Today, traveling around the globe is practically second nature to a lot of us. Our jobs often dictate that we go on short business trips and you're right back the next day or the day after that. If you know what I'm talking about then chances are you already have a list of essentials that you will need for an overnight trip, kept somewhere handy.

But packing for traveling is almost like an art; and if you’re not careful you invariably end up forgetting something vital. So, it always helps to keep a bag packed and ready in case you need to rush off, out of station for a day or two. But do you know what you'll need to carry with you to make sure your not towing too much unnecessary stuff around?

Depending on where you will be staying you can cut back on carrying a few things which are most likely to be offered to you as a guest in your hotel. So here is what you're likely to need:

Your travel bag

Choosing the type of luggage bag or box that you will need depends on how much you're going to be carrying and whether or not you are going to be traveling light. Ideally, for an overnight trip a small suitcase enough to fit one set of clothes, your toiletries, and perhaps your laptop or files would suffice. Try and get yourself one of those compact bags that have a telescopic handle and can be rolled around easily. They’re a lot easier to move around than draping a luggage strap around your shoulder. Also make sure you get a bag that’s large enough to contain all you need, yet fits the norms required for airline cabin baggage.

Next, we move on to filling your box with what you will need.

Toiletries

Today, you get the perfect little toiletry kits available off the shelf, which contains all that you probably need; ideally that would be the perfect travel companion. However, if you haven't got one here is a list of what you will most likely need

Essential items

* Toothpaste / Toothbrush / Floss / Mouthwash

* Brush / Comb

* Deodorant

* Insect Repellent if required.

For the ladies

* Nail clippers

* Facial Cleansers

* Sanitary Hygiene Products (if required)

* Make up kit

For the men

* Razor

* Shaving Cream

* Aftershave

Depending on where you stay; You could consider carrying:

* Towel / Washcloth

* First-aid kit

* Shampoo / Conditioner

* Soap

Clothing

Based on the purpose of your trip its always best to pack a set of formal wear as well as casual wear, apart from something comfortable to wear at night when sleeping. You can limit your shoes to just one pair of multipurpose shoes and if you need to carry bulky warm clothing it’s better to wear it while traveling.

* A set of Undergarments

* Socks / Nylons

* A set of Formal Shirts / Blouses

* Suits / Dresses

* Jeans / Pants / Sweatpants if it’s a casual affair

* Sweater / Jacket (If it’s likely to be cold where you’re going.)

* Pyjamas

Accessories

* Your formal Shoes

* Ties / Scarves / Belts

* Wrist Watch

Electrical items

Today it is hardly surprising to see people carrying one or more electrical gadgets with them when they travel. If its travel overseas, chances are that you need to work with another electrical system that’s a lot different from the voltage you have back home and the does not have the kind of plug points you’re used to. So if you must carry your gadgets, make sure you carry the appropriate multi-socket and multi voltage adaptors.

* Laptop/ Mobile Phone / Other gadgets.

* Travel Alarm Clock

* Converter / Adapters (For your laptop, phone or any other gadget you will be carrying)

* Hair Dryer/ Curler

Other essentials

Some of the other essential items that you will need to have handy, especially if you’re traveling abroad and are ready to leave, are:

* Passport / Alternative /driver’s license

* Visa copy

* Transportation tickets

* Your Itinerary

* Hotel Reservation Details

* Car rental Information.

* Insurance card (health/travel)

* Emergency Medication /prescriptions

For transactions

* Credit cards / ATM card

* Money and foreign currency

* Traveller's checks

General items (Can be left out)

* Luggage ID tags / Locks

* Travel guide books / Maps

* Foreign language Phrasebook / Dictionary / Brief on customs and culture.

The above check list should help guide you on what to pack. Make sure you keep your passport, tickets and itinerary handy in one of the side pockets of your bag for easy access, should you need them while traveling. Take five minutes and run through your list once more to see if you missed anything important. You don’t want to be at your destination and then remember that you left your presentation, in the CD on your bed. Lock up your bag and you're now ready to leave.