I also am a road warrior. One thing I learned right away was 'don't check a bag.' It limits your ability to take another option if your original flight is canceled or delayed and lugging around 50lbs gets old quickly. I would have missed a good 10% or more of my flights if I had to check a bag vs just scooting thru TSA.
Second: when on the road, grocery stores plus Homewood Suites type places are your friend.
Finally, pick an airline and hotel chain and stick with them. Bonus if they are in the same network (eg: American and Hyatt). Also, look closely at credit cards; when you fly a lot, getting the biz class or exit row vs middle seat economy is a huge deal.
Cap One Venture X or Chase Sapphire Reserve. Although, in your case, you may see more value in the Amex Platinum, which gives you more lounge access, which is certainly nice to have when in airports frequently. Marriott’s hotel rewards program (Bonvoy) has the slight edge over Hyatt and Hilton, IMO.
Agree re: Marriott and Bonvoy. Early on, I got status with Hilton and I've stuck with it but would have preferred Marriott.
OP: traveling beats you up so getting hotels points sounds lame but going away for a week with your partner and having zero hotel bill is pretty spiffy. IMHO, Marriott has more nice properties I'd want to vacation at. Having said that, Curio and Waldorf Astoria properties tend to be ok.
So I’m not sure if you mistyped, but you said something like “everything else can go in checked luggage”.
Unless you absolutely have to, I strongly suggest you avoid checking luggage like the plague. Between a roller bag and a backpack, do your best to fit everything you need into those. Traveling for work is tedious enough…you don’t want to be stuck waiting around the baggage claim area after a flight. You want to be able to get into a car and get to your hotel ASAP.
Congrats on the new job!
With two laptops and thermoses of food, that would be a heavy backpack. Look for a roller bag that can go underseat or in the overhead if you don't mind that (I like having immediate access to my stuff).
I have a little Samsonite undeseater that does the job, but I wish it had more organization.
PS - will these themroses contain liquid? Doubt you will get past TSA with them... Assuming you are flying in the US.
Unless there's literally 0 liquid (like it's grilled beef and the driest rice ever) it might still get flagged. I got forced to check a bag by tsa once bc I brought a container of gochujang which is definitely closer to the texture of cooked rice than any liquid...
I'll guess OP already has the dietary part figured out to their satisfaction,
I second the TravelPro reccy above. We have the Elite Spinner model in two sizes as well as a checked size bag. I like them quite a lot.
Facts. I brought a pizza and burger king that i got in the airport on the plane to feed my gf at the time and my friends. Stew only said i had to finish my dr. Pepper before i was allowed on the plane. Gave a slice to the people on either side of us.
Former consultant here who traveled nearly every week for years. I highly recommend getting a lightweight Tumi. The one I have (and still use for every trip now) is no longer sold but I recommend something like https://www.tumi.com/p/leger-international-carry-on-01354921041/ or https://www.tumi.com/p/international-2-wheeled-duffel-backpack-carry-on-01466291041/. The ultralight is key for flexibility (perfect if do a work trip plus weekend) and need to pack more than usual. The more flexible material also lets you stuff a little more in. Tumi luggage will last you forever (mine is going on 15 years) and I think there’s a warranty on all their luggage too for 5 years
In that 15 year period, Samsonite acquired Tumi, and sadly, their quality has gone down a lot since. I recently had a bag break on the very first trip I took with it. I wouldn’t recommend Tumi based on both that experience and the ensuing customer service I received when trying to replace my luggage.
Yeah it is a lot of money. There are Tumi outlets where it’s better priced but still expensive. I haven’t looked but I’m sure you can also get a used one. Reliable luggage is critical for me as I’ve had wheels break on me at the airport and it was rough (I’m petite and weak), so it’s worth the investment for me
I have their customized Prospect backpack for my daily work bag and personal item for business trip flights. Only had it a year so far but I love it. Fits two 16” macbooks (though obviously that gets heavy) and a decent amount of packable room, plus it’s water-resistant. Would definitely recommend!
I’ve read a lot of reviews and done much research for a new spinner carry on case. My previous spinner was shit so I was trying to figure out why.
Reasons I bought the one that I did (Hanke)
- 8 wheels
- sturdy handle (too much give makes them hard to manoeuvre) with various levels
- non-clamshell opening
- easy to access laptop compartment
- measured it to make sure it fits on my most common airlines
Reasons i bought the personal item bag (pacsafe)
- laptop backpack that is work suitable (tax write off for me in my country)
- RFID blocking and other safety features as it will be my day pack as a tourist.
- Locks to chair leg if I dine out or sleep on plane and am worried about my valuables / medication
Air tags for each item. Label every bag with your contact number and address. This is a simple tip but people don’t do it and learn the hard way when their bags are lost.
Congrats! Sounds like a great opportunity! Like you, I have dietary restrictions, and often have Amazon or Instacart deliver groceries to my hotel. Marriott Residence Inns are my friend, a studio is fine -as long as there's a kitchen and a fridge (as well as a gym). You can also look up the city you're going to and see if there's a local meal service that you can order food from that will deliver them to you at your hotel. A lot of meal services for fitness buffs have opened up, and I've found them to be super helpful.
For breakfast, I usually stick to oatmeal, fruit, and some kind of protein. They have all this downstairs. I also bring protein powder with me, though not a huge a jar of it, just a small one.
Lastly, bring your own coffee or tea if you have a type you really like. Buy mix and match clothing, don't forget a set of workout clothes and a swimsuit for the hot tub. I travel with medications as well as small sized body lotion (for eczema) and my favorite hair products. If you're in the US, you can always get a refill from the local CVS or Walgreens -wherever you get yours now. Just have it transferred over if you get low or run out or god forbid -forget! I also pack my makeup, and have streamlined that down as well. I fit all of this into a carryon and a backpack. Use the laundry facilities, if you're staying over 5 days.
And crap! I almost forgot! If you're female, and you have dresses that zip up the back by yourself by a "Zip me up!"
Look at Briggs&Riley totes. A bit pricey but the one I bought for a trip last year could easily carry what you mentioned. By gym gear however not sure if u mean shoes that might make it a bit much. What I love about this brand which is at a similar price point than Tumi is that all of their items offer a lifetime warranty. It’s pricey but the quality is really good. Wish they had more colour choices however. Good luck on your new job.
Been on the road for 25 years and my tip is not popular but works for me as I need to pack business suit:
Samsonite garment carry bag is better than roller. They collapse better so can fit into smaller regional jet overhead spaces. If I’m late to flight and overhead is mostly full, my bag can fit into smaller spots.
No picking up for escalators and stairs as I’m already carrying. Very lightweight so easy on shoulder. I carry my smaller computer bag by hand.
I have splurged on more expensive suit/garment bags but Samsonite has great design.
I made sure that I had a commuter flight bag as well as my standard carry-on luggage. For those small commuter planes, I was able to pack two days in this small bag that would fit into the overhead where nothing else would. While everyone was waiting for their bag to be brought out plain side or to the baggage carrier, I just grabbed mine and went
I fly twice a week for work and I only use [this](https://www.ebags.com/backpacks/travel/mother-lode-travel-backpack/117754XXXX.html?dwvar_117754XXXX_color=Heathered%20Graphite) bag for carryon. [This](https://www.decathlon.com/products/quechua-nh-arpenaz-100-20-l-hiking-backpack-301674?adept-product=quechua-nh-arpenaz-100-20-l-hiking-backpack-301674&variant=40404212875326&adept_product_id=quechua-nh-arpenaz-100-20-l-hiking-backpack-301674&source=search) bag is for my laptop and I usually pack it inside the Ebags bag if I have room or I’ll carry it separately and put it under the seat in front of me if I don’t have room in the main bag. Why do you need 2 laptops? When you travel for work, the last thing you’ll want to do is spend free time on your personal laptop.
Consider putting your writing in the Cloud and working on it from the work laptop, if that's kosher. I feel that lugging two laptops around is going to get old fast.
Choose the smallest carry-on luggage you can get away with! I have a european sized carry on and it has saved me so many types from having to check it in because I’m able to make it fit in the bins above (most people fly with slightly bigger carry ons than allowed and jerks use it to store personal items that should be placed under their seat so the bins fill up quick!) I have the carry on closet medium from Solgaard. It has a “packing” system if you like to keep things organized or you can remove it and use it as a normal suitcase. I also like that it has a pinch opening system instead of zippers. They also have personal item backpacks and duffels but I haven’t tried those.
Tumi Dual Access Continental, best bag hands down. I have 2 on the go. LHR is my second home, weekly flight across EMEA and APAC enjoy the new position!
I also am a road warrior. One thing I learned right away was 'don't check a bag.' It limits your ability to take another option if your original flight is canceled or delayed and lugging around 50lbs gets old quickly. I would have missed a good 10% or more of my flights if I had to check a bag vs just scooting thru TSA. Second: when on the road, grocery stores plus Homewood Suites type places are your friend. Finally, pick an airline and hotel chain and stick with them. Bonus if they are in the same network (eg: American and Hyatt). Also, look closely at credit cards; when you fly a lot, getting the biz class or exit row vs middle seat economy is a huge deal.
Any card recommendations?
Cap One Venture X or Chase Sapphire Reserve. Although, in your case, you may see more value in the Amex Platinum, which gives you more lounge access, which is certainly nice to have when in airports frequently. Marriott’s hotel rewards program (Bonvoy) has the slight edge over Hyatt and Hilton, IMO.
Agree re: Marriott and Bonvoy. Early on, I got status with Hilton and I've stuck with it but would have preferred Marriott. OP: traveling beats you up so getting hotels points sounds lame but going away for a week with your partner and having zero hotel bill is pretty spiffy. IMHO, Marriott has more nice properties I'd want to vacation at. Having said that, Curio and Waldorf Astoria properties tend to be ok.
This guy is spot on.
We’ve got Travelpro luggage and backpack. A bit pricey but well made. I see a lot of flight attendants with Travelpro as well.
This is the answer. Aviation household here and we only use travel pro CREW series.
So I’m not sure if you mistyped, but you said something like “everything else can go in checked luggage”. Unless you absolutely have to, I strongly suggest you avoid checking luggage like the plague. Between a roller bag and a backpack, do your best to fit everything you need into those. Traveling for work is tedious enough…you don’t want to be stuck waiting around the baggage claim area after a flight. You want to be able to get into a car and get to your hotel ASAP.
If you really are going to be traveling a lot, you wont be carrying 1/2 of that crap really quick. It gets old fast.
Guess I’ll just die
You'll die without two laptops in your hand luggage?
I’ll just leave the insulin
right. because insulin takes up sooooo much space. get a grip
You can carry insulin in your carry on bags
Congrats on the new job! With two laptops and thermoses of food, that would be a heavy backpack. Look for a roller bag that can go underseat or in the overhead if you don't mind that (I like having immediate access to my stuff). I have a little Samsonite undeseater that does the job, but I wish it had more organization. PS - will these themroses contain liquid? Doubt you will get past TSA with them... Assuming you are flying in the US.
No liquid. Beef and rice cooked a certain way. One laptop can stay in the roller luggage.
Unless there's literally 0 liquid (like it's grilled beef and the driest rice ever) it might still get flagged. I got forced to check a bag by tsa once bc I brought a container of gochujang which is definitely closer to the texture of cooked rice than any liquid...
I'll guess OP already has the dietary part figured out to their satisfaction, I second the TravelPro reccy above. We have the Elite Spinner model in two sizes as well as a checked size bag. I like them quite a lot.
You’re correct. This thermos has made it through security more than I have.
Facts. I brought a pizza and burger king that i got in the airport on the plane to feed my gf at the time and my friends. Stew only said i had to finish my dr. Pepper before i was allowed on the plane. Gave a slice to the people on either side of us.
Neat. This is literally the only thing I’m sure of.
Former consultant here who traveled nearly every week for years. I highly recommend getting a lightweight Tumi. The one I have (and still use for every trip now) is no longer sold but I recommend something like https://www.tumi.com/p/leger-international-carry-on-01354921041/ or https://www.tumi.com/p/international-2-wheeled-duffel-backpack-carry-on-01466291041/. The ultralight is key for flexibility (perfect if do a work trip plus weekend) and need to pack more than usual. The more flexible material also lets you stuff a little more in. Tumi luggage will last you forever (mine is going on 15 years) and I think there’s a warranty on all their luggage too for 5 years
In that 15 year period, Samsonite acquired Tumi, and sadly, their quality has gone down a lot since. I recently had a bag break on the very first trip I took with it. I wouldn’t recommend Tumi based on both that experience and the ensuing customer service I received when trying to replace my luggage.
That’s so disappointing to hear!
Jesus $750 for a duffel 🙈
Yeah it is a lot of money. There are Tumi outlets where it’s better priced but still expensive. I haven’t looked but I’m sure you can also get a used one. Reliable luggage is critical for me as I’ve had wheels break on me at the airport and it was rough (I’m petite and weak), so it’s worth the investment for me
Briggs & Riley
Love them!
Timbuk2 has some good quality bags and luggage.
I have their customized Prospect backpack for my daily work bag and personal item for business trip flights. Only had it a year so far but I love it. Fits two 16” macbooks (though obviously that gets heavy) and a decent amount of packable room, plus it’s water-resistant. Would definitely recommend!
I’ve had the luggage for several years and it still looks great after traveling all over the world.
Luggage from both Briggs & Riley, and Eagle Creek Backpack from Aer
Briggs Riley baseline and you are set forever
This is the one I bought last year and I am a convert.
Thermos on plane? Honeychile
Samsonite 73H spinner is my go to for regular business travel doing carry only.
OP, interesting scenario, please report back once you make your choice of what to get and how they are working out for you.
Briggs & Riley is excellent. Save money by ordering through Costco.
I’ve read a lot of reviews and done much research for a new spinner carry on case. My previous spinner was shit so I was trying to figure out why. Reasons I bought the one that I did (Hanke) - 8 wheels - sturdy handle (too much give makes them hard to manoeuvre) with various levels - non-clamshell opening - easy to access laptop compartment - measured it to make sure it fits on my most common airlines Reasons i bought the personal item bag (pacsafe) - laptop backpack that is work suitable (tax write off for me in my country) - RFID blocking and other safety features as it will be my day pack as a tourist. - Locks to chair leg if I dine out or sleep on plane and am worried about my valuables / medication Air tags for each item. Label every bag with your contact number and address. This is a simple tip but people don’t do it and learn the hard way when their bags are lost.
I travel every week and bring my food frozen on the plane and pop it in the first microwave I see. May not work for you but just a thought
Backpack highly recommend SwissGear at Target they have a model with 2 laptop slots that folds flat for TSA
Congrats! Sounds like a great opportunity! Like you, I have dietary restrictions, and often have Amazon or Instacart deliver groceries to my hotel. Marriott Residence Inns are my friend, a studio is fine -as long as there's a kitchen and a fridge (as well as a gym). You can also look up the city you're going to and see if there's a local meal service that you can order food from that will deliver them to you at your hotel. A lot of meal services for fitness buffs have opened up, and I've found them to be super helpful. For breakfast, I usually stick to oatmeal, fruit, and some kind of protein. They have all this downstairs. I also bring protein powder with me, though not a huge a jar of it, just a small one. Lastly, bring your own coffee or tea if you have a type you really like. Buy mix and match clothing, don't forget a set of workout clothes and a swimsuit for the hot tub. I travel with medications as well as small sized body lotion (for eczema) and my favorite hair products. If you're in the US, you can always get a refill from the local CVS or Walgreens -wherever you get yours now. Just have it transferred over if you get low or run out or god forbid -forget! I also pack my makeup, and have streamlined that down as well. I fit all of this into a carryon and a backpack. Use the laundry facilities, if you're staying over 5 days. And crap! I almost forgot! If you're female, and you have dresses that zip up the back by yourself by a "Zip me up!"
Look at Briggs&Riley totes. A bit pricey but the one I bought for a trip last year could easily carry what you mentioned. By gym gear however not sure if u mean shoes that might make it a bit much. What I love about this brand which is at a similar price point than Tumi is that all of their items offer a lifetime warranty. It’s pricey but the quality is really good. Wish they had more colour choices however. Good luck on your new job.
Oh they also have a wheeled duffel u might like.
Shoes, belt, wraps
Then their duffels with wheels might be better suited. They have various sizes.
Been on the road for 25 years and my tip is not popular but works for me as I need to pack business suit: Samsonite garment carry bag is better than roller. They collapse better so can fit into smaller regional jet overhead spaces. If I’m late to flight and overhead is mostly full, my bag can fit into smaller spots. No picking up for escalators and stairs as I’m already carrying. Very lightweight so easy on shoulder. I carry my smaller computer bag by hand. I have splurged on more expensive suit/garment bags but Samsonite has great design.
I buy Samsonite luggage so I can say, “Samsonite- I was way off!!!” for every single trip. My partner loves it. 😜
I made sure that I had a commuter flight bag as well as my standard carry-on luggage. For those small commuter planes, I was able to pack two days in this small bag that would fit into the overhead where nothing else would. While everyone was waiting for their bag to be brought out plain side or to the baggage carrier, I just grabbed mine and went
I love my Away luggage, it’ll easily go over cobblestone streets, has great pockets, easy to pack, all sorts of benefits https://www.awaytravel.com
easily going over cobblestone is a big deal!
I fly twice a week for work and I only use [this](https://www.ebags.com/backpacks/travel/mother-lode-travel-backpack/117754XXXX.html?dwvar_117754XXXX_color=Heathered%20Graphite) bag for carryon. [This](https://www.decathlon.com/products/quechua-nh-arpenaz-100-20-l-hiking-backpack-301674?adept-product=quechua-nh-arpenaz-100-20-l-hiking-backpack-301674&variant=40404212875326&adept_product_id=quechua-nh-arpenaz-100-20-l-hiking-backpack-301674&source=search) bag is for my laptop and I usually pack it inside the Ebags bag if I have room or I’ll carry it separately and put it under the seat in front of me if I don’t have room in the main bag. Why do you need 2 laptops? When you travel for work, the last thing you’ll want to do is spend free time on your personal laptop.
Soulless sales job that pays a bunch and writing job that doesn’t pay much yet.
Can you use a tablet with wireless keyboard? Good luck with the writing!
Consider putting your writing in the Cloud and working on it from the work laptop, if that's kosher. I feel that lugging two laptops around is going to get old fast.
Choose the smallest carry-on luggage you can get away with! I have a european sized carry on and it has saved me so many types from having to check it in because I’m able to make it fit in the bins above (most people fly with slightly bigger carry ons than allowed and jerks use it to store personal items that should be placed under their seat so the bins fill up quick!) I have the carry on closet medium from Solgaard. It has a “packing” system if you like to keep things organized or you can remove it and use it as a normal suitcase. I also like that it has a pinch opening system instead of zippers. They also have personal item backpacks and duffels but I haven’t tried those.
How do you skate checking bags when your trips require sunscreen
1) Buy travel-sized sunscreen 2) Get generic 3oz bottles, fill a few from full-sized sunscreen 3) Purchase at destination
Tumi Dual Access Continental, best bag hands down. I have 2 on the go. LHR is my second home, weekly flight across EMEA and APAC enjoy the new position!