We are jetset, airport bound and sharing what’s in our bag today. Join us and learn how to pack a suit, pack a carry-on, and what to wear on the plane. Get ready for your business trip with us!
Travelling for work is entirely different than travelling for leisure. Firstly, you are not on your own time schedule. Typically, someone has booked the flight for you and you show up when you’re told to.
Secondly, you are not travelling with your family which, on one hand, can be relieving as you only need to worry about yourself. On the other hand, it can be a bit lonely and not much fun.
Lastly, your suitcase is full of business attire instead of shorts and sandals. Let’s get to it. Starting with the suit…
How to Pack a Suit: The Garment Bag
Packing a suit (or suits) takes a little bit of forethought because we highly suggest that you invest in a garment bag. You can buy them in-store or online from Amazon or your favorite department store. They range in price from high end like this one to low end like this one.
Its purpose is to protect your suit(s) and dresses from wrinkling and creasing. You can carry it on board by its included handles or lay it flat in the suitcase. We lay it in the suitcase on top of everything.
Also, the garment bags usually have a compartment for shoe storage. We don’t recommend using the shoe storage though.
Instead, use a shoe bag for your shoes to protect them from scuffs that may come about from being bumped around in your case. You don’t have to just take our word for it. Travel + Leisure magazine recommends them as well. Take a look.
You can also fit more than one suit or dress in a bag. If you are wearing one of your suits on the plane, pack the other one and your dress in the garment bag.
How to Pack a Suit: What to Wear on the Plane
Depending on the timeline (and remember, it’s not always up to you), you may have to travel straight from the plane to your business meeting.
The good thing is that sitting in a seat for a domestic flight isn’t any different from sitting at your desk all day. An international flight is tougher as you will likely be sitting for longer than 8 hours.
We suggest wearing wrinkle-resistant fabrics like wool or something knitted. If you are wearing a suit and a blouse or button-down shirt, don’t wear your blazer. Instead, place it in your carry-on in its own garment bag. It will be fresh and wrinkle free for you when you land, ready for your meeting. It will also serve as a good coverup for any wrinkles that appear.
For an international flight, opt for a trouser with a little give to it. Also, bring an eye mask, a pair of compression socks and noise-cancelling headphones. Little things like this will help with your comfort level and allow you to get some rest.
Packing for Work: What to Carry-On
Carry-On
As well as your blazer, pack a dress or additional top and trousers as well. This will come in handy for a number of reasons.
- Your checked luggage isn’t guaranteed to make it to your destination with you. We don’t trust it even if you only have one flight. Just in case, be prepared and have another outfit in your carry-on.
- You could also end up with your dinner and drink down your lap if there is a lot of turbulence.
Personal Item
A laptop case, briefcase, or purse qualifies as a personal item and you are depending on the airline, you are usually authorized to bring one onboard free of charge. So, use that extra space to your advantage!
We fill ours with skincare, makeup, a small rose water spritzer (we talked more about this here — link to self care ideas when work busy) and a few toiletries like a toothbrush and toothpaste. We also pack baby wipes and tissues. These are essential items for any situation. You won’t be caught in a situation that can’t be fixed by one of these items.
Travel Tips: Skincare
Besides the clothes you wear, your face is the first thing that people see when they meet you. You not only want to look your best but feel your best too and that can be hard without getting a good 8 hours of sleep and some fresh air.
We believe when you look your best, you feel your best so pack a few skincare products in your carry-on to refresh and help trick yourself into thinking it had a goodnight’s sleep.
We have made a list of the skincare items we take onboard with us below.
Summer Fridays — This can be used as a mask, primer, and moisturizer in one. Dab a little under your eyes and allow your skin to drink in the goodness.
Rose Water Spritzer — A great pick-me-up to revive your skin and wake up your senses. Rose is a light enough scent that you can even spritz while you are on the plane. It will be a welcomed scent from the stagnant, dry air that is typical. Unlike perfume, it is made up of natural ingredients and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. We enjoy this one from Fresh
Lip Treatment — Combat the dry air with a luxurious lip treatment like this one from Fresh or this one from Kiehl’s.
We like the look of this skin treatment kit too. It is made specifically for air travel.
Alright, your bags are now packed, outfit on and carry-on in hand. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Are you a frequent flyer? We’d love to hear one of your top tips for traveling on business. Comment below with your tried and true!
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