My Sanity-Saving Packing List (From a Recovering Travel Anxious Person)

Okay, let's be real. I'm not a seasoned globetrotter. Packing usually happens the night before a trip, and my initial thought is always, "If I forget it, I can just buy it there or ask the hotel." While that holds some truth (shoutout to hotel reception!), it absolutely does not apply to outfits, especially when work is involved. Nope, not for me.

So, after three years of work-related travel (think less beach, more boardroom), I've tuned my packing strategy. it's a tested and tweaked strategy by someone who gets genuinely anxious and a little lost in new places.

Here's what makes it into my suitcase:

• The Obvious (But Important): Toothbrush, toothpaste, and my trusty travel loofah. Honestly, most hotels have the basics covered and many offer a “Dental Kit” and a “Shaving Kit”. As someone who's probably created more hotel guest books they should in their career, trust me when I say, "Dial '0' – they're usually happy to help!"
• Hair Essentials: Let's face it, good hair products are an investment. While hotels usually have hair dryers, a straightener is a unicorn. They might have a sad little comb in a kit, but that's about it. This is one thing I rarely, if ever, forget. To find a nearest saloon is something I do before I reach my destination as a “Just in Case” and it’s almost always the case.
• Makeup: Keep it Real: Don't overcomplicate this! Grab your everyday makeup bag and listen to my cautionary tale, pack sunscreen. I once had a full-on tomato face at a crucial event. Not my finest moment. Also, unless you're a pro, maybe skip the fake lashes and time-consuming stuff when traveling. If you can manage it, I applaud you!
• Outfit Insurance: This is non-negotiable. I always pack two extra outfits – one casual and one formal. For work trips, my rule is two outfit per day (casual and formal). If it's a rare vacation, anything goes! Suits get sent for laundry; the rest can be ironed in the room.
• Underwear (The Unsung Hero): Seriously, pack a lot. I'm not a fan of hotel laundry, and even when I practically lived in hotels and knew the staff (former hotelier!), the thought still feels a bit awkward.
• Sleepy Time Savior: One nightgown. It's just easier than packing a whole pajama set.
• Shoe Strategy: Wear your comfiest sneakers for the journey. For women, pack a nude and a black pair of flats. For men, loafers and a dressy shoe should cover it. If the weather's good, ladies, throw in two pairs of sandals (they pack flat!) and one pair of heels.
• The "Just in Case" Pile: If there's space, a dress or two is always a good idea. Accessories can come along if they fit, otherwise, they live in my handbag (wear them if you're not flying!). Speaking of handbags, I usually take two – a small one and a tote that packs flat.

The beauty of it all? You get a checked bag, a carry-on, and a handbag! Plenty of room to work with. And just so you know, this packing wisdom comes from yours truly, a female.