Showing posts with label packing
I never thought I'd be traveling so often, especially for work, but here I am! Last week I took my 4th work trip in 6 months and I feel like an old pro.

From a very young age, I always overpacked whenever I was going somewhere. I have so much stuff and I want it all with me at any given time. I have not gotten better as I've grown older and it's much worse now. On a daily basis, my bag weighs a ton because it's always packed to the brim.

The first few work trips I went on, I definitely overpacked. The trips I go on are to QVC and they don't require a lot of items. I'm pretty much awake for 24 hours, barely in my hotel room, and my attire consists of plain t-shirts, leggings, and slippers. Comfort is key when you're awake for an entire day.

After the first 2 trips, I definitely packed lighter this trip.  I learned my lesson!

Now, everyone is different and you may not be an over packer-- you may have this process down pat but I always feel like I need to pay close attention to what I'm packing. There are also certain things you think you may need, or things you may not think you need. Also, everyone's work trips are different so this may not really apply to you but I'm going to do my best to generalize these tips!


Tote bag for computer, etc 
Duffel bag

Makeup bag

Toiletries 


  • Minimal bags: I usually bring a lot of stuff but I also bring a lot of bags. You really only need a duffel bag for clothes, toiletries, etc. I bring a tote bag to keep my laptop, iPad, and other items I need to bring with me back and forth to the TV studio. I don't usually bring a handbag but if you need one on the road, definitely tuck that bad boy into your duffel bag! The less bags you have, the easier traveling will be! 
  • Comfy Clothes: Comfort is key for me on a daily basis. If your trip is more casual and not a business conference, I recommend picking something that is comfortable but still makes you feel and look put together. If you could get away with a nice sweater, jeggings, and casual boots or flats, I'd go with that! Make sure you have a nicer outfit in your bag just in case! 
  • Two pairs: Shoes is something I always struggle with packing. I hate shoes, I'd walk around barefoot if it was hygienic. For trips like this, I always bring two pairs of shoes. This past trip I brought UGG boots and slippers, just incase I didn't feel like wearing one pair. That's my lesson for all of you-- bring TWO pairs of shoes that you really like but bring both just incase you're not in the mood for one of them.
  • Minimal makeup: A work trip, no matter the cause, is not a time for a smoky eye (in my opinion). It's also not the time to try out a new product. Bring the makeup you use and love; makeup that will give you your favorite look in an instant.
  • Chargers, chargers, and more chargers: I'm a social media coordinator, henceforth, my phone, iPad, and laptop are constantly attached to my hip. I bring extra chargers for all my electronics along with a battery pack for my phone. I'd be nothing with my technology. 
These are my major things that I've realized I needed help with along the way so I thought I'd offer them up! Also, I always make sure I have snacks and cash on me. I get super hungry very quickly so granola bars and pretzels are always on hand!

Shop my picks for luggage and accessories below!


What packing tips do you have?


It's now 24 hours until me and 14 of my closest friends are on a plane to the Dominican Republic. My excitement is truly unreal and I've been a stressed out mess all week. Between finishing up midterms, sorority initiation, tanning, packing, and running around to get everything I need, it's been a rough one. I need a vacation just from preparing for vacation!

Packing is such a process because you never know what you are going to need once you get there. I love having options for outfits and I overpack when I'm going somewhere for one night so for me, it was all about prioritizing.




I made check lists on check lists to try to remember everything I need. It's crazy and if you've ever gone on a trip like this, you understand my pain. It's also my first actual vacation without my parents so I don't have my mom breathing down my neck to make sure I remembered everything.

Here are some tips for packing lightly but efficiently for Spring Break:

1. Only the essentials: DO NOT OVERPACK. Do you really want to pay the extra money to go over the 50 pound limit? I don't. Plan accordingly and ahead of time. If you're going to a beach vacation for five days, don't bring 10 bathing suits. Think about it, you'll only be wearing a bathing suit and cover up during the day and dressy clothes at night. Don't bring too many pairs of shorts or too many dresses. Bring at most, three extra outfit options so you have a choice in what you'd like to wear.

2. Plan with your friends/roomies: If you're going away with your best friends, pitch in on stuff. Instead of everyone bringing a blow dryer or straightener, bring one or two per room. There's no need for everyone to bring shampoo and conditioner, buy a large one at Target and spilt the price. It'll free up some space in your suitcases and it'll be cheaper for everyone in the long run.




3. Roll your clothes: Instead of folding your clothes or laying them flat, roll them. Yes, they will be wrinkled but there will be so much room in your suitcase. You can stack the clothes on top of each other and pair them side by side, tuck them into the nooks and crannies of your suitcase. It'll take a little more time rather than just dumping everything into your suitcase at once but it'll save you space which is all what packing is about.



4. Pack in compartments: Utilize the compartments in your suitcase; pack your undergarments and bathing suits in those zippered parts to allow more room for shoes and actual clothing in the main part of your suitcase. As for toiletries and makeup, buy little pouch bags or makeup bags to keep everything together and save space. Also, if everything liquid is together, it'll be harder for them to spill out all over your clothes. #Nightmare

A few other traveling tips:

-Pack your carryon last so you don't forget anything!
-Keep your passport, drivers license, tickets, and money together in a separate little bag so everything is altogether.
-Don't forget to pack your chargers and wires for your electronic devices!
-Even if you're on a beach vacay, bring a pair of sneakers because there might be some outdoor excursions you want to go on that require sneakers.
-Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane to save space and weight in your suitcase.
-Don't bring expensive jewelry, you don't really need it and God forbid it gets lost.
-Pack your shoes on the bottom so you can stack clothes on top and they won't get dirty.
-Download new music and update your iPod before you get on the plane.
-Look up the weight and other travel restrictions before you get to the airport.

Whenever I have traveled in the past, my carryon is my favorite bag to pack! That's where all the good stuff is and the most important because it'll keep you occupied on the plane. Here are my Carry On Essentials:



-Ipad, iPod, and cell phone: they'll all keep you occupied and a lot of airlines now have WiFi on the planes
-A book or magazine: If you're not the e-book type, bring a book or magazine to keep you occupied and entertained.
-Motion Sickness Medicine: I get ridiculously motion sickness and nervous on planes (as you can imagine, (#TypeA) so my Dramamine medication is a must whenever I fly
-Ear plugs and gum: No one enjoys the feeling of having your ears pop as the plane takes off and lands. Be prepared!
-Sunglasses: You'll want/need/beg for them as soon as you get off the plane!
-Change of Clothes: Some hotels and flights don't line up correctly so you might not be able to check in as soon as you get to the hotel. To get every bit of time in on your first day, pack a bathing suit, cover up and pair of sandals to change into quickly so you can hit the beach ASAP.

Point of Interest: Put ALL liquids in your suitcase; if you have them in your carryon, it's sure to be a disaster at the airport. 

What are your travel and packing tips for any type of vacation? Tell me in the comments! 

Happy Spring Break everyone!!!



  
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