Business Travel 101 is a weekly series about making that first business trip as easy and successful as possible. Packing, security, comfort, and etiquette are all factors that, with a little planning, can contribute to a smooth and efficient trip. If you think of a topic I should include, email me at RoadWarriorette@gmail.com.

One of the most important items to have for that first business trip is the carry-on. I don’t mean your rollerboard, but your personal item. It holds everything you need for your flight, and acts as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, and entertainment center all in one.

What exactly do I mean by personal item? The guidelines for American Airlines state that the personal bag is anything that can fit under the seat in front of you. It can be a purse, laptop bag, backpack, tote,  or a smaller suitcase.  I have traveled with everything from a backpack to a tiny purse to an Eagle Creek packing cube holding my giant tablecloth that I use for events. As long as it fits under that seat, it counts, but technically it should not exceed 36 inches when you add length, width, and height.

I would also like to add that I love purses, in case you haven’t noticed. In addition to acting as a necessary travel too, your purse should make you happy when you look at it. Just because we are professional women who travel for business does not mean we need a boring purse or briefcase with no style. There are so many fabulous possibilities out there! You can, and should, love your bag.

What To Look For in a Great Travel Purse

There are several things I look for in my travel purse. Not all of my purses have all of them, but my general guidelines are:

• Size. Has to fit my laptop, and hold all of my carry-on travel items.
• Multiple interior pockets. I think the best purse interior is divided into two sections, one for a laptop and one for the rest of your stuff. It also needs to have a pocket inside for keys, cell phone, and lipstick.
• Exterior pockets. An exterior pocket on the side of your purse is so helpful for things you don’t want in your hands, but need easy access to, such as your boarding pass.
• Easy to carry. You have to be able to carry your purse on your shoulder or strapped to your suitcase. It would be very difficult to travel with a purse that you had to carry in your hands. I like two straps that are at least an inch wide, which will minimize cutting into your shoulder.
• Sturdy construction. There shouldn’t be any obvious weak spots, or stitching coming loose. Leather is great for travel bags because it is so durable, but fabric bags can work as long as they are strong enough.

Some great purses I have found are this fab yellow one from Latico, this great traditional bag in many colors from McKlein, and this amazing satchel from B. Makowsky.

Options

There are several schools of thought about the travel purse. Some find their travel bag too bulky to bring along out to dinner, or they would rather have something small with the necessities that they can grab. Here are a couple of options.

• Get a big purse that fits your laptop. I am a big advocate of getting a purse for travel that is big enough for your laptop. It’s the simplest way to make sure all your stuff fits. For some people, this means you have a really large purse for travel! But there are definitely large, attractive purses (or laptop bags that look like purses) that will fit a LOT of stuff. (Like this bag from Latico. Check out the so-cute lining!!) This works well for me because my laptop is pretty small, and I have found a regular purse that will hold it and my other stuff.
• Put everything in your laptop bag and pack your purse. I think this one is a little more complicated, but it seems to work for some people.  They simply take all of their purse stuff (wallet, phone, lipstick, etc) and put it in their laptop bag, and then they pack their purse in their big suitcase. This way when they get to their destination they pull out their purse and put all the stuff back in. They still only have two carry-ons, and they have a smaller purse for when they arrive. Best of both worlds!
• Drop a clutch or wristlet in their laptop bag. The other way to have the best of both worlds. Take your normal laptop bag, and have a wristlet with your wallet, phone, keys, and lipstick that you just drop inside. Especially convenient if you can put this small purse in a pocket or hook it to the inside top of your laptop bag.

What’s In My Purse?

What exactly do I keep in my purse when traveling? I like to keep it simple, and only keep the necessities in my purse. I clean my purse out before every trip so I’m not carrying around receipts, old boarding passes, or other unnecessary junk. This way I can find everything I need when I need it.

• Normal purse stuff.  Of course I have my wallet, with my ID, credit cards, and money, as well as my lipstick, keys, and sunglasses.
• iPhone. I used to have a cell phone, a GPS unit, and an MP3 player. Then the geniuses at Apple came out the something that would do all of those functions! Brilliant. And it sure did make my packing easier.
• Boarding pass. Print this out ahead of time so you can just fly through security. So much faster!
• Make-up. I keep my make-up with me so that I can touch up when I arrive, if necessary.
• Kindle. It used to be a book (or two or three), but now that I have the Kindle my purse is much lighter. And easier to put stuff into. For those of you who haven’t been converted into fans of ebooks, a book or a magazine will work just fine.
• Laptop. For work, it’s a necessity. If I’m not staying overnight, and therefore traveling without my suitcase, I will also keep my charger in here.
• Pashmina. I often use it as a blanket or pillow on the plane, and a scarf once I arrive. It has also served as a swimsuit cover up and a substitute towel.
• Knitting. Just because I love to knit! I don’t always feel like working or reading, and knitting is a great way to pass the time.
• Notepad. I love writing lists, and my little notebook holds them all. I have to keep it around in case I have a stroke of brilliance!
• Ziploc of teabags, Splenda, and Emergen-C. In case I need a pick-me-up, or the hotel doesn’t have Splenda or a good teabag. Little comforts can make being away from home much easier.
• Plastic bag of toiletries. I will keep this in my purse until I get through security, and then throw it in my suitcase.

I’m sure you have all heard by now that Southwest is buying AirTran. I don’t really fly AirTran very often, but according to David Kelley it should be a big win for business travelers. He basically says that all of the things we don’t like about AirTran (flight change fees, checked baggage fees) will go away.

AirTran currently charges for checked bags ($20 and $25), and ticket changes ($75). Once integrated, Southwest expects those fees to disappear and follow Southwest’s current policies (no change fee for tickets, and 2 free checked bags). In addition, Southwest expects seating to follow its current open seating process, unlike AirTran, which assigns seats. It will also eliminate AirTran’s Business class seating.

I just hope this doesn’t change the things I love about Southwest!! Knowing that the employees actually enjoy their job is refreshing.  For example, this morning while flying to Nashville the flight attendant had us laughing pretty hard while she did the security announcements.  And don’t forget about that guy that raps. I also enjoy their funny commercials.

Southwest, if you’re listening: don’t change! We love you the way you are.

During my trip from Hell to Ohio last month, I met a nice guy. He was a fellow business traveler, on his way home from Germany. He told me a story that was interesting, but scary, and I thought I would share.

After a grueling 9 day work trip in Berlin, he finally got on the plane home. When he got to his seat, there was a gentleman sitting in it. He said, “Excuse me, I think you’re in my seat.” The other gentleman pulled out his ticket, and said, “Hmmm. My ticket says this is the correct seat.” They both went up to the flight attendant and explained the situation. This is when they realized that this guy not only had the same seat as my new friend, but his ticket had my new friend’s name on it. In fact, it was the exact same ticket. This man had gone through security and gotten on the flight with a ticket not in his name, and no one had noticed.

As I write this out, I realize how preposterous it sounds. I really, really hope that this guy that I met was punch drunk and exhausted and made the whole thing up, because otherwise it is just too scary.

I don’t know if it’s the intermittent rain that we’ve been having, or the calendar arrival of fall, or just that I’m ready to be cold……but everywhere around me sweaters have been appearing, looking cuddly, warm, cozy, and just darn cute. I did a post a couple of weeks ago about sweaters on flights, and I’m already ready to do another one, more specific this time. The draped cardigan is an interesting article of clothing. It’s part sweater, part blanket, and can look relaxed and casual or pulled together and professional.

For a casual, comfortable look, simply leave it open. That way you can move the ends around to cover you as needed during your flight. Once you arrive, simply tie the ends behind you for a more traditional wrap-sweater look. I love this blue sweater from Overstock (and what a steal at $22!). It would look fantastic with any color pants, but I think rich brown slacks with a white or coordinating blue top would be lovely.  There is a slightly pricier version from Piperlime that would also be great.

For those of you who are not sure how to wear this versatile sweater, here is a video I found that shows you six ways to wear it. Enjoy!

In January, I went to The Philippines. I printed out my hotel information, but not my flight itinerary. What was the point? I thought. I know when I’m leaving, what my flight number is, and there’s only one airport in Manila. However, when I got to the door of the airport, there were two things that were unusual. First of all, they scanned our luggage literally as we were walking in the door. It’s good that they do that, but it’s a slightly uncomfortable reminder of the violence that sometimes plagues that part of the world. The second unusual thing was that they asked for my itinerary. Well, I did not have it. I didn’t have a ticket printed out. I had no way of proving that I had business being in that airport. The guard really did not want to let me in at first, but after some fast talking and showing him my passport, he decided I wasn’t too much of a risk.

My friend Grace from Fly Gracefully told me a similar story about a different part of the world. One time, she was driving into Canada from New York. Because she was driving, she hadn’t thought to print out her itinerary. The Canadian border guards were very suspicious of Grace, driving into Canada with no proof that she intended to leave. For the future she had to get letters signed by her Canadian co-worker, stating what her business was. Crazy.

The moral of the story is that you need to print out your itinerary when traveling internationally, even if you never do it otherwise. Even if you are going to Canada. It’s just better to be safe than sorry.

Business Travel 101 is a weekly series about making that first business trip as easy and successful as possible. Packing, security, comfort, and etiquette are all factors that, with a little planning, can contribute to a smooth and efficient trip. If you think of a topic I should include, email me at RoadWarriorette@gmail.com.

One of the easiest way to facilitate smooth travel? Not checking your suitcase. Not only will you avoid checked-baggage fees, but you will save time at the front and back ends of your trip. It will also force you to streamline your packing list.

First, let’s discuss the suitcase itself. Key features to look for:

• A bag that will fit US (and ideally European) guidelines for carrying on.
• Light, yet sturdy.
• Good pockets.
• Quality construction.
• Easy to navigate in crowded airports.

A few brands that I like are Ogio, Briggs & Riley, and Tumi. I know these brands are not inexpensive, but trust me when I say that if you are traveling all of the time, a good bag is worth the investment. I have used the same Ogio bag for four years, week in and week out, and it is still in excellent shape. A great review of top rated brands can be found here. Your suitcase doesn’t have to be pretty (although I have to say I love this one from Tumi, and think it is very pretty) but an identifying feature is helpful so that it stands out in the sea of black.

What to pack for a four day trip (choose your travel clothes from this list):

• Two bottoms, one comfortable for travel (i.e. slacks and a skirt)
• Coordinating suit jackets if needed
• Four tops that coordinate with both of your bottoms
• At least one light jacket or sweater (unless you need a heavier jacket)
• No more than three pairs of shoes, including a pair of flip flops
• Enough undergarments, including socks/hose
• PJs
• Something to work out in
• Toiletries (see my toiletry list here)
• Chargers (phone, laptop, etc)

Packing tips:

• I bring my own shampoo/conditioner, because I travel so much if I use whatever random products the hotel puts out my hair gets mad; a couple of great sources are 3floz.com and Sephora.
• Eagle Creek packing cubes are helpful for the small items (underwear, socks, hose, etc); they will help you save a ton of space.
• I have three small bags for my toiletries–one for liquids (that gets taken out at security), one for non-liquids (toothbrush, deodorant, etc), and one for make-up. This allows me to fit them in my suitcase wherever they will go instead of taking up a lot of room.
• Use spare contact lens cases for small amounts of liquids, such as face soap, moisturizer, eye makeup remover, etc.
• Also check out the Packing and Packing Tips sections.

Going by my blog posts, last September I was alternating between stressing about security lines (nothing new there) and being excited about my makeup. At least I’m consistent!!

How To Travel Like An Expert. Since everyone is going to think they are an expert traveler when going through security, here are my thoughts on how to also act like one.

Make-up Rave. I loved my make-up then, and I love it now. One year later I still use the same brands of products, and they are still amazing.

I am often asked if I am treated differently when traveling because I am a woman. Do I feel pressure to fit into a man’s world, especially as so few business travelers are female?

The first thing I do is correct whoever I am speaking to. Women make up almost half of business travelers, and the number is growing every year.

The rest of the question deserves a little more thought.  I don’t feel any pressure to fit into a man’s world. I do my job, do it very well, and am well able to take care of myself on the road. I know that women of earlier generations had to deal with this pressure on a daily basis, and I am so grateful to them for the barriers they have broken and the strides they have made. In general, the only way I am every treated differently is with regards to safety. For example, many hotels have policies against placing single female travelers on the first floor if there is direct access outside from the room. I understand and appreciate this concern for my safety, but I would prefer to be given the option rather than told there are no rooms available. Once, a colleague decided to travel with me at the last minute. I was staying in a well-known hotel chain, and she was told there were no rooms available. Once I arrived, I spoke to a different person and was told that there were in fact rooms available, but these rooms were on the first floor and the hotel had strict guidelines in place to not put women traveling alone in those rooms. My colleague should have been alerted to the policy and the reason behind it, and then given the option of whether to book a room or not.

One non-safety related way I have been treated differently is with airlines. I have noticed that airline personnel are often surprised to see a young woman as an Elite traveler. I have often gone to try for an upgrade or standy, and  been told there is no way I will get it as there is a long list. And then I go to the front of the list and get it because of my status. Sometimes it irritates me that they stereotype so quickly, but often it just amuses me.

What about you, readers? Are you treated differently because you are a woman?

While looking for sweaters for last week’s sweater post, I got distracted by some of the great fall flats on the Banana Republic site. They are super cute, cozy looking, and comfortable for travel. The red ones would go well with black or gray slacks, and many colors of tops such as black, white, gray, red, or blue. The charcoal flats are incredibly versatile, and could go with just about anything. I would love to see them with black slacks and a plum or teal colored top. The only problem with these flats is that they are not really weather-proofed, so you probably shouldn’t wear them in the rain or snow. Other than that, put them on and enjoy the feeling of cozy and adorable feet!

A recent article from MSNBC states:

Combining business and leisure trips, or “blended travel” in which business travelers bring along a friend or family members, has gained momentum in recent years, some industry experts say.

A survey conducted earlier this year by the Meredith Corporation, the publisher of Family Circle magazine, found that of readers who travel for work, 77 percent took along a family member or significant other on their last business trip, and 47 percent do so the majority of the time.

What I want to know is: who are these people? Who are the business travelers that take their significant other or kids with them on almost half of their trips? Who are these SOs that can go along on business trips half the time? Do they not have jobs of their own? Or school (if we’re talking about kids)? In four years, the Home Warrior has come with me on a business trip once.  When we drove to Dallas for a rare Saturday work trip. One time we went to Napa, and then from there I flew to Salt Lake City for work, but he did not accompany me.  Of course I would love if he could go with me every time I go to Newark or Nashville or San Jose, but a) he has a job, and b) we can’t afford all of the plane fares for him to travel with me.

I also raised my eyebrows at this section.

One client whose corporate travel policy allows him to fly business class recently saved his company money when he decided to sail with his wife on the Queen Mary to London instead. Fare for two was less expensive than one business class ticket, said Steiner….

Good for him for having a company that will allow him to fly business class to London. This also may be an indicator of the type of business traveler surveyed. But in  my experience, if I said to my company, “Hey, if I find a fare that’s half of the price I would otherwise pay, can I bring my husband?” they would laugh at me. I mean, really laugh.

I am interested in what other people’s experiences are.  Does your company pay for a spouse to travel with you? How often do you bring your SO with you? Do you ever tack a personal trip at the end of a business trip?

Recently, I have had two conversations with two different people. The first conversation, a month or so ago, was with my mom. “Why don’t you do  an intro to business travel thing on your blog?” she said.  Then, more recently, I was asked what my best tips are for making travel easier. With that, the idea for a new series was born! I am going to include “best of” tips for packing, security, safety, etiquette, comfort, and anything else I can think of. If you think of a topic that new business travelers need to know about, let me know in the comments or by emailing RoadWarriorette@gmail.com.

This week’s Business Travel 101 tips are general tips about making travel as easy as possible. For people who don’t travel often or haven’t traveled in a long time, the very idea of packing up and flying to a new place, while representing yourself as a competent professional, is daunting. Keep the following in mind, and your first business trip will go much more smoothly.

• Check the latest guidelines. Before your trip, go online to TSA.gov and your airline’s website to find out what the current guidelines are about security, what you are allowed to carry-on, and how big your suitcase can be.
• Print out critical information. You may think, I have access to all of my plane, car, and hotel reservations on my phone or computer. I don’t need to print them out! I promise, having that info in hand for your first few trips will save you some serious headaches. One time I did not print out my info, my computer for some reason wouldn’t connect to the internet at the airport, and I had to spend an hour calling various Marriott Hotels in the area looking for my reservation. NOT a fun time. Even after traveling for four years, I still print out my information if I am going to a new location.
• Carry-on. This is one of the big ones. You will save so much time (and money) if you simply carry on your suitcase. It is very possible to pack for four days easily, and for over a week with some practice, into a rollerboard.
• Be ready to go through security. Have your ID and boarding pass ready for the agent, have your laptop and liquids bag readily available to pull out of your bag, wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on. And don’t stand by the x-ray machine once you’re done, putting your shoes and watch back on. Grab your stuff and move it to a bench. This is one of my serious pet peeves. If everyone simply moved out of the way, security lines would go so much faster!!
• Be comfortable. Flying is not the time to wear too tight pants or spiked heels. If what you are wearing isn’t comfortable on the ground, there is no way it will be comfortable at 33,000 feet with pressure changes. There are ways to look good and be comfortable, and sacrificing comfort for style is not worth making your flight miserable.
• Bring things to entertain you. I always bring my iPhone for music, my Kindle, and knitting. Some people really enjoy Sudoku or movies. Whatever, as long as it passes the time for you. This is especially important if you get anxious about flying.

A little bit of planning can make a business trip, or any kind of trip, as trouble-free as possible.  Readers, what are your tips for effortless travel?