Passport, bank cards, e-tickets, phone, iPad…..

I used to run this list through my mind at least six times before I left for a business trip, still do! I thought that as long as I had at least my passport and bank cards I would be able to deliver that presentation in Lisboa, even if I had to buy clothes at the airport, or  in-country.  At least I would not have breached my luggage allowance!

Overtime packing for a business trip becomes routine, but that is just when you realise that you have left your Heathrow Express ticket on your bedside table. Should have bought the Smythson travel wallet!

My approach to packing is simple -keep it capsule!  I visualise the next few days ahead in terms of travel outfit, key meetings, evening events and try to achieve a good balance. The weather is a critical factor that influences what I wear as well as the occasion itself. The creasing of clothing can be another concern especially when you could be spending a lot of time being seated on a train, plane or in the office.  As you already know, the ability to combine a few key pieces which move you  from day to night or from formal to smart casual is vital.  But packing a suitcase for a business trip is not an exact science and sometimes you do need to pack 3 coats and 10 pairs of shoes, and that is ok, as long as it works for you.

If we get to our destination prepared and focused, what we remembered to pack in our Rimowa becomes incidental.

Paloma