As you know, a few weeks ago I held a contest for two two-night stays in a Country Inn & Suites. It was incredibly successful, and I love all of the amazing tips I got from my great readers. So, here are a few randomly selected tips from the contest. I hope they help you!

Packing

• Keep car and house keys in your carry on or with you. My boyfriend left his car and house keys with his check in luggage and then his bag was delayed leaving him stranded at the airport for a couple of hours. –Jen
• Be sure to clearly tag your luggage on the outside with your name, address, and phone number. (You might want to use a business address or PO Box instead of your home address.) Also put a piece of paper inside with the same information, in case the tag gets stripped off. –Arlene
• If you forget your phone or iPod charger, ask at the hotel front desk for if they have extras. Most business hotels have a giant drawer filled with chargers that have been left behind, and most will let you borrow what you need. –Louise

Get rewarded!

• Sign up for all of the hotel/miles rewards programs. For hotel “clubs” ask the front desk about special perks like priority for late check-out, extra points, to-go breakfasts, and snacks upon arrival. –Cat

Just in case…..

• Scan the front and back of any credit/debit cards that you carry in your wallet, along with key pages from your passport and any other critically important documents and email them to your internet-accessible email account. I use cryptic names for both the documents and the subject fields of the emails as an added security measure. –Chris

Experiencing the city you are in

• If you are feeling adventurous, I like to ask the concierge at the front desk at the hotels where the good places are to eat. You don’t have to eat at the chain restaurants and get a chance to experience the city. They will even print out directions for you. –Karla

Long flight safety

• I am a travel agent. My suggestion on long haul flights is to get up and walk around at least hourly. We have a 46 year old client die recently due to a blood clot which traveled to his lung and killed him instantly. He had just returned from a trip to China-a 14 hour plus long flight. –Marianne

Finally, peace of mind.

• Anytime you travel you are bound to encounter every kind of person, some having good days, some bad. On any trip things can go wrong and not work out as planned. Start with accepting this. Getting angry or anxious ultimately only hurts you. Roll with things. Let it all go. Enjoy the trip you’re on. –David

When I was researching how to properly pack my underthings, I found a lot of information about what not to do, but not a lot about what to do. (Apparently folding your bras and shoving them into a small pocket is on the “What Not To Do List. Oops.) So I spoke to a friend that works at a local store specializing in  undergarments, and here is her packing advice.

Take nude bras. They work under (almost) everything and you don’t need to pack as many since you can wear them with multiple outfits.  The only reason to wear black is if you’re going to be photographed in a black top (nude will  show from the flash).

Bring non-molded bras. They will travel more easily and take up less space.  Wear the molded bra if you need one of that type, it’s just trickier to pack.  For frequent travelers, I suggest non-molded bras and a pair of silicone nipple covers to give the molded effect without the bulk in your suitcase.

How to pack molded bras. If you do have to pack a molded bra, always leave it spread out, as opposed to stuffing one cup inside the other.  Some people twist the center so they can stack the cups without having to invert one of them.  I’ll admit, I’ve used that method in the past, but it really isn’t good for the bra.  The fabric in the center just isn’t made to do that and the last thing you want when you’re traveling is for the bra to rip.  So, leave them spread out, stacking one on top of the other if needed.  Pack socks, underwear, leggings, or similar items inside the cup to keep their shape.  I usually place them between two stacks of clothes in my suitcase.

Washing your bras. Short trips don’t usually involve washing bras, but I always take a small sample of lingerie wash, just in case.  Any shop that sells lingerie wash should have samples they give away- save them for travel!  The best option is a “rinse free” wash that you just put in the sink, soak the bras, then drain the water.  And be aware of the climate where you’re staying- bras won’t dry overnight in humid climates.

One more option. They make cute lingerie bags that you can pack undies in that have two zippered pouches- one for dirty and one for clean.  I organize my suitcase differently, but it’s one way to keep things a little more, um,  private if your bag gets searched.

Readers, let me know if you have any questions about packing your delicates and I will get answers for you! And as always, additional tips are welcome as well.

Ah, New Years. That time of year when we evaluate how the past year went, and how we would like for the coming year to go.  One of my goals is to continue to make my beauty routine even more eco-friendly. As a result, I have been perusing The Body Shop for some products, as they are very eco-focused. And as a result, I have found yet another fantastic way to minimize the liquids.

I have long been an advocate of facial cleansing wipes. They are handy to have around, especially on super long flights where you need a bit of freshening up. But recently I have begun bringing them in place of face wash on trips where I know I will be getting to the hotel late. It keeps me on my skincare routine, when all I really want to do is pass out in bed without removing my makeup. If I am traveling alone, I will actually use it while driving to the hotel to minimize the time between me and my bed. They don’t take up a lot of space, will clean my face more than adequately, and free up room in my liquids bag. What’s not to love?? The Tea Tree Cleansing Wipes from The Body Shop are ideal for normal to oily skin, and come infused with Community Trade essential oils. They work really well and smell fantastic. Highly recommend!

You may have read about how, on my first work trip, I brought a ridiculous amount of stuff with me. That trend continued for a while, as I grappled with how to pack efficiently and yet completely. About four months after that first trip, I took a trip that spanned the country: three towns, three events, and three completely different climates. This trip necessitated a large amount of stuff, so much so that I ended up having to check a bag. Which the airline promptly lost. I spent that evening searching frantically at Target in Eugene, OR for replacement tablecloth, shoes, and makeup. That trip was so stressful that I vowed never to check a bag again.

For the next trip, I decided that I was going to take the ultra-minimalist approach to packing. For a four day, two city trip I brought two pairs of pants and two tops. Surely, I thought, I could wear each top once in each city, with no one being the wiser. I thought this until, on the second day of my trip, I spilled coffee all over my cream-colored sweater. As overnight soaking had no effect, I spent a frantic evening in Old Navy in Oklahoma City trying to find a top that would work. Sigh. In my efforts to bring less, I may, possibly, have over-corrected.

Which leads me to my tip. Please bring at least one shirt more than you require. For example, on that fateful coffee-spill trip, I should have brought three tops so I had one just in case something went wrong. One option, of course, is to bring a separate shirt for each day. If you have multiple locations, just make sure that your wardrobe is not dependent on every shirt looking fresh after the first wearing. One extra shirt, that is all I’m suggesting. Hopefully this will save you the stress of a late night visit to a department store, searching the racks for something, anything, that will go with the one pair of slacks you brought with you….

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?

Normally, I HATE plastic grocery bags. I would rather awkwardly carry a bag of dog food, two gallons of milk, and a handful of cans, and struggle out to my car than use plastic bags. I have been known to drop packages of butter in my purse. But there are a couple of instances when plastic grocery bags are very helpful, and (while not as fun as this produce bag crocheted out of plastic sacks) one instance is packing related.

Walking around on dirt and sidewalks, then packing your shoes next to your pristine clothing is not the most sanitary idea. If you are concerned about the soles of your shoes touching your clean (and beautiful!) clothes, pack each one separately in a plastic grocery bag. This won’t take up any more room than the shoe by itself, and will keep your outfits spotless. Another option, if you truly don’t have any grocery bags, is to use cloth produce bags. More expensive, but even more environmentally friendly.

Finally, something useful to do with those grocery bags that are sitting around, waiting for me to take them to be recycled.  Keeping your business attire dirt-free and using up those plastic bags? Win-win. But please, make sure that when you have worn holes in the bag, you recycle it rather than just throwing it away.

One of the easiest things to speed up your packing is to keep two sets of toiletries. Have one full size set that you use every day at home, and have a travel-size in a bag ready to go at all times. Some people may worry about the expense, but there are ways around that. One idea is to use samples from your favorite makeup store (Sephora in my case) or freebies from the hotel. Another way to cut costs is to simply purchase a set of toiletry bottles and fill them up. Sometimes I have had to purchase travel size toiletries, but that isn’t common–usually just contact solution and toothpaste. I have a mix of refillable toiletry bottles (love the Fillables from Aveda), samples, and free hotel toiletries. I keep them packed at all times, my liquids in a plastic Ziploc and the rest in a cute bag.

The only set I don’t keep duplicates of? Make-up. There aren’t a ton of sample or smaller options available, and so I would basically have to keep a whole second set. I’ve thought about getting less expensive makeup for travel, but my thoughts are that it is hard enough to look good while traveling, and I don’t want to use sub-par products. So I’m still working on that. I may have to just bite the bullet one of these days, especially after forgetting my makeup last month.

I am curious what other people do with their make-up. Readers, what do you do? Do you keep a full set of all of your toiletries, including makeup? Just shower stuff?

This is a new semi-regular feature here on Road Warriorette. Briggs & Riley is one of the premier luggage brands, with a collection for every life style from the casual traveler to the business travel elite.

It wasn’t too long ago when packing an extra pair of shoes didn’t cost an extra $35 in baggage fees; when getting on a plane didn’t involve an epic battle for overhead luggage space; and when you could walk by the dreaded “Your bag is too big” box without breaking into a sweat.

But with new baggage fees, and increasingly strict security rules, the days of tossing another outfit in at the last minute (just in case you want to change out of your suit after the meeting) are over. Nowadays it’s all about agonizing over whether you really need to bring that dress and measuring exactly how much shampoo you’ll need for four days and splitting it between three separate munchkin-sized bottles.

Let’s face it; cramming more into a smaller bag is the biggest packing trend, resulting in more wrinkled clothing and items arriving in not-so-ship-shape.  So what’s a traveler to do – especially one who doesn’t have an expense account for those baggage fees? The management team at one of the world’s most prestigious luggage makers can offer some hard-earned advice on getting what you need, where you need it, without wrinkles and without compromises. As for how to make sure some TSA guy doesn’t then rifle through and destroy your perfectly packed masterpiece?

Sorry. Even we can’t help you there.

Carole Schnall (VP Administration, Briggs & Riley)

Her clothing arrives in perfect shape every time

My clothes always arrive in perfect shape and wrinkle free – I start by folding neatly like they do in a department store, and I put plastic in between each item.  I use either dry cleaner plastic or polyethylene bags which you can buy at Home Depot or Wal-Mart. I use them over and over again.  I roll my underwear into my shoes and take each shoe and put it into a supermarket plastic bag and tie them up to avoid dirt, which then get placed along the edges of my bag.

During TBEX, one of the fantastic people I met was Sheila Scarborough from Perceptive Travel (among other places). Her vitality and passion for travel are contagious, and I had a great time visiting with her. One of the things she has put together is this fantastic video that shows her packing for a business trip.  If you have ever wondered, “How do you fit all of that stuff into a carry-on?,” this is the video for you. It’s a bit lengthy, but if you have struggled with packing it will help you to no end. Enjoy!!

The best way to get through security quickly is by planning ahead. One major part of this is packing neatly. For some, this is a no brainer. My sisters both have different packing styles (one is a minimalist, one packs everything in site) but their suitcases are incredibly tidy, and they can both lay hands on anything in there in seconds. For me (the messy sister) it has taken years of practice. It’s so easy just to throw everything in! It may not fit as well, but packing goes so much more quickly. Of course, once I arrive and I’m looking for my jewelry case or a specific top it is not quite as fast. And, although it doesn’t happen often, what if I get stopped in security? One time I had to be rerouted on a different airline, and that apparently put me on some type of security watch list for the trip. Every time I went through security all of my bags, and my person, were searched. I was even pulled out of line while waiting to board the plane and searched. I remember being so grateful that I had put everything in my suitcase in an orderly fashion, not just throwing my dirty clothes in randomly.

In addition to helping you know where each of your things is, packing neatly can help you during all stages of the security process: you know where your stuff is so you can easily and quickly pull out your laptop and liquids bag; if TSA needs to look in your bag it is faster and easier for them to search; and when you are done, if the things you took out have a designated place, you can return them efficiently.

So take that extra ten minutes while you’re packing and make sure everything is neatly in its place! I promise it is worth it, and even people like me (the messy sisters) can get it down to a routine so it’s quick and easy.