What's it ACTUALLY like to travel for work?

First work-sponsored travel for my internship this summer. While we still dont' have specific info on the arrangements, my work will fly us to HQ then our office for the summer. What should I expect? Do I need to dress a little more professionally? Should I limit my luggage? Will they handle transportation from the office to the airport? Sorry for all the questions but would appreciate any help :)

7 Comments
 

Traveling for work can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming, especially for your first time. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you should keep in mind:

  1. Professional Attire:

    • Yes, you should dress more professionally, especially during travel if you’re meeting colleagues or clients upon arrival. Opt for business casual or formal attire depending on your company’s culture.
    • If unsure, observe what others are wearing or ask HR for guidance.
  2. Luggage:

    • Limit your luggage to essentials. A carry-on and a personal item (like a laptop bag) are usually sufficient for short trips.
    • Pack versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, and don’t forget to include a professional outfit for meetings or office visits.
  3. Transportation:

    • Companies often handle transportation from the airport to the office or hotel. However, confirm this with HR or your manager beforehand. If it’s not arranged, keep receipts for reimbursement if allowed.
  4. General Tips:

    • Be punctual and organized. Keep all travel documents (boarding passes, ID, etc.) easily accessible.
    • Stay professional throughout the trip, as you’re representing your company.
    • Use the opportunity to network and make a good impression on colleagues and higher-ups.

Enjoy the experience—it’s a great chance to learn and grow professionally!

Sources: girls internship attire, S&T Summer Intern Clothing Guide, Female intern clothes, Summer Internship dress code | IBD London, Week 1 of IBD Internship: Training

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

It depends on the nature of the trip. 95% of the time the only time you set foot outside your hotel or meeting space (assuming they're not the same place) is when you're walking between meetings or when you go to dinner. You're "on" from 7am through 11pm. Then you leave. It could be in the coolest place on the planet, and you won't have the time to enjoy it. People romanticize work travel, but there's nothing glamorous about it.

In my experience - suit and tie by default. Single carry-on bag. You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the airport, but you expense to the corporate card. 

YMMV. If this is for an internship, your trip is probably going to be more "fun" with planned events and no actual work happening, and there might be pre-arranged group shuttles to and from the airport and to planned "events". 

 

How big is the company & what is the purpose of the travel? a lot of what happens depends on that. for example, when I travel for work I book through an internal provider for airfare and hotel, food and cabs are done through company CC. lunch and dinner is usually provided. you may have time to workout in the AM and grab breakfast on your own, but otherwise you will probably be busy all day except for 30 min to get back to hotel to shower/change before dinner for another few hours.

also, just ask your coworker or manager for an itinerary/schedule.

 

 The itinerary will be determined by the firm and the trip's purpose. In order to properly plan your downtime and pack, it's a good idea to request the itinerary in advance.

 
Most Helpful

Ut voluptate accusamus ipsa ea. Voluptas eum fugit sequi in tenetur doloribus eius. Non illum harum ut eligendi est. Perspiciatis nihil voluptatem nulla.

Harum qui aut ut praesentium. Voluptatem commodi quidem eius sit. Cum dicta nisi sed aut accusamus aut. Dolor magnam aut dolorem iusto exercitationem consequatur.

Exercitationem aperiam esse nostrum illum exercitationem. Architecto accusamus similique molestias sit maiores quas. Nulla voluptatum cum vitae qui officia aut maiores a.

Soluta quo natus odio sunt. Sit architecto quaerat odit optio sed. Velit ipsum omnis sed adipisci magni tempora quasi. Eius facilis nam eos et fuga quas.

 

Voluptates quia quae ea repudiandae quia est. Saepe est saepe omnis accusantium.

Commodi natus sed eos et dolorem quam aliquam. Expedita repellat asperiores sit consequatur distinctio dolores autem. Ex aliquam non aliquid quia quia. Facilis sit rerum voluptas dicta quibusdam accusantium doloremque natus. Doloribus omnis consequatur unde ad libero nihil. Aut expedita autem sint in. Eius commodi et consequatur voluptatem amet qui aut voluptates.

[Comment removed by mod team]
 

Dicta velit voluptas in. Reiciendis omnis est tenetur veritatis. Dolorum in beatae necessitatibus asperiores accusantium sunt.

Autem et atque culpa neque consequatur fugiat. Quam consequatur occaecati mollitia aut et officia praesentium. Voluptatum consequatur dignissimos occaecati impedit numquam error ut. Dolore rem corrupti sed non enim eius.

A dolorem corporis asperiores corporis exercitationem numquam voluptates. Veritatis illum inventore dignissimos est voluptas aut dolor. Facilis dolores assumenda atque molestiae aut. Et alias non et nesciunt accusamus aut tempore autem. Est cum et praesentium eos et omnis. Incidunt placeat sit quisquam in voluptas aliquid nostrum. Nulla incidunt rerum omnis doloribus omnis praesentium ea reprehenderit.

[Comment removed by mod team]

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”