How to Be Ready to Travel at a Moment’s Notice

Do you frequently take last-minute trips?

If you answered “yes,” do you end up running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to gather all your stuff, praying that nothing important gets left behind?

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “There’s got to be a better way!” you’re right. There is.

To ensure you’re ready for spontaneous adventures in the future, create your own “go bag.”

What exactly is a “go bag?” 

According to YourDictionary.com, a “go bag” (also known as a “bugout bag”) is:

A bag or backpack with emergency supplies for use in an emergency evacuation and kept in a readily accessible location.

It typically contains everything you’d need to survive for seventy-two hours.

Sounds ominous, right? Well, that’s because bugout bags were created for use in the event of a disaster. Most people who have one at the ready have jobs that require them to be ready to travel at a moment’s notice.

For our purposes, a “go bag” will help us be prepared for impromptu overnight or weekend trips. We want to be able to “grab it and go.”

By making yourself travel-ready, you will allow more spontaneity into your life. (I know I can use more spontaneity in my life!;))

What’s the best kind of bag to use for a go bag?

The key to a good go-bag is to keep it relatively small and light. A backpack, small duffle bag, or carry-on is ideal.

There are tons of great options out there.

What should I pack in my go-bag?

The more items you can keep packed in your bag at all times, the better. These are the things I keep in my go-bag:

Toiletries* – The most important and time-consuming items to gather are your toiletries.  Here are the essential toiletry items I keep in my “go bag” toiletry case:

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Soap
• Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion (I like to keep mine in these squeezable bottles)
• Deodorant
• Glasses/Contacts & Contact Solution
• Aspirin/Pain Reliever
• Antacids
• Safety pins

Electronics:

• Extra phone charging cord
• Portable battery
• Earbuds

Clothing:

• PJs/Something to sleep in
• Slippers

Miscellaneous:

• Travel umbrella – I highly recommend sticking a small umbrella in your bag. I can’t tell you how many times I wished I’d packed one! There’s one in my bag now.
• Small First-Aid Kit
• Reusable Water Bottle

I have a small bag packed and ready to go and it’s been a huge help! My BF and I often decide at the last minute to take an overnight trip.

Having my go-bag packed and ready allows me to leave the house quickly, enabling me to spend more time experiencing new things and less time packing.

Do YOU have a go bag?
Share in the Comments below.