Courtesy of The Curvy Coach
Summer time is always fun when we’re traveling for leisure but for business it can be a little nerve-racking. You want to be prepared and put your best foot forward for your meetings, but at the end of the day you still want to squeeze in a few hours to enjoy the city. Here’s how to make the most of your business travel.
Wrap Dresses & Pumps.
Wrap dresses are universally flattering for women of all shapes and sizes and can be worn to any business meeting and for a fun day out on the town. Choose one that doesn’t require ironing for easy traveling; check out Kiyonna for a great selection of dresses of quality wrap dresses. Pumps are also quite classic and can be worn all year round. Don’t risk it by wearing open-toed shoes as tempting as it may be in this weather, a nude pump from Chinese Laundry will go a long way this summer. Use Coupon Code: CLFREE323 for free shipping!
Check out the city beforehand and suggest an activity to do with your colleagues.
This helps to break the ice a little and gives you an opportunity to enjoy what the city has to offer. It’s been said a lot of business happens on breaks such as over lunch, dinner, or group activities like golfing. Use this nugget to your advantage.
A Backpack.
I know, I know, they’re not the most chic things to carry but traveling with all of those gadgets and essential items your shoulders and back will thank you. Get a cute one that can be converted to a handbag and you’ll be good to go. Check out this selection of laptop backpacks from Career Bags.
Mini-bag.
Ok, this is the bag you use to store the items you need while seated on the plane. It should fit comfortably in the pocket in front of you. For most of us curvy girls, we hate having to squeeze our butts as we get up out of our seats to get something form the overhead so this little bag will be within arm’s reach. Keep your headphones, boarding pass, passport, makeup, mint/gum, hand sanitizer, toiletries, snacks, and cell phone in there.
BYOB.
Bring your own blanket and pillow too. Ok, let’s just face it, using blankets and pillows from airlines can be downright gross. You have no idea if they’ve been washed and what the person before you did with them. Quite frankly many airlines have already stopped offering them. You want your trip to be as comfy as possible and sneak in a few zzzzs so you can be refreshed, therefore bring your own. A blow-up travel pillow is easier for portability.
Electronics.
Most of us are glued to our cell phones so no need for a reminder there right? Just don’t forget the chargers for your laptop, iPad, toothbrush, and smartphone. If you love to read then don’t forget to pack your Kindle as well.
Paperwork.
Sometimes electronics go wonky or you may not have access to a printer when you need so bring soft copies of your presentations/business documents, store your documents on your thumb drive as well or just save it on your computer so you don’t need internet to get what you need.
Follow-up process.
Make sure throughout your meetings/networking events you not only collect business cards but make tiny little notes about the person and where you met them. Make a new appointment in your calendar for when you get back to follow-up with them. Consider adding them to your LinkedIn network or Twitter list. Once that is done, set another appointment to reach out again in a couple of months. They say your network = net worth so maintain your contacts.
Happy Travels!
The Curvy Coach -- Daily Venus Diva.
Some great tips Stephanie. I absolutely agree that the mini-bag is an essential while traveling. You can also use it as a mini-purse while out and about in place of the not always attractive back-pack. Another one of my must-haves is water. I always bring at least one bottle or even two on the really long trips. If you’re not lucky enough to be in business or first class you may not have many opportunities to stay hydrated. Thanks for sharing your ideas.