I consider myself lucky working for a tech company that has offices all over the world and having to travel to different cities for work. Somehow, I've managed to squeeze in a bit of leisure time between all those client meetings and conferences and quench my thirst for adventure. But I have to admit that frequent business travels can be sometimes stressful on their own. Airports, check-ins, standing in lines... That is why I've decided to adopt a more minimalistic approach and travel only with a small carry-on and a bag. This way no longer I have to check-in anything or pay extra taxes.

Everything that I need to look stylish I now pack in my small carry-on that can fit into the overhead bin. I pack a few basics that work very well together to create many outfits with minimum fuss. Neutral colours work the best for this purpose, so most of my clothing is either in black, white, grey, cream or navy. Some of the items that I usually carry are a black pencil skirt that I can pair with dress shirts, navy classical pants, straight-leg jeans, a blazer and my current favourite Chanel-style jacket in lightweight wool that works well with all my other clothing. This way I'm covered for most of the events that I have on my agenda. These obviously include all the business meetings that I have to attend but also the after-hours business cocktail parties and receptions. Also, occasionally If I can manage, I like to visit a museum or just walk around the neighbourhood to get a sense of the city and just explore a bit. For the rest of my personal items that there's no room in my small carry-on, I'll just book a hotel that provides for towels, toiletries or hairdryer.

To be able to pack more, I got a suitcase with lightweight material that weights less and always make sure to check if the suitcase fits the airline's specifications. Also, it's important for me to be able to wear professional clothing and keep my wardrobe looking good while travel as obviously I don't want to show up at a business meeting in clothing that looks like crushed tissue paper. Therefore I fold my shirts and pants with a piece of tissue paper or plastic bag in the middle which reduces wrinkles and then place them in packing cubes. If the clothes are still wrinkled and I don't have an iron available, I hang them while showering. The steam can smooth out any wrinkles.

As for the bag I've opted for women's satchel bags. Mine is small enough to be considered as a personal item when taken on the plane, even on the most stingy of budget carriers, while on the other hand, it's big enough to fit all of my travel essentials. Therefore I can say that it hits that sweet spot. I use it to place all those items that I like to keep at hand to survive the long day. For instance, I usually carry my water bottle, notebook, electronics, wipes and my travel size mascara and lipstick to freshen up my look as I get out of the plane. I also have a scarf in case it gets chilly plus it's a fashion accessory that can add a bit of colour to my outfit.

Nowadays it easy to find women's satchel bags that come in different designs. For instance, there are ones that feature a detachable long strap so that you can wear the purse as a crossbody and suit it according to your outfit. You can wear it in hand while attending the meeting or attach the handle afterwards for a more relaxed look. Women's satchel bags for business trips should be simple and minimalistic in design. Unnecessary hardware and bright colours should be avoided. You don't want to get off the plane or walk into the hotel and meet someone you're going to do business with carrying a bright-coloured nylon bag. It sets the wrong tone, and you never get the first impression back. A tasteful monogram is fine, but don't go much beyond that in terms of decoration.

Mine it's formal enough if I’m wearing something nice to take out for an evening. Another plus is that it's very stylish so that I can walk right away off the plane and into a meeting. It has 3 top compartments with back zip and phone pocket inside so that I know where everything is and I can reach it at a moment notice. Being black in colour it really matches with all of my outfits.

I really love the freedom from carrying few essentials and travelling light. I don't feel less professional or comfortable carrying fewer items in my carry-on and satchel bag when travelling for business.