Business trips can be fast-paced, productive and a learning experience. But with presentations to prepare, notes to review and schedules to maintain, time is of the essence. Take away the stress of packing, and use our business trip packing list to get you wherever you’re going and ready to get to work!
Before You Pack: Set Yourself Up for a Seamless Business Trip
Whether you’re heading out for a quick overnight meeting or embarking on a longer trip abroad, having a streamlined business travel packing list is essential. Business trips often come with tight schedules, unexpected changes, and limited personal time, so the last thing you want is to be digging through overstuffed luggage or realizing you forgot a key item.
Start with the basics. Confirm all your travel documents are in order—boarding pass, travel insurance details, credit card, and any important documents for your business meetings. Keep these items in your personal item or laptop bag for easy access.
Next, build your work trip packing list around your itinerary. Are there formal dinners or casual networking events? Pack versatile business attire that travels well, such as a wrinkle-resistant dress shirt, suit jacket, or a well-packed garment bag to keep your business suits crisp. Don’t forget a comfortable, casual and comfortable work outfit for off-hours or exploring local spots. For added convenience, consider including packable shoes—like Vionic’s lightweight, foldable styles—so you’ll have supportive, stylish footwear that won’t take up extra space in your luggage and is easy to slip on between meetings or outings.
If you’re a seasoned business traveler, you know the value of packing cubes—a favorite travel tip for maximizing space and separating work essentials from leisure wear. Tuck away your travel-sized toiletries, a travel pillow for that long flight, and make sure your packing list includes backup items like a second business card stash or extra clothes in case of checked baggage delays.
With the right business travel checklist, your trip becomes less about what you forgot and more about making a lasting impression—wherever the job takes you.
What to Pack for a Business Trip: Our Top Recommendations
Once you’ve mapped out your agenda and checked off your business travel packing list, it’s time to get down to the essentials. The right mix of professional tools, personal comforts, and wardrobe must-haves can turn a hectic business trip into a smooth, confident experience. Below, we’ve gathered the most essential items every business traveler should bring—plus a few smart extras to help you stay sharp, feel comfortable, and even enjoy a little downtime while you’re at it.
- A notepad and pen. You never know when you’ll need to note something important or jot down a quick reminder.
- Hand sanitizer. If you’re going away on business, you are bound to be shaking a lot of hands. To prevent getting sick or spreading germs, pack travel-sized hand sanitizer to bring with you on the plane or to the meetings.
- Headphones. Need to cut away distraction or just want to relax for a few? Bring some headphones and pre-download some of your favorite musical artists to a playlist.
- Gum or mints. First impressions matter. Make a good one with fresh, clean breath.
- Portable charger. Keep all of your devices at 100% so you don’t have to wait to send out that email.
- Comfortable, professional shoes. Look good and feel good with men’s dress shoes with arch support. Whether you go for the Lombard Oxford Lace Up for more formal events or the Thompson Slip On Loafer for more casual affairs, Vionic offers many different types of dress shoes to fit all your business travel needs.
- Packable shoes. When space is at a premium, packable shoes can be a lifesaver. Vionic offers lightweight, foldable options that fit easily into your carry-on or tote, so you’ll always have a pair of comfortable, supportive women’s travel shoes and men’s travel shoes on hand—whether you need to switch footwear between meetings, change at the airport, or just want a backup for your evening plans.
- A walking app. Some light exercise such as walking can serve as a quick refresher for those long meeting blocks. Download a walking app to keep track of your steps and map out a few routes.
- Business cards. Traveling for work is the perfect time to connect! Make sure you have some of your cards on hand. You never know where you’ll meet someone.
- A light scarf. Temperatures tend to fluctuate on an airplane. Pack a lightweight scarf so that you can be prepared for any unexpected chills.
- A fun bucket list. Your business trip doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Research a nice restaurant or a must-see tourist attraction beforehand so that you’ll have plans ready to go if you can squeeze in some fun in your limited downtime.
- Casual walking shoes. Business trips often involve navigating new cities. Bring a pair of comfortable yet polished casual shoes, like Vionic’s men’s sneakers, so you’re ready for client lunches or sightseeing strolls between meetings.
- A versatile outfit for dinners or networking events. Pack a wrinkle-resistant dress shirt or blazer that can transition from day to night effortlessly.
- Packing cubes. Don’t know how to pack shoes in a suitcase? If you struggle to pack efficiently, you may want to consider packing cubes to stay organized. These handy tools keep your suitcase neat, separating business attire from casual wear, or dirty laundry from fresh clothes. Plus, they can help protect your nice business attire from dirty shoes.
- Laptop-friendly backpack or tote. A sleek laptop bag or structured tote is ideal for keeping your work essentials organized and close at hand. Look for one with room for your business cards, charger, and credit card wallet.
- A weather-appropriate casual outfit. Plan ahead by bringing a versatile, weather-appropriate casual outfit that works for unexpected dinners, casual meetings, or spontaneous sightseeing. Whether you’re grabbing coffee between sessions or heading out for an evening walk, having a polished yet relaxed look on hand keeps you prepared for whatever your downtime brings.
Ready, Set, Go: Step into Your Business Trip with Confidence
Packing for a business trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially when you’ve got a solid checklist and the right essentials in your suitcase. From workday must-haves to downtime comforts, being prepared helps you stay focused, make a great impression, and even enjoy the journey along the way.
And when it comes to footwear, don’t overlook the power of comfort that supports your stride. Vionic shoes with Vio Motion technology are designed to deliver hidden arch support, cushioned soles, and sleek professional style—so you can walk into any room (or city) feeling grounded, energized, and ready to go.
Whether you need polished dress shoes for meetings or stylish casual sneakers for exploring between sessions, Vionic helps you pack light without compromising on comfort. Because on any trip, your feet deserve first-class treatment.
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