Hi Frugalistas! I’m spending my Easter break getting ready for my trip to Europe. Like many of my trips, I need to combine some business and leisure. This means I need a packing list for business and leisure. But, of course, I still only want to take my usual one carry on bag. Planning a business and leisure packing list is not that hard. As with all my packing lists, it just takes some planning, a clear idea of what I am doing, and the weather.
My favorite little black jacket that goes with everything
Principles of a business and leisure packing list
The first thing I think about with any packing list is where I am going and the time of year. This trip is obviously spring, and I’ll be spending most of my time on the relaxed (but still trendy) Italian Riviera for leisure, and then travelling to London for leisure and some work.
The second thing I’m thinking about are the activities I’ll be doing – particularly those where I may need to be particularly dressed up or down. On this trip, I have a number of dressy leisure functions planned (which are little secrets for you, dear readers – all in good time). Because I don’t hike or do anything more athletic than walk around a market, dressing down is not such an issue.
If you are going somewhere fancy, even as a leisure activity, you still need to make an effort with your wardrobe
Thirdly, I think about my itinerary. In particular, what percentage of my time is business/more dressy, and what percentage is pure leisure. Regular readers may recall this strategy on my post about packing for two seasons.
On this trip I’m spending about 4 days on work, or more dressy activities. The other 10 days of the trip are either travelling or leisure related. So I need to make sure I have about one third of my clothes suitable for work or more dressy leisure activities, and the other two thirds suitable for leisure activity.
When I’m travelling business or first class, I do dress a little more formally, but for economy short haul or the train, it’s definitely more casual for me
Finally, my other key principle when planning a business and leisure packing list is to maximise the number of number of multi-tasking pieces I carry. Classic black pants can easily be dressed up with a smart jacket for business, or dressed down with a casual shirt or tee for a more casual day. I choose skirts that do the same. My trench coat goes everywhere. Smart scarves or a pretty necklace dress up a more casual outfit. I leave my sneakers at home.
My business and leisure packing list
As I recommended to you in my recent post on planning a packing list, I am starting with my shoes. My trusty ankle boots are coming, of course. They are patent leather, so are still appropriate under smarter pants. I’ve retired my ballet flats that have served me well for a number years, and have upgraded to a pair of loafers. They are more fashionable at present, and mine have a small inbuilt wedge sole to give my feet a little more support. They also have gold tassels that automatically dress them up and take them to another level. These ones aren’t exactly the same as mine, but they will do the job just as well:
Then I’m thinking about pants. I’m taking three pairs of pants. One pair of classic black pants that I will wear for both work and leisure. I’ve chosen a pair that go with both my boots and loafers for maximum flexibility. Then more casual pants for traveling days and leisure (although I can throw a jacket over either pair and be ready to go out for dinner if I need to).
I don’t always pack blouses, as I tend to prefer long sleeved tees when I travel. But I do think for a business trip they are handy. I also think one might do the trick for some of my special leisure activities as well. Of course, the one I choose will pack easily and not need much ironing. It will also go perfectly under my jacket and other layering tops. I love the idea of this polka dot one in an easy pack chiffon:
Then of course, I am packing my long sleeved tees to pop under cardigans and sweaters, or wear alone on warmer spring days.
A selection of light cashmere cardigans and sweaters will complete my leisure and travel wardrobe (three I’m thinking).
A selection of my tops.
Then to complete my business wardrobe, I’ll be packing one plain classic black skirt, and a jacket that can be worn with my blouse and a range of my long sleeved tees.
Then to complete my main wardrobe, I’m packing a couple of more casual scarves, and then one slightly dressier one to mix my outfits up and keep out chills on cooler days and when travelling.
A trench coat completes my look regardless of what I’m doing.
Toiletries
When you are travelling for business, of course, you need to look your best. After all you are representing your professional self, as well as your employer. That means make up, befitting of the nature of your business. I like tinted moisturiser sunscreen rather than a true foundation – it does triple duty when I’m travelling. My favorite is Laura Mercier, but of course, cheaper brands are available if that is outside your budget. In addition to blusher, eye shadow and mascara, this is also the time I break out the fragrance samples that I collect during the year. I also pack travelling make up remover pads – they are much smaller, and do not need to be packed as a liquid.
The principles for creating a packing list for business and leisure that will fit in one carry on bag are not difficult. Think about what you are doing, think multitasking pieces, and as always, make sure that everything you pack will match with everything else in your bag. Then you can’t go wrong.
Extras to pack for business travel
Because you will undoubtably have multiple electronic devices you need to make sure you have the right gear. Adaptor plugs for your destination are a given. If you travel to multiple countries you can find kits of adaptors for multiple countries:
If you have lots of devices you need to charge simultaneously, a multi adaptor may work best for you:
An old fashioned powerboard can also work well, and means you only need one adaptor plug:
To make sure you are never without wifi on the go (and avoid the risk of being hacked on public wifi), I recommend a portable wifi such as a Solis. Accommodating up to 10 devices you will safe and never without wifi. You can find out about Solis here (and use my code ROAMFRUGAL for your 10% discount)
More from my site
One bag travel: the 5 things I never pack – and things to pack instead
How to plan a packing list for one bag travel
One bag travel: packing list for summer in Europe
A 2 climate packing list for one bag travel
Paris packing list: a one bag packing list for Paris
One bag travel: a travel blogger packing list
These are the nice info which will make your tour more enjoyable and it’s true when you will have less luggage with you then you can enjoy more on your trips.
From my opinion everyone who are love travelling then these tips will work great for them.
Your information is very useful. thank you very much
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it.
Thanks very much for your feedback
I enjoy your posts, as I’m interested in travelling light while looking good. In terms of toiletries, I’ve recently found something I’ve been trying out at home in preparation for a five week trip at the end of June. It’s a microfibre makeup remover pad. It works with a bit of water, used like a washer and then rinsed out. My only problem is the size is larger than I need so I cut it in half and put more bias around the top, adding a loop for hanging. So now I have one at home and one in my travel bag.
Fantastic advice Jennifer – I haven’t seen these before. I love how you’ve cut it in half and added a hanger – perfect for hotel bathrooms.