Tips on Packing for Business Trips

As a veteran of many (too many?) years of business travel, Betty is giving some commonsense advise on packing for business travel. An exhaustive website to also visit is www.onebag.com. The below is just off-the-cuff and, we hope, amusing observations.

Why Pack Light?

Should I Make a List?

Some people swear by lists. How can they work if every trip is different. I believe they are more checklists than specific lists so I stick to some basic techniques. Again, check the website listed above.

I always keep a separate travel toiletry bag with all the cosmetics, over-the-counter medications and any other particulars my age and inclinations would need for safety. The only thing to add is any prescription meds you may be taking. Remember, your liquids must be the size approved by the airline and security. Check each airline website.

Since most hotels now furnish hair dryers (I don't stay at those who don't. I stopped that foolishness a long time ago. If you can't afford a decent hotel and meal, get into another line of business. Traveling on business is way too hard to be on a ridiculous budget. Besides, not being able to pay your expenses unless you get the order is a great motivator, but I digress), take along only any grooming appliances you may need.

Planning is the key—Your bed is your best tool (does that sound a little risqué?)

Now for the fun. Take everything you think you will need and lay them on your bed, clothing first. Plan each day's wardrobe — jacket, bottom, blouse or dress and jacket. Then add accessories to each outfit Then add shoes for each day. Great pair of black high-quality leather shoes will pay for themselves many times over. Ideally, one pair of shoes should do it but if you want to throw in the sexy stilettos for morale's sake, go for it. Put your shoes in a plastic zip-lock bag if you have room in your bag. If not, use my trick and tuck them in wherever they will fit. Make sure you have included belts or any other accessory required by your daily outfits.

Next, calculate the number of days you will be gone and consult your itinerary. Plan on wearing the same business suit more than once unless you're meeting with the same people. Even then you can get by with it by changing out your blouse and accessories or shirt and tie. For a three day trip, a woman can get by with a black suit, taupe jacket and red jacket with an ivory, black and subtle print blouse. By taking simple, basic items in one color scheme, you eliminate a pile of unnecessary clothing. Take accessories that work with these three colors. Accessories are lightweight and easy to pack is a padded jewelry bag that can be rolled up.

You've got to have some fun too, so also plan on how much casual wear you will need. On many business trips, my casual wear is a comfortable nightgown but some evenings I do have enough energy left to go out, so some planning is needed for this also.

For casual wear, your black bottoms work great for work or casual. Just remove the jacket, blouse and accessories and add a sweater or casual top with new accessories and casual shoes. You can also add a gold lame sweater set with more glitzy jewelry for an evening look.

You will also need underwear, sleepwear and (depending again on your age and inclination), hosiery.

How should I fold (layering, rolling, overlapping) to eliminate wrinkling?

Now we get to the real point of this article, you can eliminate any dreaded wrinkles simply by purchasing your ensemble in Ingenuity Women's Clothing for business travel. These are wrinkle-free, machine-washable, lined business travel suitings. Made in Canada, thank goodness, almost as good as the USA. Ingenuity's business travel clothing comes in regular, petite, plus and petite plus sizes. Selected styles are also available in talls. We dare you! Order a pair of pants and wear and wash them. You'll be hooked. After you drive or sit for hours, you stand up and stand out with no wrinkles.

For men, we offer Hardwick's Men's Suits & Separates in 100% worsted wool or Dacron/Wool blends. These are available in regular, short, tall, x-tall and portly. They ARE made in the USA with pride in the quality construction, style and fit and are in-stock for fast delivery.

Free shipping on all orders over $99.

What about bags, luggage, tools of travel?

Pack in a soft-side bag with wheels that weighs as little as possible empty. Be sure it is light enough to lift into the overhead luggage bin. Nothing more demeaning than having to give a man that helpless woman look on the plane. You can research on the website already recommended. He has lots more time than I to do the homework for you. Give him a few bucks, he sounds like a nice guy.

May your flights be on time, your meetings productive and may you never arrive naked.