In my goal to make someone’s first business trip easier, I am creating packing lists, with specific items and photos, of my typical items for a four-day trip. A couple of weeks ago I talked about clothes, and next in my series of packing photos: toiletries!

Toiletries create a very tricky packing situation for the new business traveler. On the one hand, you want to take all of the items you use at home. On the other hand, you want to have room in your suitcase for, like, clothes and stuff. My very first trip toiletries filled literally half of my suitcase. I got one of these hanging toiletry things (which some people swear by, but I personally hate) and filled it to the brim. As you can imagine, I didn’t use half of the stuff I brought, and my suitcase was incredibly heavy. But now (after years of constant travel) I can pack toiletries for two weeks in three little bags.

A few tips:

• Use multiple bags instead of one big bag. This way you can squeeze them in smaller spaces instead of taking up a ton of room. I have had the same toiletry bag for like 15 years (crazy right? I just think it’s so cute and it’s still perfect for my needs.). I use a Ziploc for my liquids bag, but some people prefer reusable ones like this one.
• Bring your own products, just put them in reusable containers (I use Aveda bottles, although from what I can find they are only available in the UK or stores). Don’t buy travel sized items for anything except maybe toothpaste and contact solution. Or if your skin and hair can tolerate complimentary toiletries from a hotel then use those. Strangely, almost all of my toiletries are from hotels right now. This is normally not the case!
• Contact lens cases are great, inexpensive reusable containers for liquids you only need small amounts of. I label the bottom of the one that has face wash in it (S for shower).

My toiletry packing list (everything is listed clockwise):

Liquids bag:

• Lotion (L’Occitane)
• Hair cream (Frederic Fekkai)
• Shampoo and conditioner (Aveda)
• Pumice stone (it doesn’t have to go in there, obviously)
• Body wash (Aveda)
• Face wash (Eminence)
• Eye cream (Eminence)
• Moisturizer (Aveda tinted moisturizer)
• Mouthwash (Peter Thomas Roth)

Non-liquids bag:

• Razor (Intuition)
• Deodorant
• Glasses
• Contact solution (Bio Pure)
• Toothpaste (Crest)
• Contact case
• Cotton balls, q-tips
• Rubber band and bobby pins for hair

Makeup:

• Pencil sharpener
• Tweezers
• Concealer (Yves St. Laurent)
• Lip pencil and gloss (samples from Sephora)
• Kabuki brush
• Eye shadow (Makeup Forever)
• Powder (Arbonne)
• Blush (Arbonne)
• Mascara (Tarte)
• Eyeliner (Urban Decay)
• Eyebrow pencil (Anastasia Beverly Hills)

On certain trips, like the conference I’m going to soon, I will also bring an extra eyeshadow palette (Tarte) and my brush set (similar to this one from Too Faced).

I usually pack all of my bags (along with my curling iron) in my suitcase’s larger inside pocket, but if need be I spread them out.

See? It is totally possible to bring every toiletry you need without it taking up all of your room.

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This contest is closed.

After 18 months of research, Hyatt has recently come out with a new array of offerings geared toward the frequent traveler. The new features are tailored to guests’ individual preferences, and include a service providing frequently forgotten items, healthy new menu options, and upgraded bath amenities. I have experienced all of these firsthand, and I think road warriors and warriorettes will benefit tremendously! (I’ll be doing an in-depth review this week, so stay tuned!)

To celebrate, we are doing a contest and the winner wins one free night at a U.S. Hyatt Place! To enter, please leave a comment answering the following question: The bulkiest item I have to pack and can’t live without is_________. (And let’s be more original than, say, “my computer,” because everyone needs that!) The contest runs through Monday, April 22 at midnight CDT and the winner will be chosen randomly on Tuesday April 23. As always, one entry per person.

The bulkiest item I can’t live without is, no question, my curling iron. My computer is on that list too (of course!) plus my makeup. I’m not sure what it says that 2 out of 3 items are grooming related…..

Good luck!!

April 2012:

• Although I hope you never have to travel while injured, here are some tips for making it easier. And yes, these are from my own experience.
• I spent a lot of time prepping for my two week conference, with strategies for packing and being out of the office that long.
• For some, eating at a restaurant is a time to relax and enjoy a meal. For others, it’s stress and anxiety producing. Try these tips to enjoy it more and stress less!

April 2011:

• I finished up the series “Building a Business Travel Wardrobe.”
• We talked about several different options for long-haul flights: t-shirt dress and leggings, yoga pants, and other travel-specific pants.
• A friend experienced a terrible breach in etiquette during a flight: someone clipping their nails. <<shudder>>

April 2010:

• My most important travel items three years ago are still valid today!
• I listed out the top three ways for dealing with the age old question, “Where does my purse go?”
• We discussed our best tips for remembering where you parked your car at the airport.

Last week I mentioned that I discovered a new blog called Outfit Posts, where the blogger takes pictures of her outfits every morning. I love everything she puts together! She travels for work a lot, and has a really great post about how to pack for 30 days in one suitcase. While I have gotten the odd question about long business trips, most of the time I get asked what to pack for four days. For the experienced business traveler, clothes for four days are pretty simple to fit in a suitcase. For the newbie, though, it can be quite a challenge! My first business trip I took four separate outfits, with four pairs of shoes to match, and enough toiletries to fill up half of my suitcase. (The suitcase that I couldn’t lift, and wouldn’t have fit into an overhead bin even if I could. For four days! It’s embarrassing, to think of it now.) So, for the woman who is a new business traveler, I have put together a packing list for a four day trip. But it gets better! Not only have I put together a list, but I have taken pictures from a recent trip of everything before it goes into my suitcase, and once it’s all in.

Here is the generic 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 or running shoes
• Enough undergarments, including socks/hose
• Jewelry/belts/scarves
• PJs
• Workout clothes
• Toiletries and makeup
• Curling iron (or other styling aids)

Here is my specific list:
• Navy slacks (Gap)
• Black slacks (Banana Republic)
• Green cardigan (this one but green) with white camisole (both from Target)
• Pink cardigan (Talbots) with navy camisole (Target)
• Purple sweater (similar to this one from Banana Republic)
• Turquoise cardigan (Old Navy) with multicolored blouse (Ann Taylor)
• Nude flats (DSW)
• Yellow flats (Old Navy)
• Yoga pants (Target) and long sleeved tee (Old Navy) for sleeping
• Jewelry and belts
• Toiletries, liquids bag, makeup, curling iron
• Flip flops (Old Navy)
• Tablecloth (because I did trade shows during my trip)

Here is a picture of all of my different outfits:

Everything laid out on the bed:

And here is everything all packed up neatly in my suitcase!

It’s not 30 outfits, but you could easily fit a dress and a skirt in there and make quite a few. So newbie travelers, don’t despair! It’s definitely possible to dress stylishly for business travel, and still have it fit into a carryon.

A few weeks ago I went on my first trip in five months. I was pretty anxious, but had a plan in place. I was going to re-read some key blog posts, give myself extra time, figure out the “new-mom” stuff, and make a very specific list of what to pack. I was only gone for one day, so didn’t actually need that much clothing. That made it way easier than it could have been!

Suitcase:

• Outfit for work (black pants, nursing shirt, cardigan, black coat, pink flats)
• Travel outfit (jeans, sneakers, gray tee, maroon long sweater)
• PJs (yoga pants, tank, long sleeved tee)
• Toiletries, makeup, curling iron
• Jewelry (turquoise necklace and earrings)
• New-mom stuff
• Pump
• Tablecloth for trade show
• Chargers

Purse stuff:

• Pashmina
• Knitting
• Thank you notes (sigh, still trying to finish them)
• Book
• Wallet, keys, lip balm
• Computer
• Cooler, bottles, ice packs
• Office supplies (notepad, pen, usb key, headset)
• Comfort items (tea, Splenda, Emergen-C)
• Magazine

Honestly, it was a tight fit. My pump took up half of my freaking suitcase, and I had to fit the cooler in my purse. If I have to bring clothes for more than one day I will have to be super creative about getting everything in. My trip this week is two days, but since I’m wearing my work clothes on the plane I only have to pack enough for one day. We’ll see what happens on my first longer trip….

Next week, I will take my first business trip in almost five months. That is a long time for a Road Warrior to be grounded! I am looking forward to getting going again, but apprehensive about a few things too. Will it feel weird to be back in action? Will I remember to pack everything? What about changes in airport security or my airline? (Plus I know I’ll miss my baby, but knowing he is in good hands at home with Daddy eases my mind.) Here is how I plan to prepare for the trip:

Read my blog. Whenever I review my blog, I am surprised by how much I’ve written. There is a lot of helpful stuff in here, if I do say so myself, and I need to go back and read some of it. Especially the security and packing tips!

Make a list. Before I pack, I am going to make a very detailed packing list—way more so than usual. It would be super lame to get to my destination and not have something critical, like my computer, work files, contact solution, etc.

Give myself extra time. In the past I’ve gotten the whole getting-to-the-airport thing down to an exact science—it used to take me 27-30 minutes to drive to the airport, park my car, ride the shuttle to the terminal, and go through security. For this first trip, I’m going to give myself a time cushion just in case I can’t do things as quickly as I think I should.

Figure out the “new mom” stuff. There are a specific travel issues that go along with being a new mom—pumping on the road and transporting breast milk, for starters. Not to mention figuring out how to minimize disruptions for the Mini Warrior at home, and dealing with my own sad feelings to be away from him. (Look for a post on this subject next week.)

So, Readers, that’s my plan. Any suggestions for stuff I missed?

There are a few things you take on every single trip, and most of them are grooming and toiletry items. I am a big advocate of having two sets of toiletries. One you keep at home, one you keep in your suitcase. This way you never have that “Dangit!” moment while driving to the airport when you realize you forgot your shampoo/deodorant/toothbrush and will have to go searching for a replacement. (Pictured: the Revolon Perfect Heat curling iron that I only have one of but really should buy a second! Available at Amazon.)

However, there are a few things that I don’t have two of. I do not have two sets of makeup, two curling irons, or two pairs of glasses. These are things that I just have to remember to pack every single time. It can be tricky, because I use these items every day, and usually have to use them right before I go to the airport. There have been times when I have forgotten one of these things, and it certainly makes a trip more complicated.

Also, people who don’t travel as often may find it’s not worth it to have two sets of everything. Enter advice from Reader S. She sent me an email with the following recommendation:

I have a suggestion that you may want to try and see if it works for you for packing.  I travel a lot myself and was always forgetting certain toiletries or items as I’m packing.  I have gotten into the habit of packing things as I get ready for the trip. I’ll have my suitcase out, take a shower and when I’m done I put what I have used in the suitcase….brush my hair, put it in the suitcase….put on deodorant, put it in the suitcase….put on eyeshadow, put it in the suitcase…..  I find that it helps me being exactly what I need to get ready and not a lot of extras.  

I think it’s a great idea! It might take a few minutes longer getting ready in the morning, but you know you won’t forget anything!

Readers, do you have two of everything? Or do you have to remember to pack certain grooming items?

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Business Travel 101 is a series from a couple of years ago about making that first business trip as easy and successful as possible. I’ve re-tooled the series, and now it’s more comprehensive than ever! It covers everything a new business traveler needs to know for that initial trip, including essential tips for packing, security, safety, etiquette, and comfort.

One of the most important items to have for that first business trip is the carry-on. I don’t mean your rollaboard, although that’s certainly critical. Today I’m talking about 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.

For the ladies: In addition to acting as a necessary travel tool, 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 Bag

There are several things I look for in my travel bag. Not all of my bags 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 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 small items like chapstick.
• Exterior pockets. An exterior pocket on the side of your bag 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 bag on your shoulder or strapped to your suitcase. It would be very difficult to travel with a bag 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 (and easy to clean).
• Rolling or not? Another thing to consider: do you need a rolling briefcase? If your bag gets really heavy or you have back or shoulder issues, this might be the way to go. There are plenty of high quality, attractive options in a variety of price points.

Some great travel bags I have found are this Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business in Tan, this rolling Samsonite Xenon 2 Spinner Mobile Office, and of course the O.G. from Lo and Sons (pictured above in Royal Blue). I also really like this fun laptop purse from Knomo for a seasonal, less expensive option.

Options for Purses: Read more of this article »

Business Travel 101 is a series from a couple of years ago about making that first business trip as easy and successful as possible. I’ve re-tooled the series, and now it’s more comprehensive than ever! It covers everything a new business traveler needs to know for that initial trip, including essential tips for packing, security, safety, etiquette, and comfort.

Want to know one of the simplest paths to a smoother trip? Not checking your suitcase! You will avoid checked-baggage fees and save time at the front and back ends of your trip. It will also help you to streamline your packing list.

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

• Quality construction.
• A bag that will fit US (and ideally European) guidelines for carrying on.
• Weight
• Size
• Roominess.
• Handle length.
• Good pockets and dividers.
• Spinner wheels.
• Easy to navigate in crowded airports.
• For more details, see my Guidelines for Choosing a Rollaboard Suitcase.

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 six years, week in and week out, and it is still in excellent shape. A great review of top rated brands can be found here, plus Good Housekeeping has a great set of reviews. Your suitcase doesn’t have to be pretty  but an identifying feature is helpful so that it stands out in the sea of black. Another option is to add a colorful luggage tag. (Pictured: The Tumi Alpha Continental Carry-On, a great option with a hefty price tag.)

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 or running shoes
• Enough undergarments, including socks/hose
• Jewelry/belts/scarves
• PJs
• Workout clothes
• Toiletries and makeup
• Curling iron (or other styling aids)

Packing tips:

• I bring my own shampoo/conditioner in refillable 3 oz bottles because I travel so much if I use whatever random products the hotel puts out my hair gets mad. A couple of great sources for travel sizes are 3floz.com and Sephora.
• Eagle Creek packing cubes are helpful for the small items (underwear, socks, hose, etc) and 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 more easily 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.

Readers, what are your tips for maximizing space in a carry-on?

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For a typical four day business trip, I won’t worry about a laundry bag. I just assume that I will wear all of my clothes, and they will all need to be washed when I get home. For those longer trips, however, it’s a different story. Once I get home, it helps me so much to have my clean clothes separated from my dirty clothes. Grabbing a bag full of dirty clothes and taking it to the washer is much easier than sorting through an entire suitcase full of clothes. A lot of people use those plastic bags that hotels give you, and that’s a good option if you need it. But I have found that a simple trash bag from home seems to pack better. Maybe it’s because the plastic is thinner? Whatever the reason, on longer trips I always try to take a plastic garbage bag for my laundry.  This is especially true if the Home Warrior will be with me, as he seems to go through clothes more quickly than I do.

A word of caution: make sure the trash bag you take is unscented. I don’t know how it happened, but on a trip a few years ago I accidentally grabbed a scented bag (which I didn’t even know we had in our house). It made everything in my suitcase smell like fake flowers, and I was freaked that my clothes wouldn’t air out in time for my meetings. Luckily it turned out fine, but I vowed to make sure to only bring unscented bags from then on.

Readers, do you usually bring a bag for laundry?