Traveling is a fun experience, especially if you are traveling somewhere new, but it can also be a hectic experience. Business trips may be harder to grasp since they take you away from your family as well, but at times they are a necessity
Unless you are certain of the Halal-friendly facilities available in the hotel you are staying at, always pack a trusted compass, a prayer mat and a copy of the Quran. Nowadays, it is much easier to carry a copy of the Quran with e-book readers or on your phone. If you are uncertain of the food prepared, there are many packaged Halal-friendly foods available for purchase in grocery stores worldwide. Let our check-list below help you prepare for a productive business trip:
Clothes - Clothes say a lot about the people who wear them; make sure you pack entire outfits instead of articles of clothing. Calculate the number of days of your trip and pack one extra suit - you never know when something could spill and unless you are absolutely certain of the available laundry facilities, it is better to have a spare. Though having the correct number of clothing is necessary, it is also very important to be sure that your clothing is suitable for any circumstance. Pack appropriate clothing for meetings, dinner invitations, galas or any other event that is part of the itinerary.
Accessories - A good suit is made better with matching accessories, but it can also be made worse with disagreeable accessories. Ties, socks, watch, pen, cufflinks, tie pins, and belts are the customary add-ons to a suit. Standard striped ties, also known as power ties, are a necessity and if you pack one in a neutral color, they can be used for most of your planned outfits. A rule of thumb to generally follow during corporate events is that the belt worn must match the shoes so keep that in mind when packing. Don't forget your watch, a pen to place in your shirt pocket, cufflinks (if you wear them) and tie pins when packing.
Documents - Remember that you are traveling with a purpose; a week before your proposed travel date, start a list of things you will need to take with you. Every time you remember something that needs to be taken along, quickly write it down. Meeting notes, brochures, packets, anything that may be necessary should be written down and the night before you travel, packed and secured in your luggage. Also, put together all documents neccesary for your travel: passport, drivers license, boarding pass, airline ticket, visa status (if neccessary) and any other forms of identification.
Medicine - Vitamins, allergy medication, prescription drugs - anything that you will need over the course of your business trip should be packed in necessary amounts. Always pack medicine for a few extra days, just in case your trip is extended. It is best to write down any medical conditions or allergies you may have, along with the names of your medication and dosage information, and keep this on you at all times. Inform a coworker of your condition and the contact information of a relative or friend in case of an emergency situation.
Electronics - Before packing, lay out all of the electronics you plan on taking during your business trip. Alongside each item, place the power cable and extra batteries if needed. Laptops, cameras, cell phones, e-readers and electric razors may be some of the things necessary.
Always be prepared for your business trip by identifying what you need to do or take beforehand. If you live alone, make sure all of your utility bills are paid and that the mail will be collected. If you won't have access to your e-mail for long periods of time, remember to set an automatic response. Be sure to give a close friend or family member all of your travel information, including your flight information, the contact information of the hotel you are staying in and a copy of your itinerary. Have a safe and pleasant journey wherever your travels may take you.
