Travel guide
The complete business traveler packing list
A frequent traveler can pack a 7-day international trip into a carry-on with practice. The trick is to standardize: same toiletry bag, same tech kit, same outfit formula. Here is ours.
The bag itself
Carry-on roller (22"×14"×9" max) + a personal item (backpack or large tote). Soft-sided spinners fit overhead bins better than hard cases.
Clothing rule of thirds
Pack one third less than you think. Plan to re-wear pants and jackets twice each. Bring one outfit you can stretch across two days (jeans + button down + blazer).
Tech kit
Laptop, charger, second phone charger, universal power adapter, 10,000mAh power bank, USB-C cable, headphones (noise-canceling), portable Wi-Fi hotspot for international.
Toiletries (TSA-compliant)
Quart-size bag, 3 oz containers max. Bar soap > liquid soap when possible. Solid deodorant, toothpaste, dental floss, ibuprofen, melatonin, prescription meds in original bottles.
Documents
Passport (always — even domestic, in case you get rebooked internationally), driver's license, two payment methods, paper copy of itinerary, insurance card, emergency contact card.
International additions
Plug adapter (not converter — modern electronics handle voltage), $100 USD in local currency, copy of passport stored separately from the original, eSIM for the destination.
What to leave at home
Anything you will not use every day. Hair dryers (every hotel has one). More than one pair of dress shoes. Books (use Kindle app). Heavy jeans (pack lighter pants).
Want help applying this to your trip?
Talk to a Zip Trip Travel advisor — quotes are always free.