PACKING FOR THE BUSINESS TRAVELER

Even for the most ambitious and organized among us, you’ll find very few people who actually enjoy packing for a trip. And packing for the business traveler comes with its own host of challenges. Not only do you need a professional wardrobe that includes weather-appropriate outerwear, your digital life in the form of laptops, tablets, chargers, and accompanying cables will also be coming along for the ride. Friends and family have frequently remarked on my stealth packing abilities. Whether packing for six weeks and multiple countries, or a quickie four day weekend, I use the same 22’’ bag. Despite the increasing limitations on bag size and overhead space, the savvy traveler knows the rules when it comes to easy and flexible travel.

Rule 1 - Never check your luggage. I mean, like Charlton Heston with his beloved rifle, “from my cold, dead hands…” you’re not gonna get this bag away from me, kind of never. You’ll have freedom and flexibility if anything goes wrong with a flight.  While your seat mates are standing in the customer service line after a cancellation or delay, you can breeze to the next terminal with your luggage in tow and make the next available flight. The importance of this rule can’t be overstated. The stress of a missing or delayed bag is not soon forgotten and that’s something you don’t need to be worrying about when you’re trying to work and strengthen client relationships.

Rule 2 - Take only what’s necessary. You can never go wrong with the classics in neutral colors.  A wardrobe centered on basic black will always be appropriate, hides stains when you have no access to laundry, and can be dressed up for a special event. As a professional presenter, I have my staples that I go to time and again:

1 black pencil skirt

1 pair of black trousers

1 black tailored dress

1 black blazer.

1 pair mid-heel black pumps

Hosiery or tights (helps to keep your ear prompter in place)

Add to this a selection of three or four brightly colored shells, blouses, and scarves (in the company colors where possible) and you’ll be amazed at how many different looks you can achieve. For my outbound flight I’ll wear jeans and comfy walking shoes (in black) and whatever essentials I need in a largish computer bag. In the event that you’re one of the unlucky ones who’s forced to check a bag after arriving at the gate, make sure anything you can’t afford to lose is firmly staying with you. That includes all electronic equipment and cables, ear prompter, jewelry, script, and client contact information. If a disaster occurs, everything else can be replaced.

Here’s a method I’ve started using lately; I lay out all the clothing options I plan to take and assemble an outfit for each day of the trade show I’ll be attending. Then I take a photo of each ensemble to help me remember. Trust me, you’ll forget which blouse went with which skirt once you arrive. Anything that isn’t a part of the arranged outfits gets to stay home.

Rule 3 - Roll your clothing, don’t fold it.  Through trial and error and lots of experimentation, I’ve discovered that rolling your clothing is truly the better way to go. Not only does it reduce wrinkles (really), but it saves a ton of space. Stuff your shoes with socks and underwear that have been rolled in clean plastic bags and those go in the bottom of your bag. Then, pants and skirts, next go the blouses and tops, and the blazer is folded inside out and placed on top. Accessories can easily be slipped into any available crevices. You should still have abundant space for a toiletry case containing your make-up and TSA approved liquids.

A word about European shows; In general, European trade shows can allow for less conservative, more traditionally feminine attire. Meaning, you can afford to wear more body conscious clothing if you’re comfortable with it, maybe a slightly shorter skirt, an edgier shoe or boot, chunky jewelry, etc. However, clothing should still reflect a high degree of professionalism and never detract from your credibility as a presenter. For a trade show in the Middle East, more conservative dress is appropriate to respect cultural norms in that part of the world. Keep shoulders covered, no cleavage (which isn't a good idea in the USA either), and a skirt that goes to the knee.

Packing light doesn’t need to be difficult and in fact, should be a goal any traveler aspires to. An added bonus to all that extra space in your bag? Now you have room for that fabulous leather jacket you found in Rome!