Must-Have Items for Your Go-Bag

Being able to pick up and take off at a moment's notice is every traveler's dream. Although that might not be a reality in your life, it doesn't mean you can't plan for your next trip right now. Putting together a "go-bag" so that you are always at the ready means less hassle when it's time to pack for your next trip. Follow these guidelines to ensure that you're never caught without something important. 

Toiletries

No matter what type of toiletry bag you use, keep it packed with essentials. There is no reason to repack this bag for each trip. An essentials supply list should include deodorant, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, face wash, moisturizer and sunscreen. If you wear make-up, keep eyeliner, mascara and lipstick in your bag all the time. Depending on what you will be doing on your trip, add in extras such as eye shadow or foundation. If you keep the basics in the bag, you'll never have an "I forgot" moment where you end up having to replace all your make-up. Stick a Post-It note to the outside of the bag that details anything you might need to buy before the next trip. 

Technology

You may have a favorite pair of earbuds, but keeping a second pair in your go-bag all the time just might come in handy if you forget your primary pair. If the trip is just a weekend jaunt, you can probably survive with an older set. The same goes for a phone charger. You'll want to keep the best one at home or in your car, but always keep an emergency charger in your suitcase. If you remember to swap them out before you travel, that's okay. If you forget, at least you won't be completely without. 

Entertainment

Most people don't have an extra iPad just sitting around that they can store in their suitcase all the time for trips. However, a juicy paperback certainly won't take up much room. Even if you're too busy to read on a daily basis, choose one really enticing time to keep in your go-bag. If you finish it, you can leave it at your hotel for the next guest. Slip a small notebook and pen into your bag. Although most things can be accessed by technology, you just never know when you'll need to write something down or sketch a picture of something interesting. You can also use the notebook as a travel journal that you revisit each time you're waiting for your plane to take off, for example. 

Medical

Keeping a small medical kit in your bag is a smart way to travel. The kit should have, at the minimum, tissues, hand sanitizer, bandages, over-the-counter pain medication and antacids. If you get sick on your trip, you may need to supplement with other medicines, but these items will take care of most nuisance illnesses such as a blister from new shoes or an upset stomach from a regional delicacy. Of course, add in any prescription or seasonal allergy medications you may need. 

Clothing

Every go-bag should have a pair of thin flip-flops that can be pool or house shoes. Also, keep your eye out for a lightweight neutral-colored wrap that you can store in your bag. It may not go with everything you pack, but it sure is better to have something to cover your arms with if your destination gets an unexpected cold snap. Also, you may swear you won't go swimming, but after a long day, taking a dip in a hot tub might be just the perfect way to end your day. Tuck a bathing suit in the corner of your bag because you just never know. 

Every general item that you pack in your go-bag can be replaced by something specific that you need on that particular trip. The purpose of your go-bag is so that if you have to go in a hurry or if you forget something, you know you have your bases covered.