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.
1 Checklists | how to pack for business travel1.1 Nicklas mortensen’s 4-3-2-2 packing checklist for business travel1.2 Brett snyder’s roll & go packing checklist for business travel1.3 Casper felskov’s space-saving business travel packing checklist1.4 How to fold & pack a suit jacket1.5 How to fold a dress shirt for travel1.6 How to roll a dress shirt for travel1.7 10 travel tips from expert travellers1.8 Shop for travel
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 trousers (2 black, 1 khaki)
- 2 blazers (1 grey, 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:
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 emphasises versatility and preparedness, ensuring that business travellers can maintain a professional appearance while minimising luggage and maximising 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 trousers
- 2 shirts (non-iron preferred)
- 1 belt
- 1 pair of shoes
TRAVEL OUTFIT:
- Long trousers
- Shoes
- Belt
- Jumper
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 trousers 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 organised.
WARDROBE:
- 3 shirts (white and blue)
- 2 pairs of chinos (black and khaki)
- 2 ties (1 solid colour, 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, trousers, 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:
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.