Checklist, strategic packing pare luggage to carry-on only
Q. I have two late summer business trips coming up, one with three stops (including a meeting at a resort location), and I am trying to only have carry-ons. That will save me at least $100, and with current rates perhaps $200. So my question is what clothing can I repeat, maybe in different combinations?
A. I don’t know anyone, especially not any man, who likes to pack and carry a lot of clothes for a trip. Somewhere between the extremes of packing too much and too little is the right formula for travel. And having everything with you in carry-ons has an advantage beyond saving the checked-in fee. It’s nice to know that all your necessities will arrive there with you. A “checked” suitcase could wind up in Tulsa, but your hand is firmly on your carry-on bag as you deplane in Houston.
In the past when a man traveled for business, he needed to pack a couple of suits. This is no longer the case, and certainly not in the summer. If you were to wear a fine, wellcut blazer on the plane with a pair of dress pants, pack one suit, three shirts, four ties, khakis, shorts, a swimsuit and a few knit polos, you would be covered for most situations. Even if you won’t need a suit at all, at least put in one extra shirt, an extra tie or two and a spare polo shirt. They take almost no room and increase your options significantly.
It is true that since the trips are to different locations where you will be with different people, you can wear the same items a couple of times. But, do not go too bare-bones. If one of your shirts loses a button and one of your ties gets spotted, why be down to a perilous minimum?
Your blazer will be your most often repeated item. You can dress it up with a white shirt and a couple of blue shirts and ties. Open-at-the-neck shirts (stripes or gingham checks) look good with it as well. For a sportier step down, patterned sport shirts can pair with your blazer and either dress trousers or casual pants. Nice polos also work (with or without the blazer) when you’re wearing khakis.
When it comes to summer travel, it is most likely that you will not need a suit. That frees up space in your bag for another sport shirt and shoes (that one category that always takes up room and adds weight). You should wear on the plane or pack a pair of shoes that look presentable and professional enough for your dressiest meeting. Add a pair of less formal shoes, perhaps the new hybrid casual/ business shoes with leather uppers and rubber or composition soles. Take along a pair of cotton slippers/scuffs in case the hotel doesn’t provide them.
As to how to pack shoes: The best plan is to stuff them with socks or underwear, not only to save space but also to help keep their shape (in a bag if the shoes are a bit aromatic). Then put them into a cloth shoe bag. Also pack a plastic bag so that, if the shoes get wet or muddy, you can protect your other garments.
Since many men think of summer travel wear as super casual, a few other items can be included, such as exercise wear, a cap and flip-flops for poolside. But first, be sure your clothes show you understand that you are traveling for business and should look professional.
I know this may sound excessive to guys who are fly-bythe-seat-of-your-pants types, but a very calming procedure is to do a dry run of packing several days ahead to be sure that everything fits in your bag. Make room for your zipup toiletry kit. I always slip mine into a zip-locked plastic bag. Finally, call the airline to be sure you are using the appropriate size carry-on.
I hope your travel schedule allows for some chilling and relaxing time.