I’ve spent a good portion of my work life on the road for finance business trips, conferences, food and travel press trips, you name it. I’ve learned that if it’s a short 3-4 day trip, you go prepared, but pack light. The ease of a carry-on is what makes business travel not so bad on those late nights and delayed flights.
Below are a few of my trips I’ve picked up over the years.
Carry-On Go-To
You need a small and easy enough carry on with four wheels to make your life simple.
I’ve always been a fan of American Tourister, and friends have raved about Away’s bags as well. Make sure it’s small enough to be a carry on globally (22” x 14” x 9”) so you don’t need a new bag for domestic and international travel.
Laptop Bag that Doubles as a Purse
What I’ve found easiest is a laptop bag that also fits your essentials from inside your purse. This way, you take it as such and pack either a decent sized clutch or purse that you can use when you are in your destination. Sleek laptop bags can be used for business meetings and look like a feminine briefcase, so it kills two birds with one stone. I loved my bag from Lo & Sons that does just that and fits my laptop and other items without a problem.
Plane Must-Haves
For plane travel, I carry a small pouch full of these items: Night mask, ear plugs, lip balm and a headset that will plug into airplane TVs. I have yet to invest in fancy headphones or noise-cancelling ones but the ear plugs and night mask take up less room when I need to save space for my other items. I also usually travel with one light book and one to two food and travel magazines for before/after takeoff. For international travel, I always wear and carry my compression socks that are a must for long-haul flights.
Plane Outfit
I usually wear black leggings, either black sneakers and/or drivers (depending on the weather in my destinations) and a comfortable oversized top with a warm scarf. I like to keep my throat warm while flying and it doubles as a pillow, should you need it. For the flight back, I change the top and keep the rest the same.
Clothing
For only a few days’ trip, I like to keep it simple. If it’s nothing fancy, I usually go with one plain black dress, a pair of trousers and two tops that I can alternate between meetings. I usually travel with sneakers and I bring one work out outfit that I can use to work out in my room or in the gym. I throw in a pair of workout socks, a few pairs of underwear and one nightgown. I bring a variety of accessories to switch the outfits out including two pashminas/scarves and chunky necklaces and earrings.
Toiletries
I bring a small bag filled with travel sized everything: toothpaste, tooth brush, face wash, moisturizer with SPF, a razor, extra contacts, my glasses, dry shampoo (love Living Proof) deodorant and my two hair brushes. I have my favorite face/body products I like such as Arbonne, but depending on travel, I may get the size I need from other brands for shorter trips.
I also pack my travel sized makeup bag with the basics and leave all of my fancy applicators and multiple eyeshadows at home. It’s about taking the basics, your necessities with you and streamlining your packing to make it as easy as possible for you while traveling for business.
Do you have a favorite travel go-to? If so, please share with us in the comments or email us HERE.