Air travel is not an option for me, nor is it a luxury, it’s part of my job. The word ‘part’ is used loosely since I live in a city that is not currently in my Region. In fact, the closest company that I support is four hours away. The furthest would take 23 hours driving – if I didn’t stop for bathroom breaks. And let’s be real for a minute, my bladder is about the size of a hummingbird so now we both know I have no intentions of driving to Boise, Idaho – unless I’m on some kind of road trip extravaganza where I’m seeking out the best attractions possible. (Curious of what those might be: Click Here)
Most of my trips average three nights away from home and anywhere from two to six flights a week depending on the number of cities I plan to visit. I take one carry on bag and one backpack on every trip. When I first started traveling consistently I found that I unnecessarily overpacked and consistently brought things I never used, had overstuffed suitcases, at times had to purchase additional luggage or check bags if I bought any items. Over the course of three weeks I tracked what I used most often and what I could live without for a few days.
Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance so I start with the backpack filled with what I deem Work Essentials. Most of these items (sans large electronics) stay in my bag full time and I purchase a second set for home if needed. This ensures I don’t have to repack every week before I leave and can use that extra time to get a few extra snuggles or giggles with my girls.
- Cell Phone (and charger)
- Wristlet or Wallet – Large enough to carry phone and essentials
- Laptop (and charger)
- Spiral Bound Planner (Yes, I’m old school but this Best Planner Ever is perfect for taking notes and writing down messages throughout the day)
- Portable Charger
- 2 Quart Size Ziplock Bags
- Charger cords, mifi & cord, earbuds x2, portable mouse, thumb drive & wireless presenter
- Common Medicine: Excedrin Migrane, Day/NightQuil, Melatonin, Bonine (motion), vitamins, Aleve, Chapstick, hand/surface sanitizer wipes
- IPad or Tablet
- Snacks: Fruit, Granola, Almonds
- Scarf
- Oddball items – 1-2 Magazines or Books, Thank You notes, 2-4 pens, hairties, sunglasses & case, work badge, gloves
Then I focus on the wardrobe essentials. My position is business casual and I have a relatively classic style. I also visit several different climates as I cover from Fargo, North Dakota to Albuquerque, New Mexico so checking the weather is a MUST before I leave. A good friend and colleague once told me, “There is no bad weather only bad clothing/shoes.”
Side story: Not that long ago, was caught in Mounds View, MN with peep toe wedges, no gloves or hat in 3 feet of snow. It’s a good thing all cars in the North come with a scraper for your car but no so good when it takes a few hours for the feeling in your extremities to return.
I digress, when I think about packing I start with the shoes – appropriate for the weather – and work backwards. I use a Samsonite Lightweight 21″ spinner. For a typical 3 night, 2 city, fall trip I would pack the following clothing items:
- 2 Pair of Dark Slacks / 1 Pair Jeans
- 3 Camisoles/1 Bra/4 Pair Underwear/Socks (dependent on Shoes)
- 3 Blouses (*Always have 1 extra shirt in case of an incident)
- 1 Sweater (To be worn over Cami or Blouse or in the event of chilly offices)
- 1 Blazer (White is my favorite)
- 1 Dress (tights if necessary)
- Tieks (Best Walking Flats)
- Black Pumps
Optional For Exercise
- Tennis Shoes
- 1 Pair Running Shorts / 1 Pair Yoga Pants (If you run everyday or sweat consistently then add 1)
- 2 Sports Bras (See note above)
- 3 Athletic Tops
- 1 Travel/Folding Yoga Mat
I also have a Cosmetic Bag that holds makeup essentials, contacts, deodorant, wide tooth comb, and toiletries. I have a separate jewelry bag that I add a few statement pieces. I always try to wear no more than 3 pieces of jewelry including a watch. (BTW – Bracelets count as 1).
**Anytime I am flying with the twins I check our largest suitcase with clothes and my carry on (I use a Weekender Bag) has these items:
- Phone (cord and portable charger)
- SNACKS
- Pull Ups/Extra Panties
- Flushable Wipes
- SNACKS (Fruit, PB&J, trail mix)
- Kids Tablets (power cords, ear phones – the big ones that cover their ears in the most popular kids print – Find some Here)
- Extra Shirts/Shorts or Leggings (For me and each child)
- Pullover (Each Child)
- Scarf (For me)
- SNACKS
- Water Cups (to refill at anytime – TAKE these through security EMPTY)
- Medicine Quart Bag (From my normal travel bag but I add Children’s Tylenol, Dramamine, and vitamins) *Extra hand sanitizing wipes
- Coloring books & Crayons
- 2-3 Paperback Books (Child)
- SNACKS (I cannot stress how important this has been in my travel experience with kids)
At the end of the day it is easy to overpack, even if you are only going overnight but I have rarely found myself in a position where I had to purchase something I couldn’t live without. Happy Packing.