How to Pack Professionally (In Just a Carry-On Suitcase)

With NeoCon right around the corner, packing is fresh on our minds here at HON. Did you know you can pack for a week long business trip in a standard carry-on suitcase? It’s easy! Here are some tips and tricks to remember for the next time you travel:

Why should I only pack a carry-on?

Traveling with carry-on luggage usually means that you’ll get in and out of the airport faster than if you are traveling with checked baggage, which is always a plus on a business trip. Even better, most airlines now let you check in for your flight on an app and skip the check in line altogether.  You won’t have to wait the extra time for the baggage handlers to unload the plane and load the bags onto the conveyer belt, or for your bag to make its way to you after riding the world’s slowest carousel.  By carrying on your bag, you guarantee that it will not get lost and that its important contents will arrive the same day and time as you do.

What do I pack?

Keep it simple.  A good rule of thumb is to pack enough outfits for the number of days you will be on the trip plus two to three casual outfits for evening activities.  Be sure to try on all of your outfits while you pack to make sure that you have everything you need.  (This may take extra time, but not as long as you will have to wait for your checked bag so it balances out!)  When it comes to toiletries, keep in mind that travel laws restrict you from packing any liquids over 3 ounces in a carry-on bag.  But, since most hotels offer complimentary toiletries, you can ask for free toothpaste, mouthwash, hairspray, deodorant, etc. when you check in to your room and avoid the stress of trying to safely pack these items with your clothes and business documents.

How should I pack?

Roll your clothes.  By doing this you are able to fit much more in your suitcase, as well as minimize the amount of wrinkles that each shirt or pants will have. Since many airlines don’t enforce a weight limit on carry-on luggage, you have the flexibility to pack a lot into a little space when it’s done efficiently!

Another perk to traveling efficiently with just a carry-on? When you get back from your next business trip, you will be able to dump your entire suitcase straight into the wash rather than hang half of it back up in your closet because you over-packed.  Just remember to take out your shoes!

What are some of your personal packing tricks?

4 Apps That Will Make You Better At Your Job

We’ve all heard the saying, “work smarter, not harder”, and with advancements in technology and mobile applications over the past few years, this is now easier than ever. I think every professional should have the following are 4 useful (and free!) apps:

1. Genius Scan—This little gem is one of the most used apps on my work phone. Genius Scan allows me to take a photo of a receipt, furniture plan or contract, and convert it to a PDF file. Once you’ve created a PDF, you can email or print the document, or send it to Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive or other storage tools with just a few clicks! Learn more about Genius Scan now.

2. Uber—Although this service is not just for business use, Uber makes it a breeze to get around for meetings with clients and to make it on time to appointments that span multiple metropolitan areas. TIP: save your company money by using the Uber promo codes and getting free trips! Learn more about Uber now. 

3. Seamless—Have you ever traveled to a new city or area for work and had to find a meal for yourself? Apps like Seamless and Grubhub are a couple of my favorites because they will help you discover all the local eats. You can easily order in or go out and explore new surroundings. TIP: the app saves credit cards and can use your location so you don’t have to call the front desk of the hotel to find out the address! Learn more about Seamless now.

4. LinkedIn—I meet several people a week and it can be difficult to recall specific details about a particular individual after that first interaction. Adding people to LinkedIn gives me the opportunity to revisit their credentials at a later date so I can bring up their information when we next meet. TIP: note the groups and articles the user likes to have conversation starters if there is a break during meetings. Learn more about LinkedIn now.

What must-have apps do you recommend for professional use?

4 Healthy Travel Tips for Your Next Business Trip

If you are anything like me when you travel, whether it is for business or pleasure, you like to enjoy the delicious local foods. This also means, like me, the instant your plane lands on your home turf you feel the overwhelming feeling of guilt from over-indulging while traveling. As a sales person, my job requires me to travel A LOT to some beautiful parts of America, where every corner I turn there seems to be some butter-soaked, chocolate-covered, loaded-with-guilt, “must try” cuisine. I constantly find myself struggling with how to enjoy the local delicacy without having to let my pants out an inch or two every time I get home. I rely on these 4 tips each time I travel to maintain the “these pants fit just right” feeling while avoiding the “I have my tailor on speed dial to let these pants out” moment.

Goal one: Follow the 1 to 3 rule

The 1 to 3 rule means that for every 3 healthy meals I eat while traveling I will allow myself 1 “cheat” meal. This rule allows me about one meal of indulgence every other day. This gives me just the right amount of taste for the local cuisine without going overboard.

Goal Two: Take an extra STEP

According to thewalkingsite.com, a healthy person should get a minimum of 10,000 steps in a day, equivalent to walking 5 miles. Often times while traveling you find yourself sitting on a plane, sitting in an airport, sitting in public transit or worse….sitting in local traffic! This makes it difficult to walk 10,000 steps in one day, but if you make a conscious effort to achieve the 10,000 you will find unique opportunities to take an EXTRA STEP here and there. During a layover, instead of choosing a coffee shop right next to your gate, choose one that is in a separate concourse. This allows you to get in some extra steps while walking back to your gate for your flight.

Goal three: Be “Runtastic”

You could also call this Goal two part A, but for the sake of simplicity I call it goal three. The fact is that you may challenge yourself to take the extra steps but it is difficult to know if you are reaching the goal of 10,000, especially if you do not have a Jawbone™ or Fitbit^® to help keep track for you. But of course…there is an app for that! I found that downloading the Runtastic app to my smartphone allows me to track my steps, understand what parts of the day I am most active and even know my average pace. For an extra health boost, push yourself to increase your walking speed by 1% each week.

Goal four: Food Trip every meal

The Food Tripping app allows you to search for healthy restaurants and markets ANYWHERE. It is a super easy app to use. It simply picks up your location and pings restaurants and markets around you that have plenty of healthy options. You can click on the ping and it will tell you the distance to the healthy location and directions to get there. I use it every time I am trying to stay true to my 1 to 3 rule.

As my business and personal life takes me to all different parts of the world, these 4 tips will help keep me healthy while I’m on the go. What other tricks do you use to stay healthy on the go?

5 Things To Always Pack When Traveling

Whether your next trip is for business or pleasure, consider adding the following items to your packing list if you haven’t already included them.

1. STAIN REMOVER WIPES OR STICK.

If you are like me, you’re not finished with a meal until you are wearing it. There is nothing worse than ruining your favorite shirt or tie when it could have been prevented with some pre-treating. Stain removers are small and travel-friendly.  Put this in your bag once and you will be thankful should you ever need it.

2. A REUSABLE BOTTLE.

You can’t bring larger liquids through security but you can bring an empty bottle to fill up. Hydration when traveling is key. It can ward off jetlag! Keep a bottle with you and fill it up often.  Many airports now have water bottle filling stations and most public places have water fountains making it easy to fill up anywhere. Plus, you are saving money and staying green.

3. BAGS, BAGS AND MORE BAGS.

I always pack several shopping bags and a couple extra sandwich bags in my suitcase. Bags are great for pre-sorting laundry or to pack up something that’s still wet. Sandwich bags come in handy to keep pieces of something that may have broken or the rest of a snack. I haven’t been on a trip yet where I haven’t used at least one of the bags I’ve brought. You just never know what you will need a bag for so be sure to tuck one in your luggage.

4. EMERGENCY SNACK.

There is something to be said about those Snicker’s commercials. You can always unexpectedly get stuck in traffic for hours or a flight can be delayed. So, be prepared and pack a snack just in case. My favorite on-the-go snacks are trail mixes and granola bars. They take up little space but can really curb hunger when you need it.

5. CASH.

In the age of electronic banking, I rarely carry cash. However I always have some cash in my travel bag. I specifically carry ones and fives. Whether it is a tip for valet parking or a toll road, cash is always a must for me.

When you’re on the go, what other items can you not leave home without?

Packing Tips from a Traveling Trainer

Roll or Fold? 
Why not both…many items in your suitcase are best packed rolled. Among these are pants, skirts, collarless shirts, and dresses. Always roll your clothes from the bottom up for the tightest roll and make sure there aren’t any wrinkles or folds along the way. Items with a collar, including jackets and blazers, still travel better when folded. Lay your jackets across the bottom of your suitcase and use them to “wrap” the rest of your clothes.

Keep your shoes to themselves.

Use recycled dryer sheets and plastic grocery bags for shoes. There is nothing worse than stinky shoes except clothes that smell like your stinky shoes. Next time you take your clothes out of the dryer don’t discard the dryer sheet, keep them for the next time you travel. Use plastic bags with the dryer sheets to wrap your shoes and be sure to have fresh feet and clothes when you reach your destination.

Know what’s a liquid and what is not.

It seems simple, knowing the difference between a liquid and a non liquid, but surprisingly many people still over stuff their liquids bag with unnecessary items. For example, solid deodorant does not have to go in the liquids bag nor does bar soap or bar shampoo. There are also quick swaps to help streamline your liquids; powder foundation vs. liquid or hand sanitizer wipes vs. the liquid bottle just to name a few.

You just never know so pack a back up.

You can get stranded, flights can be cancelled, and luggage can be lost. Pack a back up. At the very least pack extra undergarments and socks (if needed) in your carry-on or personal item. For ladies, roll up a dress or bring an extra shirt. For fellas, bring an extra shirt and tie. Best tip is always over dress to under pack.

Pick a smaller bag.

Not sure what laws of physics dictate the laws of packing, but it is inevitable that you will stuff your bag to the near breaking point regardless of its size. Thus, pick a smaller bag and make it work. Picking a smaller bag also means you are less likely to check a bag. Even if you have elite status on every airline and get to check a bag for free, try to avoid it. Checking a bag is incredibly hard on your luggage, opens you up to theft, makes you more likely to have lost or delayed luggage, and creates delays when you reach your final destination.  So best advice- go with the smaller bag.

What are some of your favorite packing tips?