CHECKLISTS | HOW TO PACK FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL

Packing for a business trip isn’t easy. There’s the fear of overpacking like a complete newbie and the ever-present-worry that you’ll forget something.

We found 3 guys with miles of successful packing experience between them and asked their advice for key business-travel tips. Learn from their experience and spend less time packing and a bit more on that presentation.

Software developer turned marketing specialist, Nicklas Mortensen, suggests packing a versatile wardrobe that lends itself to business formal and business casual.



WARDROBE:

• 4 shirts (2 white, 1 blue, 1 patterned)
• 3 pants (2 black, 1 khaki)
• 2 blazers (1 gray, 1 dark blue)
• 2 pairs of shoes (1 black, 1 brown)
• 1 reversible belt (brown/black)

ACCESSORIES:

• 4-5 pocket squares
• 2 pairs of cufflinks
• 4-5 ties
• 2 tie bars (1 gold, 1 silver)
• Sunglasses

TECH AND ESSENTIALS:

• Leather laptop bag
• Charger
• Headphones

GROOMING AND MAINTENANCE:

• Steamer

PACKING TIPS:

• Pack flat, sorted in levels
• Shoes in bags to prevent stains

GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE:

• Pack the night before
• Wear comfortable travel attire – consider elastic travel suits

Nicklas's packing advice emphasizes versatility and preparedness, ensuring that business travelers can maintain a professional appearance while minimizing luggage and maximizing outfit options.

Brett Snyder, airline industry analyst and president of Cranky Flier and Cranky Concierge, believes packing in a duffel bag is the way to travel.

WARDROBE:

• 2 pairs of pants
• 2 shirts (non-iron preferred)
• 1 belt
• 1 pair of shoes

TRAVEL OUTFIT:

• Long pants
• Shoes
• Belt
• Sweater

TECH AND ESSENTIALS:

• Laptop bag
• Phone charger
• Laptop charger
• Pens
• Medications

PACKING TIPS:

• Pack flat for short trips
• Roll clothes if short on space
• Place pants on the bottom, shoes next, then other items

GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE:

• Wear a business-ready outfit to save space
• Hang up clothes and iron upon arrival
• Allow extra time for delays and arrive the night before meetings

Brett advocates for efficiency and practicality, suggesting the use of a duffel bag to avoid baggage claim delays and recommending careful outfit planning to travel light and stay organized.

WARDROBE:

• 3 shirts (white and blue)
• 2 pairs of chinos (black and khaki)
• 2 ties (1 solid color, 1 patterned)
• 1 pair of black leather shoes
• 1 black leather belt
• 1 watch (wear another)

TECH AND ESSENTIALS:

• Power bank for phone
• Charger for laptop
• Phone charger
• Laptop
• Toiletry bag
• Ticket and passport (placed on top for easy access)

PACKING TIPS:

• Pack flat to save space
• Shoes in a shoe bag go in first
• Accessories, pants, shirts, chargers, laptop, toiletry bag
• Plan and pack only what you'll wear

TRAVEL TIPS:

• Use a duffel bag to avoid baggage claim
• Choose a professional-looking bag (leather preferred)
• Show up early at the airport (2 hours before flight)
• Use waiting time productively or to relax

NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT:

• Power bank for phone

ADVICE FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL BEGINNERS:

• Assume something might go wrong and plan accordingly
• Arrive early at the airport and use the time effectively

Casper focuses on strategic packing and maintaining a professional image, advising the use of a duffel bag and thoughtful outfit selection to streamline travel and present a polished appearance.

1. Begin by laying the jacket flat.
2. Flat is key to staying wrinkle-free. You can use a pin to ensure the front and back stay together (and flat). It’s optional and not recommended on fragile fabrics.
3. Turn the jacket over and fold one side in. Line it up with the center back seam.
4. Flatten the sleeve along the fold line. Aim for smooth and flat. Repeat on the other side.
5. Your jacket should now look like this. Now, fold it in half (starting from the bottom).
6. Your folded suit jacket or blazer should resemble this.
7. You’re now ready to pack it away. Remember to hang it up as soon as you arrive at your destination.

1. Begin by laying the dress shirt flat with the buttons facing down.
2. Fold one side in. Line it up with the center of the shirt.
3. Flatten the sleeve along the fold line. Aim for smooth and flat.
4. Repeat the steps on the other side.
5. Flatten the sleeve over the first sleeve as pictured.
6. Fold the shirt in half by folding from the bottom.
7. Your folded dress shirt should look like this. Ready for packing! Be sure to hang it up when you reach the hotel.

1. Begin by laying the dress shirt flat with the buttons facing down.
2. Fold the shirt completely in half by bringing one sleeve over to meet the other.
3. Fold both sleeves down as pictured.
4. Starting at the bottom, carefully roll the shirt toward the collar.
5. Your rolled dress shirt should look like this. Ready for your luggage. Remember to hang it up upon arrival and iron if necessary.

1. Avoid checking luggage in at all costs. Invest in a bag you can carry on the plane.
2. For short trips, pack one suit and a fresh shirt each day.
3. Always pack a casual set of clothes and shoes. Something you can wear to run to McDonald’s at 2 in the morning if you need to. Plus, changing out of a suit after a long day and business dinner into something comfortable is worth the space it consumes.
4. Hang and iron your clothes as soon as you get to the hotel. Test the hotel iron on a towel first to check if it’s stained or broken.
5. If you’re going to travel a lot, have a fully-stocked toiletry bag on hand. Complete with airplane-approved sizes. Toss it in your bag and go.
6. Pack a laundry bag to separate dirty clothes. It makes packing to return home easier.
7. Always have digital copies of your passport and travel documents on your phone.
8. Look for suits and clothing with elastane and designed for traveling. Many items are wrinkle-free and dry quickly if you do have a spill.
9. If you’re going from the plane to a meeting, make use of the airport bathroom. A quick freshen up can take from miserable to ready.
10. Never leave home without moisturiser and lip balm. The air gets dry up there.