Packing for a work-related trip can be a stressful undertaking. Numerous factors need to be considered, including the number and type of events you will be attending, packing work essentials that you would usually leave at home for a regular holiday, and limiting your luggage to a simple carry-on. But navigating this packing maze may be simpler than you expect.
If you are choosing to travel with vapes or vape products in tow, it is essential to refer to the specific guidelines set forth by your preferred airline regarding safely packing and flying with vapes. In most cases, they will need to be stored in carry-on luggage due to the potential fire risk of lithium batteries. Furthermore, all e-liquids must follow TSA regulations surrounding travel with liquids.
Pack By Look
A fantastic way to ensure you don’t overpack while traveling is by pre-planning every outfit you plan to wear from head to toe, including any footwear and accessories you want to include. Opt for versatile key pieces, like suits, jackets, and skirts, that can be worn more than once simply by changing the shirt and accessories you pair with it.
For trips that are five days or less, you should limit your packing to only two or three pairs of shoes, wearing the bulkiest option on travel days. Select footwear in neutral tones with limited patterns or hardware to maximize its wear.
Versatile Travel Bags
The value of using a versatile travel bag during business trips should never be underestimated. The perfect travel bag should be small enough only to require checking, spacious enough to fit everything you will need on your trip, and, in an ideal world, could double as your everyday business bag once you arrive and unpack.
Furthermore, for anyone who regularly travels, packing cubes can be a complete game-changer when it comes to optimizing and organizing space in your luggage. Not only will they keep your luggage neat, but they will also make it easier to pack and unpack once you reach your hotel, keeping your personal belongings in one organized place.
Aim for Carry-On Only
When traveling for work, you should always challenge yourself to pack within the confines of a carry-on bag. This will prevent you from having to waste time at a baggage carousel and mitigate the risk of the airline misplacing your luggage.
However, for longer trips that may require a checked bag, keep your most expensive and valuable items in your carry-on bag, alongside your medication, and a change of clothes in case your bag goes missing while in transit.
Travel Miniatures
When packing toiletries while traveling, especially if you plan to stick to carry-on luggage only, you must abide by TSA regulations surrounding carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels on board. The easiest way to ensure you stay within these parameters and save on valuable packing space is by investing in miniature toiletries or, better yet, small reusable toiletry containers that you can fill at home with your favorite products.
Alongside standard toiletry items like a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, perfume or cologne, skincare, moisturizer, and conditioner, it is crucial not to forget any necessary medication, which can be stored in handy pill caddies.
Work Essentials
While you are unlikely to forget to pack your wallet and cellphone, it is surprisingly easy to overlook an important piece of tech when packing, which could hinder your workflow. Keeping a list of the necessary items while packing is a fantastic and effective way to guarantee you have everything you may need. For international travel, it may be worth purchasing an eSIM ahead of time to ensure your cellphone works as soon as you arrive.
In addition, include the non-tech essential you find yourself turning to every day in the office. These could include office supplies, business cards, and all relevant files or documents relating to the nature of your trip. If you are concerned about having access to a workspace while traveling, book a desk at a local coworking space in advance.
Consider Accessories
Accessories like jewelry, ties, belts, and pocket squares are essential when traveling because they are lightweight, simple to pack, and have the power to transform and elevate any look when necessary.
When packing space is limited, it will be difficult to pack more than two or three key clothing pieces. If you would prefer to avoid repeating the same outfit two or three times in a row, swapping out your shirt and accessories can instantly create a new look without the need to pack extra clothing that you may or may not end up wearing.
Packing Wrinkle-Free
The best way to combat wrinkles while on a business trip is often referred to as the ‘shower trick’. This involves hanging your clothes in the bathroom upon arrival, using the steam from a hot shower to release any wrinkles naturally.
However, to mitigate wrinkles and improve the results on this clever trick, it is worth following a handful of packing rules, including rolling your clothes (but not your suits), packing heavier items at the bottom of your bag and lighter items on top, using packing cubes, and buttoning or zipping all items before packing.