Road warriors most often have their travel packing down to a quick science. But what about the infrequent traveler? We’ve created a travel checklist of not only what you may want to bring on your upcoming business trip, but also a “to-do” list for that upcoming trip.
Before you travel:
- Sign up for all applicable loyalty programs (airline, hotel, car rental).
- Make sure you have all loyalty program numbers in your reservation.
- Download the airline mobile app for flight delays and gate changes.
- Sign up to receive all travel alerts from your travel agency or airline app.
- Understand your company’s health and travel insurance information.
Additional to-do items for an International business trip
- Make sure your passport is current.
- Alert the bank to prevent your card from being shut off.
- Check out travel.state.gov for visa requirements, local laws and travel alerts.
- Check the websites of the US embassy or consulate for the latest security messages.
- The US Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization provide recommendations for vaccinations and other health precautions when traveling abroad.
- Always carry contact information for the US embassy or consulate with you when traveling abroad.
- Get a letter from your doctor about the medications prescribed to you. Some countries have strict laws on prescription and even over-the-counter drugs.
- Make sure your health insurance is valid overseas. For example, Social Security and Medicare do not provide coverage abroad.
- Make a photocopy of your passport.
What to bring:
My most often forgotten item is my toothbrush. Probably because brushing my teeth is the last thing I do before I walk out the door. And by habit, my toothbrush goes right back to the holder next to the sink. Here is a quick checklist for those necessary items we don’t want you to forget:
- Work clothes
- undergarments
- socks
- belt
- Workout clothes
- Workout shoes
- sleepwear
- hand sanitizer
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- shaving cream and razors
- shampoo and conditioner
- deodorant
- first aid kit
- over the counter medications (ibuprofen, aspirin)
- prescriptions
- glasses
- contact lens solution, case
- ear plugs
- mobile device, laptop
- phone charger, laptop charger
- Business materials
- Business cards
- travel comforts – headphones, books, magazines, language guides
Looking for more travel packing tips? Check out some of our other packing blog posts:
