Business trips are an integral part of planners’ lives. Whether you’re jetting off to site inspections, corporate retreats or fam trips, this list will help ensure you’ve packed everything you’ll need.
1. Travel first-aid kit
Meeting planners are no strangers to long flights, hectic events and stressful contract negotiations. A portable first-aid kit filled with essentials such as Band-Aids, aspirin and sleep aids will keep you from getting sidelined by headaches, jetlag or minor injuries.
2. Noise-canceling headphones
You never know who you’ll be sitting next to on the airplane, so it’s always best to come prepared. Whether you encounter crying babies or snorers, noise-canceling headphones or earplugs will allow you to travel in peace and quiet.
3. Facial wipes
Whether you need to rush to an event immediately after your flight or just want to quickly freshen up after a long journey, you’ll be glad you have a travel pack of facial wipes stashed away in your purse or briefcase.
4. Spare chargers, cables and batteries
These days, it’s not an exaggeration to say that our lives depend on our smartphones, laptops and tablets. It’s crucial to make sure you have everything you need to keep gadgets powered on and get the job done.
5. Snacks
Although meals on business trips can usually be expensed, corporate budgets might limit your options. Keep hunger from getting the best of you by packing a few portable, healthy snacks—trail mix, nut bars and granola are three tasty options.
6. Breath fresheners
Fresh breath is essential for planners who are often out meeting new people and making valuable connections. Ensure that you are making great first impressions by keeping breath spray, mints or strips handy.
7. Travel apps
Many apps are designed to help business travelers have productive, stress-free business trips. TripIt is one standout that makes it easy to keep all the details of your itinerary organized. Expensify (pictured) is another popular app that simplifies business trips by automating the expensing process.
