The No-BS Guide to Business Travel (From Women Who Actually Know)

Look, I travel a lot. Like, a LOT lot. And after years of trial and error (and some spectacularly bad packing decisions), I’ve got my travel game semi-down. Some of my most recent travels had me scratching my head at other travelers, so I turned to the women who know best: my friends. These women are veteran flyers traversing all over the globe, and they know what they’re talking about. Turns out, we’re fed up with the men talking loudly and obnoxiously on “work” calls while they pace and get in everyone’s personal space. Just stop. Dude, we all hate you.

Let’s start with the non-negotiables:

First up, your carry-on game needs to be strong. Forget those basic black suitcases that look like every other bag on the carousel. Get yourself a Solgaard – it’s a game-changer (40% off right now for Black Friday). And for the love of all things holy, invest in a four-wheel spinner. Your shoulders will thank you after that sprint to Gate Z99.

Now, let’s talk organization because chaos is not a good look:

• That BELALIFE jewelry organizer? Pure genius. No more tangled necklaces or lost earring backs.
• A proper cord organizer because nothing is more frustrating then spending 20 minutes untangling your chargers only to realize you didn’t pack one.
• The Poppy & Peonies Commuter backpack is basically Mary Poppins’ bag for the modern businesswoman.
• Travel steamer. This is the one I have, but any will do. It doesn’t matter how magical your suitcase is, sh*t is gonna get wrinkled. The irons in the hotel rooms are dumb; all they do is leak water everywhere (and I realize this is probably user error, but whatever).

For survival mode (because, let’s face it, that’s what travel is these days):

• AirPods with that magical little adapter for plane TVs
• Powdered Alani sticks and Liquid IV (because airplane air is basically a desert)
• A Kindle Paperwhite because carrying actual books is for vacation when you are traveling with Bode and she needs you to carry 5 of the 20 she is bringing with her.
• That Lululemon vinyasa scarf that doubles as a blanket when the plane turns into an ice box

Pro tip: Keep a duplicate set of makeup and toiletries packed and ready to go. Yes, it’s an investment, but it beats that 3 AM panic of “Did I pack my face wash?”

As for hotel must-haves:

• No carpet. Just… no. We all know why. 🤢
• A functioning Nespresso machine (not that sad little drip coffee maker)
• Good in-room coffee with actual cream, not the powdered crap. Why is this so hard?
• An actual ergonomic chair because some of us still have to work
• High floor for safety (non-negotiable for women traveling solo)
• And for the love of god, give us some decent lotion. What’s with hotels skimping on this lately?

I’ll be back with part 2, where we dig into travel etiquette and call out the gate lice. Also, a big thank you to Mindy and Jen, who provided these tips and awesome products.