Melody Jacob

10 things to keep in mind when planning your business trip's itinerary and activities

Discover 10 items and guidance for a successful business trip, including a packing list and recommendations!

Traveling for business purposes is very different from vacation travel. Not only are you stepping into a new work culture, but you also require additional comfort to be productive, such as reliable Wi-Fi.

You can't ignore the logistical considerations, like making sure you have everything you need for a business trip in immaculately packed luggage. Local customs and etiquette are examples of items that you would not think to bring on a vacation but which are crucial to its success.

1. Consider bringing a plug converter on your business trip.

During a work trip, you'll likely be using your laptop for the majority of the time, so having access to energy is really vital.

Not only can sockets vary across continents, but they can also vary within countries on the same continent. For example, sockets in one country might not fit into another. Do your homework and make sure to include a plug converter on your packing list if you think you might need one.

Expert tip: The letter denominator can help you identify different types of plugs, such as type G, type C, E, and F.

2. Get a head start on gathering personal care items.

When you're on a business trip, it's important to pack wisely to avoid wasting space or having your amenities explode in your bag and spoil your business clothes. Remember that there is a 100 ml bottle restriction for toiletries if you are traveling with only carry-on luggage.

You won't need to bring your own shampoo and shower gel if the hotel provides them. Space and packing concerns will be alleviated. Limit yourself to necessities, such as hand sanitizer or prescription toiletries, as you can be sure that these won't be available on the premises.

If you can't see the amenities stated on the property page, a helpful hint is to inquire about them.

3. You should bring a refillable water bottle.

It goes without saying that maintaining an adequate fluid intake is critical to health and well-being. If you're traveling on a business trip and anticipate sitting for long periods of time in meetings, bring along your go-to bottle.

While the water from the faucet is safe to drink in certain nations, you might want to bring along some bottled water just in case. Consider bringing a refillable water bottle on a business trip if you'll be visiting a country with potable tap water.

Modern travelers and fitness enthusiasts alike can start their trip worry-free with the Collapsible Silicone Water Bottle. People who value efficiency and durability will find its silicone construction appealing.

Expert advice: find out in advance whether the local water supply is safe to drink. Bring a refillable water bottle if that's the case.

4. Get all of your trip paperwork printed.

You can get your boarding card printed and ready to scan at the airport with several different airline applications. If you'd rather not risk your phone dying on you or losing signal, you may always print your boarding pass.

While on business travel, some people find it more convenient to get some work done while in transit. Remember that certain digital tools let you work offline if you download them in advance, especially if the journey takes many hours.

Assume you will be unable to use the internet and get all of your key documents ready accordingly. This implies that you should save all documents to your computer and print off just the ones you'll actually need before you go.

5. Bring two portable chargers—one for your phone and one for your laptop.

Power banks are available in a variety of forms and capacities. There are two options here: get one with a 10,000 mAH capacity and use it just for your phone, or splurge on a power bank for both your laptop and phone. Even though these power banks are three times as expensive as an external battery for a phone, they are well worth the investment for flights that last longer or for laptops with fewer batteries. Their capacity is over 40,000 mAH.

Remember that you'll still need cords to link your electronic devices to your power bank; for example, if you charge your phone using one connection, double-check that the same cable is required to charge your external battery.

A 14-year-old boy, who had seen a small blue object in the jungle, guided the group to the wreckage. Despite using advanced technology, the military had been unable to find the plane, but this teenager led them straight to it. Upon examining the wreckage, they found no children’s bodies. Some boxes were opened, and signs suggested that the children might still be alive—including a 14-month-old baby.

The military continued their search with no progress, while people around the world anxiously awaited news. However, the indigenous people, not initially asked to help, remained patient, allowing the military to continue. Eventually, the military acknowledged their expertise and requested their assistance, and that’s when the true search began.

The indigenous people have a profound connection to the jungle, understanding it in ways the military could never. They also believe that not all powers are physical. So, they prayed and performed a ritual involving herbs, while others stayed behind and prayed for success. The military had to use helicopters to navigate the treacherous jungle, filled with wild animals. The first man to attempt the ritual was the father of the children, but he was immediately rejected. Instead, an elderly man was asked to drink the herbs and sit in a particular spot to receive guidance. In a trance-like state, he said he transformed into a tiger, saw lights, and found the children.

The next morning, he predicted they would find the children by 3 p.m. that day—the last day of the search. And they did. The children were found weak and emaciated, but alive. Their survival was a miracle, guided by nature and protected by God. The children shared that they had seen their mother die in the crash, but they had left the wreckage in search of help.

Are you planning anything special for Christmas this year? Honestly, I’m not sure what this Christmas will look like for me, but one thing’s for sure—if there’s a chance to attend any festive events, I will be showing up looking my best!

I recently dug out this stunning blackless dress from Uoozee that I’ve had in my closet for a while. When I finally wore it, the fabulous flare sleeves were the perfect fit for me. The dress is a solid color, high-neck, backless mini, and I like it! Since it's already freezing, I paired it with pantyhose, and honestly, it didn’t look bad at all! A little layering hack for winter parties, you know?

Speaking of parties, the holiday season is officially upon us, which means it’s time to plan those Christmas and New Year looks! I’ve got a bunch of holiday outfits lined up that I can't wait to share, but for now, let’s talk about the top trends this season. If you haven’t picked out your outfit for the office party, family gathering, or just a fun night out, there’s still time! Trust me, you don’t have to go overboard. Sometimes the best outfits are the ones you already own.Here’s a little secret: I’m not big on over-planning my outfits. I usually just visualize something cute in my head, do a quick ironing session if needed, hang it up, and I’m good to go. Trying on too many outfits just leaves me tired and confused, and I end up picking the wrong one anyway—can anyone relate?

But seriously, finding the perfect Christmas outfit is all about striking that balance. You want to look unique and original but also honor those classic traditions (yes, I’m talking about wearing something red! . You really don’t need to splurge to look fabulous—chances are, you’ve already got some great pieces in your closet. Just add a little sparkle here and there, maybe a shimmery bag or glittery shoes, and you’re all set to dazzle!

So, go ahead, grab that dress you’ve been saving, throw on a touch of glitter, add some fun accessories, and make that outfit shine. Oh, and don’t forget a cozy pair of hose—it’s giving me all the holiday vibes!

Now tell me, any fun Christmas plans on the horizon? Or have you picked out your perfect holiday look yet? Let’s chat in the comments!