5 Must Have Items for your International Business Suitcase – by Kara Ronin

Hello SOTGC community,

I’m delighted to be a contributor for this amazing blog that’s packed full of useful and inspirational resources for ambitious, professional women.

I want to tell you a little about what you can look forward to in my future contributions to SOTGC. I bring to SOTGC international flair.  I’ve always loved travelling and if you haven’t yet checked out my bio on the Author’s page, then take a look to find out where I’ve lived and how long I’ve been on this international journey.

In my posts, I want to share with you practical tips and inspirational advice that I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, so you can be successful in the international business arena. I draw my advice from international business etiquette, which is my area of expertise, interest, and the basis for my business – Executive Impressions.

I want to start by sharing with you tips for smooth international travel. Today’s post is all about my 5 Must Have Items for your International Business Suitcase.

1. Small hand towel or face-wash:  This is a fabulous tip that I picked up while living in Japan – keep a small hand towel in your carry-on luggage or handbag. You can use it on the plane, or just in general to avoid the nasty hand dryers in public restrooms. When you’ve finished freshening up in those tiny places they call “bathrooms” on the plane, it’s so calming and revitalizing to dry your hands on a nicely patterned, soft hand towel that is yours.
2. Passport folder:  If you’re traveling with colleagues, you don’t want to be the one who holds everybody up at immigration. Keep your passport, a pen, and any entry or exit cards that you may need, all in a secure and easy-to-find folder or pouch. You can even spice it up with a trendy pattern or chic color – like green.
3.  4-wheel suitcase:  If you’ve never experienced the light, smooth rolling of a good quality 4-wheel suitcase, then that should be on your shopping list for this weekend! They’re easy to maneuver, and will make those long walks through airport transit a breeze. Remember, you’ll already be tired and dehydrated from all that travel, so be kind to yourself and make your suitcase work for you.
4. Slip-on shoes for the flight:  Imagine you’re strapped into your chair, your tray table is down, and you desperately need to visit the restroom. Wouldn’t this transition from your chair to the restroom be so much easier if you didn’t have to lace up your shoes?
5. Roll-on perfume:  Perfume can instantly revitalize you at the end of a long-haul flight. But you don’t want to go spraying your favorite perfume on the plane when others around you could be allergic or sensitive to that particular scent. There is a solution: roll-on perfumes. They’re light, travel-friendly, and you’re bound to find one in a fragrance you just love.

I’d love for you to leave a comment in the section below.

Kara Ronin is the founder of Executive Impressions.  She offers professional women a wealth of practical advice and inspirational tips to move them toward an international mindset and an amazing corporate career. Access your free 7 Step Networking Roadmap at www.executive-impressions.com/blog.

Photo credit: toptenpk.com

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