This really is one of those things that is so personal. I've learned to go hand-baggage only even for longer trips. A work-only trip can mean needing just shirts and underwear with something light to change into after work. I wear my suit and formal shoes while travelling and have some soft shoes packed that double as trainers for the gym. I rely on hotels having a decent range of toiletries and so carry only those items that will be absent. There's usually room for a causal outfit or two and some gym kit. Once I've pared down the chargers and cables to what I actually need then I've only just filled my 56x45x23. Even longer work trips mean taking advantage of hotel laundry, not bringing another suitcase.

On one recent trip a colleague kindly gave me a bottle of wine so I had to check in my bag. I have this problem standing at the reclaim belt - if my bag isn't in the first six out then it must have been lost. Of course that's not right but it is the part of the journey I'm least tolerant about waiting for.

A test for me of successful packing: when opening the bags back home, how many items went unused or unworn and were only packed "just in case". Keeping that as close to zero as possible is the key!