Maybe you’re headed to your very first out-of-town conference. Maybe you’re flying out to see clients every other week.

Whether you’re a novice business traveler or a road warrior, it helps to have a checklist for what to pack, how to pack, and how to prepare for the unexpected when you’re taking a business trip.

Business travel packing tips

• All aboard! Find a roll-aboard bag that not only meets all the major airlines’ maximum carry-on size requirements (14” X 9” X 22”), but also one that allows for easy attachment to a compatible briefcase or other, smaller carry-on bag.
• Keep calm and carry on: If you’re checking a bag, pack one change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case your big bag is delayed. Travel insurance can reimburse the cost of buying essentials during a covered baggage delay, but you may not have enough time to shop for an outfit.
• Arrive wrinkle free: Wear one suit or jacket on the plan to avoid wrinkles. If you take a garment bag and it’s your carry-on, kindly ask a flight attendant if you can stow it in the closet onboard. (Hint: Turning suit jackets inside out can further prevent creases and wrinkles).
• Foot loose! Comfortable loafers, ballet flats and other footwear built for sliding in and out of is best for TSA checkpoints and walking for 14 hours straight on cheap convention center carpeting.
• Plan for the unexpected: Carry a small fix-it kit for minor emergencies during your trip. It might include a few Band-Aids, safety pins, antacids, stain removal stick, blotting papers, etc.
• Mix and match: Choose a few solid colors of shirts, sweaters and jackets that can be layered in different combinations to arrange multiple outfits.
• Bag the liquids: The 3-1-1 Transportation Safety Administration rule still applies for liquids, gels, creams, aerosols and pastes. Remember to bag your mouthwash, deodorant and shaving cream in zip-top bags if you’re carrying them on the plane. You may bring baby formula/breast milk and medications on a plane in higher amounts by declaring them at the TSA checkpoint.
• Stay connected: You’ll want to double and triple check that you have chargers for your laptop, smartphone and tablet and other devices that you’ll be bringing on board. And if you’re flying overseas, remember that the charging device you use at home may not work abroad. That’s because while U.S. wall outlets deliver 110 to 120 volts, other continents and nations run anywhere from 100 to 240 volts. You’ll want to make sure you bring the right adapters and plugs to stay connected. Check out our “Foreign Travel Converter Tips for Guaranteed Electricity” to learn all you need to know.
• Safety first: Travel insurance is a must for frequent business travelers. Why buy insurance if your company is covering the cost of the trip? Because insurance can protect you in case of medical emergencies, baggage problems, trip delays and more. The best travel insurance for business is an annual plan like the  AllTrips Executive Plan, which protects every trip you take in 365 days: business, leisure, bleisure, domestic or international. It’s affordable, too — get a quote!

Your business travel packing list: Essentials for safety and security

□ ID: As of May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID or a passport for domestic flights.
□ Credit cards: Got your personal and business cards?
□ Cash: Even if you rarely carry cash, it can come in handy for tips. (Learn more about tipping – who, when, and how much)
□ Health insurance card: You’ll need this for medical emergencies—although hospitals overseas probably will not accept it. Which is why you need…
□ Travel insurance documents: You can access these easily with the Allyz® TravelSmart app

Your business travel packing list: Clothing, shoes, and accessories

When packing for a business trip, remember that one outfit may not carry you through a full day. At a conference, for instance, you may need a suit for your morning meetings, your company-branded polo for the trade show, and dressier attire for the client dinners. You also may need to adjust your wardrobe on the fly to match what everyone else is wearing. Here are some guidelines for what to pack for a four-day business trip:

□ Two suits, jackets or blazers
□ Matching pants and/or skirts
□ 4 dress shirts or dressy tops
□ 2-3 dresses that can go from day to night
□ 1-2 cardigans or wraps
□ At least one pair of dressy shoes: For women especially, we recommend multiple pairs for various outfits, and also to give your feet a break
□ Belt(s) and tie(s) to match your suits
□ 4 pairs of dress socks or tights
□ 5 sets of underwear: You’ll never regret packing an extra pair
□ Company-branded apparel: This is essential if you’re working a table or booth
□ 2-3 casual shirts
□ 1 pair of jeans or slacks
□ Jacket, coat, and/or other outerwear for the weather
□ 2 sets of sleepwear and/or loungewear
□ Workout clothes: sneakers, athletic socks, shorts, t-shirt, sports bra. Be realistic! If you’re dedicated to your exercise routine, then pack all the gear you need. If you don’t work out regularly, you’re probably not going to start during your business trip.
□ Watch
□ Jewelry and accessories

Your business travel packing list: Health, wellness, and appearance

Many business travel packing checklists include a single item: “Toiletries.” That’s not specific enough! Standards for grooming and appearance are high when you’re traveling for work. And you’re usually super busy, so it’s not always easy to run out and buy something you forgot.

□ Toothbrush: If yours is electric, remember the charger
□ Toothpaste
□ Floss: A travel-size container or floss picks
□ Mouthwash: Carry a small bottle with you for mid-day breath repair
□ Shampoo and conditioner (if you’re loyal to your brands)
□ Dry shampoo or hair powder
□ Hair styling products
□ Hairbrush and comb
□ Hair styling appliances: If you have no faith in the hotel hairdryer, then bring your own. You may also want a flatiron, curling iron, heated brush, rollers, etc.
□ Hair bonnet
□ Hair accessories: Clips, barrettes, ponytail holders
□ Razor + shaving cream or gel
□ Shower cap
□ Body wash/soap
□ Body lotion
□ Face cleanser
□ Face lotion
□ Eye cream
□ All elements of your skincare routine: serums, scrubs, masks, patches, etc.
□ Sunscreen
□ Lip balm
□ Deodorant
□ Fragrance
□ Hand sanitizer
□ Contacts, contact lens solution and case
□ Eyedrops
□ Eyeglasses
□ Lip balm
□ Cotton swabs
□ Nail clipper and file
□ Tweezers
□ Cosmetics and applicators/brushes
□ Magnifying mirror: Hotels don’t always have these
□ Makeup remover wipes
□ Menstruation products
□ Over-the-counter medication for headache, pain, fever, congestion and indigestion/heartburn
□ Rehydration packets: Add electrolytes to water in case you get sick or stay out too late
□ Vitamins/supplements
□ Prescription medication: If you’re heading overseas, make sure your medications aren’t prohibited. Read more about taking prescription medication on your trip.
□ Eye mask and earplugs: Getting good sleep is crucial on a business trip

Your business travel packing list: Electronics and business equipment

Did you know the AllTrips Executive Plan includes protection for your business gear? If equipment is lost/stolen, damaged or delayed by an airline or other carriers, insurance can reimburse reasonable costs for equipment rental, replacement and/or repair.

□ Laptop and power cord
□ Laptop tote or backpack
□ Connection cables if needed
□ Tablet and/or phone charger
□ Backup power bank for charging
□ Any necessary electrical conversion equipment
□ Headphones
□ Client gifts and/or giveaways
□ Promotional materials
□ Business cards

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