Traveling for business brings unique packing challenges. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to be a better packer, I’ve included a list of what I bring in my business travel carry-on.
Know a woman who will be traveling for business for the first time next year? This list is full of great gift ideas!
Luggage
- A backpack like the one above (It has wheels and fits into the carry-on compartment!
- Packing Cubes to organize
- A toiletry bag
The Toiletry Kit
- Face wash
- Tinted moisturizer
- Climate control
- SPF
- Cover up
- Foundation
- Powder
- Mascara
- Eyebrow pencil
- Lip Color – I love this stuff because it lasts all day!
- Lip Gloss
- Toothbrush – Sonicare
- Toothpaste
- Diva Cup
- Fingernail clipper
- Tweezer
- Melatonin
- Tums
- Tylenol
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Hand sanitizer – minis
- Body wash
- 3oz silicone bottles
- Band-Aids
- Toe sleeves – Trust me on this one.
- Baby powder
- Roll-on perfume
- Deodorant
- Straightener if needed
- Small hairspray
Other Eco-Friendly Necessities
Wallet
- Chase Sapphire Credit Card
- Debit card – I use Charles Schwab because there’s no ATM fees anywhere in the world!
- Corporate card
- Business cards
- Cash for incidentals
- Priority Pass for lounge access
Electronics
- Computer
- Bose noise-canceling headphones
- Phone
- Charger & Universal Adapter (if going abroad)
- Power block
- Kindle
- Work stuff (decks, etc)
- Moleskine for note-taking
- Small pouch to store business cards
- Extra pens (Sharpie fine tip)
Clothing
- One top per day
- One blazer or sweater in case conference rooms are chilly
- One pair of pants for every two days
- Enough underwear to last a month 😉
- Workout clothing if your hotel will have a gym
- ‘Plane clothes’
- One set of ‘dinner clothes’ – likely a pair of jeans and an acceptable top, but you may want to stay in your work shirt
- One extra shirt and pair of pants, just in case you’re like me and spill your morning coffee on yourself
- Two pairs of shoes – both must be comfortable! I recommend the LifeStrides brand; they are practical, comfortable, and cute.
Reminder: Pack things that can be used in multiple ways. Wear comfortable shoes during the day that you can also wear to dinner, and don’t be afraid to rewear a classic item such as a black blazer.
Phew! The list is long, but making good impressions is paramount! What else would you add to this list?
What do you say, could you go on a trip with just a carry-on? What is the longest amount of time you’d go with just a carry on?
This post is one of a series of tips & tricks for business travel. For related posts, see:
The younger croud may not find this useful but a small flashlight seems to come in handy just when you need it.