Don’t need vacations, just need new countries

Packing for a business trip is always confusing. One would think that it would just be a laptop, a couple of shirts or dresses, and shoes to go with it. But then, you get there and realize the trip encompasses a lot more. And you end up shopping because you don’t have the right clothes. Or you just packed a whole bunch of extras for no reason.

The ‘briefcase, which you originally planned to take, has now swelled up to be a ‘suitcase. The favorite bag and the second favorite get added, the many ‘just in case’ pairs of clothing, vanity pouch, never-ending toiletries, fragrance – you’ve got to get that right, so maybe a couple of bottles then!

If you are constantly on the go for work and your weekdays are less of ‘let’s cab it to office,’ and more of ‘fly to workplace meetings,’ one of the wisest favors you can do yourself is to keep your packing – crisp and tight – just like those thoughts in there. And trust us, no one gets it right on the first go, but any start is a good place for new beginnings.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while you are at it:

R is for research – Sounds painful & tedious, yes, we know, but it’s simpler than that. While we often pay much heed to work-related research, a bit of background homework can help you get untangled too. In the context of packing for the quintessential business trip, research the dress code, weather conditions, and of course, cultural influences of the region.

While a blazer sounds just fine on breezy spring noon in Bangalore, the mere sight of it can be irksome on a hot summer day in Hyderabad. For the women, while some business organizations consider a saree formal enough, others might prefer their executives or leaders to show up in western attire. Find out what would be most appropriate for your setup and choose your clothing accordingly. First impressions may not be the last but definitely, linger for a long time.

While a blazer sounds just fine on breezy spring noon in Bangalore, the mere sight of it can be irksome on a hot summer day in Hyderabad. For the women, while some business organizations consider a saree formal enough, others might prefer their executives or leaders to show up in western attire. Find out what would be most appropriate for your setup and choose your clothing accordingly. First impressions may not be the last but definitely, linger for a long time.

Essentials aren’t that essential – How many times have you found yourself packing your trusty shoe polish and returning from your travel with not a fingerprint on it. Most hotels have all the daily essentials you would need.

If you absolutely want to pack your favorite brand of shampoo and moisturizer, use travel-sized bottles to reduce the amount of space they take up.

What To Wear: It is hard to decide what to wear for an entire week. The best way to go about this is to ‘create outfits .’If you are out for an entire week or even three days, make sure you have pieces that work seamlessly with others. For men, this means the trousers or jeans or chinos you pack need to go with all the shirts you pack. For women, think of the various tops you can team with a single skirt or pants. Pop in a couple of accessories like scarves and a chain with a noticeable pendant which adds some variety and helps you easily switch from day to evening wear.

Shoes here, shoes there, shoes everywhere – We all have our favorite pair of shoes, and then the pair of shoes that goes perfectly with formal attire but is very painful to wear. And the other pair that goes with only a particular outfit, but is oh-so-pretty! This is the story of most urbanites, men and women. But let’s remember that this is a business trip, and while the kind of shoes you wear does make an impression, it is a part of the big picture.

Shoes here, shoes there, shoes everywhere – We all have our favorite pair of shoes, and then the pair of shoes that goes perfectly with formal attire but is very painful to wear. And the other pair that goes with only a particular outfit, but is oh-so-pretty! This is the story of most urbanites, men and women. But let’s remember that this is a business trip, and while the kind of shoes you wear does make an impression, it is a part of the big picture.

Once your outfit is created, choose the pair that goes perfectly with all of them. Remind yourself that this is ‘work first .’You can pack a second pair for walking around the airport or touring the new city.

Hang in there with the handbag – Lastly, the right handbag is key to success and peace. It carries the most precious valuables, from home keys to wallets and cards, passports, gadgets, and pretty much anything that can save the day! Invest in a good one and surround yourself with good vibes as you travel around the globe to give wings to your ambitions.

And remember, to err is human and to forgive divine. If you ever falter at the plan of packing well for your business trip and end up with more than what you can carry around, let be, forgive yourself and just let CarterX take over your baggage woes. Don’t forget to book your slot!