Work Trip Packing Advice
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Last year when I asked for requests for my Women in the Workplace series, I received one about packing for business trips. It has been on my list for so long and I’m excited to finally get to it. If you have a topic you’d like me to cover, I always try to get to it! Just make take me a couple of months to actually do it. Winter is a busy time and I took some unexpected time off, but I’m stoked it is January and am excited to be back in the saddle with regular WITW (women in the workplace) content!
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Madewell Pullover (wearing a M, also available here) | Agolde Jeans | Veja Sneakers | Senreve Belt Bag (get $50 off w/code ELLEMULENOS) | Dagne Dover Backpack (large size) | Black Nike Carry-On Luggage
Okay so you are going on a business trip. Now what? I’ve had my fair share of business trips and no matter what people may THINK they are like back at the office, let me tell you it is harder. It has always been an out all day / work all evening gig for me. Being onsite elsewhere and taking care of that is fun, but you always have to check back in and do more work for where you currently aren’t. Not complaining - it is fun to travel for work. Just know that there is a price to pay!
When I traveled for the job I was at for almost 6 years, I was pretty much trained to pack as little as possible and move as quickly as possible. The most I was gone for was 3 days and 2 nights - most were 1 night trips though. That being said, even my longer adventures did not include checked bags, let alone a carry-on suitcase. I suppose it depends where you are going, but most of my trips were to New York, so it was just easier to carry a backpack and not have to worry about rolling luggage around. Not to mention, we often went straight from the plane to the meeting / office we were visiting, so it would be kind of weird to show up with a bunch of bags, not to mention, my boss probably wouldn’t have waited on my checked bag to arrive. LOL. They were great, but they did leave me at the airport before and ran a tight ship while traveling. Probably the best boss I have ever had though!
Sooo anyway, before packing, I first ask myself a set of questions, which help my determine what to do?
How many days am I going?
What is the weather?
Can I bring carry-on luggage?
Do I need to check a bag?
Here’s how / what I typically pack:
Backpack: I love to travel with just my backpack if possible. Most of my work trips were packed all in my large Dagne and Dover backpack, including my laptop! You have to learn to roll your clothing, but it works! If you need to bring a suit, I would recommend just using a hanging bag along side it. Can even stick your shoes in the bottom! It’s so easy to travel with / carry, actually chic, and of course practical, since you can use it even when you aren’t traveling.
Small purse: I like to bring a crossbody that I can use at night for a dinner out with clients. Since it is small, I can usually shove it in my backpack or wear it while traveling, without getting annoyed by it. I love to use my Senreve Envelope Clutch, since it doubles as case for my laptop. I also really like to use my Senreve Belt Bag, because you can take the belt part off and attach a chain to make classy crossbody too! Grab either for $50 off with discount code ELLEMULENOS.
Max 2 pair of pants: If you can get away with wearing black jeans, these are GREAT. Not sure on your work and their wardrobe requirements, but my meetings allowed me to wear them. I usually wear 1 pair of pants on the plane and pack the other pair. If I’m there longer than 24 hours, I wear the pair of pants every other day. I usually bring some form of leggings as well. I always tell myself I’ll work out on these types of trips, but I end of treasuring my sleep. Hah! Leggings are still great to bring, just so I have something comfortable to wear at the hotel or on the plane ride back.
2 pairs of shoes: That’s right! I wear my sneakers to the airport and pack my work shoes. If I need to bring big boots, I will wear them and pack my sneakers though. If you are traveling somewhere with inclement weather, I would look into shoes by Bondo or Italeau, because they have chic, weather proof shoes. I’ve tried to bring workout tennis shoes, butttt have never actually used them, so pack them at your own risk. Worth it if you actually use them and they aren’t a waste of space.
Tops: This is the only area where I might overpack. Depending on what I’m doing, I might want 2 tops per day - 1 for the day and 1 for the evening. It’s so nice to freshen up at night! You can also change up your look by adding your jacket. Make it work! Remember to make sure they go with both pairs of pants, so you can make the most of your options.
1 coat: If it is cold, obviously bring a heavier jacket. Just wear it on the plane and shove it in the overhead bin if you need to. Even if the weather doesn’t warrant one, I like to pack a denim jacket or even a basic blazer, just so I have one on hand.
Travel sized: This is kind of a DUH, but I had to say it. Get smaller versions of your beauty products, so you don’t have to worry about a checked bag if you don’t want to.
Overall, I would just say THINK before you pack and remember versatility, as it will be key. Business trips are hard enough - don’t let packing add onto that stress. Have any tips? Do share! All about working smarter, not harder. Want some more help? Check out this post on How to Pack Everything into a Carry-On Bag. I packed that way for the first time (on a plane), about a year ago and it was life changing. So doable!
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