I'm going on a candytrip and I'm taking with me

I wasn't even a minute officially editor-in-chief of Marie Claire when I received a text from my boss's secretary. Whether I could keep the month of September free for the fashion weeks. If I indicated which days I could, she would book the tickets. And, oh yes, if I could schedule the board meeting in Paris in the agenda. She would email me my Thalys ticket.

Little trips, short trips, back and forth. From that moment, now over four years ago, it has been no different and I train or fly somewhere every month. At first, it was total what-should-I-wear, where-is-my-laptop-charger-when-I-need-it chaos and why-is-my-passport-never-in-the-same-place chaos but now... I'm organized. Not because I'm naturally that way, certainly not, but because your trip becomes a hundred times more enjoyable when you travel the world zen and in control.

Invest in travel-sized products

For short trips, you travel with hand luggage. Then your toiletry bag quickly becomes too heavy or a greedy customs officer takes your 200 ml Chanel cream with the excuse that the safety of fellow passengers could be compromised. Don't let that happen. You have a tiny toiletry bag (I'm in love with my beauty survival kit from Estée Lauder) where you carry your day-night cream, a facial wash, and a little serum.

You can also ask at the perfumery if they can give you a set of a skincare line instead of a perfume sample. Keep it neatly aside until it comes in handy.

The same goes for a perfume. I find it very chic to have a travel spray of my favorite scent, but a few samples are a great alternative. Try something different and the fun part is that this perfume will always remind you of that trip. When we went to New York with Holland's Next Topmodel, I specifically bought a perfume (Dior Homme Eau de cologne) because I liked capturing this adventure in a scent. Yes, yes, professional deformation.

As long as your hair is good

For a one-night destination, I spend the morning of departure taking good care of my hair. Washing with O&M-shampoo makes my hair immediately dry and doesn't give it the dullness you can have with freshly washed hair. On trips, I then take some powder with me that I can use to give it a good boost in the evening and the next morning. If it's a trip with a high appearance factor, you can take a travel set from Carmen or such a tiny straightener and hairdryer. I've also made an appointment at the nearest salon. You're rid of everything.

Don't forget your toothbrush

Last week I received the latest Philips Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush. Feels almost as luxurious as a Chanel bag. It's soft pink, charges itself in a glass (via induction), and has about six functions ranging from whitening to cleaning to polishing and back. All beautifully designed on the brush. This toothbrush can be charged for at least two days and comes in a very nice pink case for transport. I find that luxurious. At my dental hygienist, I always ask for a toothpaste tester, so you don't have to lug around a huge tube and you don't have to deprive your love of the family tube.

Style, style, style

Even if you're away for two days and traveling with hand luggage, some fashion changes are expected of you. Complicated.

Tip 1: choose a color and build on that. Go for black so that you can match your bag, shoes, and coat to it. Or go for brown, white, or dark blue. But don't wear a black outfit one day and a blue outfit the next day because that requires different shoes, bags, and then it becomes a hassle.

Tip 2: Wear the heaviest items on the plane. Boots, thick coats, and ponchos all go on. That saves space. Slide those pumps into a nice shoe bag (do it, okay) and push them into a corner of your suitcase. You can also stuff it with some underwear or socks. Win-win.

Tip 3: Let the surprise be in the accessories. Shoes in a striking color, a hair or ear accessory, or a standout clutch. You can wear a pair of pants for two days. Just make sure you have a different top and different shoes, and twist your hair, and you have a completely different look.

Take care of your electronics

On trips, your battery drains even faster than normal. Therefore, buy an extra battery. Liesbeth bought me before we went to New York a lovely little block that allows me to charge my phone twice. The block is small and light. Just keep in mind that it takes quite a bit of time to charge that block. So plug it in as soon as you get to your hotel room.

Furthermore, I advise making a bag with all your cords and electronic gear. And also take a universal plug adapter. I always have one in my suitcase. You never know.

Sleep cap

I often forgot something to sleep in. At home, you probably sleep in just your underwear, but on trips, it's nice to have a nightgown to dance around your room in. It can also just be a T-shirt, but don't forget it.

Now just some good company and you can't go wrong, right?