travel accessories for business

10 Best Travel Accessories For Business Travelers

Traveling, even for a few hours, is draining. It calls for thoughtfulness in every step of your preparation. On your packing list, you’ll want a well-thought list of best travel accessories for business travelers . Unless you want to arrive for your business meeting looking like you just rolled out of bed, then pack the best.

From ensuring you have quality noise canceling headphones with you, to having just the right amount of clothes for your business trip, e verything on your list will alleviate the exhaustion that comes with traveling.

If you have traveled on business for long, you probably have gotten a hang of it. What to pack, how to prepare yourself before and during the flight, and things to be aware of. But maybe you keep missing things every now and then. Once, I got last minute work assignment and in all my rush to pack I forgot my PJs and a few other items. Needless to say, it was a long three days away from home.

So, we are here to help your next business trip go easier and more comfortable. And avoid making mistakes as I did. We have prepared a list of the 10 best travel accessories for business travelers.

Best Travel Accessories for Business Travelers

Before we delve into the details, it is important to note that the accessories you choose should not inconvenience your travel. Bring what you really need and can manage to maneuver with at the airport, hotel, and meetings with the clients. Anything that is not of importance will way you down and delays way in various ways.

The Perfect Bag

For a business traveler, saving time at the airport is of the essence especially once you have landed. So, which is the best option between a carry-on bag and a checked bag? The answer to that depends on how much luggage you are bringing and how long you intend to be traveling.

If you are traveling for a few days, consider getting a carry-on bag . It saves you the long wait at the baggage claim once you have landed. Imagine having a flight within the hour you landed but you have to waste close to 20 minutes waiting for your luggage. It happens, and that time is precious for you.

For a backpack , you would want to get one that is TSA friendly, pack your other accessories, a few clothes, and your laptop. The  Matein  b usiness backpack and the eBags Professional Weekender Carry-On Backpack are great choices.

If, however, you have a lot of things to pack, then get a duo bundle: a backpack and a duffle bag. The backpack can have your inflight essentials and a few clothes. Then pack the rest of the items in the duffle bag.

Noise Canceling Headphones

Nothing makes the long flights with loud engines, whispers, and crying babies more comfortable and enduring than a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Trust me; whether you are traveling on business or leisure, a pair of noise canceling headphones should be on your list!

As you start ticking off items form your best travel accessories for business travelers list, be sure to pack a pair. In case you have none, we highly recommend buying either the Sony WH1000XM3 noise canceling headphones or the Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II).

I personally use the Bose and love them! These two are the best noise canceling headphones in the market. You will not go wrong with either of them. 

A Portable Charging Device

When traveling on business, a portable power device for your electric devices is a MUST . The last thing you need is your laptop, tablet or phone going off when you are just about to reply an important email. Or you are working on a report and off goes your battery.

The  Anker PowerCore 10000  and the MOGICS Donut-Travel Power Strip are great choices. You do not have to be worried about them taking too much space either.

Phone Camera Lens

In between a number of meetings and hotel rooms, we make time to visit a few places, if the time allows. Just because you want to travel light does not mean you have to settle for bad pictures of all the nice things and places you want to photograph.

To hack this, buy a phone camera lens to help you get the best pictures. This, of course, eliminates the possibility of carrying your bulky camera on a business trip.

You can buy yourself the Vorida Phone Camera Lens or the RGCTL Phone Camera Lens and get a chance to take quality photographs for your travel tales.

A Laptop or a Tablet?

Between a laptop and a tablet , which one is the best travel accessory for a business traveler? Mostly, it will depend on your needs.

If you are looking for a device that is super light and easy to carry then a tablet is the real deal. Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4-Inch Tablet , for example, is light in weight, has a power saving mode, a long battery life, and fast internet.

However, if a laptop is what you prefer , there are some really cool options. MacBook Air is lightweight and has a long battery life of up to 12 hours. Another good choice is the Lenovo Yoga 900 2-in-1 laptop. This one is really cool since it can be flipped into a tablet. 

All these are great options when choosing between the best travel accessories for business travel. With them, you can be assured of never missing any work email, as long as you keep the batteries powered.

Travel Pillow

Long flights and in-state bus and train rides need to be as comfortable as possible when you fall asleep. You need to make sure you do not wake up with a stiff neck. The best way to take a comfortable nap is buying a travel pillow.

There are quite a number of travel pillows you can buy to make your travel business comfortable. However, consider getting one of these:

• BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow
• Everlasting Comfort 100% Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow
• Trtl Travel Pillow

Get yourself one of these and your future business travel will never be the same.

Wireless Travel Router

Between the hotel room and the office or the airport, there is a high chance that you will not have an internet connection. Unless, of course, you have roaming airtime and bundles. The only issue is that roaming charges can be expensive.

You can hack this by getting yourself a wireless travel router. This will ensure that you are always online- you can reply to emails and access the internet no matter where you are. Some of the options to opt for are the RAVPower FileHub , and the TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router.

Affordable Travel Watch

As a business traveler, I know how important it is to keep track of time. Even though everyone today has a smartphone and other smart devices that tell time, it’s just not the same.

There is something about having a watch on that I love. Plus, we always have a schedule that needs to be followed, so why not get a travel watch. Whether it’s check-in time, bus tour or meeting with friends, it’s important to have a great travel watch.

I wrote an article showing how you don’t need to break the bank to get a really nice travel watch for cheap . Have a look.

Travel Adapter

Yes, believe it or not, a travel adapter is one of the best travel accessories for business travelers. Countries around the world have different charging ports. These might not be compatible with your electronic device chargers. To avoid putting your work on hold when your phones or laptop goes off, buy yourself a universal travel adapter for your business travels.

Some of the great choices to choose from include this Travel Adapter or this T3MCO Travel Adapte r. This Worldwide All in One Universal Power Wall Charger is also a great choice for a business traveler.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Imagine being in a position to skip all the TSA checks when you check-in at the airport? No need to remove your remove your belt, shoes, laptops, light jackets and 3-1-1 liquids. Now, that is the kind of deal every business traveler needs to have.

For your domestic travels, consider getting TSA PreCheck and enjoy the speedy security checks at the airport.

If you want to enjoy speedy security checks when traveling internationally, then a Global Entry is what you need. With the Global Entry, you can also skip the part where you have to fill the customs forms.

However, the process of getting these approvals is quite lengthy. You have to do the application online and appear in person for a face-to-face interview with a background check. If approved, well and good for you. go ahead and enjoy the TSA PreCheck. 

For the Global Entry, you have to create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account, fill in your details, pay the $100 fee, and wait for the review. Once your TTP is approved, you will have to appear in person for your interview.

As much as traveling on business has its challenges, it is very possible for you to make it as accommodating as possible. To do this, you need to get yourself the best travel accessories for business travelers. Accessories like a travel pillow, a backpack or the Wireless Travel Router will make your next travel business easy and comfortable.

Hopefully, you enjoyed our best travel accessories for business travelers guide. We have many other travel gear guides you can check out here: 

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10 Products to Improve Your Business Travel Experience

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all learned to work, live and play in a new normal wherein virtual connections have become more prevalent. However, a 2022 study from Tourism Economics for the U.S. Travel Association and J.D. Power’s Travel and Hospitality Intelligence found that the average business traveler expects to take around 1.6 business trips per month in 2023 and beyond—almost up to the pre-pandemic level of 1.7 trips per month. Additionally, “many business travelers who work partially or fully remote report that their employer encourages them to travel to engage with other team members in person (38%), to attend training sessions in person (32%) or to attend in-person company or team celebrations (29%),” according to the study.

As business travel rebounds , today’s road warrior will need more support than ever to make travel go smoothly. Here are 10 accessories and clothing items that may help your business travel be less stressful.

6 business travel accessories

1. monos hybrid carry-on.

Laura Lopuch

Laura’s first trip was when she was 3 months old, instilling an insatiable wanderlust. She hasn’t stopped traveling, or writing...

Shawn Forno

If you want to learn about budget travel, minimalist carry on packing, or how to travel (and even live and...

Jenn Sutherland-Miller

Jenn raised 4 children while traveling full-time for more than a decade– it’s called worldschooling and it’s awesome. Jenn has...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Knowing the little hacks to make a travel day flow more smoothly, or your time in a hotel in a strange city feel more like home, makes a big difference in how enjoyable business travel can be.

Last year,  457.2 million domestic business trips  were taken in the United States. Over the three years, that number is predicted to rise to  471.1 million trips .

That’s a lot of jetting around on business. Also, a lot of practice in efficient packing.

When you’re traveling for business, time is of the essence. Eventually, you’ll hone your travel routine down to an exact science. This fine-tuning happens for all parts of your business travel, including what business travel gear to pack .

Light and Fleet = Smooth and Efficient Business Trip

Bringing just what you need and cutting out the extra stuff is a fine balance to achieve. Extra baggage weighs you down when you’re catching a late-night Uber to your hotel, running for a tight flight connection, or unpacking a large bag at your hotel.

Wondering what business travel gear is best for your next business trip? We asked business travel veterans for their picks:

Choosing a Bag

Frequent business travelers know the time-savings in carrying on versus checking a bag. It means the difference between catching an Uber downtown to lead a meeting, versus waiting endlessly at the baggage claim for your suitcase — the last one to emerge from the airplane’s depths.

You Need a Backpack Designed for a Laptop

If you’re traveling for business, you need a designated business backpack for your laptop. The Setout Duo includes a Laptop Backpack, but if you’re traveling with rolling luggage , it’s even more important to add the right kind of bag to accommodate your office setup.

Tortuga Travel Backpack

My favorite business trip carry on is the Tortuga Backpack 40L .

This bag has a lie-flat laptop compartment that means you won’t have to take your computer out for the TSA. The clamshell-opening means my clothes stay organized and nicely folded. Because it’s a backpack maneuvering through an airport is a breeze.

With this bag, skip waiting in line for a slow-moving escalator or noisily jumping wheels over stairs.

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

Business travelers need a laptop backpack that’s designed for an airplane, not a classroom. 

The Tortuga Laptop Backpack is a versatile secondary bag with considered details for air travelers. Slide it under the seat of most airplanes and carry all your electronics, chargers, a change of clothes, and your in-flight essentials.

It’s the perfect companion to a duffle bag or rolling suitcase.

Choosing Headphones

This section is easy. Get yourself a pair of…

Bose noise-cancelling headphones  ($349)

These bad boys are the reigning king of stellar headphones to block out the noisy world and immerse you in a music world.

As Jared says,  “They’re comfortable for very long periods of time and overall good sound. The noise canceling blocks out the sound of the engines and the screaming kid that is, invariably, directly behind you. That, and nothing says ‘don’t talk to me’ like a big pair of headphones.”

Choosing a Laptop or Tablet for Business Travel

Lenovo Yoga $1299+  

This laptop flips into a ready-made tablet. It’s lightweight, powerful, and ready to tackle any business travel situation.

Kris says,  “I love this computer because it’s super powerful and very, very light which is important when traveling all the time. The last thing I need is a big heavy laptop to add to my already heavy load. Plus, it flips around to be a tablet.”

Macbook Air $1099+  

Lightweight with a battery life lasting 12+ hours, this laptop is ready to hit the road and be your best business travel gear companion.

The Mac is Jennifer’s best friend on the road.  “I love it; everything, including the cord is compact and easy to store.”

Rachel agrees,  “Macs all the way! Apple is easy to carry, has all the applications I need to get work done and offers different sizes for laptops that work well while traveling.”

Galaxy TabS6 ($479+ / $649 w/ keyboard case and stylus)

The newest Galaxy S6 Tablet is a productivity machine for creatives and digital nomads alike thanks to a few key features that Samsung just does better than the competition.

• Stunning mobile screens
• Productivity tools like the S Pen

The AMOLED screen on the Galaxy S6 is one of the best mobile screens on the market. The S Pen magnetically attaches to the side of the tablet for travel-friendly packing and easy use. And if you’re a stylus user, you’ll be thrilled with the increased Bluetooth functionality.

The keyboard (with a trackpad!) is slim and easy to type on. This tablet is lightweight, boasts 15 hour battery, and includes a micro SD card for removable expandable storage. It’s a great tool for remote work on the go.

iPad Pro ($799+)

The iPad Pro is simply leaps and bounds better than the iPad Air 2. When you’re trying to actually work on a tablet, you need something with USB-C ports (now you can plug in a HD, memory stick, or other accessory!).

The best part is thanks to the Apple Chip and iOS 13, the iPad Pro is actually more powerful than the base models of the MacBook and Macbook Air. Seriously. The iPad Pro is a beast. Add the keyboard folio case and you’re ready to get work done without even having to pack a laptop.

Best Travel Keyboards

Getting work done on the go can be a pain if you don’t have the right setup. Sometimes all you need to do is bang out a few emails or drafts at the coffee shop or on a short flight. Booting up your laptop for a quick work session is fine, but you can also get a surprising amount of work done on your phone with the right Bluetooth travel keyboard.

Just connect to your phone or tablet and you’ll be floored by how much you can get done with a full-size keyboard. You might even be able to leave the laptop at home. Even if you’re addicted to your laptop, a good travel keyboard can help you set up a mobile workstation with a dedicated monitor or even a laptop on an ergonomic stand so you don’t hurt your neck and wrists staring at a poorly positioned laptop.

No matter how you work on the go, these lightweight portable travel keyboards will quickly become a staple of your remote office setup .

Nulaxy Bluetooth Keyboard w/ Leather Cover ($21)

Thanks to the cleverly designed leather case that folds out into a stand, this travel keyboard is a one-stop mobile office. Simply open up the protective case to create a felt lined stand for your phone or tablet, connect to your device, and type like you’re on a desktop PC.

The keys are quick and responsive with no noticeable lag time, and this full-size keyboard even features number keys, arrows, and all your favorites from your keyboard back home. It’s a seamless transition to a bluetooth typing experience. After a few days you won’t want to go back to a wired or fixed keyboard.

But the best part about this keyboard is how well it travels. The case is great for keeping out dust and debris, and the battery life is rated to work for 40 straight hours and lasts for 60 days in standby mode. 60. Days.

Logitech Keys To Go ($69)

For an even slimmer, more stylish travel keyboard, check out the Logitech Keys To Go bluetooth keyboard. Designed by the pros at Logitech (they’re a big deal in mobile travel accessories), this keyboard is everything you need and nothing you don’t.

This travel keyboard can connect with practically any device (including smart tvs) and comes with a whopping 90 day standby battery rating, so you don’t have to worry about charging it all the time like your other devices. And it’s “spill proof” meaning you can type with impunity at the coffee shop.

Enjoy natural keyboard movement (you’ll feel like you’re typing at home) without the click clack sound of other travel keyboards. That’s a big deal when you’re working in a quiet space or cafe. You don’t want to be “that guy” banging away in the corner.

Logitech Slim iPad Pro Keyboard ($119)

If you’re rocking the new iPad Pro (congrats), you need a travel keyboard that can keep up with this mobile workhorse. The Logitech Slim iPad keyboard delivers all the functionality and portability you need to turn your iPad into the (almost) laptop that it is.

Long battery life, seamless integration, three modes (sketch, write, and read), and even backlit keys for working at night or dark planes, this keyboard has it all. It even has the Apple shortcut keys (like volume and brightness) so you don’t have to swipe around for settings and other features.

Portable Power

You’ve boarded your plane, pulled out your laptop for some uninterrupted working time… only to find your battery drained and laptop dead. This scenario is where a portable power device sweeps in and saves your day.

MOGICS Power Donut ($50)

A power strip that works in 150 countries. It has 5 US outlets and 2 USB outlets for all your device-loving needs. This power strip is a must-have for your business travel gear list.

In business travel gear, this portable power device is Kris’ favorite.

RAVPower ($50)  

With the ability to charge two tablets at one or a iPhone 7 almost 4 times this is a power beast. Mike really likes this power block because of its large capacity, but it’s a bit bulky.

RAVPower Luster Mini  ($11)

A super-charged powering station the size of a pen. With 4,000+ reviews and 4.5 stars out of 5 on Amazon, meet your smartphone battery-saver in a pinch. But don’t expect it to power your laptop; it doesn’t have that kind of capacity.

Best USB Chargers and USB Hubs for Travel

USB hubs and travel wall chargers are one of the most asked about pieces of travel gear—and for good reason. Your device is only useful if it’s charged and ready to go. So here are some of the best options for keeping multiple devices charged while traveling.

Anker PowerPort Atom PD1 GaN 30W Wall Charger ($21)

Tired off lugging around your bulky laptop wall charger? So is everyone else. Now, thanks to a new substance called “gallium nitride” (GaN) you’ll never have to carry that dinosaur around.

GaN charging bricks replace the silicon in older wall chargers for power bricks that are far more efficient and less than half the size. And they don’t heat up like traditional wall chargers.

These USB chargers pack enough power (30W-60W) to charge your phone and your laptop. Yup, you can now pack a single, small wall charging unit that’s universally USB-C compliant to charge your laptop, phone, and all your other travel gear. And it’s only $20.

The future is here, and it’s the size of a golf ball. And if 30W isn’t enough power for you (laptops tend to use a little more), RAVPower just released a 61W GaN USB wall charger that can recharge your Macbook in under 2 hours (that’s super fast), and another ultraslim folding-prong 45W GaN USB-C wall charger that’s perfect for minimalist travelers.

Anker Dual USB-C / USB-A 60W GaN Wall Charger ($43)

If you want to dip your toe into the GaN wall charging pool, but still have a few older micro USB devices or traditional charging devices (like some Bluetooth headphones ) this mixed 60W fast-charging USB travel charger is perfect.

Use the state-of-the-art GaN USB-C port to charge your phone or laptop (it does both!) with 45W fast-charging and still get 15W of power to the second USB-A hub for a bluetooth keyboard or your headphones. All the functionality of a multi-purpose dual USB wall charger in a tiny package that lets you leave the laptop charger at home.

Anker Quick Charge 4-Port USB 43.5W Wall Charger ($28)

If you (and a partner) are traveling with a few devices each, this four-port USB wall charger will satisfy all your power needs in a slim design that fits into any organizer (the prongs fold into the device).

43.5W of power is officially in the fast-charging range, which can deliver USB 3.0 fast-charging to compatible devices. That means you can charge most phones to 80% in just 30 minutes. No more sketchy overnight charging in the hostel or common room. Juice your phone up and hit the road in under an hour.

Dual USB Wall Charger ($12)

If you don’t need or even care about fast charging and GaN tech, at least snag a travel sized USB wall charger with dual USB ports that features folding prongs for the smallest possible packing footprint.

Universal Travel Adaptor with Dual USB Ports ($13)

If you’re traveling abroad, don’t forget your universal travel adaptor. And make sure you get one with built-in USB ports so you don’t have to lug around an additional wall charger.

Yes, this is bulkier than modular travel adaptors, but having one single piece means you won’t lose (or have to pack) tons of little parts, and ironically, the larger unit actually holds in foreign outlets much better than smaller flimsy adaptors. Foreign outlets are often in weird places (not near the floor). It’s nice to have an adaptor that won’t fall out when you plug your laptop in.

Men’s Business Clothing

The best way to make sure you can pack light, look great, and be prepared to transition from business to casual on the road is to develop a  capsule wardrobe . A few, carefully chosen, items that serve multiple purposes and layer well are the key to simplifying your business travel wardrobe.

Business Travel Shirts

A nice merino wool t-shirt is a great casual staple for taking meetings and taking on the town. They don’t wrinkle, and honestly, paired with Bluffworks travel chinos or another pair of travel pants , you’ll still look professional even without a collar.

Spring for shirts that:

• Don’t wrinkle
• Or don’t show wrinkles

Jared likes higher-end  Tommy Hilfiger shirts  as they aren’t prone to wrinkling or shrinking. Plus, they’re a good quality, last a long time, and look good in a business or casual setting.

Mike recommends versatile shirts that can be used with a suit and jeans, such as oxford shirts.

Above all: Avoid using the hotel’s iron if you can. Many irons have rust built up inside.

Great non-wrinkle shirt brands:

• Brooks Brothers Wrinkle Free Travel Shirt  ($92)
• JC Penney Stafford  ($36)
• Ministry of Supply  ($115):  Andrian Iliopoulos of The Quintessential Man  sums it up nicely: “great quality and fashionable shirts with high performance in mind.”

Business Travel Pants

Wouldn’t it be great to have a pair of sweatpants that everyone mistook for dress pants? Not to wear to the meeting, mind you, but for the evening at the hotel bar?

BetaBrand Dress Pant Sweatpants  ($48) are those pants.   “At first glance they appear to be a sharp pair of chinos or wool trousers. But upon closer inspection, you notice that they are made out of sweatpant fabric (“French terry”), which is soft, warm, and stretchy,”  says Chris McGinnis of  TravelSkills

The key feature for business travel pants is wrinkle resistance. You want to be able to pull those bad boys out of your bag, throw them on, and be standing at the front of a room giving your presentation looking polished without wrangling the hotel iron and broken board.

Try these on for size:

Western Rise Evolution Travel Pants ($149)

These ultra stylish, rugged travel pants are disguised as something you could wear to the office. The slimmer fit is perfect for exploring chic cities, yet the durable stretchy nylon blend is designed for hiking and climbing. The true, do everything pants.

Bluffworks Travel Chinos ($125)

The original travel chinos (and the new stretchy Ascender version) are one of Tortuga writer, Shawn Forno’s favorite go-to travel pants for long haul trips.

I’m currently on a one-year Around The World trip, and the Bluffworks Ascender Travel Chinos are literally the only pants in my backpack. The interior zipper pockets keep my stuff safe, they’re stretchy enough to rock climb in, and still somehow fancy enough for the occasional meeting or co-working space day. They’re my only pants for an entire year.

Best Business Travel Clothing for Women

Layering shirts.

Everlane Cotton V-neck ($15)

Everlane creates fantastic shirts (like this super-soft one or this stretchy tank ) that dress up or down easily. Take them into a conference and afterwards, whip off your blazer and head into a speakeasy for a cold old-fashioned. You won’t feel out of place one bit.

Best part about Everlane? They’re committed to treating their workers like humans and radical transparency about their prices (aka not jacking up the price on a simple t-shirt).

Bluffworks Threshold T-Shirt ($45) *coming soon*

This t-shirt ticks all the must-have’s: breathable, super soft, wicks moisture, resists odors, wrinkle resistant, UPF 50+, quick-drying, and machine washable.

This is the shirt you’ve been lusting after. And until now, it never existed. 

Seriously, need I say any more? 

Best Women ’s Business Clothing: Collared Shirt

The Essential Icon Shirt by Rochelle Behrens ($76)

As with so many awesome products, Rochelle invented this shirt to solve her own problem.

“I would always need to safety-pin my shirt at the button. If the shirt fit across my bust, it was too large everywhere else, and vice versa. I got so fed up, I could think of nothing else but how to solve that problem.”

Say bye-bye to slipping a camisole under your classic white collared shirt to avoid unwanted flashes between the bust buttons.

Frankly, this is the shirt I’ve been dying to own… but never knew it existed.

Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Tailored-Fit Supima Cotton Dress Shirt ($98)

Ever pull out the hotel’s iron and find it’s unusable due to rust? 

Yeah, me too. Not to mention: I hate ironing. Opt for a collared shirt that needs no ironing, like this highly-rated one from Brooks Brothers. Made from soft cotton, the fabric is treated to resist wrinkles.

So, you can get to bed earlier (or sleep in a little later in the morning) and not worry about looking like a hobo at your business meeting. Now we’re talking.

Best Women ’s Business Travel Clothing: Blouses

Draper James Daisy Vine Popover Blouse ($48)

Dare to express your personality with this super-cute, yet still professional, blouse from Reese Witherspoon’s lifestyle brand, Draper James.

Pair it with trim black pants (see below for the best business ones) or a pencil skirt. Or, don a pair of worn jeans for a quick nightcap at the hotel bar. Your choice.

It’ll quickly become a staple in your business capsule wardrobe for its sheer versatility and ability to make you feel feminine and strong.

Bluffworks Azores Blouse ($98) *coming soon*

This company knows what it’s doing when it comes to clothes: machine-washable, resists wrinkles, antimicrobial treated (no stink!), and an extra snap between the buttons to avoid awkward boob flashes. 

Oh, and did I mention? It looks like luxe silk, yet it’s far easier to care for (see: machine-washable). 

Best Women ’s Business Travel Clothing: Blazer

Crew Tailored Blazer ($248)

Available in petite, regular, and tall sizes, this crisp blazer from J. Crew is sure to be a new packing staple in your carry on . It scores a record-high of 4.9 stars out of 5 based on reviews.

Crafted from extra-fine fabric, it feels silky smooth against your skin. Plus, it’s made from Italian wool, so you’re warm in wintery-cold boardrooms and cool in the summer sun.

Everlane’s Italian GoWeave Classic Blazer ($145)

Say: “wrinkle-resistant Italian wool.” You had me at “wrinkle resistant.” Anytime I can spend more time sneaking some time in adventuring during a business trip, I’m down. 

This blazer lets you do just that, because you won’t be ironing a stupid blazer for 30 minutes. Instead, you’ll be out wandering the city before work starts back up in the morning. 

And did I mention this blazer is effortlessly chic?

Psst – get $25 off your first purchase. 

Best Women ’s Clothing for Business Travel: Pants

Betabrand Women’s Dress Pant Yoga Pant (Boot Cut) ($62)

Crafted from stretchy, yoga-pant-like fabric, these pants move with you rather than against you. With their sleek tailoring, they’re perfect for business trips where you go from airport to conference room.

Best part? Your derriere looks well-crafted.

Being comfortable is important. Looking no-nonsense professional is important. If you can also maximize your assets, well, that’s a bonus. 

Aviator Jeans – Comfort Skinny ($125)

A pair of smooth, dark-wash jeans are a must-pack on my business trips. Because you never know when you’ll need the comfort of jeans with the dressed-up look of a dark rinse.

These jeans are perfect. Lightweight and stretchy, they have a zippered hidden pocket inside the rear right pocket that’s large enough for your passport . Yup, I tested it. 

And those front pockets are generous, too, so you could skip bringing a purse or bag on your nightly excursion and adventure super light. 

Because these jeans are black, I’ve worn them to business casual conferences and looked perfectly at home. 

Anatomie Skyler Pants ($225)

Alex from Travel Fashion Girl named these pants as her favorite travel pants.

“These pants totally rocked the comfort factor when I wore them on a plane and on long train rides in Europe. The fabric has an awesome amount of stretch which allows breathability and gives you plenty of room to move around with ease.”

Wash in the sink and these travel pants are dry within hours. Lightweight. Compact. Dress up or down. Fabric stays wrinkle-free. It’s a business-trip miracle.

Back to Alex: “These have ultra-thin fabric and take up a quarter of the space. It’s not sheer, though, and hides dimply skin imperfections that some light fabrics don’t hide. They fit easily into a slim packing cube and hardly weigh anything at all.”

Perfect Business Shoes for Travel

Rothy’s ($125)

At one conference where I was speaking, I sat next to another speaker and spotted her cute flats. Naturally, I asked about them.

“They’re Rothy’s. A little pricey but so comfortable.”

Cute and made from recycled materials, these slip-on flats have boatloads of raving fans. 

The company claims there’s “no break-in period with our shoes.” The reviews back up that claim, as one reviewer says, “The first time I wore them…8 hours later…still comfortable. Highly recommend these shoes.”

Perfect Little Black Dress for Business Travel

Bluffworks Trevi Dress ($145)

I must admit: I’m a sucker for a classic sleeveless, A-line black dress. But finding one that travels as well as I do? Now, that’s another story… until this dress showed up.

Blessed with 2% spandex, this dress is comfy and sexy. And it’s made with moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant, and odor preventing. So you’re always cool, pressed, and non-stinky. 

I think I’m in love. 

Plus, it has 6 pockets (in a dress — gasp!), bra straps at shoulders so straps are secure, and machine washable. Talk about an amenable travel companion who is as ready for the board room as she is ready for a night out for drinks post-conference.

Workout on the Road

Hotels have gyms for a reason. Many business travelers use them. Pack some sweat-wicking shorts and shirt, and athletic shoes to take advantage of the hotel gym.

Hotels With the Best Gyms:

• Hyatt’s StayFit  gyms resemble modern fitness facilities. Open 24 hours, work out with resistance tubes or order a YogaAway class on your room’s TV.
• Westin  partnered with New Balance  to rent clothes and shoes for just $5. Skip packing your running gear but not your run.
• Equinox   is expanding into fitness-oriented hotels with enormous gyms and indoor and outdoor pools. First hotel expected to open in 2018 in NYC.
• TYRP by Wyndam  has fitness-specific rooms with equipment in the room, so no need to go downstairs to the gym.

Body Weight Workout

Break a sweat in your room with a body weight workout. Check out this one recommended by  Entrepreneur  . Or this  workout developed by  Shape Magazine   for ladies who travel.

Men, check out this  cardio body-weight workout  or this  body-weight one  by  Men’s Health .

Yoga Workout

When you want a good workout to stretch out the kinks from a long flight, go with yoga. Borrow a mat from your hotel’s gym or lay a bath towel down on the floor for your yoga space.

Catch live yoga class recordings with  Yogaia . (Or barre, core, or Pilates classes.)

Pilates Workout

Cassie from Blogilates  is taking the world by storm. Her upbeat attitude and killer playlist makes your Pilates workout fly by. Check out her  YouTube vidoes  to spotlight a specific body part or do a full-body workout,  like this one .

Resistance Bands Workout

Think of these slender elastic bands as a weight-lifting session in a carry on .

Fit Simplify’s resistance bands  come in five resistance levels. A workout guide is included with the bands, and extensive workouts are available online. Best part is these bands are slightly bigger than a deck of cards, so they take up barely any room in your bag. And they pack a punch on the workout scale.

Frequent Business Travel Tools

Tsa precheck.

If you fly domestically, get  TSA PreCheck  to  access a speedier security line  where you don’t have to shed shoes or belt. Keep your liquids and laptop in your bag.

Welcome to security, oh, we’re done already? Fabulous. That’s what TSA PreCheck looks like.

“While I don’t recommend this for all travelers, I’ve consistently started arriving to the airport 20 minutes later when I’m flying an airline that participates in this program with absolutely no stress,”  says  Stephanie Wu of  Travel + Leisure .

Mike agrees:  “Get TSA PreCheck so you can breeze through security, but be willing to take the regular lane if the PreCheck lane is backed up. If the wait is half the time, it’s worth it to take out your laptop and take off your shoes.”

Global Entry

Global Entry  has all those benefits above from TSA PreCheck. Plus, you skip filling out blue customs forms or long waits in line at customs when flying internationally.

Your life is fleeting time, so live more with  Global Entry . (Sounds like a tagline, but that’s the truth.)

Cost : $100 (includes TSA PreCheck)

Good Headphones

Jared’s tip is easy: Get yourself  Bose noise-cancelling headphones . Seriously.

Business Travel Loyalty Programs

A good business traveler joins a  specific loyalty program  for hotel and flight and stays with that program, letting their loyalty points rack up. Typically, a company will have an agreement with a specific loyalty program or status-match offers for its employees.  Travel hacking  your business travel could mean  vacation travel for free  later.

Virgin America Elevate

US News just ranked  Virgin America as #5  on its best airlines loyalty programs. Now that Virgin joined forces with Alaska Airlines — US News’ #1 choice — your airline options just opened wide up.

With both programs, US News likes how easily you can earn a free flight, airline quality, and award flight availability. Meaning that the more paid flights you fly, the more quickly your miles stack up.

National Car Emerald Club

The ads starring Patrick Warburton are true. Conquer the wait at the car rental line with National Car Emerald Club.

Jared says,  “Walk past the counter, pick any car you want and drive off. Its the quickest, easiest, and prevents you from getting a minivan. I like the Cameros and Challengers. The points tend to add up very quickly for free car rentals.”

American Airlines

American Airlines is a favorite airline among business travelers, now that United has lowered it’s bar on quality and standards with Sub-Par Economy Tickets. Um, excuse me, I mean United’s Basic Economy fare.

Mike says,  “With airlines, they’re really all the same: You won’t get upgraded unless you’re on an unpopular flight or have super-ultra-diamond status. That said, I like that American Airlines’ program uses vouchers for upgrades on >500 mile flights, rather than automatic, so that you have a better shot if you’re lower-tier.”

Marriott is a beloved hotel among business travelers. At Springhill Suites or Residence Inn under the Marriott umbrella, kick back with extra space and kitchen amenities like microwave, mini-fridge, or fully equipped kitchen.

Mike says,  “For hotels, I liked Marriott because you have access to lounges at mid-tier versus needing higher tiers like at other hotel brands.”

And now that Marriott has joined forced with SPG hotels, your status is worth more — at both hotels.

Best Travel Credit Card

Chase sapphire reserve.

This credit card is made for frequent, business travelers. We’re talking about no international fees, points add up quickly, trip insurance, extended warranties, auto coverage for rental cars. For every $1 spent on travel and dining expenses, you get 3 points back, meaning your points add up quickly.

Oh, and you get free Priority Pass membership, and Executive Emerald Club level for National Car. Downside is the hefty annual fee of $450.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

NerdWallet listed  Chase Sapphire Preferred with its 2 points on every $1 spent on travel and dining expenses, and no foreign transaction fees — plus great travel insurance — makes this card a winner for a small annual fee of $95.

Other top mentions were United MileagePlus Visa and Southwest Visa.

Travel Apps

Award wallet  (free).

Keep track of those miles and hotel points you’re racking up with this AwardWallet. Finally, see all your points and miles from travel loyalty programs in one place.

TripIt Pro ($49)

One app for all your travel needs and reservations. This app comes in two versions: free and pro.

Pro version features real-time flight alerts, including which gate your plane is departing from, and find out when a better seat is available on your flight. This app keeps you organized, no matter how tight you are on time. Speaking from personal experience, it makes you look like an airline god.

Order a car and know the exact fare ahead of time. Need I say more? Uber is your new best friend for business travel.

FlightAware

Track your flight with a live tracking map, flight delay notifications, and airport delays. Or just use the site to see when Harrison Ford makes aviator news as he pilots his plane.

Mike says,  “This app is great for watching your flights and getting info on the planes (so you can look up the seating chart).”

App for your fav hotel and frequent flyer airline

Jared says,  “It’s a lot better to know what gate you’re going to without having to look at a departure board. If your flight changes or if there is a delay, you’ll get a notification sometimes before the gate announces it.”

Business Travel Tips

Knowing the little hacks to make a travel day flow more smoothly, or your time in a hotel in a strange city feel more like home, makes a big difference in how enjoyable business travel can be. In addition to choosing the right gear, experienced business travelers recommend the following:

Flight Tips

With thousands of miles of butt-in-a-plane-seat, business travelers excel at the fine art of flight travel.

Here are their best tips:

Get Airline Status

“Collect your points and get status or sign up for a credit card that gives you status,”  says Jared who works at a large banking risk management company. He traveled about 60,000 miles in 2016.

“Status allows for priority boarding, upgraded seats. If flights are delayed, you tend to get better service on a dedicated phone line with a smaller wait time.”

Be Prepared

When booking your flight, be aware of what days you’re flying.

“I feel that picking your flight time and day of the week you’re flying is important,”  says Kris.  “Avoiding Mondays and Thursdays or Fridays, and flying later in the afternoons, will get you the best flights because the business travelers tend to fly those days the most.”

Window or aisle seat is an ongoing debate for travelers. Whichever one you prefer — I like the window, thanks — a good seat makes all the difference on a flight. With your airline status, you’ll have the option to pick your seat.

“Get status and maintain it,”  says Mike, an economist who traveled frequently at his last job with Deloitte.  “So you can board first and ensure overhead space, keeping space open for your legs under the seat in front of you. On long flights, sit in the exit row so you have lots of room. On shorter flights, sit as close to the front of the plane as possible so you can get off first.”

Next,  pack the essentials for your flight .

Kris brings:

• Noise canceling headphones
• Inflatable neck pillow to avoid uncomfortable neck cramps

Don’t forget to have your electronics charged before boarding to squeeze in some extra working time.

If You Check a Bag…

Pack a small personal item  with all your essentials, in case your checked bag is misplaced.

Jennifer Deane, who traveled for her last job at EMSI, recommends stocking this small carry on — like a briefcase or daypack — with your laptop, snacks, contact case and/or glasses, phone chargers, makeup, and any medications. In the event your checked bag doesn’t arrive at your destination, you’ll be a-okay.

When you spend a lot of time on business trips, your hotel room is your home away from home.

Get the Hotel App

Many hotels have smartphone apps, and these apps are a must-have business travel gear.

“Get the app on your phone, make check-in a lot quicker and easier,”  says Jared.  “I stay at Marriotts whenever possible. Once you get status with them, you have your own check-in line. So you can bypass everyone else.”

Prep the Night Before

Kris says,  “Getting everything ready the night before is a godsend for me. Sometimes, I’m not able to do this. But when I can, I try to steam all of my clothes, setup my bathroom items as soon as I get in my room. This is a time-saver for the mornings when you’re running late. Plus, you get to sleep in a little longer.”

Ah, Hotel Status

Sense a theme for business travelers? Attaining status with loyalty programs.  Get status and maintain it so you get room upgrades. Or have the spine-tingling power to select your own room.

Mike says,  “If you’re staying in a big city with tall, narrow elevators (like NYC) and you don’t get an upgrade (or don’t care) to have a high floor/view room, request a lower floor so you’re not dependent on old, slow elevators. If you’re dependent on them, you may be waiting 10 minutes for a ride down/up during busy times.”

Small Details

These are the small things that make a hotel stay more pleasant.

For Rachel Garcia, marketing manager at  infoedge LLC  and  founder of Leafy Tamale , her small details are early check-in and late check-out.

“This gives yourself time. Take advantage of the hotel amenities that are free. Commit to a hotel brand and stay consistently at it so you earn points and can utilize these for perks and discounts.”

For Jennifer, it’s about a relaxing view at the end of a long day.

“Make sure you’re not booked on the ground floor. A nice view can be super relaxing after a hard day, especially if it’s relatively close to something touristy or relaxing you can do in your free time like a river walk or a sushi bar.”

Travel Day Strategies

Dressing well, for comfort and style on a travel day, as well as packing your sense of humor are two keys to a smooth travel day. Think ahead and plan for the details.

Look Your Best

Borrow a page from the celebrity’s playbook is Mike’s tip.

“Dress up when you travel, not just to not wrinkle your suit, but because you’ll look good and people will treat you better. Seriously, a suit jacket with nice jeans makes you look like an important person. Even if it’s not as comfortable as sweats. The suit jacket’s inside pockets are way more convenient for putting stuff in than your pant pockets while sitting down on a flight.”

Keep Your Cool

After 145,000+ miles of travel in two years, Kris is pragmatic:  “Don’t get frustrated with air travel! Things happen, planes get delayed. Don’t lose your cool.  Be friendly with everyone when you travel. Traveling can bring out the worst in all of us. A little bit of kindness will go a long way,”

Gate Agents = Your New Friend

Mike’s approach is more hands-on.

“If you have a tight connection, you can ask the gate agent at the departing flight before the tight connection to put you on a backup flight in case you miss your connection. You will have to check into the backup flight if you miss your flight. Typically, you can do that on your mobile app or with the gate agent at the connecting airport.”

Keep Vital Items Close

If you checked your bag, Jennifer recommends bringing a small overnight bag in your carry on .  “In case, your flight is cancelled or delayed so you don’t have to sleep in a weird hotel, naked, with your day-old contacts.”

Select your business travel gear wisely to make your next business trip a raging success. Our recommendations are:

• A well designed carry on bag like the Tortuga Travel Backpack
• Opt for a lightweight and powerful laptop like  Lenovo Yoga 900  or  Macbook Air .
• Choose a loyalty program (like Marriott or American Airlines), and stick with it; ask for special treatment with your status
• Get noise-cancelling headphones like  Bose . Seriously.
• Buy wrinkle-free clothes like men’s  Brooks Brothers Shirt  and women ’s  J.Crew shirt
• Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred credit cards are perfect for business travel
• TSA PreCheck: Get this
• Workout with a  body weight workout ,  yoga , Cassie at  Blogilates  or  resistance bands

What is your best business travel gear recommendation?

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Laura’s first trip was when she was 3 months old, instilling an insatiable wanderlust. She hasn’t stopped traveling, or writing about it. As an expert in carry on travel, she’s flown on over 100 flights with only a carry on bag. Even on trips with her husband and kids.

She believes travel is the great educator — and vital to our humanity.

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If you want to learn about budget travel, minimalist carry on packing, or how to travel (and even live and work) in dozens of countries all over the world, Shawn is your guy. Shawn is not a New York Times bestselling travel author, but he is a full-time freelance blogger, copywriter, and content manager and is also a published photographer. He likes to rock climb, trek, surf, ride his bike, and read a bunch of sci-fi books.

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Traveling for business has its perks, but packing for it is another story. While many business travel essentials are great for leisure travels as well, there are a few things you should definitely have on your work trip!

Business Travel Essentials

Table of contents.

Business travel can be exciting and fun, but making sure you’re fully prepared can be a bit tedious at times. If you’re constantly on the go for work, these business travel essentials will be amazingly helpful while on the road — and many are awesome for leisure travel as well!

Top Business Adventures to Pack

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes to Keep Your Luggage Organized

If you’re headed out on a business trip, you’re going to want to be well-organized, and the best way to organize your luggage is with packing cubes !

Here at TFG, we love packing cubes because they can keep your things coordinated, easy to access, and help you travel carry-on only, which if you’re headed out on a business trip is a good idea.

Watch the packing tutorial on Youtube !

Watch this packing cubes video tutorial to learn how to maximize space and never check a bag at the airport again. These are the top 12 reasons why I prefer packing cubes to other organizers .

The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide !

pack-all Water Resistant Travel Shoe Bag

Shoe Bags to Protect Your Favorite Shoes

Speaking from experience, you can easily ruin your favorite pair of dress shoes by throwing them into your suitcase with everything else.

These pack-all shoe bags will keep your pretty shoes clean and protected, covering your business trip essentials in the appearance department.

Readers also love that they are useful to stash wet or muddy running shoes or anything else you need to sequester from clean clothes. 

Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 Rolling Underseater

An Underseat Carry-On to Travel With Ease

If you’re hopping on a plane for work, then underseat carry-ons should be listed as business travel must-haves. Readers love Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 rolling underseater as it features incredible organization and is designed to fit under the seat of most airlines. 

Plus, while most underseat luggage tends to have too many compartments limiting their use to business documents, this bag has a spacious interior where you can fit just about everything you need for a simple travel itinerary. An added bonus is that it’s lightweight. 

We’ve rounded up a list of the best under seat luggage and we’re showing you how to pack strategically to make the most of low-priced airfares!

Away Weekender

Weekender Bag for a Quick Trip

If you’re heading on a few-day trip and just need a change of clothes or two, a weekender bag is a perfect option that’ll make your travels easy breezy! 

Away’s The Everywhere Bag will fit all the essentials and has interior and exterior pockets and a 15” laptop sleeve to keep everything neat and organized. It’s finished off with a durable, water-resistant shell and a trolley sleeve. The Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe is another TFG favorite. 

A weekender bag makes a great carry on for a longer trip, too!

Lo & Sons Rowledge

A Travel Purse or Bag to Keep Your Things Organized

If you’re headed out on the road for work, one of the most important business travel necessities is the right travel bag, specifically one big enough to hold your laptop in it.

If you choose a bag like the beautiful Lo & Sons Rowledge backpack , you’ll have plenty of room to hold all your essentials, including your laptop. Readers love that it slides easily over your carry-on handle so you can wheel it through the airport, and it’ll easily fit underneath the airplane seat. 

It has a minimalist design with maximum organization, and will be perfect for your next business trip!

Find out which of these anti-theft purse options our readers love the most!

Travelon Anti-Theft Convertible Clutch

A Travel Clutch to Grab-And-Go

The best thing about Travelon is that they make travel friendly and anti theft bags which are definitely business travel essentials.

It’s always nice to have a compact purse or clutch on a trip, especially if you’ve packed for work, not travel. Chances are you won’t want to lug around your laptop bag everywhere!

The Travelon Anti-Theft Convertible Clutch is a super choice for a grab and go clutch. It’s slash resistant with locking compartments and the card and passport pockets are RFID protected. 

Having a clutch on-hand is great because you can use them to keep your essentials organized in your laptop bag, and then pull it out to use as a purse at lunch or dinner with colleagues.

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody

Anti-Theft Crossbody to Protect Your Things

While having an anti-theft clutch is a great idea because it’s easy to pack away, it doesn’t necessarily fit the bill all the time. Sometimes it’s not big enough to hold all of your things!

In that case, using the anti-theft crossbody from Travelon is perfect! A bag like this should definitely be on your business travel essentials list. 

It is also travel friendly, made with slash resistant material, has locking compartments, an RFID protected card, and passport slots. Plus, it has ample room for organization and comes in a bunch of cute colors.

Anker Portable Charger

Portable Charger to Keep You Going

Having conference calls and multiple emails can drain your phone’s battery quickly. This Anker portable charger can really change your life while on a business trip.

This is our readers’ top portable charger pick, loved for how compact and lightweight it is while holding a LOT of power (over 2 full charges for an iPhone)! 

When it comes to business trip essentials, and just travel essentials in general, TFG readers agree that this is right at the top of the list!

Find out the best portable power bank chargers for your next travel!

Newvanga Universal All-in-One Travel Adapter

Travel Adapter with Multiple Charging Options

Hotels never seem to have enough outlets –  even those that cater to business travelers. This is something that will always baffle me! To help combat electronic musical chairs, bring your own portable charge strip. 

If you’re traveling to multiple countries in Europe or around the world, for example, you’ll want to bring a universal adapter, which is much easier than taking several different adapters for each country. 

And this one will help you make the most of limited hotel charging space! It works in over 150 countries and can charge up to three devices with its two USB ports and a universal plug.  

Take a look at this power outlet guide for travelers to see a full list of plugs and outlets by country! And then dive into more of the top power strips for travel here !

Bagsmart Travel Cord Organizer

Travel Cord Organizer for Your Tech Gear

As a business traveler, you’ll no doubt have lots of cords , chargers , flash drives, and all kinds of tech accessories to keep track of. Keep everything untangled and neat as can be in a travel cord organizer! 

The TFG reader top pick is this cute cord organizer from Bagsmart , which has variously sized mesh pockets and elastic loops to keep everything secure, visible, and easy to access. Plus, it’s water-resistant and padded to keep your gear safe! 

These bags take up very little space and will be immensely handy when you’re on the go! 

S’well Insulated Water Bottle

Sleek Reusable Water Bottle

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Seriously! Staying hydrated is an important part of staying healthy and alert while traveling, even for business. 

A sturdy and cute water bottle like this S’well stainless steel insulated water bottle is definitely a business travel essential. It’ll keep your water at an ideal temp and is much better for both you and the environment, rather than the cheap plastic found in disposable water bottles. 

Plus, you’ll also save money, especially in airports where everything is notoriously overpriced!

FaceShadow Double Glasses Case

A Cute Case to Protect Your Glasses

Whether you’re traveling with eyeglasses, reading glasses, blue-light blockers, or sunnies, you’ll need to keep them safe from dust, scratches, and damage while keeping them handy, so be sure to bring along a durable glasses case. 

Readers love the FaceShadow double glasses case , which features two slots so you can easily switch back and forth between pairs, or keep them both securely stored at the same time. They have spongy padding and are made of soft microfiber that comes in a wide range of absolutely adorable prints! 

Having your classes kept clean and easy to reach during a work day is super helpful, but these are truly great for any kind of travel, and for day-to-day excursions, too! 

PurSteam Portable Garment Steamer

A Portable Steamer to Keep You Looking Sharp

Chances are if you’re headed out on a business trip you’re going to meet people essential to your job, so you’ll want to look professional. 

Wrinkles are a really fast way to take your business fashion down a level. But fear not, the PurSteam Portable Garment Steamer is the work travel essential to solve your problems!

This bad boy is quick heating and compact making it a great and easy addition to your morning routine.

The Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray is a great alternative that’s great for wrinkles that aren’t as severe. Perfect for removing wrinkles from your clothes after a flight! 

Choose the best travel steamer for your next journey!

Quince Eye Mask

An Eye Mask for Restful Sleep

Staying rested and ready for whatever the day brings is essential on a work trip, but it can also be tricky when flying on red-eyes, switching time zones, or just adjusting to a new environment. A sleeping mask is a great way to enhance your rest and get hours of rest in.

Quince’s silk eye mask is a dream — readers love that it feels so soft and light while efficiently blocking out light, and the silk fabric has amino acids that are nourishing to the skin!

SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive

Flash Drive for Digital Storage

Flash drives allow you to easily share documents (especially large file sizes—like presentations), make back-ups, and print documents from hotel business center printers (never fun); so it’s a need for any business trip.

Personally, I keep at least one flash drive in my laptop bag at all times, so there have been many times when I was grateful to have my Sandisk flash drive .

Wandf Packable Duffle

Packable Duffle Bag for Any Occasion

If you’ll be displaying items at a trade show, bringing samples to clients, or snagging some freebies, a packable duffle is a way to go. 

This Wandf packable duffle bag is spacious and sturdy but surprisingly lightweight, and it folds up super small to take up very little room in your luggage! It’ll fit in overhead bins or under airline seats and can even slide over a suitcase handle. 

Plus, a packable duffle is great for bringing home souvenirs or some great shopping finds, too! 

Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones

Noise-Canceling Headphones to Keep Your Focus

Whether catching up on work in a busy cafe, taking an important call while on the go, or drowning out the noise on a flight, noise-canceling headphones are a must for the business traveler. They’ll offer crystal clear speech on a phone call, get rid of any unwanted background noise, and help keep you focused. 

Bose’s QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth headphones are amazing! Readers love that they connect wirelessly to any of your devices, have a comfy, adjustable fit, stellar battery life, and have both quiet and aware modes depending on your situation. And your music will have never sounded better!

Apple AirTag (4 Pack)

Apple Airtags for Peace of Mind

If you’re checking a bag or traveling with valuable items, Apple Airtags will allow you to easily keep track of your belongings, even if they’re far away! 

These little trackers are SO handy for travel, and so many TFGers don’t go anywhere without them in their luggage, handbags, and clipped to their valuables. They’ll make lost luggage, misplaced keys, or any other travel mishaps a lot easier to deal with, as the “Find My” network on your iPhone will track these items in real time and give you a precise location. 

If you don’t have an iPhone or want an alternative option, these Tile trackers are amazing, and you can take a look at our post on the best luggage tags and trackers here ! 

What are your business travel essentials? Tell us in the comments!

For more tips on travel essentials, please read:

• Women’s Business Clothes for Travel
• Airplane Essentials: Top Items to Make Flights More Enjoyable
• Female Travelers Love Ponte Pants. Find Out Why!
• Best Messenger Bags for Women: Functional and Adorable Options

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Hope you liked this post on business travel essentials. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio:  Emily is a lifelong travel fanatic who is constantly making additions to her “upcoming destinations” list. (Yes, she is also a list person.) She is currently based in the Netherlands, where she lives with her husband.

I’m headed into some more international business travel next month and this list is such a great reminder of what to add to my pre-flight checklist. I almost forgot to pack my noise cancelling headphones! Based on some other TFG articles and recommendations I now have the Lo & Sons OG 2 bag – and I think I prefer it to a weekender or backpack for business trips. It holds everything in a super organized way and looks chic for business travel.

I need to buy the air tags TODAY! I am also checking out the other items, also! Thanks for a great article!

Great article! I’ve already purchased several items from this list. The eyeglass case, Away weekender and headphones are great!

For someone traveling three times in a month, this list of business travel essentials kept me top of the game. I ended up sharing this with so many of my friends and co-workers. Thank you for putting this together

I agree on the Swell water bottle and the packing cubes for sure! I’ve tried so many water bottles and always go back to Swell. They keep my drinks cold and never peak. Ever! These particular packing cubes are the most rugged I’ve found—and I have MANY brands. Don’t sleep on these!!

I was just looking for something else and came across this list which reminded me to put my wrinkle releaser in my bag! Thank you!

Just starting back to doing business travel. The suggestions and top picks are great. Thanks

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These Business Travel Essentials Will Help You Pack for Your Next Work Trip

By Iona Brannon

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

While we’d all love to be heading on vacation with every flight, at least 12 percent of those flying pre-pandemic were corporate travelers. In fact, in 2019, business travelers took 464 million domestic business trips in the United States. Now, business travel is slowly but surely picking back up. 

As corporate travel often requires stepping off the plane and into a meeting , your plane outfit will likely look different than it does during leisure travel. You’ll want to pack versatile clothes that easily transition from day to night, comfortable yet dressy shoes, and sleek luggage. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the business travel essentials below that will take you from the jet bridge to the boardroom without sacrificing form over function.

Essentials for work trip outfits

Aday gives the classic white button-up a contemporary twist with its mandarin collar. Buttoned up, worn as an outer layer, or tucked in, the shirt is a versatile addition to the brand’s capsule wardrobe collection and your business wardrobe. The shirt is made of Aday's ‘Technical Silk’, a blend of nylon and elastane that dries quickly and resists wrinkling. Even better, it's made with UPF 50—you can never have too much sun protection . The cherry on top? The material is created in a renewable energy-powered mill.

Another Aday classic is the lightweight Turn It Around Pant. With claims from the company that the material is piling resistant up to 100,000 rough touches, you can expect to wear this pant again and again. The stretch fabric is thermoregulating and made in Italy. Slip these on with a pair of sneakers for your commute, then throw on heels as you head into the office. No one will be the wiser.

M.M. LaFleur’s Lagarde shirt has all the components of other travel-friendly business clothes: it’s lightweight, machine washable, and wrinkle resistant. It has also been treated with an anti-odor finish, meaning smells don’t absorb into the material as easily. That means more wear and less laundry. Details like the gold-colored buttons and slightly textured fabric add an elevated sense of luxury to the shirt.

A good culotte pant can give the illusion of limitless power, and the extra pleat on the sides of the Zhou offer an added swoosh. The high-waisted pants are wrinkle-resistant and loose enough for you to cross your legs on the floor of the airport but elevated enough to make a statement in the office. The fabric is wrinkle-resistant and made from wood pulp.

Suiting up? Suits are notoriously stiff, but the xSuit was created to be comfortable even in transit. With a wrinkle-resistant stretch fabric that gives you back your range of motion, this suit is a one of our business travel essentials. It’s also machine washable and stain resistant, ideal for trips where you plan to do laundry or need to walk off the plane business ready. 

Button-up shirts are surprisingly versatile, going from day to night with the loosening of a collar. The Aero Zero Shirt has a relaxed fit, is machine washable, and dries quickly. Like any good travel shirt, the material of the Aero Zero Shirt is wrinkle-resistant and offers lightweight comfortability without losing its quality. It’s also made of 100 percent recycled fabric. The shirt’s moisture-wicking technology will keep you dry and cool on warmer days, too.

While the Kinetic Tapered Pant looks like a dress pant, don’t be fooled. Between the stretch and moisture-wicking components of the warp-knit Japanese polyester, these pants are meant to be lived in. They’re comfortable enough to wear all day while maintaining an edge with the tapered fit. The addition of the hidden drawcord gives you a sleek, belt-free look (a time-saver when going through TSA). Even better, they are machine washable and wrinkle resistant.

This pair of pants lives up to its name, bringing to life the dream of wearing sweatpants to work. The structured design of the fabric gives it a professional feel, while the elastic waist and double-knit fabric promise to keep you comfortable on your next red-eye. Naturally, the material is also wrinkle-resistant.

Business casual shoes

A classic white sneaker is a staple in any wardrobe, and these minimalistic leather Koio sneakers promise to accompany you wherever you need to go. Handmade from LWG Gold-certified Italian leather and fitted with an OrthoLite Hybrid insole, the chic sneakers require little to no break-in time. These shoes do run slightly large, so size down when you order.

Naturalizer is a favorite shoe brand among flight attendants for a reason. These shoes offer comfort that can last through long shifts and longer airport terminal walks. The Felicia slingback is no exception, with a timeless style that can sharpen any outfit. The heel of these pumps is low enough for novice heel-wearers, and the ankle strap keeps the shoe secure across all kinds of pavement. Additional cushioning in the insole ensures your feet will stay comfortable over hours of wear.

Pashion shoes were created as a product that could be worn from night to day, commute to happy hour. The shoes have a patented design that converts heels to flats with a few easy twists. These multi-purpose pumps are especially helpful for small carry-on bags , allowing you to essentially bring two pairs of shoes while only needing space for one. One thing to note if you’re planning on wearing them as flats, most Pashion shoes need to be broken in a bit before they lay all the way flat.

These aren’t your typical dress shoes, most of which pinch your toes without offering any support. With a foam that forms around your foot to deliver tailored support, they’re comfortable enough to withstand a long walk between terminals. The laser-perforated sheepskin lining increases airflow (which in return reduces sweaty feet). The shoes are made with A-grade hides from American steer, and the outsole is made from a durable blend of athletic and hiking material. You may not want to hit the trails with these, but they can go everywhere else.

Handcrafted in Italy, these sleek Del Toro loafers promise you won’t have to sacrifice form over function. The beautiful shoe’s detailing includes red stitching at the back and an understated criss-cross on the front of the Napa leather exterior. The rubber sole gives the shoe additional grip, and the style is easy to slip on and off while going through airport security. They do run larger than your average loafer, so order a half size lower than you would normally.

Carry-on bags

If you're going to have to run through the airport to catch a flight, do it with the Away Daily Carry-On which has 360° roller wheels. It's compact enough to be considered a carry-on item on most airlines (though it’s always good to double-check dimensions before you head to the airport), and the exterior pocket offers easy access for a 13” laptop, and a removable three-compartment accordion can keep any documents organized in transit. This carry-on is lightweight and portable, making it as useful on a daily commute as on business trips. Add a personal touch with a monogram stamp on the included luggage tag (just $10).

The small but mighty Monos Carry On Pro is perfect for short business trips that don’t require a checked bag. The suitcase fits inside most overhead bins, and the TSA-approved lock ensures your zippers will stay in place. With an additional front compartment that fits a 15” laptop, you can slide in and out of TSA quickly (though you'll move even faster with TSA Pre-Check ). The suitcase is made of lightweight but durable polycarbonate and includes antimicrobial laundry bags and a compression system to help you make the most of the space inside. It comes in eight colors, plulimited edition hues.

The Carry All Weekender Plus is a versatile bag that fits plenty with its 50L capacity, including a padded pocket big enough for a 16” laptop. It offers travel-friendly designs such as a clamshell opening and a magnetic-closure external pocket for passports and boarding passes. The pass-through band also makes it easy to keep everything together by sliding your All Weekender Plus onto a roller bag.

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Best Business Travel Items: 11 Business Travel Essentials

After more than two years of travel restrictions spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, business travel may seem like a thing of the past. However, many tech conferences and other events have started to resume in person this year, which means it may be time to dust off your suitcase. 

As you prepare for your next business trip, consider adding some of these travel items to your list of essentials.

Plan your event calendar on TechRepublic: 2022 tech conferences and events to add to your calendar

Table of Contents

Packing cubes

Most seasoned travelers agree that packing cubes are among the best ways to stay organized while traveling. Not only do they help you make the most of your suitcase real estate, but they also make it easier to unload your items into hotel drawers so it feels less like you’re living out of a suitcase.

These basic packing cubes from Target come in a range of sizes so you can pack all of your clothes, shoes, toiletries, and electronics, then fit them together in your suitcase like a giant puzzle. Plus, the lightweight design means these cubes won’t add a lot of unnecessary weight to your luggage.

Travel steaming iron

When you’re traveling for business, it’s important to look your best so you can make a good impression on anyone you meet. That often involves taking the extra step of ironing or steaming your clothes. Packing a travel steaming iron means you won’t be stuck wearing a wrinkled shirt if the iron in your hotel room is rusty, broken, or missing.

This palm-sized iron from Oliso provides the same steam and press capabilities as a full-size iron, but it’s small enough to easily fit in a carry-on bag. It also comes with a silicon trivet to protect your work surface and keep the cord neatly wound while the iron’s not in use.

Travel door lock

Numerous horror stories about travelers—especially women—encountering an intruder in their rooms have made travel door locks a popular tool for personal security while on the go. Many flight attendants recommend bringing some type of reinforcement device to prevent housekeeping staff or other strangers from entering your space while you’re present. 

Some portable door locks are heavy or bulky, but this lightweight lock from Addalock is an inexpensive, compact solution that helps ensure your privacy and safety.

Laptop backpack

A durable and versatile backpack is one of the most important travel-related investments you can make. The right backpack should make it easy to organize all of your essentials and access them quickly.

This Solo Pro backpack has separate compartments for all of your electronics, smaller essentials like flash drives and pens, and larger items like an umbrella or a water bottle. It also has a built-in panel that slides over your suitcase handle to make it easy to go from a conference session to the airport gate.

Portable charger

Portable chargers are a must-have for frequent fliers who rely on their electronics to stay connected while traveling. Whether you’re catching up on emails during a layover or finding your way around a conference venue, it’s important that your devices have enough power to get you from point A to point B.

This portable battery from Nimble supports up to five full smartphone charges, and it can charge up to three devices simultaneously. 

Extra set of cables + international adapter

Many travel experts recommend purchasing an extra set of charging cables exclusively for trips. Doing so means you’ll never be stuck at an airport or event without the right cords for your devices, and you won’t have to pay a premium for a replacement at the airport. You could purchase duplicates of your existing cables, or you could choose an inexpensive multi-USB bundle like this one that lets you connect to multiple devices with one cable.

If you’re traveling internationally, you should also make sure you have the right adapter for the country you’re visiting. A universal adapter like this one from Insignia can accommodate plugs and sockets from North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union without needing to swap out separate pieces. 

Noise-canceling earbuds

Noise-canceling headphones are another essential for maintaining sanity while traveling for business. Airports and large events can be loud and overstimulating, and active noise cancellation offers a way to listen to music or podcasts and take calls without interruptions. Plus, opting for high-quality earbuds instead of bulky over-ear or studio headphones can save space without sacrificing quality. 

Bose’s QuietComfort earbuds allow you to control how much outside noise you let in. They last up to six hours on a single charge and come with a charging case that can fit in your pocket.

Portable hotspot

Airport and hotel Wi-Fi networks are notoriously unreliable, so it’s a good idea to invest in a portable hotspot if it’s important for you to maintain a consistent internet connection while traveling. 

Most cellular providers offer hotspot services, but if you prefer to keep business and personal expenses separate, you may opt for a contractless, pay-as-you-go option. This option from Simple Mobile is also ideal if you don’t need hotspot access every month.

Virtual private network (VPN)

If you are able to find a reliable public Wi-Fi network, you should have proper security measures in place before connecting. Hotels, airports, convention centers, and other public venues are ground zero for cyberattacks, and connecting to a public network without cybersecurity defenses like a virtual private network (VPN) in place is a recipe for disaster.

Even if your organization offers network security tools that are stronger than a VPN, it may still be worth investing in one to safeguard your personal devices and data.

Explore top VPN solutions on SoftwarePundit: Best VPN Software

Privacy screen

Aside from network security concerns, traveling for business also means you should be aware of who is physically around you while working in public. Leaving your phone or computer screen in plain view of onlookers may put your organization at risk of a data breach. To prevent nosy onlookers from seeing sensitive information, it’s a good idea to add privacy screen filters to all of the devices you use in public. 

For example, this 14-inch laptop privacy screen restricts visibility to 60º in front of the screen. Anyone outside of this range can only see a black screen, while you can keep working with a clear view.

Hand sanitizer wipes

Hand sanitizer wipes should not be underestimated when packing for a business trip. The pandemic has made it exceedingly clear that traveling is one of the fastest ways to catch a viral illness, so it’s important to have a fast and easy way to sanitize your hands, devices, and other surfaces. Choosing wipes over liquid hand sanitizer also means you’ll have more room in your carry-on for other essential liquids.

Trip Wipes are individually packaged, so you can toss a few in your bag before each trip without worrying about running out of room. 

Other ways to prepare for business trips

Some travel essentials aren’t tangible items:

• Services like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR can help you get through airport security faster and with less stress—a worthwhile investment if you travel frequently. 
• A Kindle Unlimited subscription gives you access to millions of ebooks, digital magazines, and audiobooks that you can download and access instead of purchasing something from the airport gift shop.
• The World Traveler Bundle ft. Rosetta Stone Lifetime Subscription from TechRepublic Academy is a great way to build your language skills if you do a lot of international travel.

Whether you have millions of airline miles or are preparing to embark on your first business trip, traveling in a post-pandemic world can be stressful. Packing a few travel essentials, though, helps ease some of that stress and ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Read more business travel advice on TechRepublic: When to meet in person: 3 good reasons for business travel

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