Asking For a Friend | Chapter 78
Advice from Babe to Babe
Leavin’ on a jet plane sometime soon? Every day, at least 1.3 million of us hop on a plane for a business trip somewhere away from home. That travel brings with it a whole suitcase full of problems—tiny toiletries that run out in a few days; clothes that get wrinkled (and have to be unwrinkled before the big meeting); dehydrated, thirsty skin crying out for water in the recirculated plane air.
This week, a few of our frequent-flyer gurus weigh in and advise a travel newbie on the best way to get up to speed—in the air.
If the flight is less than three hours, I typically will fly ready to go to work. If the flight is longer than three hours, I travel in comfy clothes and keep my work clothes nicely folded at the top of my carry-on to change into. This keeps my work clothes from getting too wrinkly. I will typically blow dry my hair the night before so I can quickly run a comb through it to make it look presentable, and do my makeup in the airport bathroom. For your travel kit, I would recommend the basics: toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, a comb, some foundation/concealer/mascara (if that's your thing) and you're good to go!
Constant air travel can seem overwhelming, but if it’s going to become your new normal, it’s important to make it just another part of your routine—and that means perfecting your trusty travel kit. Must-haves for me include moisturizer (or a moisturizing face mask) to combat the dryness from the flight, makeup wipes to practically bathe in afterward (and to wipe down your airplane TV screen or arm rests beforehand if you’re into that sort of thing), dry shampoo for quick post-flight hair touch-ups and a go-to lipstick or gloss that makes you feel sassy and confident, even if you’re beyond exhausted. Also, don’t be afraid to dress cozy on the flight if you can pack a change of clothes in your carry-on to swap out. A tip? Bring your favorite work-appropriate scarf as a blanket for the flight and then style it with your work attire, too.
Traveling for work can be super intimidating, especially the pressure to be pulled together on the go. Make sure to fill your suitcase with staples you feel comfortable in, from comfortable shoes to fabrics that are wrinkle-free. I always have a go-bag with me when I travel—one that stays in my purse from my apartment, throughout the flight and the entire trip. It includes a toothbrush, dental floss, gum, a Tide to Go pen, safety pin, mini hand cream, a travel charger, Advil, and Tums, because you never know what you might need! Plus, don’t forget your refillable water bottle—not only is it good for the environment, but staying hydrated can help you avoid jet lag.
Dry shampoo is life. In addition to that miracle, I would have a small kit with a brush, a few bobby pins, a lint roller, a few safety pins, and whatever make up you consider essential for touch-up. It's important to me to be comfortable when I travel, so finding professional clothes that are also very comfy was important to me when I started traveling for work. I recently tried the Spanx Perfect Black Pant, and I am now obsessed. They are kinda spendy, but they are as comfortable as leggings while looking polished. I think they're worth the investment.
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Until Next Week,
—The BWH Advice Gurus
Asking for a Friend is Babes Who Hustle's weekly advice column that asks and answers the work-related questions on all of our minds.
Looking for advice and guidance? Hit us with all of your workplace-related questions below and stay tuned for next Wednesday's edition!
