Business Travel Packing Strategies

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Packing with style

The online world is my playground but if you follow me on Twitter, you know I spend an awful lot of time traveling as well. And almost all of that travel is for business. While delays are inevitable, wardrobe stress is completely avoidable.?

Packing for business is all about economization. If it?s a 3-day trip (or less), it all fits into my carry-on or it doesn?t come. I refuse to wait for checked luggage on fast trips.?

For some people, packing for business is second nature. For the rest of us, it?s as simple as learning a few tricks.

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Peek in my luggage?

????????? Commit to neutrals: Pair every skirt, pair of pants and jacket with at least 2 tops. If it isn?t versatile, swap it out. I choose one color (black or grey) for the base items and from there add colors and patterns with blouses, camis, and sweaters.?

????????? Accessorize like you mean it: If you?re wearing a black dress 3 evenings in a row, ramp up the drama with different colored pashminas and jewelry. Because accessories are small, stuff them in the corners of your bag, your shoes and outside pockets.?

????????? Roll with it: My uncle (a retired sergeant) taught me to roll my clothes. Rolling multiple items together saves space and keeps everything neatly pressed. Put lingerie and socks in the center. This trick also works great for bringing back a bottle of wine.?

????????? Bag it: Put toiletries in re-sealable baggies to prevent a nasty mess when your bag?s tossed down the conveyer. On your way home, baggies are great for wet swimsuits, dirty shoes and umbrellas.?

????????? Cruise control: To arrive boardroom-ready, wear jeans or yoga pants on the plane and pack your outfit of choice at the top of your carry-on. When you arrive at your destination, make a quick stop in the airport bathroom and do a switch-a-roo. You?ll arrive for your meeting fresh and ready to work.?

Got a packing tip (or nightmare) to share??

Looking forward to continuing the conversation on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn (whichever one works best for you) or leave a comment below.

About Julia Rosien

Julia Rosien is the resident DotCominatrix for Women in Biz Network, Chief Idea Officer of SocialNorth, a social media strategist firm, and 2012 president for Withit.org, a leadership development network for women in the home and furniture industries. Julia was a founding organizer of Canada?s first 140 Conference and its master of ceremonies as well as a presenter at both Vegas and High Point furniture markets, Tweetstock.ca, Women in Biz Conference to name just a few. Not surprisingly, she?s been named one of the most influential women in social media and was a nominee for the Roger?s 2011 Women of the Year celebration. Julia is a staunch supporter in the power of word of mouth. Her work online with bloggers and social media influencers prove that getting found online is not only doable, it?s a must-have business strategy.

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