For those that travel for work

sapphirebride06

The job I am hoping to get and had a really good interview requires some travel.  The extent of which is somewhat vague, the director just said she tries to be fair among those that would travel so it isn't always on one person.  H said he wants to get me a nice travel bag if I am offered the job, and I was trying to find one for him since my birthday is coming up.  I thought about a Longchamp bag, but don't have any experience with them.  I want something that could be used as a carry on but with smart packing could easily be my only bag besides a computer bag maybe if necessary.  So do you have any suggestions or recommendations for me on what brand/size/style bag to look for?  

And the second part of my question is what tips/tricks do you have for packing/traveling for work?  I am a planner by nature and want to have some ideas because they mentioned their travel time is coming up so I think I might have to hit the ground running when and if I get an offer.  Anyway, any help would be appreciated!  Thank you!

GreenMonkey1

I used to travel both domestically and internationally for work, generally in the fall I was out every other week from middle of August - beginning of November.

Regarding the bag question, for how long would you be traveling and do you carry-on a laptop? Longchamp bags are very nice, but probably would only fit enough for an overnight and would not (in my opinion) be a good place for a laptop.  The bags are also kind of expensive if it is going to get thrown around a lot.  Usually I pack a small rolling upright that fits an overhead compartment and carry-on my laptop backpack, my purse can fit inside the backpack.  The rolling bag is useful especially if I have a longer layover I can walk the airport without my arms getting tired from carrying bags.

Tip-wise:

• I always leave the stuff I take every trip (toiletry kit, international converters/adapters, travel umbrella, etc) in my bag so I just have to add clothes.
  
• I bought some great travel clothes that don't wrinkle as easily from Soft Surroundings and Dick's Sporting Goods (Columbia has some good dresses, skirts, and pants in a wrinkle(ish)-free fabric).  They're shades of black and grey so I just add a colorful scarf or blazer.
• You can find a lot of inexpensive, but good quality travel stuff (neck pillows, luggage, travel sized hair dryers, etc) at Marshall's/T.J. Maxx.

Congrats and good luck with the rest of the hiring process!  If you get an offer you may want to ask what percent of your time would be traveling.  Telling you "they try to make it fair" doesn't really give you an idea of how much you would be traveling, to where, and for how long.

sapphirebride06

I agree, I really want this job so travel isn't a deal breaker, but I do want to be prepared.  I will definitely get a job description and make sure it is detailed so I have something to base my next move off of.  I will likely have a laptop so I will need to do something like you mentioned.  I like the idea of taking stuff that coordinates, that way I can mix and match pieces.  I saw a blog where a woman took a La Pliage (sp?) and she took 4 days worth of clothes I think and it all fit, plus her laptop!  Not sure how realistic that is, but thought I would see if it worked for others.  Thanks again, I will check out those travel clothes - sounds like the right mix of comfort and style for traveling!

GreenMonkey1

@sapphirebride06 I saw this video online today and thought of this post - How to Pack the Perfect Carry-On

sapphirebride06

Thank you so much!  I really appreciate it!

cecilyandgautam

Are you looking for travel with baby advise or just packing advise? I've taken my daughter on a couple international work trips so I have a few lessons learned but if you'll be traveling sans baby that's less complicated. 

sapphirebride06

Oh just in general, I won't have the kids if/when I travel for work so that isn't an issue.