Do you remember the times, when you got a call from your boss at 5 a.m., and had to pack your bags and leave for the airport to take the 7 a.m. flight? That’s how hectic and random, business travel can be, that too when you are least prepared for it. Business trips are not similar to informal trips, as in the latter case, you have ample time to pack, re-pack, and make arrangements. No matter how easy it sounds, to just pick up the necessary things and dump them in a bag so that you can rush out of the house, there’s always something you miss out at the last minute! To make such travel easy, here are a few simple tips.
Make a Checklist
The first and foremost rule is to make a checklist of all the things you would need to carry. This is important, so you don’t end up missing something essential, and your last-minute travel arrangements are made in time. You can include clothes and toiletries, travel documents, first aid, emergency cash, cell phone, laptop, business documents, and travel tickets in the list. Prepare a common checklist which can be used for any business trip, and stick it in a convenient corner.
Pre-Pack
Now, that you have a well thought checklist, you need to make sure you pack all these items well in advance. It makes sense to purchase a travel bag and use it exclusively for business trips. You can pack all the essentials in organized compartments to avoid confusion. This way, you will save packing time, won’t have to run around for missed items, and will definitely not get delayed in catching your flight.
Carry Extras
During a trip, you never know, what you might run out of! Well, in case of emergencies, always carry an extra toothbrush, towel, pair of socks, business suit, shoes, photocopy of filed documents, cash (don’t depend on debit and credit cards), and pair of clothes.
Be Attentive
It is possible that you may be visiting a new place, therefore, you need to make sure you have the right resources for your destination. In case you have to book your own tickets, make sure you look for the best fares available. Make stay and local travel arrangements in advance, so you won’t have to face unexpected problems. Also, carry addresses, a GPS device, and a language translation book, to avoid getting lost. This is especially important for international travel.
So, if you are packed and ready, have a great trip!
