Tuesday, October 20, 2015

5 Packing Tips for Business Trips

Hi hi! Today I wanted to talk to y'all about a small, but important part of my job- business trips. More specifically, I want to talk about packing for one! Week-long business trips are something that I do 2-3 times a year. So pretty rarely. But one of the biggest challenges I've run into is how to pack for the meetings. We usually head out to attraction destinations- I've attended meetings in Las Vegas, Orlando, and Scottsdale. These locations are mainly warm, so packing for the trip can be a little tricky.
business trips, packing tips
Layers are key. For those of you who haven't been to a corporate meeting hosted at a hotel, let me set the scene for you. You are bustling around with hundreds of other people packed into conference rooms chattering all day. You may or may not change rooms depending on your meeting agenda. Hotels see large groups of people and decide to BLAST you with air conditioning, regardless of the temperature outside. I understand that it would be terrible in the rooms without the flow of the air. However, I am cold-natured and this is my worse nightmare. I pack plenty of layers that can be worn in different combinations to keep warm through the meetings.

Bring conservative post-meeting attire. While it's absolutely necessary to let loose after meetings end for the day, executives are also going to be around the hotel. I recommend either wearing your meeting outfit to the evening activities or packing something more comfortable yet still conservative for the evening. At my company meetings, everyone generally hangs around the hotel bars and it is a wonderful time to network. Be comfortable yet still try to look professional! You never know who you might run into!

Travel in style. In my experience with business trips, we are expected to fly in on the morning of our first meeting day. This means that we will be seeing people in the arriving airport to get transported to the hotel and be expected to sit in meetings after lunch. For my first trip, I traveled in the outfit I wanted to wear for the day but planned to shower at the hotel before our meetings. Big mistake. I didn't know that everyone would be completely done up even though they got to the airport at 5AM! Since my first mistake, I shower the night before and wear light make-up for my flight. I will typically wear my glasses on the plane so I can sleep (don't forget your travel pillow!) but fully ready myself in all other aspects! In addition to feeling more put together at the airport, I have enjoyed having the extra time to rest or get settled into my hotel before my meetings instead of frantically getting myself ready upon arrival. 

Create a packing list. This is huge for me. I have always suffered from over-packing when I travel, even when I was a little girl. Due to the clothing that I bring for work and the length of my stay, I need as much room as possible in my suitcase! Writing a packing list (and sticking to it!) helps me ensure that I'm bringing exactly what I need and helps me leave what I don't need at home. I've also found that preparing a list helps me create outfits with pieces that I can mix and match. I think that's truly my trick to packing less! I've also found that if I make my list a few days in advance, it is more reasonable. Without the pressure of a time crunch, I can make a well-thought out list that covers all of my bases.

Bring all of your chargers. While this should be a no-brainer, the last thing you want to do is show up to a company meeting with uncharged technology (especially if you were enjoying some in-flight entertainment). I have a laptop, iPad, and phone for work- so I need to make sure that I have the right chargers! I think that while chargers are important, they are easily forgotten. Make sure you add them onto your packing list!

While these ideas just scratch the surface, I find them to be helpful when planning my trips. I hope they help you pack for your next business trip too!

  
***This post is linked up with Tutu Tuesdays! Check out more great posts here!***

What are your travel secrets? How do you keep from over-packing? Do you have any travel essentials?

15 comments:

  1. I always try to bring my eye mask and neck pillow when traveling! They're both small items that make the biggest difference in feeling rested and ready for the day.

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  2. Such great packing tips! I always struggle when its a short getaway.
    www.kayleighskloset.com

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  3. I always overpack as well...it's such a bad habit.
    I definitely need to start making a packing list especially for a short trip so I don't bring random things I won't wear.

    xoxo, Jenny || Breakfast at Lillys

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  4. I think anytime you travel, layering is key! You can switch out so many pieces and make so many different outfits using the same key pieces!

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  5. I'm an overpacker as well. I need to get in the habit of making a list and sticking to it!

    Floradise

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  6. I've only traveled for business twice (back when I worked in an office) and would've loved this post! You should post some outfits you like to wear!

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  7. Thanks so much for joining the link up girl! I have never had to travel for work but I have attended conferences for school and my sorority in the past. I always forget chargers so a packing list is seriously a MUST. These tips are so valuable, I think your point about appearing professional even when you're technically "off" is a valid point.

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  8. I've always been a big fan of dressing well for the airport - just like in any setting you never know who you'll run into! When traveling I make sure to bring a back up portable charger and a travel hair brush to keep in my bag.

    Pick Your Beau

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  9. While I don't travel for business, phone chargers are always the most important to remember because I have forgotten them too many times on weekend trips, not fun. Great tip for being traveling in style, good to know! Love these tips and you can easily apply them anytime you travel :)

    Tracy
    www.TracysNotebookofStyle.com

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  10. This makes me laugh because I am actually the WORST packer ever. I pack everything and am that person at the airport that is always over the 50 pounds!
    Lauren
    www.thefashionistasdiary.com

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  11. Needed this as I have my first business trip this November!

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  12. I've only been on two business trips, and packing for them was definitely a challenge. I almost doubled what I normally pack because I wanted to pack for a business and a casual outfit for every single day of my trip. I'll definitely take your tips into consideration on my next trip!

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  13. These tips are so helpful! I always overpack on business trips, because I never know what I'll want to wear, what my post meeting plans will be, etc. 100% agree on layers!!

    XO, SS || Seersucker Sass

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  14. YESSSSS!! it's astounding how many people forget they are still on a business trip rather than a trip for fun. Traveling in style is always my thing! You never know what might happen!

    Nicole // Chronicling Home

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  15. These are perfect! I ALWAYS have to travel in style as well as creating a packing list! I think one of my favorite packing secrets would be to always bring a couple reusable totes. They're great to stuff dirty clothes in, or carry extra goodies home in!

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