The Travel Tote

I am a girl that adores road trips. I love planning in advance, thinking through the details of outfits, and packing. Thankfully, I am surrounded by amazing friends who love spontaneity and making memories. We have a tradition of making the 45 minute drive to Steak 'n Shake every semester, usually late at night when the cheeseburger desire cannot be quelled. And, on those summer days when the only thing that wakes me up before the glow of the sun through my blinds is my phone ringing with an invitation to the lake, I like to be prepared. Talk about the best way to wake up!

Enter the travel tote.

I like to keep it pre-packed with my favorite travel essentials so allow me to share them with you. 

• GPS (even when you know just where you are headed, it is awesome for finding local restaurants!)
• FM Transmitter
• Spare phone charger
• Ziploc baggy (The uses for this are endless: keeping the wet swimsuit from touching the rest, keeping the cell phone dry, picking up shells at the beach. Seriously, a must.)
• Reusable snack tupperware filled with something that will stay delightfully fresh: pretzels, nuts, cheez-its. 
• Pen, because you never know when you need to write, but alas, you will.
• Book. Perhaps something that has been on your "books to read" list?
• Band aids for the blistery shoes, paper cut, blood, etc. I don't go places without them. I also keep a stash in my wallet.
• Travel sized perfume (even after 4 hours in the car, a fresh entrance is possible!)
• Undibears (For a spur of the moment overnight trip, you will want these around) They use this title at Build-A-Bear for the undergarments, and I thought it was too cute!

Now comes the summer specific items

• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Spare sunglasses
• Big bottle of sunscreen to share
• 2 ponytail holders (you will ALWAYS need them)

So these are the regular items in my bag. If it is a chilly season, without doubt, pack a light jacket. Also, when you know things that you want to take with you, put them in the bag as the thought occurs! Promised to lend a book to a friend? Put it in the bag instead of worrying later. The salad dressing I promised to pick up for my Mom because it isn't available back home? That's right, it is in the bag ready for when I zip on home!

The big thing is just to have the already packed so commit a bag as your travel bag. I have a cute pink canvas tote that sits in my front seat whenever I am on the road. I always know what is in it.

What items would you add to the bag?