5 essentials when embarking on a business trip

People are travelling for work more often than ever these days. According to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics, the number of visits abroad for businesses grew from 7.9 million in 2013 to 8.3 million in 2014. Wherever you’re heading, though, there are some items that remain essentials for every business trip.

The perfect bag

Finding the perfect bag is essential for any regular traveller. The most common choice is a lightweight, rolling suitcase. This has the advantage of being easy to transport, but it does have a tendency to crease a standard men’s suit. You may want to consider a small hanger bag if you’re travelling light or, if you’re planning for a longer trip, a military-style duffel bag or large messenger bag.

Chargers and adaptors

These days, most of us can’t imagine getting through our work day without the use of a computer. Whether you plan to bring a laptop, tablet device, or smartphone on your trip, you’ll need to bring along the relevant charging accessories. If you’re travelling internationally, be aware that your destination may not use the same current that you’re used to. Adaptors like this will be a must if you want to continue working while on the move.

Business cards

In an age of swapping social media handles, exchanging business cards may seem incredibly old fashioned, especially to some of our younger readers. Even today, though, they remain the best way to distinguish your brand from the competition while leaving a lasting and tactile impression. Make sure that you have enough cards with you at all times to ensure that you aren’t easily forgotten.

Document organiser

Invest in a good document organiser before you leave. This should have enough room to include passport, flight details, insurance information, and any documents specific to your trip. If the whole journey relies on you giving a great presentation, you want to make sure that all of your notes are in order beforehand. Be prepared and don’t leave anything to chance.

Breakdown cover

Last but not least, if you’re going to be driving at any point during your trip you’ll need to get the appropriate breakdown cover. StartRescue include several different plans that will cover both local and international journeys. While you hopefully won’t need to take advantage of it, this will allow you to travel worry-free so it’s not worth taking the extra risk to go without it.