Several questions have come in recently about what type of luggage a new business traveler should get. I’ve written a post about what to look for in a rollaboard, but wanted to give some specifics. These are my opinions, a different person may come up with an entirely different list.

Ogio. I have had the same Ogio suitcase for almost seven years. It’s been on the road with me hundreds of times, and still works like it’s brand new. My only complaint is that the handle isn’t as easy to push in or pull out anymore, although I’m pretty sure some WD40 would take care of that….

Briggs & Riley. Briggs & Riley bags are true workhorses, ready for regular and hard use. One of the best things about them IMO is their fabric—reviews say it is very water repellant. Very helpful if you travel a lot during winter.

Tumi. Most everyone knows about Tumi—sleek, stylish, with consistently great reviews. Also expensive. Lovely, but expensive.

Travelpro. I see flight attendants using Travelpro bags more than anything else. I think that right there says it all.

Victorinox. Made my Swiss Army, Victorinox bags are meant to last. They make some incredibly lightweight bags, which can be handy if you are traveling in Europe (with stricter weight restrictions than the US).

Honorable Mention: Swiss Gear. I have one of their backpacks (similar to this one) and it is incredible. It will expand so much that I can fit almost everything from my rollaboard inside it, and it is still comfortable to wear.

Readers, what is your favorite brand of carry-on?

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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.

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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Recently, my friend L wrote me an email about the search for a great travel tote.

I was wondering if you had any suggestions for a large tote to use when traveling. I’m looking for something that can do double duty: hold a laptop, small purse, make-up, book for when I travel for work, but also serve as a quasi overnight bag for when I fly for fun (holding a small purse, book, make-up, toiletries, maybe a few pieces of clothing).

The most recommended option I’ve found is the Vera Bradley Miller Bag. While I love VB items, I’m not sure there’s a “professional” pattern I can use when traveling for work—should this even be an issue? One friend swears by her Longchamp tote, but the lack of structure (it pretty much crumples up if there’s nothing in it, not idea for a laptop) and the price tag makes me wary.

So let’s see if I can figure this out. You need a professional-looking, structured bag that will work for business travel as your personal item, but also work as a fun trip overnight bag. And it needs to be affordable. We can do this!!

I turned to my trusty favorite, eBags, in search of the perfect bag. I may have gone just a teensy bit overboard, but I swear it’s not my fault. Great bags that fit the criteria just kept leaping out at me! Before I knew it I had a list of more than ten bags that I had to trim. Oh bags, how I love thee.

I had some criteria, in addition to what’s listed above.

Size. Obviously, this is important. A big bag is great, but it can’t be so big that it overwhelms you. And what’s the point of a personal item if it won’t fit under the seat in front of you while flying?

Material. I like purses a lot. I like luggage okay. I do not want my purses to look like luggage. Therefor, finding a great purse for travel that works like a piece of luggage but doesn’t look like one is key. It also doesn’t feel super professional to walk into the office carrying your Samsonite!

Pockets. Pockets are very important! Inside and out, and internal compartments are great too.

Balance. The best purse is one you can sit on top of your rollaboard to simplify walking through the airport. Unfortunately, that’s something that you can’t really judge by seeing a bag; you have to use it to know how well it balances.

Straps. Two straps are better, and if there is an extra long one, even better.

If you’ve been around Road Warriorette for any length of time, you may have noticed that I like color. If I have an option, I will always go for the colors over black or brown. But I get that people like neutrals too, so I have tried to show a variety.

The very practical yet classically lovely Bellino Stefan Satchel is a more traditional duffel bag. It’s size ensures it will hold whatever you need it to, and it’s shape will allow it to fit under the seat in front of you. It is also well priced, and will be perfect for when you need a conservative bag.

Bric’s Metro Shopper is a more modern take. While there aren’t any obvious external pockets, the inside has several compartments. It is also very roomy, has a zip top, and will also work when a conservative look is needed.

Although we are looking more for  structured bags, I felt I had to mention this Tumi Just In Case Shopper. It folds up into a tiny pouch, but will open up to hold an amazing amount of stuff. Specifically designed to sit on top of a rollaboard, it has a strap across the back to hold it in place. Plus it comes in some fun colors.

These two bags from Piel are lovely large purses. They both has plenty of exterior pockets, roomy interiors, and a come in a variety of colors. The Laptop Tote is a little smaller, but has a specific compartment for your computer. The Large Business Tote will hold more items but lacks a laptop compartment.

The JJ Cole Technique Bag is my favorite. I love the retro shape, the lining, and the fun colors. It has double straps, plenty of room, and multiple exterior pockets. Definitely the bag for you if you’re looking to make a statement!

Okay, okay. Just for fun, here is a completely unsuitable but completely fabulous bag from Latico. Swoon!

Readers, do you have a favorite travel bag? What characteristics do you look for?

Finding presents for the people you love can be tricky. But never fear! Road Warriorette is here to give you a few suggestions for the lady traveler in your life.

Suitcase

The one thing required for all overnight trips. Ogio luggage is lightweight, durable, and the pockets will expand to amazing proportions. Mine fits into all overhead luggage carriers on normal sized airplanes.

Travel Kit and Travel Bottles

I love these Aveda travel bottles. I have used them for years and they have never leaked or broken. It’s nice to have a pump and varying shapes as well. Of course, you can’t send the cute green bag through security (make-up case anyone?), but you can pop the Aveda bottles into this clear, TSA-approved quart size bag that is infinitely more durable then that holey zipoc bag your loved one has been carrying around. And here is yet another super cute option for travel bottles! Great stocking stuffers.

Noise Canceling Headphones

There are a ton of great ones on the market. Here is a comprehensive review from CNet of top brands and a range of prices.

Pashmina

I don’t need to make another post about the Pashmina and all of its wonderful uses. Just know that it would be a perfect  gift for your favorite traveler.

Travel Purse or Briefcase

This beautiful (but pricey!) Tumi bag is a great example of functionality, shape, and attractiveness in a carry-on bag. However other (less expensive) bags would be great as well.

Business Card Holder

One of my favorite blogs gives a range of pretty choices in a range of options. Good for all people with business cards, not just travelers!

Travel Yoga Tools

I would be lost on the road without my yoga. Here is a great, lightweight version of my everyday mat so your favorite traveling lady can get through her asanas without slipping on the floor on a hotel towel (been there, it’s not awesome). Another great travel-friendly option is the Manduka Equa Towel from Lulu Lemon.

Up in the Air by Walter Kirn

The book about our lives! I will watch the movie before I read the book, but I hope someone gets me this for Christmas

Kindle

I don’t have a Kindle but I want one! Don’t pack 10 books for a two-week trip, just take your Kindle. Genius.

Travel Document Holder

Great for the traveler who is flying internationally on a regular basis. Keep your boarding pass and your passport together!  And this one is so bright, it will never get lost in the depths of your bag.

Travel care kit—Emergen-C, eyemask, earplugs

A few travel necessities can make a great stocking stuffer!