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.Â
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.Â
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 outfitÂ
Travel in something cozy but elegant, like a matching monochromatic lounge suit. With the cute sneakers, scarf and jacket, you’re all set.Â
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.Â
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. Â
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.