Companies are resuming business travel; the percentage of Americans who feel confident traveling this summer has risen from 27% to 72%. To prepare to start traveling again, we have compiled a packing list for a safe and comfortable trip. Read on for a 2021 business travel packing checklist!
1. Hand sanitizer
Due to new variants of COVID-19, TSA now allows travelers to bring one bottle of up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in a carry-on bag. The containers will need to be screened separately, which takes more time than usual, so remember to arrive earlier at the airport.
2. Medical Masks
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a well-fitted surgical mask or a “cloth and surgical mask combination” can reduce virus transmission by up to 96.5 percent. During the TSA screening process, travelers are allowed to wear a mask. Security might ask you to adjust the mask to confirm that your identity matches the traveling documents, though.
3. Phone and Charger
To avoid missing clients’ calls or messages, it is important to keep your charger in your carry-on bag, so you can charge your phone on the plane. Moreover, if you’re traveling internationally, it might be a good idea to upgrade your phone plan for roaming abroad or buy the country’s SIM card beforehand. This ensures better communication when landing, as well as with your company and family.
4. Water bottle
Even though you can’t bring liquids onto the plane, you should still bring an empty reusable water bottle in your carry-on bag. Most airports have water fountains everywhere to fill your water bottle. This not only helps the environment by reducing plastic bottle waste but also saves money from buying multiple single-use water bottles throughout the trip. Staying hydrated is also important for fighting jetlag.
5. Travel adaptor and converter
If you’re traveling internationally, make sure you check the country’s voltage and its plug shapes. To sum up the difference between a converter and an adaptor, “the adapter makes your device fit in the holes. The converter changes the electric power going into it.” You might need both for your business trip.
6. Earplugs and eye mask
Getting enough rest is the most important thing during a business trip. Enough rest ensures you have a clear head and perform your best at meetings. Pack an eye mask to help you rest better on long train rides and flights (if you’re traveling internationally, this can help reduce the effects of jetlag) and earplugs for preventing noise anywhere you need to work.
7. Copies of important documents
Before traveling, you should make copies of important documents such as your passport, visa, COVID-19 vaccine card, and itinerary. COVID-19 vaccine card is now crucial for travel because some countries let you opt for the government-mandated quarantine with proof of vaccination. For example, all citizens and foreign nationals with proof of vaccination can be exempted from mandatory quarantine in Canada. Always bring your vaccine card since some countries even require proof of vaccination for indoor activities. On Tuesday, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all indoor activities would require proof of vaccination starting 8/16. Moreover, a copy of the itinerary is essential if there’s any sudden change in your schedule. If you, unfortunately, contract COVID-19 during your trip, a copy of the itinerary is important in changing your flight or getting a refund.
At Vacayz, we aim to provide a last-minute solution to businesses. We understand the stress of traveling domestically and internationally during the pandemic. Therefore, we offer free cancellation and change on flights and stays to prepare for uncertainty. Check out Vacayz to book your next business trip!
