S/O work travel- what to pack in your bags?

[mila]

What are you best tips?

This is also for @shoegal who mentioned she has tips in the work travel post...

[broadsheet]

Following!!

This isn't specific to work travel, but I always bring one of those tiny fold-up hampers from Dollar Tree for use in hotel rooms. It provides some semblance of normalcy to use them in the room!

www.dollartree.com/Essentials-Pop-Up-Hampers/p338257/index.pro

[raangoli]

I have converted to using packing cubes. They keep things neat and everything stays in place. I use other pouches for things like toothbrush etc.

I've become a minimalist and just pack essential clothing and shoes.

But I always keep a small umbrella packed as well as a medium le pliage (longchamp) for use once I get to my destination if I have a laptop bag as my personal item.

[ellipses84]

Most of my trips are only 1-2 days. I rarely check a suitcase. I have a small carry-on suitcase to fit in the overhead bin and a large work purse that fits my laptop and can go under the seat. I try to keep an extra set of toiletries and keep them organized in 3 separate little makeup bags. Bag 1 is clear for liquids. Bag 2 is for makeup I need to easily access to freshen up, which is important when I'm flying super early and going straight to a meeting. Bag 1 and 2 are in my purse and taken for day trips, but I'll usually throw bag 2 in my suitcase after passing security. Bag 3 is in my suitcase for overnight trips with any other toiletries I may need.

If I travelled more, I'd have 2 of everything. Laptop charger, phone charger, backup power bank for phone, tiny mouse (I forgot mine once and got the tiniest one from the airport and it's great!). Pair of ballet flats. Clothes that don't easily wrinkle or are easy to iron in the hotel room. A lightweight, packable jacket.

[babsbunny]

Ear plugs. Always. We bought a second white noise machine to bring on trips since we are so used to having it on.

We use bar soap at home and I always bring it on travel (doesn't dry out my skin like some hotel soaps).

At least 1 band aid.

A snack. I always have some emergency food on trips, even work ones.

(I have also begun using packing cubes.)

[mbcdefg]

Eye mask
Snack and a bottle of water
Scarf/pashmina
Extension cord
Foldable shopping bag
Cash and change
Emergency phone charger: www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-13000-Portable-Charger/dp/B00Z9QVE4Q
Colgate Wisps: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HXAIN90/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501207438&sr=8-1&keywords=colgate+wisps


ETA: those combo toothpicks/dental floss, Pepto Bismol tablets, Tums, aspirin, Band Aids, emery board, Shout wipe, hair tie, lip balm ... all these things live in a little cosmetic bag I keep in my purse at all times.

And flushable wipes, for your hands or face or if the bathroom is out of TP.

[mila]

broadsheet- Yes! I had read that on another travel forum, and we definitely bring this when we are traveling for x>3 days. Just keeps all laundry in 1 place. So handy, it is one of my favorite travel tips I tell others.

raangoli- Packing cubes are the best! A friend just introduced to me the compression packing cubes and they worked great.

[Deleted]

mila, I shared mine with @feministfinancier for a blog post that will go live later today - stay tuned!

[Deleted]

I've got you! New post on exactly this topic - it's been in the works for a few weeks - enjoy!

www.feministfinancier.com/blog/2017/7/28/business-travel-tips-from-an-expert-traveler

[broadsheet]

Jul 28, 2017 7:42:20 GMT -5 @feministfinancier said:

I've got you! New post on exactly this topic - it's been in the works for a few weeks - enjoy!

www.feministfinancier.com/blog/2017/7/28/business-travel-tips-from-an-expert-traveler

I love the idea of travel PJs!

[heliocentric]

In addition to many things already mentioned, I always bring:
Travel lint brush
Headlamp or small flashlight
Safety pins (for clothing emergencies and SIM card changes)
Antibiotic cream or bandaids with antibiotic

And, it's not something I pack, but if I'm going to be in the same hotel for several days I often pick up flowers for the room when I arrive. It's not expensive and it makes it feel less sterile.

I also keep a copy of my passport someplace accessible. Even just snapping a photo with your phone can help in the event it gets lost.

[followyourarrow]

I always have this in my travel bag. It's great for airports and hotel rooms. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015DYMVO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Deleted]

This tip is not glamorous at all, but it works for me. I always pack an empty kitchen trash bag to put dirty laundry in. It helps me separate my clean clothes from my dirty ones. On trips longer than one week, I pack a soft, collapsible duffle bag in my suitcase. I then throw the trash bag full of dirty clothes in there and check that separately when I fly home, so that my real suitcase has room for souvenirs!

[dottyblue]

I always pack my own pillowcase and wash cloth. Hotels bleach everything and the bleach lingers. My skin can't handle it and if I'm in a hotel more than 2 nights I end up with a rash on my face.

I also make sure I pack extra ziploc bags for toiletries in case one breaks/leaks.

Hand lotion and chapstick are a must. Planes and hotels are very dry.

[mila]

Jul 28, 2017 7:42:20 GMT -5 @feministfinancier said:

I've got you! New post on exactly this topic - it's been in the works for a few weeks - enjoy!

www.feministfinancier.com/blog/2017/7/28/business-travel-tips-from-an-expert-traveler

This post was fantastic- I literally added 50% of your tips and ideas to my packing list. Thank you!

[Deleted]

mila, AW THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Feedback like that really, truly means the world to me. xoxo

[insominac]

After a disgusting experience with a tray table, I now pack some antibacterial wipes in a ziploc bag to wipe everything down in the airplane - table, tv screen, arm rest, etc.

[ellipses84]

A charging wristlet is nice to have. It acts as a power bank and you can use it as a purse if you have to go out to dinner or cocktail hour and don't want to take a big work bag.

m.jcpenney.com/p/liz-claiborne-charging-wristlet/ppr5007231050?pTmplType=regular&Ntt=charging%20wristlet&Ns=best%20match&N=&page=1

[ESF]

This isn't a packing tip, but it's an organization tip that helps with packing, so I thought I'd share here as it changed my life.

I have one of these organizers hanging in my closet:

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BPJZ9LY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

In it, I keep all travel size samples. Little foils of products I like that came for free with Sephora orders, extra shower gels that I pilfered from swankier hotel rooms, empty travel sized containers to fill with my products, random first aid items, etc. I have a couple small stacks of bandaids held together with a hair elastic in there. I also keep tools in there, like small brushes, mirrors, nail files, etc.

Prior to this system, I'd always spend so much time packing toiletries and buying extra travel minis because I didn't know I had the stuff. It also helps me actually use the Sephora free samples.

In addition to being helpful for travel, I also love it for organizing extras for my routine daily handbag stuff, as well as to gather what I need for a clutch before going out, a day trip or hike, etc.

[mila]

Jul 29, 2017 10:51:04 GMT -5 ESF said:

This isn't a packing tip, but it's an organization tip that helps with packing, so I thought I'd share here as it changed my life.

I have one of these organizers hanging in my closet:

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BPJZ9LY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

In it, I keep all travel size samples. Little foils of products I like that came for free with Sephora orders, extra shower gels that I pilfered from swankier hotel rooms, empty travel sized containers to fill with my products, random first aid items, etc. I have a couple small stacks of bandaids held together with a hair elastic in there. I also keep tools in there, like small brushes, mirrors, nail files, etc.

Prior to this system, I'd always spend so much time packing toiletries and buying extra travel minis because I didn't know I had the stuff. It also helps me actually use the Sephora free samples.

In addition to being helpful for travel, I also love it for organizing extras for my routine daily handbag stuff, as well as to gather what I need for a clutch before going out, a day trip or hike, etc.

This is such a great tip, I love it. Going to go buy this now. I have so many travel and sample sizes, and I keep them in Ziploc bags  by serum, moisturizer, etc, but it sucks b/c I can't see everything. Thank you so much for this tip!

[insominac]

The other thing that has made my travel so much less painful was creating a Google packing list spreadsheet.

The heading has a space for flight time, what time I need to leave for the airport, and the time I need to set my alarm.

Then there are columns for toiletries (I keep a packed travel toiletry bag and extra medical kit, so all I need to do is remember to pack my glasses and fresh meds) and my personal carry on (work related items like laptop, PowerPoint clicker, external cell phone battery pack; things to make the flight more comfortable like plane socks, snacks, facial wipes, and noise canceling headphones).

I also have a column for pre-travel to dos, like charging my kindle, setting my work out of office message, getting some traveling cash, and sharing my flight/travel itinerary with someone I'm not traveling with in case of emergencies.

For organizing my clothes, I use a grid system sort of based on this lifehacker post: lifehacker.com/use-a-packing-grid-to-ensure-you-have-everything-you-ne-1796503341 that takes into account the weather and my activities to plan daily outfits.

Having everything written down makes me sure that I haven't forgotten anything and reduces my anxiety considerably.

eta: Each time I travel, I refine the experience.  lol  Like I realized that those stupid travel deodorants always end up breaking, so I now travel with a regular size one. Another time I had that lysol wipe needing moment. And then there was the time I used packing cubes for the first time.

Next travel time, I'm packing travel PJs and bringing my own shower cap, a la @feministfinancier 

[mila]

Jul 29, 2017 13:25:06 GMT -5 insominac said:

The other thing that has made my travel so much less painful was creating a Google packing list spreadsheet.

The heading has a space for flight time, what time I need to leave for the airport, and the time I need to set my alarm.

Then there are columns for toiletries (I keep a packed travel toiletry bag and extra medical kit, so all I need to do is remember to pack my glasses and fresh meds) and my personal carry on (work related items like laptop, PowerPoint clicker, external cell phone battery pack; things to make the flight more comfortable like plane socks, snacks, facial wipes, and noise canceling headphones).

I also have a column for pre-travel to dos, like charging my kindle, setting my work out of office message, getting some traveling cash, and sharing my flight/travel itinerary with someone I'm not traveling with in case of emergencies.

For organizing my clothes, I use a grid system sort of based on this lifehacker post: lifehacker.com/use-a-packing-grid-to-ensure-you-have-everything-you-ne-1796503341 that takes into account the weather and my activities to plan daily outfits.

Having everything written down makes me sure that I haven't forgotten anything and reduces my anxiety considerably.

eta: Each time I travel, I refine the experience.  lol  Like I realized that those stupid travel deodorants always end up breaking, so I now travel with a regular size one. Another time I had that lysol wipe needing moment. And then there was the time I used packing cubes for the first time.

Next travel time, I'm packing travel PJs and bringing my own shower cap, a la @feministfinancier  

@feministfinancier, what are your recs for travel PJs?

[buppy]

Hello. Long time lurker, rare poster.

Has anyone found some sort of multi tool like a Swiss Army knife that has a nail clipper and would breeze through security? I've always got my eyes open for such a gadget but have never found one. They always include some type of blade. Supposedly a tiny blade should be okay but I'm not willing to risk the hassle of a TSA agent on a power trip making things more complicated than they need to be. Certainly not willing to risk my pre-check!

[Laura Palmer]

Bathroom wipes because hotel tp is the WORST

I Put my makeup brushes, lip liners, etc in the hotel room glasses. Keeps them from rolling all over, and feel like I'm at home. For long trips, I've brought those baby candles from bbw to feel at home.

Everyone else covered it!!!

[mila]

Jul 29, 2017 16:53:28 GMT -5 Laura Palmer said:

Bathroom wipes because hotel tp is the WORST

I Put my makeup brushes, lip liners, etc in the hotel room glasses. Keeps them from rolling all over, and feel like I'm at home. For long trips, I've brought those baby candles from bbw to feel at home.

Everyone else covered it!!!

I also put my brushes, lip liners, mascara (really anything tall and/or cylindrical) in a cup as well. So handy!

I've thought about bringing those small bbw candles. I can get high anxiety at times, and candles are very calming to me. Might need to check that out.

[Deleted]

mila, my travel PJ's are from TJ Maxx - I forget which brand but they are made up of a pair of loose-fitting trousers and a v-neck long sleeved t-shirt, in a black breatheable fabric. I also always have a snug tank top. They almost look like yoga clothes, and one of the times I had to abandon my hotel room because of a fire (minor, everyone was ok), I was so grateful that I had them. My (older, male) colleague was in boxers and a t-shirt, which he threw a blazer over - #awkward

[dottyblue]

I highly recommend these Calvin Klein sleep pants. I usually pair with a loose tank that has a built in bra, and keep a sweater close at hand because I'm always cold in hotels. I too have been evacuated from a hotel MOTN so I am very aware of what PJs I pack

Calvin Klein Women's Essential Satin Pajama Pant, Odyssey www.amazon.com/dp/B00421BNJK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7uIFzbTZ3GM1A

[steamboat185]

Jul 28, 2017 7:42:20 GMT -5 @feministfinancier said:

I've got you! New post on exactly this topic - it's been in the works for a few weeks - enjoy!

www.feministfinancier.com/blog/2017/7/28/business-travel-tips-from-an-expert-traveler

Do you have this backwards?
"TSA Precheck includes Global Entry, so once you are vetted, you’ll have both benefits. The current cost is $85 for five years."

Global entry includes precheck, not the other way around.

[Deleted]

Jul 30, 2017 13:41:10 GMT -5 steamboat185 said:

Jul 28, 2017 7:42:20 GMT -5 @feministfinancier said:

I've got you! New post on exactly this topic - it's been in the works for a few weeks - enjoy!

www.feministfinancier.com/blog/2017/7/28/business-travel-tips-from-an-expert-traveler

Do you have this backwards?
"TSA Precheck includes Global Entry, so once you are vetted, you’ll have both benefits. The current cost is $85 for five years."

Global entry includes precheck, not the other way around.

Yes, I do! Thanks for the catch - I'll update

[broadsheet]

Does anyone bring a travel hair dryer? If so, recommendations?