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When you are taking care of your family and working you definitely have a lot on your plate. If you have to travel at all for work then you understand the planning that goes into that week that you’ll be gone.
You spend the previous week not only getting things sorted out at work, making sure you have your work items, travel documents and email notifications set, but also prepping things at home so your family will survive the week.
You spend time cleaning, making sure house is organized, weekly schedule is sorted out, meals planned, shopping done and the list goes on. On top of all of this you need to pack for your trip.
I have a basic list of items that I pack. I like to go with neutral blacks and grey’s for pants and shoes and add color with tops. I plan to wear each pair of pants twice and just change outfits up with the different tops. This saves on space when packing and keeps things simple. I usually end up packing at the last minute so it’s nice to have a basic list so you don’t forget anything. Just make sure you don’t forget your suitcase. I have actually done this before! Does not make for a great trip.
Clothing Items
- 1 skirt or pair of slacks (black or grey)
- 1 pair pants (black)
- 1 pair nice jeans
- 1 blazer (neutral/black) will wear a couple of times
- 2 blouses (to wear under blazer)
- 2 blouses to wear alone
- 1 pullover sweater
- 1 pair heels
- 1 pair flats
- 1 pair tennis shoes
- 1 workout outfit (leggings, tshirt, sports bra)
- 1 sweater or sweatshirt
- Socks
- Underwear
- Pajamas
- Nylons
- Swimsuit
Travel Bag (I use a roll up bag that I can hang on a bathroom hook when I get to hotel for easy access) (I also use travel sizes so everything fits in one bag)
- Basic makeup
- Nail polish
- Qtips
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Hair tie
- Hairspray
- Razor
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Tothbrush/toothpaste
- Lotion
- Ibuprofen
- Pepto Bismol or Tums
- Make sure if you’re flying all of your liquids are in the small clear part and easily accessible for security.
Other Items
- Hairbrush
- Hair straightener (if needed)
- Jewelery (I take 1 necklace, 1 bracelet, 1 pair earrings)
- Portable steamer
- Phone/charger
- Work items (laptop, charger, business cards, pens, notebook, etc..)
- Snacks and a couple microwavable meals (for when you just want to stay in room)
Once I arrive at the hotel I actually unpack. I hang clothes so they don’t become anymore wrinkled. I set my items up in bathroom. I set snacks up near microwave. I set up work station at desk.I like to be comfortable and not feel like I am living out of my suitcase. I feel like this makes my week go smoother.
I always try to get to bed early also. Might as well take advantage of your time away to try to relax little. I always miss my family but sometimes it can be nice to only worry about getting yourself ready for bed.
I find all business trips exhausting but make the best of it and eat good, sleep early, watch what you want on TV and try to relax a little. Safe travels!