Traveling with luggage you want to check-in at the ticket counter or gate

Rolling Suitcase

In my previous travel post, I suggested a few things for you to do before heading out to the airport on your travel.  In this post, I want to discuss packing your suitcase and preparing for larger items.  To reduce the amount of packing you need to do, check with lodging location to see if they have blow dryers, irons, or other items available in order to avoid packing them.  Some hotels, inns, and motels list this on their web site, if not call the location and ask when making reservations.

Check-in luggage

Pack all your items that are not necessary while in transit in your suitcase, otherwise they should be in carry-on.   When packing, always place items in the same place of suitcase to make it easier to find your items each time.  Be sure your suitcase is large enough to hold items that you most often packed.  A suitcase with wheels will make moving between vehicles and destinations easier, especially when running between gates.  If traveling often, keep a toiletry bag already packed with an extra toothbrush and travel sizes of items used often.  This way you do not have to hunt for them when ready you are getting ready to pack.  Keep a list of preferred travel clothes so can be keep those clean and ready to pack as well. Where possible, choose clothes in same color family so items can be mixed and matched to look like more outfits.  This gets you more days in less suitcase space.  If you are going for more than 1 day, remember, things that are not relevant to the reason for travel or are easily replaceable if lost during your travels should be in check-in luggage.

Shipping other items

Where possible, ship any materials that you need at the destination but are not part of your wardrobe well ahead of your arrival at your destination.  It is a good idea to put the boxes to the attention of a particular persona and list their phone number as well.  This way you do not have to worry about their weight or getting lost during your personal travel time.  Be sure you find out where shipped materials will arrive and verify they got there before leaving.   If any materials are left or are not needed for the entire time at your destination, take pre-addressed mailing labels and/or envelopes with shipping/postage information along on your trip or in the shipping containers to return excess materials rather than cart it all back on the airplane.  Find out where to take excess materials in order to ship back to where they need to go as soon as you realize there will be leftovers or you may be stuck carry them with you.

For more business traveling tips, check the 2bProductive blog.