Tips on Packing for a Trip

The world is changing at a rapid pace which also results in a change of peoples' jobs and careers. With all these new business travellers the skies are filled with those who are finding themselves overwhelmed and tired. Here are some handy hints on how to make your travel simpler and easier.

PACK THE ESSENTIALS: It's important to consider before you start packing what the absolute necessities for your travel are. The experienced business traveller will tell you that they avoid the check-in of bags even on extended trips. When your luggage is a carry-on you can be sure that your luggage won't be lost by the airline. You won't have to wait to collect your bags and your bag won't be dropped or otherwise abused.

CLOTHING: Coordinate your clothing around one or two basic colours. This cuts down on the number of shoes and accessories you have to bring. It is always better to take as few clothes as possible. If necessary you can rather make use of the laundry facilities at the hotel. One blazer or suit can be worn with different tops and skirts if you are only travelling for a short business trip. It is also a good idea to rather bring along your jacket or blazer on the plane in order to avoid looking crumbled on the other side.

HOTEL FACILITIES: It is always a good idea to call your hotel ahead of time to ask if they will provide personal items such as amenities, hair dryer, international adaptor plug points and laundry facilities. If so, you'll have extra room in your luggage for other things. The Art of Packing Opening a bag full of crumpled clothing can be frustrating, especially if you are meeting clients for a business dinner. Good Housekeeping recommends rolling your clothes instead of folding to minimize wrinkles and maximize your available luggage space. If some of your business attire has just been dry-cleaned, keep these clothes in the plastic bags while packing. The plastic will add an extra layer of protection and keep suits and dresses from wrinkling while they are in your bag.

NAME YOUR BAG: Don't forget to place identification tags with your name, email address and phone number on all of your baggage, including your laptop computer. It is a good idea to place an identification tag inside your baggage as well. Locks or straps are strongly recommended. It's important to mark your suitcases in a distinctive way which will make it easier for a luggage agent to find if they go missing, or need to be pulled off a flight.

Remember the golden travellers rule: It's better to bring half of what you think you need, and twice as much money.


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Holiday Inn Sandton is conveniently located in Sandton Central; the heart of Gauteng's corporate, financial and shopping Mecca. Situated in close proximity you'll find a number of key attractions which offer a diverse range of restaurants, shops, entertainment and vibrant nightlife. Therefore the hotel offers the ideal base for the business and leisure traveller.