I love to travel for pleasure, but my job also requires a fair amount of travel. Over the years, I’ve developed a process and some hacks that limit the time it takes me to pack and minimize what I need to take with me.
Pick a theme colour (or two) for your trip. By sticking to a few colours, you can choose pieces that work together to create multiple outfits with a small number of items.
Plan your outfits and bring only what you need. To do this successfully, I must try the outfits before I pack to ensure I like how they look. Not only does this leave room for shopping, but it helps to avoid second-guessing when you’re away.
Bring one to two pairs of shoes that go with everything. For me, it’s always dressy shoes and sneakers. I also keep a pair of black ballet flats in my travel bag in case I’m walking a lot and get blisters. This hack has saved me multiple times.
Take a scarf that matches your travel outfit(s). It will keep you warm on the plane and help to elevate your outfit
Travel in something cozy but elegant, like a matching monochromatic lounge suit. With the cute sneakers, scarf and jacket, you’re all set.
Keep a travel cosmetics bag packed with everything you need. Mine is in my suitcase.
Have a pouch of essentials in your travel bag. Think Tylenol, hair ties, sanitizer, facial spray, hand cream, nail files, and protein bars.
Travel with a cross-body bag or pouch. That allows you to have your hands free at the airport but your phone and passport easily accessible.
After wearing an outfit, fold your clothes and put them back into your suitcase. This makes your packing at the end of the trip more efficient – says me, who had to leave the hotel at 3:10 am this morning.