When it comes to business travel, I've discovered that less is better. I've taken my permitted carry-on luggage and personal item across the nation twice. I was shocked to learn that it's easier than I anticipated to survive away from home. So how did I do it?
1. Make use of space bags. Remember those vacuum-sealed bags you saw advertised on television for storing clothes and sucking the air out to save space? It also works well for packing bags. This is a fantastic space saver that also keeps your clothes in good condition. I put my pants and shirts in one bag and my underwear and delicates in another. You can find them in the storage section of Target.
2. Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack . There's no need to bring a bulky sweater when you have a blazer or jacket that will go with many outfits. Also, bring at least two pairs of socks because you'll be doing a lot of walking at the airport and will be grateful for them.
3.Understand what the hotel offers and make use of its resources. Every hotel in which I've stayed has an iron and a closet. Unpack your bag, spray your clothes with Downy Wrinkle Releaser, iron your pants and shirts, and hang them in the closet as soon as you arrive. At the end of the day, repack dirty items. Also, don't bother bringing shampoo, conditioner, soap, or blow dryers because most hotels provide them. Check online or call ahead to see what the hotel provides so you don't have to pack anything.
4. Consider three pairs of shoes. Wear comfortable walking shoes that you can slip on and off at the airport. At the bottom of your carry-on bag, place a pair of dress shoes and a pair of bedroom slippers or flip flops to wear around the hotel.
5. Duplicates should be avoided. If your cell phone takes good pictures, there's no need to bring a digital camera unless you're a professional photographer. do not bring your tablet or laptop. Choose one that you're more likely to use and leave the other at home.
6. Pack a small purse or wallet handbag in your carry-on. When traveling, it's a good idea to pack a small purse with only your cash, credit card, and ID in your carry-on. This frees up your second "personal item" for a larger bag in which to store your cell phone, toiletries, medications, power cords, laptop or tablet, boarding passes, and other small items such as a GPS or paperback book.
7. Make use of make-up kits. Those eyeshadow, blusher, and lip gloss kits aren't for teenagers. They pack more and than many compacts and tubes.
8. Restriction on jewelry. Wear the same rings and earrings throughout the trip, and skip the watch, especially if you're crossing time zones. In any case, your cell phone keeps better time.
9. Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs. Keep in mind that anything you buy at your destination will take up valuable space. If you want to carry it with you, keep it small and simple. See the hotel concierge to make arrangements to ship larger items home.
10. Prepare to go through security checks the moment you enter the airport. The day before your trip, print your boarding passes and review the TSA guidelines as well as the guidelines for the airline you'll be flying with. Knowing what is permitted and how to pack it will not only save space but also time when passing through security.
These tips should help you travel lighter, save money on checked bag fees (for you or your company), and reduce stress by keeping your load efficient and organized. Being in a strange city can be stressful, but packing light allows you to focus on more important things, such as dealing with public transportation, finding lodging, and getting to work or fun with less hassle.