Is there a way to really cure jet lag? Can you get through security any faster? What’s the best way to shop for airfare and hotels? Shama Kabani, CEO, international speaker, and traveler, shares her best-kept secrets. A blog from Egypt: The Egyptian entrepreneurs make their final business-plan pitches to American and Danish mentors, and four winners are chosen. To celebrate, we dance on the Nile, drive through Tahrir Square, and shop in the Khan el-Khalilibazaar. A blog from Egypt: Just a few days ago, a group of young Egyptian entrepreneurs had trouble describing their businesses in less than 30 minutes. Wednesday, they had to do it in 60 seconds, and in front of the Danish ambassador. It’s enough to make a mentor proud. A blog from Egypt: U.S. and Danish pros have a surprise for the Egyptian entrepreneurs as they challenge them to better understand what the post-revolution world means to them. Oh, and Shama Kabani teaches the young women how to stand in heels while delivering a presentation. 
The snow fell heavily the night we landed in Boston. My vice president of client relations and I were there to meet a prospective customer the next morning. It was meant to be an in-and-out trip, and I packed everything into a single carry-on bag. My colleague checked luggage and it was lost. While we landed the client, it wasn’t before a midnight trip to the only open Wal-Mart in town and a lecture from me on the importance of never checking bags when traveling for less than two days. When it comes to travel, I feel very much like Hermoine Granger from . Always telling people around me how it’s done best.
But everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned from experience. Just these past six months alone have seen me in more than seven countries—from Hong Kong to Egypt. I travel mostly for business, and here are my best-kept secrets.
What to Pack: Anyone who has ever seen my closet will tell you I am not a minimalist. My luggage tells a different story. Convenience trumps choices when I travel more than 18 hours. If traveling overnight or for less than two days, I recommend only a carry-on. If you check a bag and it gets lost, the chances are you won’t have it back until your trip is over.
In my carry-on, I have my iPad 2 (I leave the Kindle at home since the iPad has a Kindle app), my laptop (only if I am giving a presentation, otherwise the iPad works), a sleeping kit (eye cover, socks, and a mini toothbrush), quality headphones, sunglasses, a packet of gum, and an extra shirt just in case. If the carry-on is my only luggage, I add a suit and a mini makeup and medicine bag. I stick to only one pair of shoes in which I can walk and present. Want to get through security faster? Use a TSA compliant, checkpoint friendly laptop bag. You can keep the laptop in its case. Mobile Edge makes a few good ones.
If traveling for longer than two days, I check a bag. When buying luggage, stick to unique colors and bags that can be pushed on all four wheels. You will thank me when you recognize your bag immediately on the conveyor belt and are pushing through customs with two bags. When packing clothes, I recommend outfits that are comfortable and easy to mix and match. Layers are your best friends when traveling. Airplanes and conference rooms are always freezing, while the streets and restaurants can be downright hot. Also, since I am allergic to ironing, I stick to multipurpose, wrinkle-free pieces. My favorite pieces (including a dress that can be worn five ways) come from Dallas-based designer, Abi Ferrin. And, unless you are hitting the beach, you only need two pairs of shoes. One to walk around in (especially when running to catch a connecting flight) and one pair for when you are in meetings.
For Women: Yes, it is harder for women when we have the added luggage…err, luxury…of accessories and makeup. In terms of accessories, I carry one scarf, sunglasses, and a simple pair of earrings. If I know I’ll be out in the evenings, I pack one small “signature piece.” In my case, a gemstone necklace I bought from the bazaars in Istanbul. As for makeup, everything I have is less than three ounces. A quick tip: When shopping at your favorite makeup counter, ask for travel samples. They always have them, but won’t give them unless you request it. Same goes at the doctor’s office. Here is what’s in my makeup bag (and what I recommend highly): travel-size face cleanser; moisturizer with SPF; eye drops (they call it a red-eye flight for a reason); all-in-one concealer (I like Erase Paste from Benefit); primer and foundation (I’m a huge fan of Make Up Forever’s HD line. It’s great on camera and will last all day); eyeliner (I like Kat Von D’s Tattoo Liner since it glides on like a marker and is easy to apply on the go); a mascara (Dior Show in Black is strong enough that you don’t need primer); eye shadow and a blush (a universally flattering one is Dallas by Benefit). I can never choose a lipstick, so instead I carry a lip balm by Aquaphor. The good thing is that it goes with everything. To remove makeup (and anything else), I recommend makeup-removing wipes over the liquid. Easier to pack and easier to use.
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