Ultimate Business Trip Packing List: 100+ Essentials and Items You Should Consider Packing

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more

Use my ultimate business trip packing list to help you pack and plan with confidence for an upcoming business trip, and hopefully pick up a few tips along the way.

For several years, I moved from country to country, speaking and conferences and organizing events, with everything from portable projectors to hard drives with invaluable data stored in my luggage. Trust me, I know how stressful it can be to travel for work!

This list not only draws on my personal experience but also our insightful business travel tips rundown, which features expert advice from 18 globetrotting entrepreneurs and business travelers.

Business Trip Packing List

I’ve tried to leave no stone unturned with this mammoth packing list. Not all of it will be applicable to you, but it should help you consider everything you would need to pack and plan for.

It’s also free to download. You can find the download link at the end of this article. Download the PDF, print it off, and use it to help you pack with confidence.

Oh, and whatever you’re traveling for, be it a conference, keynote speaker event, or networking, the very best of luck!

Travel Documents

For both domestic and international travel, the same protocols, such as entering another country with your passport, still apply. Consider packing the following documents:

1. Passport

2. Required Documents

Depending on if you’re visiting another country, be sure to do your research for visa and entry requirements. Keep these documents in a separate folder.

3. Travel Insurance

If you’re leaving the country, no matter how short your trip, make sure you’re covered.

4. Driver’s License

5. Rental Car Confirmation

If you have rented a car, print off all the documents and have them on hand.

6. Business Trip Itinerary

From conference agendas to your personal travel schedule, make sure you have everything written down in a diary or folder. You could even use our travel binder to help you.

7. Debit and Credit Cards

If you do a lot of business travel, get yourself a credit card with a points or reward scheme. Take a look at our business travel tips article for advice.

8. Emergency Contacts

9. Document Copies

Keep photocopies of all key documents and have them in a folder, just in case you can’t access your digital copies, or lose the originals.

Health and Personal Care

Even if you’re feeling energized and refreshed, your personal health should not be taken for granted. Particularly if you are traveling by plane, consider packing the following items.

10. Medication

No matter how short your business trip, always be prepared. If you take any custom medication, naturally, make sure it is packed. You could also get yourself a small medication bag and consider packing the following:

Pain Relief
Birth Control
Allergy Medication
Antacids
First-Aid Kit
Insect Repellent
Vitamins

If you are traveling abroad, double-check the rules for bringing medication into the country. There may restrictions on the types of medication, or quantity, you can bring in.

11. Hand Sanitizer

Check Price on Amazon

It’s always good to have hand sanitizer with you on the plane. You can use it before eating food or after going to the toilet.

12. Latex Gloves

Especially for going to the toilet, latex gloves are easy to pack. Once used, you can simply discard them.

13. Airplane Seat Cover

Check Price on Amazon

An airplane seat cover can help combat against germs, especially as most seats are fabric, so are difficult to wipe down, unlike plastic or hard surfaces.

14. Antibacterial Wipes

Check Price on Amazon

Not just useful for the plane, but also for airports, toilets, and even hotels.

Tech and Electronics

There’s a lot to consider here, especially if you’re speaking or running an event or workshop. My attitude when traveling for work was it was already better to have my own equipment, rather than rely on someone else.

I would even travel with my own HDMI cable and Macbook convertor, because I lost count of the number of times I’d show up at a space and they wouldn’t have the right tech. Pack accodingly, and consider the following items.

15. Main Laptop and Charger

16. Backup Laptop and Charger

You may struggle for space, but even an ultraportable laptop, tablet, or older laptop as a failsafe as a backup, just in case, will give you peace of mind in case your main laptop has an issue.

17. Business Phone and Charger

18. Personal Phone and Charger

19. Tablet and Charger

I found having a tablet always helped at conferences and speaking events. It can be used as an additional screen, a place to refer to your notes, or you can use it with projectors if your main laptop doesn’t work.

20. Portable Battery

Check Price on Amazon

Both a lifesaver on long flights and at events where you may not have proximity or access to a power socket. Remember to charge it fully the night before you fly or go to your event. It works as a portable battery for both your laptop and your phone.

21. Multi-Charger

Traveling with a multi-charger was a real game-changer for me. It was not uncommon for me to have to charge three, four, or even five devices all at once when traveling for work. Having one unit to change everything from just makes life easier, especially in hotel rooms or at airport lounges.

22. Travel Adapter

Check Price on Amazon

An essential if you’re traveling abroad, I would also recommend getting one that comes with a universal power strip.

23. Travel Router

Public wifi can often be hit or miss, especially in hotels. If you’re willing to put the time in to set it up, a personal travel router can help strengthen your connection, and give you your own access point.

24. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Check Price on Amazon

Whether it be for helping you sleep on a flight, or getting focussed work down, both noise-canceling headphones and earbuds are a sound investment. I’ve had my Boise noise-canceling earbuds for years, and they still haven’t let me down.

25. Bluetooth Speaker

You’d be amazed at how many rooms and events have an issue with sound when it comes to talks and workshop events. If you can provide your own source of sound that is already synced up to your device, you give yourself another failsafe.

Comfort

These items are not only suitable for plane travel but also for sleeping in hotel rooms and other accommodations. You never know how loud or uncomfortable a certain place or room may be.

26. Travel Pillow

27. Sleeping Mask

28. Earplugs

29. Collapsible Water Bottle

You can generally fill up your water bottle from water fountains for free at airports and bus stations.

30. Travel Blanket

31. Anti-Nausea Bands

32. Snack Pack

Snacks like nuts, protein bars, and chopped fruit are easy to travel with, and can give you something to eat if there are no options around you.

Entertainment

For that time on the plane, or evenings in the hotel room, once you’re happy everything has been prepared, you’ll need ways to relax and unwind. Make sure you have ways to entertain yourself and consider the following.

33. Fire TV Stick

Check Price on Amazon

Most new hotel TVs now have HDMI and USB port access, meaning you can bring the likes of a Fire TV stick with you, plug it in, connect to the internet, and watch shows.

34. Pre-Downloaded Offline Shows and Movies

35. Pre-Downloaded Offline Playlist

36. Kindle Paperwhite

37. Travel Journal

Glasses and Eyewear

If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure you pack the following items in your luggage.

38. Glasses with Case

39. Backup Pair of Glasses

40. Contact Lenses

41. Eyeglass Repair Kit

Luggage

For how long your business trip is and the type of travel you’ll be doing will generally determine how much luggage you will need. If you can get away with a carry-on and backpack or briefcase, try to travel lighter.

Sometimes, however, for international or longer trips, you will need a combination of a suitcase, carry-on, and other luggage to bring everything with you. Here are some considerations.

42. Lightweight Suitcase

How long you are going for will really depend on whether you need to bring checked luggage with you. When I traveled for business, I typically had a lot of expensive tech with me, so I had no choice but to bring a suitcase with me along with my backpack and carry-on.

If you have a lot to pack, or your business travel is more than a weekend or few days, definitely consider bringing packing a lightweight suitcase that is easy to maneuver.

43. Carry On

Check Price on Amazon

The carry-on is so often the go-to for business travel. Many frequent business travelers vouch for packing lighter and trying to keep everything in their carry-on to save space and time.

We have guides on both underseat luggage and wheeled backpacks, which can be your trusted companion when traveling for business.

44. Briefcase with Slide

Check Price on Amazon

A briefcase with a slide can be easily carried over your carry-on handle, keeping your other hand free.

45. Anti-Theft Backpack

Especially if you’re traveling with a laptop and expensive tech, consider an anti-theft backpack to keep your valuables safe. Have a look at our anti-theft backpack picks for some ideas.

46. Garment Bag

Check Price on Amazon

If traveling with a suit or expensive dress, consider a garment bag to keep it protected and clean.

47. Packing Cubes

I never travel without packing cubes. While their ability to save space may be a myth, they are so good for organizing your luggage. Have a look at our guide to packing cubes for more advice, and for some recommended products.

Conference/Meeting Clothing

Depending on the type of conference or event you’re attending, you’ll want to pack smart and appropriate clothing, especially if you’re going to have an audience.

Also, consider the numbers of days the event or conference is, and the number of certain items you’ll need to pack. Some of these items of clothing and accessories can help give you ideas.

48. Suit Jacket

49. Waistcoat

50. Shirt

51. Tie

52. Slacks

53. Blouse

54. Pencil Dress

55. Pencil Skirt

56. Jumpsuit

57. Belt

58. Tights

59. Coat or Jacket

60. Underwear

61. Sewing Repair Kit

In case something rips or tears, it’s always good to have a repair kit handy, so that you can fix clothing from your accommodation or hotel room.

Networking/Dinner Clothing

Depending on the nature of the event, often dinner or social gatherings will have a different vibe and dress code.

You may be able to wear what you have on during the day. However, consider packing some of the following, which may be more suitable for dinner, drinks, and informal gatherings. You may also want to change clothes in between the business event and the evening event.

62. Smart Casual Shirt

63. Smart Casual Top

64. Dress

65. Slacks (or Jeans)

Downtime Clothing

Outside of business hours, you’ll want to feel relaxed and comfortable at the hotel or in the city. Yes, put a lot of thought into your business or meeting attire, but also make sure to pack clothing for the evenings and in your downtime.

66. Tops

67. Casual Dresses

68. Jeans

69. Pants or Jogging Bottoms

70. Workout Clothes

71. Pajamas

72. Spare Underwear

73. Rain Jacket

74. Swimsuit/wear

If there’s a pool at the hotel, you may want to go for a swim for some much needed downtime.

Footwear

To go with both your business and casual attire, consider what footwear you would need to pack. You may be able to get away with one smart pair of shoes, or you may have to pack multiple pairs to work with different outfits.

75. Brogues

76. Loafers

77. Heels

78. Wedges

79. Flats

80. Trainers or Sneakers

Toiletries

If you’re only traveling with a carry-on, you will need to limit the toiletries you travel with, or make sure the toiletries you do travel with can come on the plane with you. Make sure liquids are packed into 100ml bottles, and you will need to forgo accessories such as razors.

If you have a checked bag, you can travel with a large toiletries bag. It’s important to look and feel your best for business meetings and events, so travel with all your essential and desired toiletries. That way, you can focus all your time on the job at hand.

81. Toiletries Bag/Case which could contain:

Solid Shampoo
Solid Conditioner
Shower Gel and/or Soap
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Floss
Face Wash
Moisturizer
Lip Balm
Perfume/Cologne
Razor
Shaving Cream
Beard Oil
Feminine Hygiene Products
Nail Clippers and File
Tweezers
Clippers
Stain Remover Stick

Beauty

You should always look and feel your best self, no matter what your business trip entails. For both your hair and skin, consider packing the following in a separate pouch or weekender bag that you can put in your suitcase or carry on.

82. Makeup

83. Makeup Remover

84. Hair Dryer

85. Hair Straightener

86. Curling Iron

87. Hairbrush

88. Hairstyling Products

Jewelry

If you’re planning to travel with jewelry, make sure you have a stylish and sturdy case to carry it in.

89. Jewelry Case to carry:

Necklaces
Earrings
Bracelets
Watches

Reward and Loyalty Schemes

If you frequently travel for business, you could be missing out on upgrades, hotel stays, and free flights if you’re not a member of reward and loyalty programs. Consider the following:

90. Rewards Credit Card

Whether it’s through your company, or your own personal business, booking with a credit card with rewards and points will only make your business trips more comfortable and enjoyable.

In time, you can use your points and rewards to upgrade on flights, book hotel stays, and gain access to the likes of co-working memberships.

91. TSA Pre-Check, Clear, and Global Entry

Several of the business travelers I spoke to for our business travel tips article recommended the TSA pre-check, clear, and global entry membership, for fast and efficient boarding and moving through airports.

92. Air Miles Membership

If you consistently fly with the same airplane or family of airlines, definitely sign up for a frequent flyer membership.

93. Lounge Pass

Airport lounges offer food, comfort, and lots of perks. If you fly for business frequently, have a look at our ways to get airport lounge access article to see what the best option would be for you.

94. Co-Working Membership

Hotel wifi can be slow and hotels uncomfortable. If you need to get work done on your business trip, consider a co-working pass or membership that gives you access to multiple locations, such as WeWork.

95. Pre-Booked Access to Call/Meeting Room

In addition to your co-working membership, be sure you have a quiet place booked that only you have access to for calls and meetings.

Event Prep

Naturally, only you are going to know what you need for your upcoming business trip. However, here are some classic items and essentials to consider taking with you.

96. Agenda

Have everything written down or documented beforehand, in a diary, on a separate sheet in a folder, or digitally recorded in your calendar.

97. Business Cards

It may be a little old school, but business cards are still a great way to pass on your information to start a conversation outside of the event.

98. Contact Details (Physical or Digital)

Nowadays, people will want to take your phone, email, or other details. Have something physical or digital ready to give to people when they ask.

99. USB Stick or Portable Hard Drive

Keep your files and important documents for the event both on your machine, and also saved to a separate stick or hard drive for easy access.

100. Powerpoint/Slide Deck/Presentation

Keep multiple copies of this, on both your laptop and external devices. Also double check your connectivity, and whether you have the right setup and cables.

101. Company Branded Stationary/Merch

If you are representing your company or a client, consider bringing stationary and merch with you to give to people.

102. Pen and Notepad

Digital and Security

Lastly, security, both physical and digital, should be a big consideration when traveling for business. Go that extra mile to protect yourself, and give yourself a little more peace of mind.

103. VPN Account

Security is paramount when traveling for work, and using public wifis without protection can be very risky. To this day, I still use Express VPN to give me protection when working from coffee shops, hotels, and co-working spaces abroad.

104. Password Manager

105. Data Bundle from Phone Provider

Check with your provider how much data you have with your monthly contract. You may need to use your phone as a hotspot if the wifi is weak or not accessible.

106. SIM with Pre-Loaded Data

If you’re traveling abroad and your provider isn’t giving you a good deal, consider buying a SIM with data in the place you are traveling to.

107. USB Data Blocker

When using public USB ports for charging, such as in airports, use a data blocker like this one for USB Type A or this one for USB Type C to stop potential downloads of your data.

108. Travel Safe

For keys, flash drives, credit cards, and other smaller valuables, you could travel with a portable safe.

109. Contents and Business Insurance

Double-check what your travel or business insurance covers you for when working away from home, and if required, change your policy accordingly.

Summary

Naturally, not everything in this list will be applicable to you. What I wanted to do, however, was try to bring absolutely all considerations to the table, so that you can think of everything before you pack.

Feel free to download my free packing list using the link below. From there, you can print off the PDF, cross out the items you don’t need, and start planning your trip with confidence.

I really hope you find this list helpful. It draws on the insight from just under 20 different business travelers, so there’s a wealth of knowledge and experience that has gone into curating this list.

Download Your Business Trip Packing List Here

You Might Also Like to Read

Save and Pin for Later

Going on a business trip soon? Keep my packing list for safekeeping by saving it to one of your trip planning boards.

Author: Dale Johnson is a content writer and graphic designer, who has traveled to 30+ countries and was a full-time digital nomad for over three years.