Grab Your Bag and Go: Tips for Frequent Road Trips

Author:
KT Dunn
Updated:
Apr 4, 2024 10:17 PM EDT

Make sure you have the right kinds of bags for frequent road trips.

Use the Right Bags for Trips on the Road

Packing for an overnight trip or a couple of days out of town doesn’t have to require a lot of thought. If you make such trips often, it pays to be prepared so that you can be ready to go in a very short time.

It can be very useful to keep a zippered overnight bag and a tote bag on hand stocked with essentials, things you may forget to include if you were packing in a hurry. A canvas tote will do for carrying bulkier things, but at times I like to carry a more attractive tote that can double as a handbag, and I sometimes carry a smaller regular handbag inside it.

Even though you may be able to purchase any forgotten items while on the road or once you reach your destination, it certainly is simpler (and cheaper) to have a backup.

For most of my quick trips, an overnight bag and tote are all I need, but if I'm staying a little longer, a small rolling suitcase (about 21") can be a lifesaver. Obviously it holds more clothes, but it is also much easier to transport from my car to my destination when it's necessary to park some distance away. I can just anchor my zippered bag over the handle, sling my tote and handbag over my shoulder, and go.

Use the most optimal storage containers and bags for trips.

To Keep in Your Closet

Here's what you should keep in your closet.

1. A "Ready" Zippered Travel Bag (With Shoulder Strap)

This bag will store extras, such as:

Socks/pantyhose, underwear, nightshirt, t-shirt
Foldable laundry bag
Travel slippers (I like to use the folding ballet-style slippers that come with their own zippered storage pouch)
Jewelry and protective bags or containers
Shoes and protective bags for them

Pro Tip: Plastic grocery bags can be used to store and carry shoes. Bring some extras along to serve as impromptu laundry bags or trash bags.

grab-your-bag-and-go-tips-for-frequent-road-trips

2. A "Ready" Tote Bag

This bag will contain duplicate products and equipment, such as:

Spare curling iron or flatiron if needed
Hair dryer (if needed, in case the hotel doesn't have one)
Brush/comb
Mirror
Sweater
Rain jacket
Umbrella
Any extras that won’t fit into your toiletry bag

This will store more duplicate items, and you can then throw in a few daily used items or more expensive products that you may not care to purchase in duplicate. Those little refillable plastic travel bottles are suitable for many purposes, but sometimes it's easier just to pack the original bottle, can, or tube.

Foldable hanging toiletry bags are really useful. My favorite type is this one by NeatPack, because it’s convenient to be able to store upright bottles and hang it on a towel bar or hook. Use it for:

Makeup
Lotions
Shampoo/conditioner
Nail care products
Razor
Deodorant
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

4. An Inexpensive Folding Garment Bag

Use this bag (or several) to hang nice suits or dresses.

Other Organizers

Here are some items that require other organizers.

Makeup and Jewelry

Mesh snap bags or other see-through organizers are useful for transferring makeup, jewelry, small bottles, etc., from drawer to travel bag and back again.

Shoes

I don’t know about you, but unless my shoes are brand-new, I can never get them clean enough to feel comfortable popping them into my suitcase. I like to use plastic grocery store bags to to put shoes in. I tie the handles together so I can then either pack them in my bag or carry them separately. I keep a couple of pairs of dress shoes and casual shoes bagged up in the closet and ready to go.

Keep in Handbag or Tote

RFID wallet/passport holder
Battery charger/charging cord for phone and/or camera
Frequently used over-the-counter medication, such as for headaches (be sure to store properly and check dates)
Handbag organizer insert (A wide variety of these are available, and they can be quite helpful for transferring contents from one handbag or tote to another)

Keep in Car

Kleenex, paper napkins, wet wipes
Granola bars or other snacks with low perishability that can be stowed in the console compartment
First-aid kit
Road maps (still useful to help get the big picture)
Emergency rain gear, such as inexpensive foldable plastic rain ponchos and/or extra umbrellas
Blanket/travel pillow
Trunk carrier or box(es) to corral loose items (handy for groceries, too)

Other Travel Tips

Rolling the clothing rather than folding it really can save some space and help eliminate wrinkles, at least for some types of garments. Travel + Leisure provides more tips, includes a video demonstrating rolling and folding techniques.
If you book hotel rooms online, consider using Ebates and any hotel chain rewards programs you may qualify for. These can add up quickly with frequent travel.

Have a safe and pleasant trip!