NYC Office Suites is where business professionals turn to when they need to book a meeting or conference room by the hour in Midtown Manhattan. With prime locations, like Rockefeller Center and the Graybar Building, we work with many people traveling for work to ensure their trips go smoothly and productively. We’ve heard lots of great tips from these professionals over the years, including the most important things to pack when you need to travel outside the office for work.
Here are 10 travel essentials for your next work trip to help you be comfortable and expertly prepared.
1. A Comfortable Travel Outfit
While you certainly want to look your best and make a great impression when you meet with business clients, your clothing on travel days should prioritize comfort over fashion, if possible. This doesn’t mean you should arrive at the airport in your pajamas. But consider comfortable leisure wear, yoga pants, cardigan sweaters, and supportive shoes for long travel days when you’ll have time to change before going into an office.
2. Laptop Case with Great Organization
Every business professional has personal preferences about laptop cases, but something that almost everyone can agree on is great organization. A travel laptop case should have storage areas for your thumb drives, power cords, pens, business cards, and a few basic office supplies.
3. TSA-Approved Luggage Lock
TSA-approved luggage locks are also recommended business travel essentials, especially if you will be traveling with sensitive documents, hardware drives, or access devices. Choose locks approved by the TSA so they aren’t cut off and discarded during the security process.
4. Business-Appropriate Attire
When packing for business trips, keep your work clothes basic and versatile to save space in your luggage. You can do this by picking one color, such as blue or black, and staying consistent with it for your choice of blazer, pants, blouse, sweater, and shoes.
5. Packing Cubes or Stuff Sacks
To keep clothes organized in your suitcase while staying in business hotels, use packing cubes or stuff sacks to separate shirts, pants, socks, underwear, and other items. This will make it easier to find items when you’re in a rush and help you feel less overwhelmed while traveling for work.
6. Workout Clothes and Shoes
Staying active while traveling for work can be a challenge, but you’re more likely to stick to your fitness goals if you have workout wear and a pair of gym shoes in your luggage. Pack a quick-dry outfit that you enjoy exercising in and rinse it out in the hotel sink if it gets sweaty and you will have the opportunity to work out another time later.
7. Travel-Size Toiletries
Although many business hotels offer small toiletry bottles in the rooms, you might feel better using products you are already familiar with and not leaving your personal hygiene and appearance up to chance. If you are packing business travel essentials for a flight, make sure to use bottles that are three ounces or less for shampoo, conditioner, face wash, hair gel, toothpaste, and other toiletry items.
8. Technology Chargers and Cables
Even with many wireless solutions available, many business travelers still find themselves tangled in wires and cords when they are on a work trip. Make sure to bring all the device chargers and cables you’ll need, as well as a cable management system with Velcro closures or small bags to contain wires in a safe and convenient way.
9. Noise-Cancelling Headphones or Earplugs
Whether it’s a crying baby behind you, loud neighbors in the hotel room next door, or annoying commuters on the train, it never hurts to have a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs in an easily accessible bag for your work trip. Drowning out unwanted noises will help you feel more relaxed and sleep better so you can function well and stay focused at your meetings or conference.
10. Healthy Snacks
When many people travel to NYC for work, eating out at the city’s amazing restaurants is part of the experience. However, it is a smart idea to stash away some healthy and convenient snacks when packing for a business trip. Easy options are trail mix, dried fruit, fresh apples, and granola bars. These foods will fuel your energy to fight off jet lag and help boost your mood if delays occur and you’re not able to get a substantial meal on your normal schedule.