Unlike a vacation trip to Europe where you have the luxury of taking with you loads of luggage in case something might come up, a business trip is different. Firstly, your trip is going to be rather hectic so you should pack only the necessary. Sure, your travel insurance will most likely cover for lost luggage in case it gets lost, but you would not really want that to happen, would you? The key to packing for a business trip is to pack lightly and smartly.
Always make sure to bring at least one dressy piece of clothing: a suit for a man and a dress for a woman. In some cases, you may have to attend a formal dinner or a company function. Bring only two pairs of skirts or trousers. Choose classic colors like black, brown, and beige so you can easily mix and match them, plus two or more shirts or blouses. Always remember to prepare according to the seasons.
For toiletries, use travel-sized packs and bottles for shampoos, gels, shaving creams/oils, moisturizers, etc. If you don’t have so much space, simply leave the ones you have at home and visit a nearby convenience store for these things. Just include your toothbrush, cap, and dental floss.
Don’t forget your important business documents since that’s the primary reason you are traveling. Also, bring enough business calling cards so your contacts can easily contact you. It would also be a good idea to bring a guidebook so you will not get lost on the way to your meetings. Most importantly, you should not forget your passport and you should carry it on you at all times, just in case you have to present it. Other items include your travel medical insurance card, credit cards, some extra cash, international driver’s license, and any other relevant documents.
Surely, you will bring your computer along so don’t forget other essential devices that need to go with it, including your laptop charger, and a couple of CDs or a flash disk for backup storage. Most hotels offer free Internet access in their rooms and there are many Internet Cafes that offer additional services such as printing and scanning. If you are staying for longer than a day, bring along your cell phone charger, but make sure you have a universal adaptor as well.
Make sure to take care of your belongings, especially in those places in Europe that are notorious for pickpockets and street criminals. Loss, damage, or theft of any of your belongings will very likely be included in any cheap travel insurance plan, so for added security, better get one before you go.
