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Packing on business travel
It's easy to overpack. These tips will help you take only what you need
According to legend, Mark Twain said, "I would have written less, but I didn't have time." By the same token, consider taking time to pack less. Underpacking may be problematic when you are searching for that much needed pair of socks, but overpacking can create its own obstacles, too. Here's how to ensure you take only what you need:
Lists, lists, lists
Don't just make one list of what to bring; make several. The first list is your schedule. Block out the dates you'll be flying, the dates and times (and occasions) of your meetings, and when you expect to have free time. Then jot down what you'll wear each day, along with the tools and technology you'll need. Remember, even though you ought to have a toiletry case always ready to go with the personal items you'll want, checking it against a list ensures you won't be running low on an item like toothpaste or perfume.
Lug not what you can ship
More business travellers are taking advantage of the fact that it has become easier to ship things to and from a hotel. (Business centers usually stock UPS and FedEx boxes). Smart travellers figure, "Why lug through the airport, on the plane, and in the cab, stuff I could have sent ahead?" Consider shipping those items that you're only going to need at your destination. Whatever you don't have to take on the plane makes life easier all around. Carry only your essentials.
Check the forecast
Before you stuff the first rolled pair of socks in the shoes you pack (which, by the way, is a great way to save suitcase space), check the long-range forecast to see what the weather has in store. Planning to dress in layers is one way to keep your baggage bulk down and still be prepared when the forecast proves wrong.
Just the basics
So where do you draw the line on what gets packed and what doesn't? Top of the list of must-packs is any medication you might need. Again, make a list of your medication and check against it. Since travelling means walking, consider packing a business shoe that's also a good walking shoe; or, you may decide to bring an informal shoe that does double-duty in the gym and when you're off the clock. If you're going to work out, of course you need gym clothes, and sport shoes as well. Think about selecting your work outfits so they are interchangeable within a basic color scheme. Choose casual clothes carefully. If you pack smart, you'll have room to tuck in a few snacks, which are great not only on the plane but also to help to avoid the temptation of the overpriced goodies in the minibar. If you think that you might need it, you could also make room for a tiny collapsible umbrella in an outer pocket of a carry-on.
Likely leave-behinds
Yes, the tennis courts at the four-star hotel is said to be better than any you've known. But consider whether it's realistic that you'll have time for a match before packing your tennis racket (and giving up precious luggage space). On other items, make choices: sunscreen and sunglasses instead of a hat? One of the easiest ways to go overboard is to bring more gadgets than you really need. Yes, pack a global phone if your own cell isn't enabled for international dialing; and don't forget the overseas converters for your phone, PDA, and laptop chargers. But consider items that'll do the double-duty, like a USB cord than lets you tap into power from your laptop to charge your cellphone or digital camera. And you can lose those heavy luggage locks because, unless they are approved by the appropriate authority, they cannot be used while going through airport security.
Force of habit
A few simple tricks can keep your trip on track and slimmed down, particularly if those tricks start to follow a habit-forming pattern. And there are also those habits that will get you off the track. You might have learned the hard way that you will invariably misplace things, even when you've packed them, unless you pack them in the same place. A regular strategy for packing will prevent you from over-stuffing your suitcase each time. Stick to keeping your documents in a certain compartment of your luggage. If you are carrying toiletries sans a case, keep the bottles well-cushioned, so that they don’t end up broken in the journey.
It's in the bag
Four tips for picking luggage that stand up to the rigours of the road almost as well as you do
1. Design to Go
Think of the bag as an extension of your persona. It's part of your image, and it's no different than spending money on a suit. Ultimately, you're going to pay more for any bag that makes you look better than the next guy.
2. Walk 'n' Roll
Luggage is pretty straightforward. Functionality starts with how smoothly the bag rolls. The bigger the wheels, the better. Wheels with a larger diameter can glide over gaps in the sidewalk, on the floor, in and out of the elevator, and so forth. Minor obstacles can trip up wheels with a small diameter, which means you have to work harder. The wheels also should be as wide as possible to give you a better center of gravity. That way, your bag is less likely to tip over. You'll also want a handle that's long enough – at least 38 and a half inches – so that the bag won't hit your heels as you walk.
3. Smart Pockets
Easy access is everything. Some bags hold lots of stuff, but you can't readily get to things when you need them. If accessing your gear means fussing with a jumble of buckles and straps, it's not worth the trouble. The best bags are designed to give you what you want when you want it. In other words, every pocket has a clear purpose. If you have to read a manual to figure out how to use each pocket, then its purpose isn't clear enough.
4. Built to Last
Durability means dependability. It means your bag won't let you down when you're on the road. That may mean spending a little more on luggage that will stand up to the punishing demands of air travel. |
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