1. Determine the required minimum of things
If you often travel on business, then you probably already know what things you need and what you can do without. But if you are just starting to travel on business, the list of essentials will have to be adjusted. However, after a few trips you will know exactly what minimum set you need away from home.
If you are a novice traveler, it makes sense to collect things according to the list before your first business trips. A few days before your trip, divide the sheet into several columns or create a table in an electronic document. Each column is a category of things you will need.
For example, “Working documents”, “Clothes and shoes”, “Gadgets”, “Medicines”, “Cosmetics”. Or other categories that are important to you. Write down all the necessary things in each column. You may forget something.
So keep a notepad or file open and add the item you need to the list as soon as you remember it.
Pack your suitcase based on your list. This way, you definitely won’t leave your headphones, charger, or pack of vitamins at home that you’re used to drinking in the morning. And don’t forget to charge all your gadgets, as well as your power bank, before your trip.
2. Add business or formal wear to the list.
The necessary minimum of things will help you not freeze and not suffer from the heat, as well as change clothes if necessary. But perhaps you have business meetings or negotiations coming up. Or maybe a corporate event or reception. Clothes and accessories for this event should also be chosen in advance. And think about how to transport them.
On morning flights you can see passengers in business suits and ties. And others who are dressed in jeans and a hoodie, but carry an ironed suit in a special clothes case. Perhaps the first ones are going to go straight from the airport to a meeting. The latter, most likely, plan to change clothes at the hotel and then go on business.
There are probably others among the passengers whose suit is in their suitcase. They can iron their clothes at the hotel. This is a good solution for those who have meetings planned in the afternoon or even the next day.
Think about what will be more convenient for you. But first, find out if your airline allows you to take clothes on hangers, packed in a special case, into the cabin. If not, you will have fewer options.
3. Prepare for jet lag
This is important if you experience jet lag of several hours. You may have difficulty falling asleep in the evening. Therefore, take a sleep mask and earplugs with you. Maybe a cup of hot chocolate before bed will help – try to prepare everything you need in advance.
And don’t forget about the alarm clock on your smartphone. It can be turned on in advance, even before the trip. And don’t worry about oversleeping. Just check what wake-up time you set and whether you took into account the difference in time zones.
4. Try to pack everything you need in your hand luggage
If you travel light, you won’t have to wait at the airport for your luggage and waste time. And you certainly won’t have to deal with a lost suitcase and think about how to replace the lost things.
Airlines usually allow you to take up to 10 kg into the cabin. But there are exceptions: the carrier may object to carry-on luggage weighing more than 5 kg.
You need to learn about all the rules in advance so as not to encounter any unpleasant surprises when checking in for your flight.
It is worth packing clothes in plastic bags – garbage bags are perfect for this purpose. You may need a travel kit for creams, lotions and other cosmetics. Plastic bottles with a capacity of 100 ml in a transparent cosmetic bag will allow you to use your usual products away from home. Well, shampoo and soap are usually available at the hotel.
It is better to transport all small items not in bulk, but in packaging. Small closed covers or cases are useful for cosmetics, hygiene products and a travel first aid kit. They can be collected in advance, replenished if necessary and kept ready for the next trip. It is also worth having several folders or plastic envelopes for documents. They are also convenient to transfer from one bag to another without wasting time.
5. Prepare in advance for pre-boarding security screening
After check-in, passengers always undergo pre-boarding control. Different airports may have their own security screening procedures. But you definitely shouldn’t put your laptop at the bottom of your bag or suitcase. You may need to take it, as well as your tablet and smartphone, out of your carry-on luggage and put it in a separate tray.
You may also be asked to remove your shoes—sneakers or thick-soled boots. Consider whether you will be comfortable staying in your socks. It may be worth preparing plastic shoe covers or disposable slippers in advance.
6. Make a separate list of all the contacts you need
If you are flying to old partners, you probably already know who you will be dealing with. But if you are going to communicate with people from a company that is new to you, you should prepare for the meeting. And write down on a separate piece of paper or enter in a special file all the names and contact details of the people you can contact.
If you often go on business trips, you can create a separate folder where there will be information about all your contacts.
Yes, you have some data in your messenger or in your smartphone’s memory. But they may not be enough. And the website of the organization you need does not always contain up-to-date information. Therefore, it is worth writing down the company’s address separately – both electronic and physical. And also the names of the people you need, their phone numbers or user names in the messenger.
Perhaps one of your contacts will have a rare or difficult to remember name. In this case, you should practice pronouncing it in advance so as not to get confused during a meeting or negotiations.
7. Book a taxi or airport transfer in advance
This is especially true if you find yourself in a new city for the first time. Especially if your flight arrives at night. In this case, you will probably find a taxi, but the trip may cost you much more than if you booked it in advance.
Find out in advance whether your employer will pay not only the hotel room, but also the transfer to the hotel. If yes, then you don’t have to worry. Even if your flight is delayed, you will be greeted at the gate by a hotel representative holding a sign with your name. This is convenient, especially if you have important meetings shortly after arrival and there is no time to waste.
8. Have some cash ready
It is possible that cashless payment options may not be available in hotels or stores. In order not to rush to look for an ATM, it is worth carrying a small amount of cash with you. Prepare several not very large bills and place them separately from bank cards.
And remember that over time you will come up with your own life hacks that will help you travel comfortably on business trips. And if you already have them, feel free to share them in the comments!
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