Today I am in Chicago visiting my sisters. I needed a few small things for my trip, soyesterday I headed over to Target. As always happens, I got lost in all of the fun things. I walked in needing a new pair of yoga pants and a tank top, and walked out with those items plus a purse and TWO pairs of shoes. Fun! I wore my shoes on the plane flying up here yesterday, and they held up very well in the airport, on the plane, and walking through Chicago. Plus, they are adorable: tweed ballet flats with a ruffle. I have been jonesing for some tweed, and I finally succumbed. The other pair I got are brown suede flats, not incredibly special on the outside, but lined with super-cuddly fleece. When I finally wear them to work I will feel like I’m scamming everybody–it looks like I’m wearing work shoes, but it feels like I’m wearing slippers. Target also has a ton of other cute flats in a variety of colors, and I’m thinking about going back for some purple ones.

Well, exciting to those of use who travel a lot.

Due to the cleverness of many of my readers, I have a list of updates about what does and does not have to be in your Ziplock going through security. If you know of any I missed, please share!

• Deodorant. Stick deodorant is fine in any size and does not have to be in your Ziplock. Gel and aerosol deoderant mus be 3.4 oz or less and must be in the liquids bag. (Source: TSA blog)
• Makeup. Common size facial cosmetic and medicinal products in a tube, for example mascara, lip gloss, and lip balm are not required to be placed in the 1 qt. bag. May I just say, hallelujah. (Source: TSA blog)
• Contact solution. According to the TSA site:  You may bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including petroleum jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes. So, let’s just go with it. It still needs to be in a resealable bag, and it still needs to come out for screening. It just doesn’t have to take up room in your other liquids bag. (Source: TSA site)

Most of these came from the TSA blog, and if you have a minute check out some of the comments. There is a lot of good information and experiences there.  Of course, if you get frustrated easily that may not be a good idea……

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.

For some people, sitting in a cramped, crowded airplane is the same as sitting in their office. They feel comfortable, can get work done, and arrive feeling refreshed and ready-to-go. I am not those people. I have to work at feeling comfortable on a plane, sometimes convince myself to work, and often arrive feeling exhausted and frazzled. There are tricks I’ve picked up on over the years to make this process easier, and I hope they help you too.

• Pick your seat online. If there is a way that you can pick your seat before you check in, you have a better chance of avoiding the dreaded (and uncomfortable) middle seat. For Southwest, make sure you check in as close to 24 hours before your flight as possible to give yourself an earlier boarding number.
• Wear comfortable, wrinkle resistant clothes. The easiest way to feel good during travel: comfortable clothes.  This is not the time for tight-around-the-midsection pants or a movement-restricting shirt. Make sure that you feel good sitting for long periods of time in whatever you wear. I prefer slacks with a bit of stretch in them and pullover blouses, not button downs, as well as flats.
• Stay hydrated. This is important for comfort, for health, and for looking good. Drink at least 8 oz of water for every hour you are flying. This will keep you from getting dehydrated, which in turn keeps you feeling more alert and prevents your skin from drying out.
• Bring a pashmina. I know I talk about the wonders of the pashmina often, but when you are freezing on your next flight you will be really glad you have it. This time of year you can use it as a blanket while flying and then as a scarf once you arrive. It can also work as a pillow if you have a window seat.
• Keep your skin hydrated. I always keep lip balm with me when I fly because my lips get super dry. A friend of mine always keeps lotion with her because her hands get really dry. If you tend toward dry, you will feel much better if you can address these issues before they become problems.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Shoes that are too tight can become painful during flights. A few years ago I was flying home from California, and because I was running late to the airport didn’t get to change into my softer, more flexible shoes. That flight was miserable–my feet were cold, sore, and hurt a LOT. My advice is to look for shoes that are flexible, breathable, and even a little bit loose.
• Bring entertainment. Whether it’s work, a book, music, knitting, or whatever it is you like to do, you will be happier if you have something going on. If your flight is bumpy and the person next to you is snoring, it’s much easier to block out if you are involved in an activity.

Readers, any other tips for being comfortable on the plane?

Last week, I heard from a reader who needs some help finding a great suit for travel.

I travel a lot for work to developing countries from Washington DC which means at least 20+ in transit.  I’m having a hard time finding structured work clothes that don’t wrinkle and are washable.  I’m trying to avoid the “consultant/professor” look–I despair of seeing Chicos, JJill, Eileen Fisher, etc. worn with big ethnic jewelry. Also, I’m plus-sized, so that also limits my options.  Any suggestions?

The first thing I did was search my favorite sites. Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Banana Republic, etc. Unfortunately the cute suits were few and far between, and Banana Republic doesn’t have plus sizes at all. After a few hours, I put together a list of options. I am not super happy with all that I’ve found so far, so I am definitely going to keep looking.

Anytime you are looking for travel clothes, the description should say “wrinkle free”, ” resists wrinkles”, or something like that. Also, if it is made with Spandex, the chances of it wrinkling go down.

I love this outfit from Lane Bryant. It’s up a step from business casual since it’s separates, but not quite a suit. It’s adorable though, and I love the pop of pink combined with the graphic houndstooth. Lane Bryant also has some great work dresses, for reasonable prices.

These pants from Bloomingdale’s are classic, well cut, and tweed. No matching jacket, but fabulous pants.

The Talbots site has several plus size options, and for travel I would recommend something from the Stretch Flannel or the Compact Crepes lines. They also have several colorful shells and blouses for under suits, like this floral one.

At Nordstrom, I had more success. I love this jacket, but no matching pants. (This is the third thing I have found that I like that is tweed. Maybe I am having a tweed fetish right now?) I do like this suit, both the  jacket and the pants, and I think with a cute patterned top underneath you could avoid the need for big ethnic jewelry. I like this one–color and pattern without being overwhelming.

Finally, at a lower price-point, Old Navy has some classic cuts and bright blouses that work for a budget. Pants, jacket, and a cute printed top look great and are easy on the wallet.

I recently received this question from a reader in my comments section:

“Question: How does security look at knitting needles? I cross-stitch but don’t travel with it because I didn’t think my needles (and for sure my small scissors) would get through security.”

Great question! As an avid knitter, I always bring my current project on trips. I have always taken a circular thread cutter, which is often billed as being airline-approved. However, while researching this question I was surprised to find out that these are not allowed, yet scissors are. From the TSA website:

Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage.

Items needed to pursue a Needlepoint project are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters or any cutter with a blade contained inside which cannot go through the checkpoint and must go in your checked baggage.

On the permitted and prohibited items list, the site says that “scissors – metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches” are allowed in checked baggage and carry-ons. Frankly, I am surprised at their decision about what is safe and what is not, but there you are. The TSA knows best…… I also read posts on knitting websites were travelers had printed out these two TSA pages and carried them through security just in case the agent was not familiar with the guidelines. Sounds like a good idea to me.

The only time I have ever been given trouble about my knitting was recently while flying home from Cancun. There was a print-out at the check-in counter that had a list of prohibited items for carry-ons, and knitting needles were on there. I was bummed but what can you do–the project went in my checked bag. But as long as you’re in the US, feel free to knit, or crochet, or cross-stitch to your heart’s content!

(Lovely yarn and needles from Blue Sky Alpacas. Love their stuff!!)

Yesterday I went to Nashville for the day, and the trip started well enough. The security line was very short, and the people in my line were very efficient. My flight was on time, with an entertaining flight crew. The event went well, if a bit slowly. I met some great people and was feeling pretty good heading to dinner with a new friend. However, at dinner we started getting alerts about our flight. Delayed thirty minutes….an hour and fifteen minutes…..two hours….three hours!! We decided after such a nice day, we weren’t going to be angry about our delayed flight. We would enjoy our delicious dinner, and then go shopping.

We ended up heading over to Antrhopologie in Green Hills. I have long been a fan of Anthropologie for housewares (like these super cute napkins I got a few weeks ago!) but their clothes, while cute, have always verged on too-weird for me. This time, though, I found stuff, on sale no less, that is super cute, work appropriate, comfortable, and edgy without crossing the line. And as I sit here wearing my new cozy sweater, I am tired from getting home at 1am but very happy with my new outfit.

The Wardrobe Staple Cardigan is very interesting, longer in the front than the back. The knit is airy, so it’s slightly sheer, but amazingly soft. The salesperson showed me a couple of different ways to wear it, and my favorite is with the sash tied in the back. Mine is the wine color, but all of the colors are lovely.

This Flight of Fancy top is not exactly what I got, but very similar. As I am trying to buy things with patterns I appreciate that the print is adorable without being too precious. It looks great on its own or with the cardigan. I plan to pair it with gray or taupe slacks and my lavender ballet flats. Can’t wait to wear my new outfit!!

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.

Sometimes I feel that everything I write is designed to help people have a calmer, more peaceful trip. Preparing well, packing simply, and being mindful of your fellow travelers are all things that I talk about a lot. If all travelers enacted these practices, the traveling world would be a better place. We’ve talked about preparation and packing, therefor the obvious next Business Travel 101 post is one about etiquette.

Etiquette is something I feel strongly about in my everyday life, as well as my travel life. Not necessarily the traditional, so-many-rules-it’s-hard-to-remember-them-all etiquette, but simply recognizing that you are not the only passenger on the road and acting accordingly. This is a list of my favorite etiquette guidelines, but not by any means all encompassing. If there is one that means a lot to you that I missed, let me know! And let’s travel nicely.

Security

• Be prepared to go smoothly through security.  Know what the current security rules are for the location you are traveling through, and follow them. Have everything ready to go (laptop, bag of toiletries, shoes off, etc) as soon as you get to the bins. Have all change out of your pocket. Have your boarding pass out for people to see. If there is an option to choose your security line based on your level of experience, please choose honestly.

Carry-on

• Know your airline’s guidelines. All major airlines have the size and weight restrictions for carry-ons on their website. If your bag is too big, they may make you check it. Also, there are slightly different size requirements for international carriers vs. American carriers, so make sure your bag works for your continent as well.
• Make sure you can lift your bag. You may not be able to depend on having people around you that can help, and some flight attendants are prohibited from helping customers put bags up.
• Put your suitcase on the correct side of the airplane, facing the correct way. Listen to what the flight attendants tell you to do, and do it. If one side of the plane is made to hold rollaboards, please put your suitcase there. That way there is room for everyone’s stuff.
• Only put your large bag in the overhead. Put your purse or briefcase under the seat in front of you, until you know for sure there will be room. Also, don’t put your jacket in a bin unless it’s going on top of or in front of your bag. Again, we’re trying to make room for everyone.
• Put your bag in the bin as close to your seat as possible. If you are sitting in row 25, and there is no room over 25 and there is room over 23, that’s one thing. But if you’re sitting in row 25 and you put your bag over row 8, that the people in row 8 won’t have room.
• Don’t make it your plan to gate check.  If you bring a normal sized carry-on that you are happy to bring on the plane or gate-check, that is one thing. But please don’t bring an oversized bag on the plane, expecting they will make you gate-check it. If you are bringing too much stuff, check your bag. If you don’t want to pay the fee, bring less stuff. Don’t slow everyone else down because you’re trying to save $20.

On the plane

• When you are standing up to go somewhere, please don’t grab the seat in front of you for balance. Most people, it seems, simply don’t think about this. Every time you touch the seat in front of you, the person sitting there can feel it. Grab your own seat if you need help!
• Let the middle seat have the armrests. You may be tall, have long arms, need a lot of space…. It doesn’t matter. The person in the middle has less space than you, and it makes their flight better if they get the armrest too.
• Respect the crew. If the flight attendant tells you to turn off your cell phone, do it. If they tell you where to put your bag, put it there. The crew is responsible for the transport and safety of over a hundred people. They are not your personal chef, bartender, or secretary.
• Keep your kids corralled. Whatever it takes to keep your kids happy, be it snacks, juice, music, a coloring book, please do it. Don’t let your child kick the seat in front of them! I know sometimes it’s unavoidable, but if it is constant throughout the flight it can get very uncomfortable for the person in that seat.
• Be mindful of reclining. When I posted about whether or not reclining your seat is rude, the results were definitely mixed. If you need to recline your seat, make sure that you don’t keep it reclined the entire flight, especially during food service.

Once you arrive

• Practice patience while deplaning. Hundreds of people rushing down the aisle to get off the plane all at the same time…..it’s just not possible. Even though it can be frustrating to have to wait what feels an excessive amount of time, be patient. And when it is your turn, grab your stuff quickly. If there is someone who has a tight connection, it is polite to let them go first or pass you in the jetbridge if necessary. Think of how you would like to be treated in that situation!
• Don’t be too loud in hotel rooms. Most of us know this one, but sometimes can be loud without realizing it. I was guilty of this myself once. I was in a room next to a coworker, and she could hear my alarm through the wall. It wouldn’t have been a problem, except that I am a “snoozer.” I set my alarm 30 minutes early, and it goes off every five minutes. Which can be very frustrating for a neighbor.

Readers, what are your favorite etiquette tips?

Recently, I received an email from a reader:

“I recently started traveling for work on a weekly basis.  The travel is mostly to northeast cities, such as NYC. I’m wondering if you have any suggestions as  I am struggling with what  to bring during the rainy and snowy months that won’t weigh down my luggage.  Also, if there are any tips for dredging a suitcase through snow or puddles that would be helpful too!”

I completely understand your pain! Last winter I had to travel to the northeast multiple times, and this Texan had no idea what to take. After some research, and trial and error, I think I mostly have it figured out.

The necessities for fall:

• A great raincoat.  The best raincoats have long sleeves, a hood, and are long enough to cover your outfit. I really like this one from London Fog. Of course, the classic Burberry is always a winner as well.
• Boots. I will be very honest. I love rainboots. So picking my favorites was difficult, but pick I did. I love these Sperry Top-Siders. A good pair will be very waterproof, preferably made of rubber, and come up tall enough to protect your legs. You can tuck your pants inside them.
• Hat and gloves. You can get these anywhere, or make them yourself. If it is especially rainy, a good pair of waterproof leather gloves will make your day much better.
• Umbrella. Travel size umbrellas are not hard to find. Good travel size umbrellas unfortunately are. Luckily, REI has made one that can withstand the fiercest of windy storms.

Add for winter:

• A great winter coat. The raincoats mentioned above, while wonderful, won’t do it for winter. I love my winter coat, which is a bright red Calvin Klein, similar to this one. You can find a winter coat anywhere though.
• Silk underwear. I love the REI silk underwear. It is reasonably priced, compresses into a tiny package, is very comfortable, and will keep you super warm.
• Wool socks. Critical for keeping your feet warm, and can be bought anywhere.
• Boots. Your rain boots may or may not be warm enough for winter. I really like these from La Canadienne. They are warm and will protect you against salty slush.

A couple of tips:

• Wear your outside boots, such as rain boots, snow boots, or, as in my case, super cute (waterproofed) knitted boots outside. Bring your inside shoes in a cute, professional looking tote. Once you get inside, change shoes and put your boots in the tote.
• Roll up your pants so they don’t drag on the ground. Then reverse the process when you’re ready to leave. I have heard of using binder clips to secure your pants, but have never actually tried it.
• Scotchgard your suitcase so it repels water when dragging it through puddles.

Readers, any additional tips?

I love fall. Of course I love the cool and pleasant weather, and it feels oh so good after the brutal Texas summer. But sometimes I wonder if the reason I love fall so much is because I get to wear boots. Because I also love boots. I mean, I love boots. Last year, I bought multiple pairs. Partly because I spent so much time in places where it is cold and boots are required, and partly because they are so great.

There is some debate about whether boots are appropriate for the office. If you are in a super formal, suits every day office, maybe not. But for most business casual offices, a knee high boot with a knee length skirt can be perfectly appropriate, and very cute. There are other questions about wearing boots to the airport. I think as long as they are reasonably easy to take on and off you are fine.

So, with those questions out of the way, let’s go boot shopping!! As with most of my shoes, I get shorter heels or flat boots because I can’t wear heels. Obviously if you can handle higher heels, the sky is the limit! Honestly, it makes me happy just to look at these…..

This Bare Traps ankle boot is one of the pairs I bought last year. I love them! I wore them all over Chicago for my sister’s bachelorette party, and they were very comfy. I love the style, the heel gives good support, and the sole grips icy sidewalks well.

The Van Eli Talla boot has a comfortable heel, with a classic silhouette. The interesting texture at the top keep it from feeling stale. Gorgeous!

If you’re looking for a classic riding boot, the Matisse Buckingham boots fits the bill. Flat for comfort, easy to slip on and off, and will go with a variety of outfits and colors.

One thing you don’t hear a lot about is travel wallets. People typically choose their wallet based on criteria for their normal life, not their travel life. Is it cute? Does it hold all of my credit cards? What is it made of? Is it well constructed? Etc. These are all good questions when wallet shopping, and one that’s good for travel just has a few extra criteria to meet. Can it hold my receipts/tickets/passport/whatever you need it to hold comfortably? Will you need it to stand on its own as a purse? (See “What to do with the purse?” for reasons why.) I need my wallet to hold money, credit cards, frequent flier/rewards cards, receipts, and my boarding pass.

A quick Google search of travel wallets shows that while there are many variations available, most wallets listed for travel are checkbook-size. This makes sense when you think about how tickets and receipts are longer than your average short wallet. That’s basically where the similarities end though. They are available in all price points, all materials, and with a variety of interiors.

The Eagle Creek Navigator has a place for your passport, credit cards and I.D., and hangs around your neck. Super stylish, maybe not, but very functional.

The Tumi Capra is lovely, and a good size, and has plenty of credit card slots, but must be made of gold to justify its hefty price tag.

My favorite that I found is the Hobo International Nancy, which has a lot of space for cards and a divided interior, great for holding receipts and boarding passes.

If you need one to work as a clutch, the Clava Wellie Foldover Clutch is a lovely option, with a few credit card slots, a wristlet, and a larger compartment for keys or lipstick.

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.

Toiletries can be a tricky part of traveling, especially for women. You need all of the things that make you feel confident, but they have to fit in an itty-bitty space. The 3 oz. rule has made this even more difficult. Carrying-on is the best way to save time while traveling, and you don’t want to have to check your suitcase just because of your toiletries. So how can you get all of your makeup, shower things, hair products, and face stuff into your bag?

The first step is to separate out all of your liquids from your non-liquids. Some are easy: contact solution, toothpaste, shampoo. Some are trickier: mascara, lipstick, and cream-based eye-shadows are all considered liquid. I typically have three bags:

1. Makeup bag, which has all of my powder makeup in it
2. Non liquids bag, which has my hairbrush, toothbrush, razor, and other similar items in it
3. Liquids bag, which contains all of my liquids

This works really well because it allows these small bags to fit wherever there is room.  Here is a specific list about what products go in which bag. (For a detailed list of all of the toiletries I take with me, with brands, see this post.)

Non-liquids

• Toothbrush
• Contacts case
• Glasses
• Razor
• Comb
• Bobby pins and rubber bands

Liquids–travel sizes (3 oz or less) of all

• Face wash
• Contact solution
• Body wash
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Hydrating mist
• Tinted moisturizer
• Hair smoother

A few additional tips:

• If you are going on a trip for a few days, don’t pack your whole bottle of eye makeup remover. Instead, dip one end of several q-tips into the liquid and then put them in a Ziplock bag.
• Put small amounts of liquids into clean contact lens cases. Try  makeup remover, moisturizer, facial cleanser, and hair products. This will save you a ton of room.
• Bring a few extra Ziplock bags. Just in case.