“All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go…..’Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane.” – John Denver

I had to……..There are some people who travel for work weekly, and there are some people who travel for work once or twice a year. For the latter, myself included, there is definitely a learning curve on what and how to pack. Below, you’ll find I’ve outlined what to pack in a carry on for a four day/three night work trip. Spoiler alert: none of my heels made the cut.

Before figuring out what closet your luggage is stored in, you’ll want to consider the following for your trip: weather, mode of transportation, agenda, and any events you’ll be attending, both in office and out of office.

Here’s What You’ll Need

I should start off by saying I’m not a huge fan of the bring one pair of pants and two shirts and mix and match packing strategy. I have worked really hard over the years to minimize my packing list, and while I have made huge progress towards not needing multiple options for one day, I still have some work to do. But, I think I do a pretty good job and wanted to share with you what I packed.

For my four day, three night trip, I packed the following:

• one blazer (light pink)
• one pair of work pants (grey)
• one pair of tan flats
• two undershirts (black and white)
• two shells for underneath blazers (black and white)
• one midi skirt
• one pair of work out clothes
• one pair of pajamas
• four blouses
• toiletries
• curling iron

I also wore the following on the plane:

• one blazer (maroon)
• one pair of work pants (black)
• one v neck t-shirt
• black mules

For traveling, I do not recommend bringing your big handbag, but rather transfer the items you need from your purse into a tote that doubles as a laptop bag. I unfortunately learned this lesson a few years ago – you get ONE carry on and ONE personal item. A purse and a laptop bag count as TWO items; therefor, a carry on + a handbag + a laptop bag/backpack counts as three items, which will end up with you either having to check one of the bags or merging the laptop/handbag into one. I also packed a small crossbody to carry with me that I’ll use once I get to my destination.

Here’s the logic behind the items packed.

Black pants are to be worn days 1 and 3. Grey pants are to be worn days 2 and 4 and on the way home. Both black and grey can pretty much be worn with anything. Blouses can be mixed and matched throughout the days depending on weather/events. I decided to bring two blazers – one to wear on the plane which doubles as a jacket/cardi. The weather looks to be much cooler in the evenings that what it is in Houston, so this will also help keep me warm. If you are short on space, you could get by with dropping one of the blazers. Button front pajama tops can double as a robe or lounge wear. As I know I will be doing plenty of walking, I decided to forego the heels and stick with flats.

Toiletries

Disclaimer: this is what works for me. I know people have VARYING opinions on what to pack for toiletries. For me, it’s easiest to use the hotel blow dryer, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, and lotion. For others, the thought of not having their own blow dryer might seem blasphemous. All liquids go in their own bag per travel guidelines, and all non liquids go in their own bag.

Packing Tips

Roll your clothes. Lay the extra pair of pants down in one side of your bag, then place all of your rolled clothes on top, then gently fold the ends of the pants around the rolled clothes. This makes it look like a nice and neat package. The other side of your bag is where extra shoes, accessories, toiletries, etc. are placed. If you do not have TSA pre-check, you will need to have your liquids in a place that is easily accessible to go through the scanner (like in your tote bag.) Keep iPhone and laptop chargers in your tote bag, along with your book, important documents, work stuff to to read over, etc.

Something I’ve Learned From Experience

When I first started traveling for work, this is almost too embarrassing to write…..I used what I refer to as “Big Red” for my luggage. The ginormous RED rolling suitcase that I had had since high school. I hadn’t quite perfected the whole, “You’re only going to be gone for three days, so pack in a carry on,” just yet. So, a coworker and I met up in baggage claim at our destination (took forever…..) and here I am walking through the airport and into the hotel (surrounded by very sleek and business looking people) with BIG RED. She was beat up, had scuff marks all over her, was practically falling apart, and it was so embarrassing. She has since gone to luggage heaven. RIP Big Red.

I’m not saying you need to go straight black and basic luggage, or have anything terribly expensive, but you might want to think what kind of message you are sending. A clean, sharp bag doesn’t have to be expensive, but it shows you are now a working professional who is ready to prove yourself and not headed out for Spring Break with the girls! Imagine this scenario: how would you feel if you just happened to be on the same flight as someone high up in your company, and here you are walking through the airport with sand still practically falling out of your bag after your last beach trip 🙂

One other thing I have started carrying with me is my little portable steamer. I cannot, repeat cannot stand my clothes being wrinkled, and have started bringing a steamer with me. This little steamer is absolutely perfect for traveling. It breaks apart into two pieces and packs nicely in your bag. In terms of sub this for that, I would absolutely one hundred percent rather have my steamer than my blow dryer.

Extras

The following are things I like to bring with me when I travel – whether for work or not.

Snacks, protein bars (Luna bars, peanut butter cups, etc.)

Nuun or other electrolyte replacement. Traveling can seriously dehydrate you. I started drinking these when I was training for my last marathon and OMG they are the best.

Cash – so many tips……

Phone, Watch, Laptop, Camera Chargers

Camelbak Water bottle – click here

In conclusion, I’d like to say my process for packing has taken years to develop. I can say I have come a looooong way from the Big Red days to my now one carry on and one tote.

Cheers – MP