Business trips - share your tips

[user1471429975]

Hi I've just started having to travel with work, short stays of one or two nights. I've made the rookie mistake of wearing black underwear and then packing white tops, so nude for next time as one less thing to think about/pack. Share with me your tips for traveling

When I spent more time on my own in random hotels, I'd always pack bits for a mani/pedi, face mask, hair treatment or some other thing that would make a nice evening out of sitting in my hotel room.

These days I tend to have more work to do in the evening, but lots of random travelling time at airports where you can't do much, so my kindle is great (and I recommend KindofBook for getting notifications of free or very cheap books - a great way of picking up light books), and we have a Readly subscription so both dh and I don't spend money on magazines which are nice for a flick through.

Hotel receptionists can be mega helpful btw - I ask where is safe to walk in the evening, for running routes, about shopping locally and they can be amazingly useful resources. If you stay in big name hotels they may also have resources like inroom fitness kits, freebies for loyalty card holders, or upgrades for free on quiet nights. Plus a secret stash of stuff you might have forgotten.

I always take a book.if I know I am going to have time I just buy a book from a second hand book shop when I get there.
I take shortie pjs as find hotel rooms too hot.
yes, to miniature toiletries. Swipe from hotel and use on next trip.
ask for early check in.Most places will and you can dump your bags.

I travel a lot with work so like others on here, I keep a travel bag ready to go. I have a full set of travel sized toiletries and make-up brushes that live in my bag. I double-check the contents before each trip.

I also include two universal adapters (multiple phones & laptops means I may need to be charging quite a few things at the same time), a spare battery pack for my phone and a pair of slippers (not all hotels provide them).

I almost always wear black jersey dresses in varying styles. They don't need much/any ironing and are easy to dress up or down. And black hides a multitude of sins, especially spillages. I will add a statement accent (scarf, jewellery, etc) to change the look each day, and I usually take some leather leggings that I can wear underneath the dresses to 1. make it look a bit less conservative and 2. keep me warm if it gets colder suddenly. Layering helps me when I'm moving between different climates on the same trip. I make sure I have a couple of extra outfits in case my stay is extended.

If flying overnight during my trip (this happens a lot), I take my own eye mask, earplugs and a travel size feather pillow with a black silk pillowcase. The pillow is a nice touch of luxury and I sleep better with it. I usually wear a large cashmere scarf when travelling that can double as a blanket if I'm cold. Bose noise cancelling headphones are also a must, as is a phone charger (& adapter for foreign airport lounges).

I take a facial spray, solid travel size deodorant, coloured lip balm, face powder and dry shampoo with me on the flight. And toothpicks and dental floss plus a disposable toothbrush. Having clean teeth really helps me feel fresher. And I apply handcream every few hours.

If I'm taking my Kindle, I make sure I download a few TV shows on BBC iPlayer before leaving the UK.

Melatonin (10mg) is a must on most of my trips (usually a min of a 5 hours timezone difference) as are anti-histamines.

I keep a stash of different currencies at home (for about 20 different countries) so I just add a 'float' to my purse of whatever the currency is where I'm going.

Good quality luggage helps. I buy the lightest I can. It makes a difference when you spend so much time dragging bags on to planes, trains etc. Airline/Eurostar status also makes a big difference and is definitely worth getting if you travel enough.

So many good tips on here! I have had jobs that involved stupid amounts of travel - most recently, a lot of travel to the US. The only things I'd add to what PPs have said are:

I keep a small bottle of lavender oil in my washbag and if the hotel room is a bit stuffy, a few drops of that on the carpet helps.

If you're going regularly to the same country, or to countries with the same sorts of plugs, get a USB plug locally - both for EU and US ones, it's much smaller and lighter than a UK plug + adaptor.

Also, I am addicted to my Big Hair, to the point that I have both EU and US versions of it. The US one in particular works FAR better than a UK one with an adaptor because of the different voltage.

If you can get one for a decent price in the sale, Pure collection do very fine light long cardigans (gassato) which weigh almost nothing but are a properly warm extra layer on planes, in hotels, etc.

Replenish your travel toiletries as soon as you're back. Otherwise you'll forget.

Another vote for Eagle Creek packing cubes - I have had mine for over 20 years and they still look good as new. Now I have dc I have added to them with other cheaper ones but love my Eagle Creek ones the best!

I always take a rubber door wedge that I can use inside the room to wedge the door shut as an extra level of security.

Knowing exactly how you're going to get from airport/station/etc to and from office and hotel before leaving home, including having enough cash in appropriate sized denominations. Having the number of an English speaking taxi company and even pre booking a taxi, particularly if travelling late.

Another vote for having photos of everything on your phone and also leaving them with dh/colleague/dropbox in case you lose the phone. I have an app you can put photo notes in which helps to separate them from my other photos. Oh and remember to include your travel insurance in your documents! Plus make sure that yoyr travel insurance covers work and work things - make work buy a suitable policy if necessary. You don't want to discover that your laptop gets nicked and work expects you to pay for it and your insurance doesn't cover it as it is a work trip...

Coek screw and bottle opener in case you fancy a drink and need to open a bottle!

A few small zip ties in case your suitcase lock gets damaged and a couple of big ones too because just occasionally they're super useful and people are always amazed when you pull them out

Dental floss tape as you can use it as emergency string. A small roll of micropore tape. A couple of packs of tissues. Pad of post it notes, a biro, a pencil and a permanent sharpie. Olbas oil in case you get blocked nose travelling and also becomes a familiar scent to fall asleep to.tiny bottlebof clear nail varnish if you wear tights and worry about holes.

Extra bags - miatui.com do a brilliant lightweight 'shopping' bag that folds down very small. Unlike most reusable shopping bags it is designed for going out too so is in 3 sections, the middle one is zipped so you can out things in it securely but there's enough room too for a jumper, book and ipad on one side and gym kit on the other, or shopping or whatever. Or say you want to take a couple of things down to breakfast but not your full work bag, you can throw a few bits in it. They are a fiver each or 3 for £12 - bargain at the price as they are really handy and you can even use one as a laundry bag if you're away for more than a couple of days. They also make great teacher end of term presents as an aside! Mia Tui also sell a more sturdy fold up bags and rucksacks that i would have thought you could put into the hold if you need to check extra luggage, and really sensible pocketed sponge bags for keeping everything its place- which double up as great bags for storing cables and chargers and such gubbins without them getting all tangled.

If you go for a luggage strap around your case dont put your name or initials on it for security reasons but put something on it that does make it unique and yours.

First aid kit of anything you'd use on yourself or go to hunt for in the bathroom cabinet - so basic kit expected use micropore, ibuprofen, paracetamol, tampons, plasters, scissors, bite relief, anti bug spray at a minimum.

Knowing where your shit is in your handbag / wherever you keep it. And keep to keeping it in the same place. Don't be like my colleague - mid security screening......

Climate!! Take a cardi or whatever that is presentable, not like my first work trip of jammies and a hoody...In the same vein, dress down clothes. I didn't so I could go.out for tea with my lovely colleagues in way overdressed work clothes or total slob wear!

Keep an eye mask (the 3D moulded ones are best, so you can blink) and wax earplugs in your travel bag. Hotel curtains aren't all that great! I take one of those floaty polyester vest tops in case of emergency nights out or extra day working. You can wash them in the sink, hang up and they'll be dry in the morning. Spare tights & emergency knickers.

Some of you sound impressively well organised! I second a little first aid kit, and swipe a spare plastic bag at the airport so your toiletries are always ready to put in the tray.

A total derail from style and beauty, but can anyone recommend a good travel insurer- for flight cancellations rather than health if that makes sense?!

I’m finding this thread really useful!!

Just remembered another one for the double-cleansers among us. If you regularly use the same hotel/chain, get to know whether they supply face cloths. One less thing to pack.

Oh and if I’m lucky enough to get a room with a bath, I always ask the housekeeping staff for extra bath foam/oil. So relaxing to have a bath after a long day with no children interrupting. The staff are usually very happy to oblige with any extra toiletries (also good if there’s a particular item you like to stock up on for your travel ‘kit’)

I became organised when I discovered I had collected about 20 travel adapters. Forgot them every time, bought a new one, unpacked it at home..forgot it again next time.

Another tip for short trips - collect samples. Or if you're particular about what you use like me, buy sample sizes of your favourite things. A sample size cream or cleanser lasts you easily 2-3 days, takes almost no space and won't leak like many travel size bottles.

For wearing during travel, I can't recommend wool enough. Icebreaker for example - keeps you warm in winter, cool in the summer and differing wrom cotton or polyester, won't smell if you sweat a little. uk.icebreaker.com/en/home

If you fly I would recommend a more robust plastic bag for any liquids going through security. There are loads of options but much better than the airline issue ones that split easily or get ripped on other things in your handbag...

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Another vote for vpn , we use https://www.goldenfrog.com/vyprvpn so we can record from bbc iplayer and order from Amazon.co.uk even if your connection is not via uk

Powepack which can be charged from a range of different country sockets

Used to take a four way power extension for chargers etc, means just one adapter needed to provide four uk sockets. Stopped doing that, now that all hotels seem to provide usb sockets for charging

I find the sleep-suits on planes much too hot, but wear thing lycra cycle shorts under trousers when i board and change into a long t-shirt to wear while i sleep.

Loving those eagle creek cubes, off to get some now.

Oh, and talking about different climates and weather, a set of fine silk thermals will take up very little space in your luggage and provide a welcome extra layer of warmth when necessary.

Agree with having a permanent toiletries bag at the ready which includes things like ear plugs, ibuprofen, plasters, hair clips, and a spare tampon or pad in case of emergency (maybe it's just me but I often find travelling sends my cycle off kilter).

Yes to nude underwear.

I like to travel in things that don't need ironing and don't show up stains. I'm always paranoid that I'll spill coffee down my front on a plane if I'm wearing white. So I like to wear something like a smart Hobbs jersey dress in a dark colour or pattern that doesn't show up any random marks from travelling or spillages.

If I'm trying to travel super light, I'll go for a plain skirt and a couple of different tops (ones that don't crease easily).

I often pack a few layers to deal with unexpected changes in weather (eg. a pair of tights, a thermal vest, an extra cardi, a big scarf you can wear on the plane or the train if the air con is v cold).

Comfy shoes you can walk in! I've had some of the worst blisters in my life from schlepping around Brussels in uncomfortable shoes! Bleeding feet are not a good look on a business trip

A door wedge is a great idea bunbunny. And can someone tell me about packing cubes? I've seen them in shops but don't really get it. Is the it just about being easier to find things in your bag or is it meant to save space?

Unlike some I never take carry on only - I find the combination of having to be brutal with my clothes/toiletries choices and the unpacking repacking at security too stressful so I check luggage and take advantage of bigger bag.

I travel so often I have a lot of duplicate "kit" that I keep ready to go:
full toiletry bag;
small purse with sanpro, lenses, blister plasters and nurofen
Cables and adapters.

Makes it so much easier when I don't have to rethink things every few days

Following!

I’m often away for a couple of weeks at a time, or pop a few days leave onto the end of a trip. That means having to do laundry sometimes... so I take a couple of washing tablets or a sachet of washing liquid, so I can pop to a launderette. For rinsing things through in the hotel sink, I tend to just use shower gel.

Wonderful - my company is frugal so they will not pay for hold luggage for 1-2 night trip.

I use packing cubes so that I know where everything is, for example:
One for underwear
One for gym kit
One for tops
One for bottoms
One for casual wear (eating out in the evening etc)

Depending on how long I'm away.

I've found chargers that have two USB sockets, so taking a couple of them saves taking a 4-gang charger.

I have a fab bag for hand luggage/work documents & laptop etc that comes with a matching smaller bag that I can use in the evening (or I put my passport/ tickets etc in so I know where they are) plus a transparent bag that I use for liquids etc.
https://miatui.com/collections/travel-bags/products/jennie-travel-bag?variant=6999353262144

I also have a packing list I use so I don't forget anything.

I sometimes just keep my case/bag semi packed, with spare make-up/toiletries, drawstring bag for laundry, etc

Ear plugs and eyemask, you never know if your hotel is going to be in a busy street and have things curtains. If you’re travelling to different they are good for creating night time when you need a power nap 😴. Also good for flights for blocking out children 😊

Agree with Itscurtainsforyou that packing cubes are great for organisation. I have some compression cubes, so they also take up less space as well.

I use lots of different size cotton bags for packing - the dust bags you get with shoes and handbags are great.

katharina crikey that's tight - I'd really struggle to work somewhere where my bosses wanted me to be away from home and give up my personal time but we'rent prepared to pay £30 for me to have my luggage in the hold