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Creating a Business Travel Checklist

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If you have ever arrived at your destination and discovered that you left something important behind, you know the frustration it causes. The best way to avoid disappointments like this is to create a Business Travel Checklist that is customized to you. You likely have a running to-do list and you can think of a checklist as a similar organizational tool. Forgetting an item can cause wasted time going to a store to buy what you need. But what if you forgot to bring the flash drive that has your PowerPoint presentation? A business travel checklist ensures you will always have what you need.

What is a Business Travel Checklist

A business travel checklist is not simply a packing list, but a list that includes everything you might need for a successful business trip, including travel documents, business supplies, electronics, toiletries, and itineraries. Once you make a checklist you will never have to worry about leaving something behind again.

Here are some items that should be on your list

  • Travel documents (Passport, license, insurance cards, vaccination record)
  • Business supplies/work documents/flash drives
  • Electronics (Laptop/tablet, hotspot, power cords)
  • Clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Personal items (ID, cash, work credit card)

Business Travel Checklist Considerations

Your personal style and preferences will factor into the items you put on your checklist. As an example, if you can sleep on a plane without a little pillow and eye shade, there is no point in putting them on the list. Remember that this checklist will be your go-to resource for all trips so don’t overlook any details. As you continue to refine your checklist, you will identify items that you carry with you that are “just in case” and may be a waste of space and weight. You’ll realize the importance of small items such as Shout-Wipes™ to remove stains. Identify the creature comforts that you like to travel with like your snazzy water bottle with a built-in filter. Your list should be thorough enough to know that every item you might possibly need as been packed.

What Makes a Good Business Travel Checklist?

A good checklist covers all the bases and makes travel packing faster and more efficient. Whether you are heading out to close a big deal, attend a convention or prospect a new market, you should have everything you need and be confident about it. You don’t have to take every item on your checklist with you but rather pick and choose what you need to pack based on your trip type, destination, and personal needs. If you are a new business traveler, there are two types of “essentials” to consider when packing: The first is your wardrobe selection based upon the details of your trip. The second essentials consideration are the things that will always go, no matter what – like toiletries. You can improve your packing efficiency by pre-assembling necessities, so they are grab-and-go ready. As an example, your toiletrie bag should be kept stocked with the items you need. Never take the products you use everyday at home. Maintain an entirely separate collection for travel, in TSA-approved miniature sizes. You will never be without your toothbrush, lip balm, essential makeup, or a razor if you have a full kit ready to travel.

The same goes for your electronics. Rather than travel with a bunch of cords, backup batteries, power adapters and Wi-Fi hotspots, invest in accessories that serve multiple devices from a single unit. Assemble a to-go bag of needed tech accessories and keep it ready-to-go.

How Do You Know What You’ll Need?

Every business trip is different. What you’ll need depends on where you’re going, the weather, your events, meetings, free time, and how long you will be gone. This is why you should consult your business travel checklist each time you pack.

A List to Get You Started

  • Passport/ID
  • Boarding pass 
  • Laptop/Tablet and charger
  • Headphones
  • Phone charger
  • Notebook and pen
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Pajamas
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • 1 set of workout clothes
  • 1 suit with two matching dress shirts
  • 1 pair of pants/jeans
  • 2 nice shirts/tops
  • Light jacket/sweater
  • 1 pair of dressy shoes
  • 1 pair of travel shoes
  • Swim suit (depending on destination)
  • Glasses/contacts
  • Earbuds
  • Sunglasses
  • Coat/rain jacket 
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Razor & shaving cream
  • Mini shampoo and conditioner
  • Hairbrush
  • Dry shampoo
  • Deodorant
  • Prescriptions
  • Pain reliever
  • Tsa-approved first aid kit
  • Moisturizer
  • Makeup 
  • Lip balm
  • Tide to-go
  • Shout Wipes
  • Handi-Wipes
  • Portable power bank charger
  • Downloaded movies, music and podcasts 
  • Gum/mints 
  • Healthy snacks