Pack Like a Pro
Carry-on vs checked bag?
Carry-on—PR trips move fast, and you need outfits + essentials with you in case luggage is delayed before a press dinner or site tour.
Go-to meeting outfit?
Elevated but approachable: tailored pants or midi dress + blouse + blazer, comfortable polished shoes. Dress to the destination!
First step after receiving itinerary
Review for timing gaps, client touchpoints, dress codes, and add everything to your calendar.
Who pays at group dinners?
Typically the hosting hotel/resort or PR/client team.
Forgot charger?
Buy one, borrow from hotel/front desk, or ask a colleague.
Name 3 Carry-On essentials
Laptop + charger, phone charger/portable battery, and 1 polished backup outfit (in case of delays before a client-facing moment).
Day → dinner transition?
Swap flats for heels, add jewelry/lip, refresh hair, and optionally switch tops or layer.
King Jason at Business Traveler
What are appropriate bill backs when traveling for a client?
Rides to/from the airport, coffees, meals per diem, etc. Put your card down for the hotel room. Always get itemized receipts!
You arrive at a restaurant for a media lunch you organized, only to find the restaurant has no record of the reservation and they are completely full.
Find the nearest comparable venue immediately but always call to confirm 24 hours before. Don't let the journalist or client see the panic. Pivot quietly!
Biggest packing mistake?
Not packing for the itinerary (e.g., heels for cobblestone tours, no outfit change before dinner, wrong weather assumptions).
Best "just in case” item?
A blazer or elevated layer (works across meetings, site tours, and dinners).
What should you have on-hand at all times?
Either a printed copy of the itinerary or screenshots on your phone!
OTHER CLIENTS
Journalist is MIA, what do you do?
Try to contact them immediately (call or text directly) and if that doesn't work, have the hotel call their room to make sure they are OK.
Keep calm and carry on!
#1 thing people forget before traveling for biz!
Petty cash- don't forget to tip housekeeping, drivers, etc! The client will handle typically spa, meals, etc.
2 ways to avoid stress?
Arrive early and pack the night before.
Handling expenses?
Track in real time, keep receipts organized, and follow client/agency policy.
While it may be tempting to head straight to your room after a long day, this is the "Golden Rule" for when you should actually excuse yourself if the client/journalist is still around.
Wait until the client or journalist has headed up for the night. Always be the first to arrive and the last to leave.
Name 5 things that should be in your "PR Emergency Kit"
1. Tide pen!
2. Phone + laptop charger
3. Mints/gum
4. Extra pens
5. Printed copy of itinerary / agenda
Ideal 2-day packing list
2–3 client-facing outfits (mix-and-match), 1 dinner look, 1 comfortable travel outfit, 2 pairs of shoes (practical + polished), toiletries, laptop + chargers, portable steamer or wrinkle spray, notebook, small crossbody or tote for site visits. If bathing suits are needed for free time - something not skimpy!
Avoid wearing this on a plane before a meeting?
Wrinkle-prone fabrics or anything uncomfortable/unpolished (e.g., sweats).
Flight delayed—first move?
Alert your team + client immediately, assess impact on itinerary, and rebook while proposing a backup plan.
You have a WhatsApp/Group Text thread for the trip. What is the etiquette for responding to "logistics" messages (e.g., "Meeting in the lobby in 5")?
React or acknowledge immediately! Even a simple 'thumbs up' emoji will suffice.
You need to 'handle' a journalist who is being a bit too pushy at the bar or dinner. How do you do it politely?
Pull them aside, offer them water, and physically guide them toward a different conversation or the exit.