Karen La Corte is an etiquette and manners expert certified by the Emily Post Institute in Vermont . Send your questions to : karen @ marxtowing . com by Karen La Corte

in partial lockdown due to COVID-19 , I ’ m going to remind you of what it ’ s like to get back out there and to be prepared for the essentials when you do .

I ’ ll break down the places we go into four categories : The Day Trip , The Long Weekend , The Business Trip , and the Vacation .

Since we all tend to pack too much , I encourage you to stick to some basics . Whatever you ’ ve decided on , especially for a long trip , eliminate half of it . If you ’ re like me , this is really hard . But when you ’ re dragging your suitcases everywhere along the way , you ’ ll thank me later .

The first thing ; invest in a set of good luggage . You ’ ll need a large suitcase on rollers , a carry-on , and a tote bag . Make sure the wheels roll easily and that you like the handle and weight of the pieces . TIP : If the large suitcase is super lightweight , you can fit more stuff . You ’ re welcome ! Your choice in luggage should not only be functional , but it should reflect your personality . You want something professional for business ( in case you have visit a client ’ s office along the way ) but that will also reflect your personal image . Mine is all leopard . Meow , baby ! But my friends and colleagues know that that ’ s my signature .

The Day Trip ; the easiest to pack . You wear what you ’ ve decided on for the meeting , the excursion or the gathering . Your activities dictate your attire — a business suit , jeans or shorts , a dress or slacks . The length of the Day Trip will determine the need a jacket , a change of shoes , sunglasses , sunscreen , makeup for touch ups , or an outfit for dinner . Easy Peasy .

The Long Weekend ; my favorite of all the trips . I often feel more refreshed after a weekend away than I do from a week-long trip . Once again , your destination and activities will dictate your wardrobe and accessories . Time of year also plays a role — but remember to keep it simple . Going for three days ? Choose an outfit for each day . Pants will work each day with a different top or sweater . Summertime may be hot , but airconditioned spaces may bring you a chill . A jacket , shawl or sweatshirt is a good idea to layer on top . One or two pair of shoes is all you need for the weekend . A casual weekend should be easy for you . Attending a wedding ? Bring that party outfit or suit with matching shoes , purse and accessories . Going to the lake or the beach ? Choose a bathing suit , cover-up and thongs . End of story .

The Business Trip ; dress business casual for travel . If your checked bag is lost , you ’ ll be ready for your meeting and won ’ t look like you ’ ve been walking the dog . Dress jeans with a jacket works well . Wear comfortable shoes .

The jacket you wear with your jeans on the plane can later be paired with the matching pants or skirt for the business meeting . Pack a better pair of shoes for your meetings and evenings . If you exercise while on the trip , pack a pair of tennis shoes and workout clothes . You may want a bathing suit .

If flying , pack your toiletries in containers of three ounces or less and store in a clean plastic zip-top bag . Pack enough underwear and socks for each day , and a collapsible umbrella . Don ’ t forget your laptop , file folders and pertinent itinerary for meetings or seminars . Pack light . Day to evening attire is encouraged .

The Vacation ; a packing challenge ! Hawaii for the week or Europe for three ? Time of year , weather , points of interest and activities all need to be considered . Packing choices will be quite different for a houseboat trip vs . a cruise line vacation . Either way , it all needs to fit in that one big suitcase on wheels and weigh fifty pounds or less . Your carry-on is the “ bonus bag ”. This is where you ’ ll keep your valuables , such as jewelry , a change of clothes , possibly a bathing suit , meds , a laptop and anything else you can ’ t afford to get lost in baggage . Attending a wedding ,? Put your outfit in the carry-on just in case your big bag gets lost . I pack by look — laying out every outfit I want to wear . I add jewelry , belts , hats , gloves , scarves , shoes and purses , trying to mix and match . I try to see how many tops will go with my staple black , white and khaki pants , a pair of leggings and jeans , and a couple skirts . Skirts are easy and comfortable for touring . I bring one big purse , a small cross bag for day trips and one evening bag . Try to keep shoes at a minimum . A great walking shoe , heels for evening attire , and tennis shoes and sandals are all you need to that big trip . If there are only two dressy nights , then just bring two dressy outfits or suits . Other dressier tops or shirts can be paired up with your basic pants . Look at your itinerary to help you coordinate your looks . Layering is the key when packing for various weather conditions .

You ’ ll need a coat or a raincoat . Don ’ t pack it , wear it on the plane . It ’ s too bulky to pack . Same goes for boots . Pack an umbrella . Simplify your skincare and makeup routine . Don ’ t bring it all . Think small . Bring a photocopy of your passport for when you ’ re sightseeing and keep the original locked in your room . Go over your items again . See what you can remove .

Some additional must-haves to consider are MASKS , hand sanitizer , wallet and credit cards , phone , charger , electric converters and adapters , laptop , passport , insurance cards , sewing kit , first aid kit , meds including motion sickness pills , toiletries , sunscreen , umbrella , underwear , sleepwear , itinerary , glasses / contacts and sunglasses , hairstyling appliances , book and a water bottle to fill once you ’ ve passed TSA security .

Happy Packing ! And don ’ t forget your MASK !

82

GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN SPRING 2021 gmhtoday . com