Yes, those are valid strategies. The fact remains however, that in many parts of the world there are no shopping options within even a day’s drive. Keeping your adventures within the developed world? Fine. There will still be times when a business meeting schedule (or media itinerary for those of us that make our living in this arena) will keep you too busy or located too far away for the shopping solution to be workable during a wardrobe crisis.

1. Wrinkle Resistance:

Because even the best rolling garment bags and shirt-wrapping boards leave even some wrinkles behind, and because I’m forced to combine business travel and adventure travel on practically every trip I take, the wrinkle resistance of every piece of travel clothing I pack is a huge issue for me. Typically, I’m not in any one place for long enough to iron and when I am, there’s a tight itinerary involved. I’m not saying I never pack anything that might need touching up with an iron, but I am saying that those pieces represent a minimal amount of my travel wardrobe.

2. Pockets:

Storage is a huge issue with every piece of travel gear, which is what I consider my travel clothing to be. With airlines beginning to charge even for carry-on bags, everything I’m able to store in a jacket or cargo pants pocket potentially saves me money on baggage fees.  I recently purchased a women’s travel trench coat made by a company called Scottevest which has 18 pockets (many of them hidden) for storing everything from my passport and sunglasses to my Kindle Fire and touch-screen phone. The company also makes a variety of other technology-enabled clothing for men and women who spend a great deal of time on the road, and those who have a need for discreet storage and use of electronic equipment.

3. Reversibility:

Baggage fees can represent a significant portion of any business trip budget, yet looking chic and sophisticated is a definite must when you make your living as a road warrior. One way to travel light and still have the wardrobe options you need is to consider incorporating a few pieces of reversible travel clothing into your trip wardrobe. For example, I purchased a reversible dress belt for my husband so he can have a black or brown option, depending on what he chooses to wear or if he has to replace a pair of pants on the road and only has the option for a different color than he packed.

Dressy, reversible tank tops can be casual, but also serve you well worn under a professional suit jacket. I’ve also seen the occasional dress and skirt options that would be workable for those who don’t necessarily need to look “corporate”, just professional. For fun, casual wardrobe updates, winter beanies can be purchased as reversible items, making a cold-weather getaway a little more hip.

4. Stain Resistance:

I rarely have time for an hour’s worth of stain drama on any trip, let alone one where I need to meet with potential clients and advertisers. That’s why dress clothes that have stain resistance built in to the fabric are one of the easiest ways to stay spiffy while traveling for work. It’s even more critical for white dress shirts or light-colored blouses. This is one of those things I’m willing to dish out extra for. And quite frankly, since it costs around 50 bucks for any high-quality dress shirt these days (assuming you don’t have time to wait for a sale), you might as well dish it out for a shirt that has wrinkle and stain resistance built in. Paying that much money for travel clothing that’s ruined the first time you spill a bit of wine on the front or accidentally drop your bag in a puddle in Cambodia just isn’t a smart financial investment.

5. Layering Ability:

Whether you plan on layering clothing to cut down on what you need to store in your luggage, want the wardrobe flexibility that comes with layered travel clothing as a way to combat temperature shifts or simply like the look, packing clothes that can be layered will preserve a multitude of fashion options for you as you do your best to function effectively on the fly. Basic leggings or biking shorts can be worn under tunics, skirts, dresses and even jeans if luggage space is tight. I prefer to wear colored camisoles of a jersey material under collared shirts that I button in the middle, but if you want to get a bit more extreme with your packing, you could layer several camisoles underneath buttoned shirts in coordinating colors with a jean jacket. You get the idea. You can pull this off to save luggage space while still looking good.

6. Flexibility:

Multipurpose functionality is critical to consider when shopping for your go-to travel clothing items. A great pashmina scarf for example, can serve as a dressy wrap, neck warmer or head covering when touring churches or mosques. Another favorite, flexible item I always take with me is a sarong. Good for a bathing suit cover-up, shower towel, picnic blanket and even a skirt, sarongs make great vacation gear. I even pack a more masculine-colored one for my husband to use at the beach and after showering. They take up lots less room than a full towel, and dry quickly. Another flexible clothing choice that is often overlooked is denim. While a burden to wear in hot, tropical climates, it certainly gets the job done in more moderate climes. It easily dresses up with a nice shirt, jacket and dressy footwear, but can be as casual as you need it to be for a day on the train. It also doesn’t wrinkle or show the dirt, and can go several wearings between laundry sessions. Gotta love that.

7. Packability:

If an item can be packed in a small amount of space, then you are definitely ahead of the game as far as travel clothing is concerned.  Wrinkle-free, jersey dresses and skirts are usually a safe bet, as are ExOfficio’s conversion pants. Thin, knit camisoles and light-weight dress socks also make our family’s short list when we’re on the road. Another item that’s recently made it on to our radar is the Scottevest pack windbreaker. It’s a unisex travel jacket with multiple hidden and exterior pockets, comes in a variety of colors and stores compactly into its own neat little package, making it one of the few lighter jackets that easy to bring along when you are forced to wear a bulkier business dress coat on the plane to save on baggage fees.

8. Color:

I like to have a fun scarf or bright top and crisp white shirt thrown into the mix as much as the next girl, but the truth is that weighting your travel clothing wardrobe more heavily with darker colors helps ensure less of the dirt will show while you’re on the road between laundry opportunities. Personally, I pack a great deal of black, but you can also include a dark denim piece, deep browns and even the occasional olive green and navy items. The point is to go easy on the lighter colored items and save them for those times when you have access to washing machine amenities.

9. Classics:

Leaning on classics for your travel clothing purchases is a smart move for several reasons. First, it enables you to select your basic clothing items and know that you’ll always be able to find replacement clothing for years to come. A v-neck cashmere sweater, lined black dress pants, an iconic pair of jeans. You get the idea. There’s no need to stress about shifting styles when you go with the classics, and if you have to replace an item in an out-of-the-way location, that wild local-print scarf will match with all of the basic black and brown dresses you have in your bag. I also feel a little better about dishing out for a classic clothing item in a good brand. Since it will be in style indefinitely, I might as well purchase something that will go the distance with regards to durability.

10. Knits:

What’s not to love about knits? They resist wrinkles, pack easily and can be worn out of the dryer for on-the-fly adventure. They also layer easily and can be stored in a smaller amount of space, especially when rolled with other similar wardrobe pieces. Active-wear tee shirts, one-piece dresses and the basic ankle-length black touring skirt are great choices to start with, but other items can go the distance as well. Men, for example, might want to include some dressier collared polo shirts or performance tees to pair with compression shorts for workout gear that doesn’t take valuable space away from electronic equipment.

11. Fabric Weight:

Generally speaking, the thinner the fabric, the less space you need in order to bring it along. For hiking socks, I pack the double-thick smart wool but limit myself to one pair. Otherwise, I use nylons or those thin, Merona socks from Target that come in knee-high, active and ballet slipper styles. I buy them in black and make them my go-to choice for non-sport socks on the road. They can easily be replaced without a great cost outlay, and allow me to travel light. Several of the other features I mentioned above also fit into this category. For example, layering tees are typically made of a thinner material, as are wrinkle-resistant knits and multi-purpose sarongs. If you simply must have something heavier, consider purchasing a sweater from a local artisan. Granted, this is much more affordable in the mountains of Ecuador than in downtown London, but considering baggage fees these days, you might be better off to do that and wear it home. At least you’ll have a wearable souvenir for your cash instead of a useless receipt.

12. Laundering Instructions:

While you may occasionally have access to dry cleaning services on the road, it’s better to pack items that mandate it as your only laundering option. I’ve been numerous places where even a washer and dryer weren’t available, making hand washing and the village laundry woman my only alternatives. The more forgiving the fabric, the better off you’ll be. Also, the longer you can go between launderings the better. This is much easier with jeans and dress pants than it is with tank tops and undergarments. In those cases, packing a drain stopper and a soft-bristled, hand-sized scrub brush with shampoo are your best bets. It’s one of the reasons I always travel with a compact adventure clothesline, even for business trips.

Clearly, when it comes to shopping for travel clothing, there’s much more to consider than with a basic at-home wardrobe. These 12 features are ones that I consider as I’m making purchases, particularly for pieces that cost a bit more. Do you have a favorite fabric, brand or multi-purpose garment you endorse for travelers? By all means, share in the comment section below.

*This article contains some affiliate links.

Make paperwork a priority.

Lost opportunities for reimbursement can derail a business trip taken in order to increase commission earnings. The costs you incur on behalf of your company are not insignificant by any means, so it’s important to file complete expense reports and set aside time each day to document receipts for meals, rental cars, tips and more. Consult your accountant on which unreimbursed items are allowable deductions by the IRS. International credit card use can also come with hidden costs. Be sure to check out this Trek Hound resource on using credit cards abroad.

Proper packing can help pinch pennies.

Even if you’re combining business with pleasure, packing light can help reduce baggage fees and necessary tips to those who help you carry luggage. For those who frequently participate in business trips for the purposes of conference and trade show travel, this is even more critical. Wheeled luggage makes walking a few blocks more feasible, reducing cab fees. Easily packed and efficiently stored booth paraphernalia means your display area costs less to move between locations.

Plan accordingly for down time.

Whether you have to deal with unexpected flight delays, or find yourself with multiple small blocks of time in which to conduct your other affairs, it pays to keep up with communications and small projects when your schedule allows. For business trip veterans, this means maximizing the use of tablet devices such as a Kindle Fire and getting groovy with any exceptional travel apps available for their smartphone. For exceptionally long international layovers, priority pass lounges offer an exceptional value for the business traveler. Their resting spaces, complimentary internet access and open bar make downtime a dream compared to sitting in the uncomfortable chairs near the main gate areas. Short layovers where gate waiting is a must are best utilized for quick email checks, document reviews and on-the-fly phone calls to colleagues.

Penny pinch your way to reduced overhead costs.

Not only is it possible to reduce travel accommodation costs, you can also save money on things like meals and transportation as well. For day trips across town, taking a Segway may save some scones and using hot water from your hotel room can result in a few simple meals that will shave significant dollars off food costs as well. Free hotel shuttles can eliminate cab costs depending on where you’re going, and leave you with only the burden of a small tip. Maximize your use of hotel business centers to save yourself a trip to the copy store. Free printing and faxing are worth their weight in gold, not to mention the fact that you won’t have to cab it to Kinko’s. Many hotels also have luxurious soft seating areas near fireplaces with complimentary tea and coffee bars. These make excellent places for low-level business meetings  and meet and greets.

Prepare for possible delays.

You never know when things like weather and stalled contract negotiations will extend your business trip. It’s best to prepare for the long haul by digitizing and uploading critical contact information, project notes and tech gear to be able to work remotely if you need to stay an extra day or two. As long as you have internet and phone access, you’ll be able to get things done. Provided you have access to the proper information, that is. It’s also critical to pack the proper grooming supplies. Image is everything so you want to be able to look your best on the road with minimal fuss and drama.

How do you keep costs under control on a business trip? Do you have a tried and true strategy or do you simply roll with the punches as they arise?

Photo Credit: BTO University

Footwear: If you want to look your best when traveling to moderate climates, plan to get by with two sets of footwear. One should be suitable for business, while the other stands ready for adventure activities. For me, this means a pair of high-heeled knee boots and sturdy hiking sandals. Every dressy outfit I pack works with the boots, while the hiking sandals function on trails, cobblestone streets and rocky beaches. If by chance I need something more pedicure-friendly, flip-flops are always available for a song at the nearest street-side stall.

Clothing: Since I’m usually not climbing Kilimanjaro, I can get by with one exercise top and a couple of thin dressy T-shirts suitable for dressing up a pair of jeans or wearing under a pantsuit. Aside from one heavy pair to deal with unexpected weather shifts, I keep it thin on the sock scene as well. Target has an affordable selection of quick-drying black dress socks by Merona that includes a variety of styles to suit your shoe preferences.

Storage: I’ve found that carrying a small, expandable clutch gives me access to everything I need for an evening out with clients or a day of shopping and exploration. It’s just slightly larger than a regular women’s wallet and moves easily between business totes, rolling duffels or whatever I happen to be using at the time. It also has a tabbed section for receipts, which helps me stay organized for things like expense reports and tax records. Many men prefer messenger bags when functioning on the road as a digital nomad. They’re more discreet than an expensive briefcase, and the extra space allows for the transport of files, gear and clothing.

Streamlining: Whether I’m combining business and adventure travel into a single excursion, or tackling back-to-back to back trips with different agendas, I’ve found success by maintaining similar routines and packing procedures for both. Certain categories of things such as tech cords, cosmetics and accessories always get packed in the same small pouches. Also, while varying climates and gear requirements have been known to get in the way, I try to use the same pieces of luggage for both types of trips whenever possible. This helps me handle unexpected travel stress related to logistical snags on autopilot, as opposed to digging around in an unfamiliar bag for critical items.

Photo Credit: o5com

This Canadian travel gear company has been making road warrior products for some time now, and all three of the hats I’m reviewing in this piece feature two of the features Tilley is known for: secret security pockets and discreet, tuck away ear warmers. While the secret pockets will be easy to find for those familiar with the product line, others will have to search for a bit. I know I did. And that’s a good thing. Any extra bit of security you have access to while traveling is an asset.

While the pockets won’t protect you against a good wind – that’s the job of the ear warmer flaps – they are a great place to tuck an extra 20 bucks in case you get caught somewhere unprepared. Speaking of the flaps, when you don’t need them, they tuck discreetly away inside the winter caps. When the wind picks up, pull them down for extra warmth.

The Cosmopolitan Hat

This is more an uptown city hat for the daily commuter or urban tourist on a road trip. There’s a slit in the back to allow to accommodation of a winter coat collar, and stylish leather hat band trim with ribbon-width bow in the back. This gives the cosmopolitan hat an extra touch of femininity without being over the top, in my opinion. There’s no hidden size adjuster in this one as far as I could tell, but the ear flaps and secret pocket are included as usual. With the way I travel, I would probably only use this hat on day trips, or vacations where I’m taking my own vehicle. Since it isn’t an easily packable piece as far as daypacks, briefcases and luggage go, you’ll need to make sure you’ll be wearing your hat for most of the day or have room in the back seat of your car for a small hat box. Still, it’s a stylish hat made of wool felt and has a classic style that will take you through the cold weather seasons year to year. Pair it with a cashmere sweater and fun scarf, or perhaps a trench coat.

The Pub Cap

As a travel writer and on-the-go media professional, I give this one props for being the most packable and portable. It easily tucks into a tote or section of my messenger bag to come out when I need it. The pub cap is new to the Tilley winter hat collection, and provides fashion support for a variety of looks, from Bohemian to classic Euro, and even a fun menswear look if that’s what you’re into. In addition to the ear warming flaps and secret pocket, the pub cap also has an easy size adjustment strap stitched to the inside. While it doesn’t show from outside at all, you can easily tweak the firmness of your fit to suit the inclusion of a headscarf, elaborate hair style, etc. I wore this cap to a media outing and paired it with a mid-hip tunic sweater, denim skirt and black leather knee boots. It looked great and packed easily into my gear tote when I needed the brim out of the way for shooting images.

The Tec-Wool Cap

I found this cap particularly interesting because the Tilley site has it listed as a unisex item and pictured on both male and female models. The tec-wool cap has an internal size adjustment tab just like the pub cap and would pair well with standard winter jackets as well as with the military-styled fashion items that seem to be all the rage these days. Wearing a simple tee shirt with cargo pants? You’re good to go. Trench shirt with military styling and waist band? Also a fun pairing.

There are several more hats in the Tilley line obviously, but these three offer classic style options along with flexibility and warmth. Any current Tilley fans out there? How have you enjoyed your gear purchases?

Photo Credits: Tilley

Editor’s Note: In order for me to thoroughly and properly review the products in question, the Tilley corporation forwarded samples of these three hats for my research. The opinions expressed here are my own, and were uninfluenced by the people of the Tilley company.

Let’s face it, ladies. When we’re backpacking for adventure, some of the first things to get cut when we’re trying to pack light are those little girly bits that make us feel like . . . well, girls. Fortunately, it is possible to glam things up affordably, even when traveling in the developing world.  Here are my five favorite ways to feel like a girl while spending months on the road living out of a pack.

Glitter lotion.

Available at dollar stores in both silver and gold, this stuff is just as much fun to wear out to dinner in Siem Reap, Cambodia as it is for New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day back home. It takes up minimal space in my luggage and is one of only two suggestions on this list that I actually pack ahead of time.

Local jewelry.

Packing the good stuff from home is nothing but an invitation to thieves in many parts of the world, particularly backpacking destinations.  However, these same destinations tend to have numerous market stalls brimming with inexpensive beaded trinkets. Pick up a pretty necklace, bracelet or set of earrings to enjoy. If they only last for a few days, then at least you’ve helped support the local economy and had the chance to get your girl groove on for a little while.

Hair accessories.

Personally, I’m a fan of decorative hair sticks. But if combs, barrettes or beaded ponytail holders are your thing, go for it. You can purchase hair accessories for pennies on the road, and they really help you feel like you have some way to change up your hair routine when you find yourself with access to a nice restaurant in the middle of nowhere.

Sandals.

I’m not talking about industrial strength adventure sandals here ladies. I’m talking about having some serious girl shoes to wear after days of tramping on roads covered in dust or mud. No, you’re not going to find designer footwear in the street stalls of Cairo or Bali, but you will find some cheap fun bundles of strappy goodness that some local person of limited means has worked very hard on.  Enjoy them while you’re there, and donate them to someone needy when you leave.

Nail care.

I always carry basic nail care tools to pull of basic manicures and pedicures on the road. That way, even if there’s no room for polish remover or my favorite nail enamel color, I can pull off neatly trimmed nails. Buffing in a bit of olive or coconut oil adds a touch of shine.

Girl glamour doesn’t have to cost a lot. By making small strategic purchases on location, and packing minimal supplies, it’s possible to feel feminine for less while saving money to put towards travel experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Photo Credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

On a recent trip to South America, we needed something that would allow my husband and I to implement cross-packing with ease.

With airline travel being as logistically challenging as it is today (and getting more so all the time), cross-packing is a strategy my husband and I like to use to reduce the risk of either of us being stranded without access to necessary items.  It’s not fool-proof, but it does help. The item we used on this trip was the double-sided packing cube by Eagle Creek.

By strategically using thin, quick dry items as our main wardrobe elements, we were able to get one-two days of outfits each in our smaller-sized cube. We got ours from L.L. Bean, but they are also available on Amazon.

My only concern with these is that if we had been doing the long term travel / living out of one bag gig again instead of a three-week trip based mainly in one location with a couple of two-day road trips worked in (how’s that for a mouthful?), we would have had to try something like stuffing the entire thing in a compression sack, which sort of seems like overkill.

I’m not saying the cube ended up being overly bulky, mind you. In fact, it was more than reasonable size-wise for your average small suitcase on a weekend getaway or business trip. It just seems like we’d be including an extra unnecessary item by using both the cube and a compression sack. Perhaps this means the cube is better suited to short-term adventure travel, weekend getaways and business travel.

What think you, Trek Hound readers? Have any of you used the double-sided packing cube before? Do you see it as suited to a particular type of travel more than others?

Photo Credit: Amazon.com