12 Business Travel Tips: Essentials for Packing, Luggage, Clothing and More

Some people like to travel, but when it comes to business, most prefer to just be in the comforts of their own home over dealing with airline delays, car rentals, possible lost or delayed luggage, lugging personal belongings around to temporarily get set up in your hotel room, while the whole time aware of deadlines and meetings that must be met. Business travel often upsets your routine sleep schedule and your normal eating patterns too and it is especially important to keep yourself at your physical best so that you are less likely to come down with a cold or flu. Nothing feels more miserable than travelling when you are sick or tired or both. Follow these 12 tips for a successful and energized and productive business trip.

1. Don't rely on always having access to your lap top, wifi or getting a cell phone connection. The most important things you need to know should also have a back up written on a piece of paper for your wallet or on a separate back up disk in case of an emergency. If you need to call someone and suddenly one of your gadgets goes kaput, having a written phone number in your wallet will feel like a life saver.

2. Print your airline confirmation information and book your seats in advance. This will avoid any questions or confusion if computerized booking systems fail.

3. Never leave your lap top. Don't put it overhead where you can't see it. Always keep it within arm's reach, whether that means on your lap or nestled between your feet. The last thing you need is a stolen lap top or someone grabbing yours by mistake.

4. Be sure to pack a couple of pens and an old fashioned memo pad, sometimes this is just easier than opening up a computer and sometimes faster than booting one up.

5. Pack head phones and eye mask (sleep mask) and a sound machine so that you can sleep in a hotel that is noisy or catch some sleep any time there is down time during your business trip. Being able to block noise and bright light will make your mission a whole lot easier.

6. If crossing time zones, have two different wrist watches so you don't need to be adjusting times back and forth during the business trip, just know which one to refer to for the correct time.

7. Pack a travel alarm clock that is easy to use and does not rely on electricity in case there is a power outage during your business trip.

8. Purchase a few space saving plastic bags. These are inexpensive and maximize space by squeezing excess air out of folded clothing. Your clothes can take up 3 to 4 times less space using these great bags, and that means smaller luggage for you to lug around. Let non business clothing pull double duty. For example sleepwear may be a t shirt and sweat pants and it can also be used in the fitness room. Think versatility when it comes to clothing. You can pack one suit and change the look by simply changing the accessories whether it is tie or short color or jewelry or scarf. Look fresh and wrinkle free and that's all that matters appearance wise on your business travel meetings.

9. Try keeping everything you need as carry on luggage rather than checking in luggage. This will save both time and unwanted headaches to maximize your business trip. Visit your airlines web site to see the exact dimensions and weight of what you can carry on.

10. Skip the packing of toiletries entirely. It will speed up the check in process and safety screening and save luggage space. It is easier to just pick up a disposable razor or shampoo if your hotel doesn't provide it you will find these items at your destination. You won't die not having your favorite brand of shampoo or skin lotion for a couple of days.

11. Also if you are using a rental car, be sure to get the GPS so you know where you are driving to! If possible, before your trip print out driving directions and maps of your destinations to save wasted time and confusion. yahoo and Google Maps have both visual maps and written directions you can keep as back up for your business trip.

12. Carry cash. There may be some instances that a vendor or a situation does not take plastic. Don't always count on the ATM working either! having cash both in paper and coins can feel like a life saver when you get in an unexpected situation.

After a few business trips under your belt you will start to learn what you over packed on and what you wish you really had. Remember most things can be bought at your destination when it comes to clothing.