Make sure you don't forget anything on your next business trip (or working vacation) with this packing checklist geared towards mobile work:
Electronics & Accessories:
- Laptop or netbook
- Laptop or netbook charger
- PDA
- PDA charger
- Cell phone
- Cell phone charger
- Extra battery or batteries for any of the above
- Bluetooth earpiece
- Sleeve for laptop/netbook to make taking it in and out of your carry-on easier (you can pack a regular laptop case if you need it at your destination in your checked baggage)
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Mini/travel surge protector
- USB drive
- External hard drive
- Lock for laptop case or laptop itself
- Ethernet network cable (retractable kind)
- USB cable (you can use to charge external devices, retractable kind)
- Telephone cord for dial-up (retractable kind)
- External wireless adapter
- Notebook mouse
- Airplane and/or car adapter
Travel & Work Essentials:
- Work documents (including business cards, reference materials, forms for meals & expenses tracking)
- Itinerary
- Badges/ID for work or conference access
- Travel insurance info
- Earplugs
International Needs:
- Voltage adapters
- Calling cards
- Global cell phone
- Visa, if needed
- Laptop receipt, in case Customs asks for it
- Guidebook or phrase books
- Vaccination certificates
- Traveler's checks
All of the above should be taken with you in your carryon luggage to avoid loss.
In your checked baggage, pack:
- travel alarm
- office supplies you might need (pens, notebook, envelopes, sticky notes)
- other less essential/non-replaceable items
- larger portable devices like portable printers or scanners
