With concerns about air safety and airline fees on the rise, packing and panning are an important part of an efficient business travel experience. Traveling for business differs from leisure travel in many ways, including what to bring and pack. Business travelers often are on tight schedules and should focus on bringing only the items necessary for their trips.
Documentation
Bring the appropriate documentation, such as a U.S. passport or valid driver license. U.S. passports are recognized by airport workers in every state and are required for most international travel. Print your boarding passes ahead of time, so that you don't have to wait in line to receive them at the airport.
Clothing
Business travelers often must wear a suit for meetings and other events at their destinations. Carrying a suit bag is inefficient, and packing a suit in luggage can cause crease and wrinkles. Instead, wear your suit and dress shoes on the plane, and back extra button-down shirts and undershirts in your carry-on luggage. Consider purchasing no-wrinkle shirts for business travel. Also, pack a single casual outfit in your carry-on that you can wear when you aren't working.
Luggage
Checking full-sized suitcases costs extra on some airlines and can be a hassle for you on both ends of a flight. If possible, pack everything you need for your trip in a 22-inch, rolling carry-on bag. You can also bring aboard a bag with a laptop, a briefcase or purse for personal items.
Liquids
Airport security has strict rules about the size of liquid containers that you can take on planes. You must place liquids and gels in a 1-quart, zippered, clear plastic storage bag; no container can store more than 3 ounces. Keep it simply by purchasing travel-sized bottles of shampoo, hair gel, deodorant, lotion and any other toiletries you use.
Technology
Staying connected is an essential part of most business trips. Pack your cell phone and its charger, your laptop and charger, as well as other technological items that you use regularly for your job. Charge your laptop and cell phone fully before your trip. Be ready to quickly remove your laptop from its tote bag and send it through the airport security scanner.
Tags: your laptop, business travel, Business travelers, Business travelers often, cell phone, travelers often
