Hi Frugalistas! I’m spending my Easter break getting ready for my trip to Europe. Like many of my trips, I need to combine some business and leisure. This means I need a packing list for business and leisure. But, of course, I still only want to take my usual one carry on bag. Planning a business and leisure packing list is not that hard. As with all my packing lists, it just takes some planning, a clear idea of what I am doing, and the weather. (This post was updated in December 2025.)
This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure
Principles of a business and leisure packing list
The first thing I think about with any packing list is where I am going and the time of year. This trip is obviously spring, and I’ll be spending most of my time on the relaxed (but still trendy) Italian Riviera for leisure, and then travelling to London for leisure and some work.
The second thing I’m thinking about are the activities I’ll be doing – particularly those where I may need to be particularly dressed up or down. On this trip, I have a number of dressy leisure functions planned (which are little secrets for you, dear readers – all in good time). Because I don’t hike or do anything more athletic than walk around a market, dressing down is not such an issue.
Thirdly, I think about my itinerary. In particular, what percentage of my time is business/more dressy, and what percentage is pure leisure. Regular readers may recall this strategy on my post about packing for two seasons.
On this trip I’m spending about 4 days on work, or more dressy activities. The other 10 days of the trip are either travelling or leisure related. So I need to make sure I have about one third of my clothes suitable for work or more dressy leisure activities, and the other two thirds suitable for leisure activity.
Finally, my other key principle when planning a business and leisure packing list is to maximise the number of number of multi-tasking pieces I carry. Classic black pants can easily be dressed up with a smart jacket for business, or dressed down with a casual shirt or tee for a more casual day. I choose skirts that do the same. My trench coat goes everywhere. Smart scarves or a pretty necklace dress up a more casual outfit. I leave my sneakers at home.
My business and leisure packing list
As I recommended to you in my recent post on planning a packing list, I am starting with my shoes. My trusty ankle boots are coming, of course. They are patent leather, so are still appropriate under smarter pants. I’ve retired my ballet flats that have served me well for a number years, and have upgraded to a pair of loafers. They are more fashionable at present, and mine have a small inbuilt wedge sole to give my feet a little more support. They also have gold tassels that automatically dress them up and take them to another level. These ones aren’t exactly the same as mine, but they will do the job just as well:
- MATERIALS: A womens platform loafer with microfiber or fabric made from recycled bottles with soft, feel-good linings.
- FIT: A slip on casual loafer with faux leather back pull tab
- FEELS: Comfort Insole Technology with anatomical cushioning, comfort & support.
Then I’m thinking about pants. I’m taking three pairs of pants. One pair of classic black pants that I will wear for both work and leisure. I’ve chosen a pair that go with both my boots and loafers for maximum flexibility. Then more casual pants for traveling days and leisure (although I can throw a jacket over either pair and be ready to go out for dinner if I need to).
- Button closure
- Hand Wash Only
I don’t always pack blouses, as I tend to prefer long sleeved tees when I travel. But I do think for a business trip they are handy. I also think one might do the trick for some of my special leisure activities as well. Of course, the one I choose will pack easily and not need much ironing. It will also go perfectly under my jacket and other layering tops.
- Fabric has slight stretch
- See through, long sleeve, leg-of-mutton sleeve, collar neck, sheer floral lace, blouse shirt tops
- Occasion: Fit for bar, party, club wear, night out, going out, street
Then of course, I am packing my long sleeved tees to pop under cardigans and sweaters, or wear alone on warmer spring days.
A selection of light cashmere cardigans and sweaters will complete my leisure and travel wardrobe (three I’m thinking).
- Mongolian Cashmere: this just might be the softest cashmere you’ll find. Fibers spun from the coat of Mongolian cashmere goats. 100% soft lush 2-ply cashmere. Dry clean or hand wash.
- Crewneck: The ribbed crewneck is silky smooth and lays gentle on the neck. The ribbed cuffs and hem add their own fitted comfort. Keeping heat close keeping plush solace even closer.
- Lightweight: The cashmere fiber has a loft to it…floating in warmth. Lightweight means easy to layer. Goodbye bulky layers hello feathery new adventures.
Then to complete my business wardrobe, I’ll be packing one plain classic black skirt, and a jacket that can be worn with my blouse and a range of my long sleeved tees.
Then to complete my main wardrobe, I’m packing a couple of more casual scarves, and then one slightly dressier one to mix my outfits up and keep out chills on cooler days and when travelling.
A trench coat completes my look regardless of what I’m doing.
Toiletries
When you are travelling for business, of course, you need to look your best. After all you are representing your professional self, as well as your employer. That means make up, befitting of the nature of your business. I like tinted moisturiser sunscreen rather than a true foundation – it does triple duty when I’m travelling. My favorite is Laura Mercier, but of course, cheaper brands are available if that is outside your budget. In addition to blusher, eye shadow and mascara, this is also the time I break out the fragrance samples that I collect during the year. I also pack travelling make up remover pads – they are much smaller, and do not need to be packed as a liquid.
- Twin Pack with 25-count of Neutrogena Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Micellar Cleansing Wipes to gently cleanse and effectively lift away up to 99% of makeup, including long wear makeup while leaving skin feeling refreshed & conditioned
- Makeup remover wipes work to dissolve traces of dirt, remove bacteria, impurities, oil and makeup on skin while also removing pollution, sweat and sunscreen, for superior cleansing and makeup removing power in a convenient disposable wipe
- Daily facial cleansing wipes are formulated with a triple emollient blend to gently dissolve makeup and impurities, even waterproof mascara, while conditioning skin. Leaving skin refreshingly clean with no heavy residue. No rinsing required
You can also buy reusable make up remover pads which are very easy to pack. Just pack 2-3 and wash them with your underwear each day.
- An Innovation Solution – It’s time to get real about makeup removal. Introducing ERASE YOUR FACE® makeup remover cloth, your new BFF in the skincare game! With just a splash of water, these magical makeup towels gently whisk away every trace of makeup, leaving your skin feeling pampered and oh-so-soft.
- No Makeup Removing Formulas Needed – The combination of the microfiber’s unique structure and the addition of water creates a powerful yet gentle method for cleansing and removing makeup, allowing the reusable makeup remover pads to leave your skin feeling fresh and clean.
- Dual Purpose – With a dual-sided design, it’s easy to exfoliate and remove makeup in two simple steps. The exfoliating side of the makeup eraser cloth gently buffs away dead skin cells, while the cleansing side helps to reveal a radiant and smoother complexion.
The principles for creating a packing list for business and leisure that will fit in one carry on bag are not difficult. Think about what you are doing, think multitasking pieces, and as always, make sure that everything you pack will match with everything else in your bag. Then you can’t go wrong.
Extras to pack for business travel
Because you will undoubtably have multiple electronic devices you need to make sure you have the right gear. Adaptor plugs for your destination are a given. If you travel to multiple countries you can find kits of adaptors for multiple countries:
- Join the Anker Family: Step into our expansive community of over 50 million members, all powered by our top-tier USB Charging Brand. With our products, you’re not just buying a device, you’re investing in reliable performance and enduring quality that offers remarkable value for your money.
- Superior Charging Technology: Experience the potency of PowerIQ and VoltageBoost, engineered to deliver a swift charge of up to 2.4 amps per port or a cumulative 12 amps. Our design ensures efficient, rapid charging of multiple devices at once, without the worry of overcharging or overheating. Please be aware, Qualcomm Quick Charge is not supported.
- Streamlined Power Supply: Our 6-port charging station dispenses 60 watts of power, facilitating simultaneous charging for multiple devices. This compact, travel-friendly gadget not only organizes your charging area but also minimizes the need for multiple chargers and outlets.
If you have lots of devices you need to charge simultaneously, a multi adaptor may work best for you:
An old fashioned powerboard can also work well, and means you only need one adaptor plug:
- Power Strip with 6 Outlets & 3USB Ports: 6 AC Surge protector outlets(1680 Joules) including 1 Widely Spaced Outlet, 2 USB A Ports & 1 USB C Port (5V/3.0A, 15W) , 6 feet power cord (1250W/10A), Surge protector indicator and 10A Overload Protector switch protects against spikes and fluctuations.Wide range voltage design, can be used on 120v to 240v circuit.
- Smart Charging USB Ports: Build in smart charging technology, Each USB A port features 2.4A Max output. USB C charging port features 3A MAX., 3 USB ports ( Total 5V/3.0A/15W) can charge almost any USB device (smart phone, tablet, Amazon Kindle, fire stick, e-reader, blue tooth headphones, portable speaker etc).
- Surge Protector outlet: The 6 AC outlets provide surge protector against electrical spikes. Three complementary Surge Protection Circuits, TVS (transient voltage clamp) MOV(metal oxide varistor) GDT(gas discharge tube), with response speed less than 1Ns, and minimum energy-absorbing capacity of 1680 Joules, its response time is much shorter than the single MOV surge protector circuit, It truly provides great protection of your precious plugged-in devices.
To make sure you are never without wifi on the go (and avoid the risk of being hacked on public wifi), I recommend a portable wifi such as a Solis. Accommodating up to 10 devices you will safe and never without wifi. You can find out about Solis here.
Last update on 2026-09-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These are the nice info which will make your tour more enjoyable and it’s true when you will have less luggage with you then you can enjoy more on your trips.
From my opinion everyone who are love travelling then these tips will work great for them.
Your information is very useful. thank you very much
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it.
Thanks very much for your feedback
I enjoy your posts, as I’m interested in travelling light while looking good. In terms of toiletries, I’ve recently found something I’ve been trying out at home in preparation for a five week trip at the end of June. It’s a microfibre makeup remover pad. It works with a bit of water, used like a washer and then rinsed out. My only problem is the size is larger than I need so I cut it in half and put more bias around the top, adding a loop for hanging. So now I have one at home and one in my travel bag.
Fantastic advice Jennifer – I haven’t seen these before. I love how you’ve cut it in half and added a hanger – perfect for hotel bathrooms.