If you’re like me, you don’t skip the workout just because you’re traveling for business. In fact, one of my favorite things to do in a new city is lace up my sneakers and head out for a morning run. It’s the best way to explore, quiet streets, local coffee shops opening up, commuters starting their day.
And then there’s Las Vegas… where at 6:00 a.m. you’re not watching people start their day—you’re watching them end it. Honestly, that alone is worth the run.
But these early miles create a very real travel dilemma. What do you do with sweaty workout clothes when you’re checking out and heading straight to another hotel?
Here’s my system—refined after plenty of hotel hops.
Rule #1: Quarantine Immediately
My workout clothes never, ever touch my other clothes. I always travel with some type of separate bag whether it is a laundry bag, drawstring sack or something else that creates a barrier. No matter what else happens, my business attire is not going to the sweat from my run.
Rule #2: When in Doubt, Shower With Them.
If I have a few extra minutes before checkout, I’ll wash my gear in the sink or even bring it straight into the shower with me. Yes, I’ve absolutely worn my running shirt into the shower and washed it while I’m in there. Efficient? Yes. A little ridiculous? Also yes. Effective? Very.
A quick rinse with soap or shampoo removes the worst of the odor. Then I wring everything out thoroughly.
Rule #3: The Towel Stomp Technique
Here’s the game changer. After rinsing, I lay the clothes flat on a dry bath towel, roll them up tightly, and this is key, apply pressure. Sometimes that means pressing down firmly. Sometimes that means literally stomping on the towel roll. It pulls out an incredible amount of moisture. The difference between soaking and packable is dramatic. A short air-dry session after that makes them surprisingly close to ready.
Rule #4: Dryer Sheets Are Underrated
I always keep a couple of dryer sheets in my luggage. They weigh nothing, take up no space, and act as odor insurance. Slip one into the workout bag and your suitcase won’t smell like your workout.
Rule #5: Reset at the Next Hotel
The moment I check into the next hotel, the workout gear comes out of the bag and onto the shower rod or towel rack. Because I rinsed everything earlier, there’s no overwhelming smell, just damp fabric that dries overnight.
By morning? Ready to go.
Rinse and repeat. (Pun fully intended.)
After enough business trips, I’ve learned something: the real travel skill isn’t packing perfectly. It’s managing the in-between moments, the small logistics that keep minor inconveniences from turning into major annoyances.
Flights get delayed. Schedules shift. Hotels change.
But your suitcase doesn’t have to smell like a locker room.