I’m traveling across the country today, and as usual, needed to pack all the necessities for the trip. 

Full disclosure time: I am not the best packer.  I have a tendency to stress myself out, which can lead to overpacking, or worse, waiting until the last minute and making my stress worse.  I’m getting better, but each time is a process. 

Most of my trips are business related – anywhere from 2 to 8 days, depending on the situation – which means I end up having to make sure I’ve packed all the things I need for work (laptop, charger, computer glasses, travel mouse, etc.) in addition to clothes.  And sometimes, depending on the reason for the business trip, I end up needing extra sets of clothes.  I don’t really want to wear a uniform or work clothes to dinner in the evening…

That doesn’t help the overpacking! 

I don’t just overpack for work, though.  There was a vacation that MM and I took that resulted in SO MANY THINGS going with us, because we just didn’t know what we’d want to have access to.  Conveniently, we drove to that vacation, so there was a lot more room in the car than there would have been for a trip that involved a flight. 

Or maybe that’s a bad thing… 😀 

As I think about what I take with me, the clothes and work related items may change, but I stay consistent with a certain set of items that go with me everywhere I go. 

1. Reading Material

I tend to take at least one thing to read with me – could be a physical book, my e-reader, or a tablet – just to give myself something that’s relaxing to keep me entertained during the actual travel, or to wind down with at the end of a long day.

2. Sound

This can be a playlist or two on my phone, or downloaded movies/shows.  I like to have sound going, especially when I’m traveling alone.  Something to zone out to, or to have in the hotel room with me.

3. Water

If I’m heading out of the country, I’m taking a reusable water bottle with me.  If there’s a high possibility that I’ll leave a water bottle in a conference room or office, I’ll purchase a bottle at the airport that I can refill later (finding a convenience or grocery store that has large bottles to use to refill the smaller one is awesome).

4. Snacks

Mostly for the airport / plane, but I’ve started to pack a bit more than I used to, because then I can keep it in the hotel when I’m back from the office or event for those times when I might be tempted to go out for food that isn’t as healthy for me.

5. Comfy Lounging Clothes

I don’t care if I don’t end up having time to wear the lounging clothes to actually lounge.  Just the fact that I have them is enough to remind myself to take the time to relax when I have the chance, especially on a work trip that may keep me running around the whole time I’m there.

If there’s room…

Journal and Pens (depending on the type of journal) – Maybe the tablet is enough, but I tend to like to physically write things, and that urge could happen at any time.  Therefore, because it’s flat, I’ll bring along either my bullet journal with colorful pens, or the journal I use to write down what’s in my head, or BOTH! 

What about you?  What do you take along on a trip no matter where you go?