Packing for a business trip for the first time? Let this business trip packing list have your back, so you never forget what to bring if it has been a while since your last flight. Before the pandemic, I used to fly to Japan almost every month as a DJB correspondent — after a pandemic-driven pause, I have only recently started travelling abroad again for family visits and business trips. Let me share my business trip packing list with you! No more feeling lost about travelling in this post-pandemic era — travel with confidence!

Business trip essentials 1: ID and important documents

Travelling abroad — especially during a period like the COVID-19 pandemic — calls for careful preparation of the right documents, kept safe and close at hand, making the whole trip smoother and avoiding unnecessary hassle. A quick reminder from Daijobu: always confirm your destination's entry or transit restrictions and required documentation before you go, and pay close attention to whether a negative test result is required for entry. Here is a list of essentials worth bringing:

  • ID documents: passport, flight ticket, visa, and any special travel documents (student ID or business documentation, etc.), plus an international driving permit if needed
  • Insurance: travel insurance, travel accident insurance, personal accident insurance, or inconvenience insurance based on your needs, giving you better coverage for any emergencies abroad
  • Negative PCR test result: policies changed quickly during the pandemic, so pay close attention to entry testing requirements for business travel
  • Proof of accommodation: whether it is a hotel booking confirmation or staying with a friend, having the relevant details or address ready can smooth things over at immigration
  • Other essentials: bring at least 1–2 credit cards, and it is also worth exchanging some local currency in advance just to be safe
Daijobu tip Notice for travellers to Japan: https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/info/2020/inter/201227/

Business trip essentials 2: pandemic-prevention items

The COVID-19 pandemic and its wider impact have deeply reshaped how we travel for business — whether in transit, on the plane, or once you arrive, it pays to stay alert and look after your health and safety. Here are a few pandemic-prevention essentials worth packing:

  • Face masks: choose medical-grade or higher masks that effectively block bacteria and viruses, and replace them right away if damaged or worn for a while
  • 75% alcohol: keep some on hand and disinfect as soon as you arrive somewhere new — one of the best ways to protect yourself
  • Other items: depending on your needs, consider goggles, protective clothing, hand sanitiser, or alcohol wipes, especially on the plane
Daijobu tip Alcohol or liquids in carry-on must be repackaged into containers under 100ml and placed in a 1L resealable bag. For checked baggage, each bottle must be under 500ml, with a total under 2L

Business trip essentials 3: travel and everyday items

In this post-pandemic era, pandemic-prevention items have become standard packing, but be mindful with other everyday items too — it is easy to get carried away packing and end up with an overweight suitcase, which defeats the purpose! Here is a list of everyday items I bring on every business trip, for reference:

  • A change of clothes: an absolute must — for the journey itself, comfortable, lightweight clothing is best
  • Toiletries: bring travel-sized toiletries just in case your accommodation does not provide them
  • Makeup and skincare: an essential for many travellers — pack travel-sized sets to save space, and remember carry-on liquids must stay under 100ml
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, hand cream... and whatever else you use day to day

Business trip essentials 4: everyday and personal medication

Take good care of yourself while travelling — a new country or region can easily throw off your system, so pack according to your own health needs. It is worth bringing some common medications, which can genuinely help both you and your travel companions if needed. Here are a few medications I always pack when travelling:

  • Motion sickness medication: the first thing that comes to mind when packing for travel — if you get carsick on buses or coaches like I do, definitely remember this one
  • Cold medicine: sudden temperature swings or unfamiliar climates can easily catch you off guard with a cold, and basic cold medicine helps ease the symptoms
  • Stomach and anti-diarrheal medication: food hygiene abroad is always a bit of a gamble, so bring some just in case
  • Bandages: plasters, breathable tape, waterproof bandages — pack a few based on your needs
  • Medication for chronic conditions: if you take prescription medication, be sure to bring enough for the whole trip, and keep it in its original packaging to avoid any hassle if it gets checked

Business trip essentials 5: my personal must-have travel items

Beyond the essential categories above, different weather, destinations and trip purposes call for different items too. Here are a few things I always bring on my trips and business travel to Japan~

  • Vacuum compression bags: I genuinely recommend these! They free up so much suitcase space and keep everything looking tidier — I use them on every trip!
  • A universal adapter: I bring one just in case on every trip, so even where the plug type matches Japan's, I never worry about two-pin versus three-pin outlets!
  • A charger: most people, like me, never put their phone down — a charger is an absolute must, and do not forget one for your laptop or camera if you bring those too!
  • Slippers: whether on a long flight or at the hotel, I always change into my own comfortable slippers — a good rest matters!
  • Sunglasses, a raincoat/umbrella, a hat and scarf: I pack these depending on the destination — check the local weather forecast before you go!
  • Plastic bags: I recommend packing a few in your suitcase, handy for separating worn clothes you cannot wash right away!
  • Personal safety: if you are worried about safety or pickpockets, bring an anti-theft chain or a waist pouch to keep your belongings secure!

After sharing all these travel essentials, one thing I could never forget is staying connected — I always carry a DJB global data SIM on every trip, plug-and-play convenience that is genuinely hard to beat. The moment I land, swapping in my DJB SIM is always the first thing I do! Take the Japan data SIM as an example — DJB offers a range of data and duration options, such as Daijobu Unlimited, Daijobu Travel, Daijobu Play, and the newest Japan 5G data SIM — pick whichever fits your data needs!

Daijobu Japan data SIM comparison