traveling (Money Hiding Hacks).
3. Get a lightweight laptop
If you are going to be very busy traveling from one place to another during your business trip, then a lightweight laptop will be very useful.
From a personal experience, laptops tend to get heavier when you are traveling a lot with them, thus making you uncomfortable as the day wears on.
However, a lighter laptop is more comfortable to carry, especially if you are carrying two of them (your own laptop and the corporate laptop). The corporate laptop may have monitoring and therefore can’t be used for personal uses.
4. Pick a good hotel chain
This is for business travelers who do regular trips.
With a good hotel chain, you can start collecting points that are redeemable for different rewards such as, air tickets, vouchers, cashback, and so on.
A good example is the Hilton hotel. I have always used them when going on business trips. Thus, I got the diamond status with automatic upgrades within a short time.
5. Get a good VPN
If you are going to be using hotel WiFi or any public WiFi, then I recommend getting a good VPN for security purposes.
6. Keep your ID and passport separate when traveling
I recommend keeping your passport and ID separately. Otherwise, when you keep them in the same place and you lose one, you’ll have lost both!
Carrying them separately ensures that you don’t end up losing all, which can leave you stranded and with nothing to prove your identity when traveling internationally.
7. Have a second phone
It is very easy to lose your phone, especially when you are tired.
Therefore, having two phones is very important, especially if you travel a lot.
That way, if you were to misplace one, your whole trip will not be messed up.
This tip is also from a personal experience. I learned the hard way!
8. Get comfortable shoes
Before going on your business trip, get good quality and comfortable pair of shoes.
This is because the shoes you wear can easily ruin your trip if they are uncomfortable.
And another thing, if the shoes are new, make sure you wear them a few times before your trip. Sometimes shoes may feel comfortable, but after walking for some time they start to hurt or become uncomfortable.
Business trip packing checklist
1. Pack a long extension lead
One thing I noticed is that most hotel rooms don’t have plug sockets by the bed.
Personally, I consider this important because I always like to be able to charge my phone by the bed because my phone is also my alarm.
Therefore, with a long extension lead, I’m able to reach the phone while it’s charging when the alarm goes off.
2. Carry a portable battery pack
Having a portable battery pack is important, especially if you are going to spend a lot of time on the plane and at the airport during your business trip.
3. Carry a small plastic folder
Having a small plastic folder ensures that your small records stay neat and organized while traveling.
Personally, I carry a plastic folder for my receipts, for any expense claims.
Other things to pack:
- Pack a few snacks.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
All the best!