A business trip is a fantastic opportunity to forge meaningful partnerships abroad and demonstrate your value to the higher-ups. Nevertheless, there are some strategic hurdles to cross on your journey toward success.
How do you fit everything you need to succeed in a carry-on suitcase or minimalist checked bag? Follow the four essential tips below to pull it off.
The Clothes: Capsule Items and Folding Methods
The adage “dress for the job you want” doesn’t take a vacation just because you’re on the road. Looking your best is still of paramount importance, especially when meeting abroad with foreign partners, networks and vendors.
However, with limited space in your carry-on luggage, you must be tactical with your formal wear. Consider applying a “capsule wardrobe” concept to your business attire, choosing a rotating cast of neutral-colored suit jackets, button-downs, pants and/or skirts that match well together. As for folding a suit, consult this handy video guide from GQ, which details the best way to lug around your jacket to minimize creases and wrinkles.
The Work Suite: Everything You Need to Stay Productive, Scaled Down
Keeping up-to-date with your workload and maintaining productivity on the road sends a powerful signal to your superiors about your resourcefulness and dedication. There’s just one small catch: You won’t have an entire office of supplies at your fingertips.
To circumvent the challenge, scale down everything you need to succeed. Pack the usual suspects like a laptop, work phone, and digitized copies of any hard files you need. Next, make arrangements for unforeseen circumstances like power outages/inaccessibility and WiFi dead zones; pack a portable power bank for charging and a WiFi hotspot to stay connected wherever you roam.
Cigars, Proper Storage, and Humidity Control
Cigars are the universal symbol of business comradery. Sharing a stogie with global partners helps bridge the cultural gap, smooth out the formalities, and pave the way toward productive business conversations.
That said, spring for the good stuff – luxury Cubans from top brands like Cohiba, Davidoff, Arturo Fuente, etc. Pack a sleek travel humidor or carrying case to keep your cigars protected in transit. And add a Boveda 2-way humidity control bag to the case to neutralize any humidity fluctuations that can spoil or dry out your fine cigars.
Health and Wellness Provisions to Stay at the Top of Your Game
Even if you’ve just stepped off a 10-hour red-eye flight… you don’t want to look like you’ve just stepped off a 10-hour red-eye flight.
The combined effects of air transit, jet lag, business drinks, and rich hotel food can leave you feeling (and sometimes looking) less than fantastic. To counteract these effects and maintain peak performance, consider bringing some health and wellness provisions. These may include hydration tablets, vitamins/supplements, and a change of clothes for exercising. Similarly, include a few relaxation aids like noise-canceling headphones, a sleep mask and a travel pillow.
With these four essential areas ticked off your list, you can finish packing with general items: a passport, wallet, toiletries, and a few carefully chosen leisure attire items. Now, you’re ready to conquer the world.