When you’re preparing to venture off on a company trip or another business excursion, the last thing you want is to arrive at your hotel only to realize you brought mismatched cufflinks and nothing but running shoes to wear to that important meeting. Avoid an outfit crisis or a hygiene disaster by creating a list of events you’ll attend, noting the dress code for each, and then making a packing list based off that. For your convenience, here’s a general packing guide for business trips that you can customize to fit your specific needs.
Clothing
Pack according to your schedule. Tailor this list to how many days and how many occasions you’ll need to attend.
- Suits: You’ll need to make sure you have enough suits or suit separates for each day of the trip.
- Undergarments: Bring one pair of undergarments for each night you’ll spend away.
- Casual wear: Bring two separate casual outfits for less formal occasions and for lounging after work concludes for the evening.
- Shoes: Bring a pair of gym shoes or running shoes, sandals (if you’re somewhere warm), house shoes for your hotel, and dress shoes that match the suits you chose to pack.
- Extras: Bring an extra undershirt and an additional button-up shirt in case of spills or sweating.
Accessories
Accessories can be easy items to forget about until you go to check the time and see nothing but a blank wrist.
- Watch: You’ll want a watch if you regularly wear one. More importantly, make sure you bring one that works with all your different outfits, or consider bringing two different colors for matching purposes
- Socks: Bring as many matching sock pairs as you think you’ll need—then add two more pairs.
- Cuff links: If you’re a cuff link wearer, bring a matching set or two. To pack without losing them, keep them in a small container or another small bag altogether.
- Bag: Whether you’re a briefcase guy, a computer bag guy, or even a backpack guy, make sure you have a bag with you so that you can walk confidently into meetings with your hands free for shaking, but with your laptop or tablet ready to go.
Toiletries
You won’t be able to pack most of your toiletries and incidentals until the morning of your trip. Here are the essentials you won’t want to forget.
- Toothbrush/toothpaste: Hotels typically provide these for people who forget theirs, but it’s best not to risk it. Don’t forget to pack yours to ensure fresh breath.
- Hair styling tools: Nobody wants to head into an important lunch with bedhead. Pack your brush, comb, gels, powders, and anything else you normally use to keep your hair looking well-groomed.
- Lotion: Lotions at hotels aren’t always the best. Consider investing in a travel-size version of your favorite hydrating lotion.
- Contacts/glasses/solution: If you wear contact lenses or glasses, don’t forget to pack some solution, a contact case, your glasses and their case, and some glasses cleaner.
- Shaving cream, razor or trimmer, and deodorant: These hygiene and grooming items are absolute essentials.
- Travel day wear: Don’t forget to leave out an outfit to wear to the airport. Many business trippers choose to travel in a suit, but remember, long plane rides can cause swelling in your feet and legs. Consider purchasing a pair of compression socks to keep the swelling down and to lower your risk of blood clots during flight.
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine on Gear, Grooming, Girls, Gadgets
