Whew, this summer has been SOMETHING. Many many Together Trips, and also a decent amount of trips for fun. I feel like I’ve been living out of suitcases and transferring items from one pouch to the next all summer long, so I thought it might be instructive to share a few things helping me stay semi-Together in this Together Tour season.
- Two dedicated tech pouches. Our dear Together Team Member Chrystie purchased one of these for me a few years ago. And then I realized that I had a DIFFERENT set of tech needs for personal trips. So a pink pouch was added to my collection. Is two tech pouches overkill?
- Standard travel and teaching outfits. In an attempt to reduce decision fatigue, a few years ago I locked in on this dress. Yes, it is spendy. Yes, it is also PERFECT. Deep pockets, wrinkle-free, Teflon-like material, and an appropriate length. I own it in three colors, and it is all I will facilitate in. Fun fact – Together Team Member Ana and I both own this dress in red, so we try to not be awkward twins.
- Unpack-Me-First pouch. I am giving myself credit for inventing this concept! Since I’m on Team-Never-Unpack (sorrrrryyyy), I have duplicates of almost everything (even a second electric toothbrush). However, there are a few things I need right when I get home from a trip that I cannot have duplicates of for cost or other reasons. So, I have a bright blue-and-white-striped pouch that I pull out of my suitcase immediately upon my return, making these key items accessible to me in all the places (nightguard, I’m looking at you!).
- These silly little makeshift containers. Now, these are completely unnecessary and my bestie told me I wouldn’t need these if I weren’t such a packing maximalist. But, I am who I am. I like to wear a lot of jewelry, and I’m prone to sticking my hotel key in my pocket and then losing track of it. These have kept me a little more “contained” in a new spot. Also, they pack flat, so they take up zero room in my suitcase.
- A work bag that comfortably fits two laptops. I was influenced to buy this bag, and I know backpacks are better for one’s body (trust me, I know), but I find this bag is easier to dig in under your seat when you need to find something. It has tons of pockets, fits two laptops, an iPad, a Kindle, a scarf/socks (I get cold on planes and trains) and my usual extra food. So far, it appears to be LL Bean level indestructible. When I do need a backpack, I am a giant fan of this one since it opens like a suitcase.
- A travel kettle and coffee set up. My work travel is NOT glamorous, and I’m often awake at 4:15 AM when there’s no coffee to be found anywhere – and I’m not a huge fan of the little coffee pots in hotel rooms. So. . . when I know I will be in a situation where I would like a delicious cup of coffee before a long training day, into my suitcase goes this, this, and this. Plus coffee grounds (and little half-and-half pods from my house, which is admittedly extra of me, but a lady needs her comforts)!
How about those of you who travel for work? What do you add to make travel easier?
