Traveling is a Mindset #8: Keep a Day Trip Bag Ready to Go

It doesn’t need to be an enormous bag filled with stuff but it’s helpful to be a a little prepared when you want to prod yourself to be spontaneous. Sometimes the thought of pulling things together is enough to talk you out of going. Having a simple bag with some things set to go will help prevent you from using the "I don't have the time to get everything together" excuse. I keep a picnic bag in the trunk of my car along with my camera and GPS unit charged and ready to go anytime.

Be prepared to stay over night, just in case.  It adds a thrilling element to the trip, whether you can stay overnight or not. It keeps the excitement open. The idea is to have simple basic layers available and to be ready for just about any experience you may come across. Sure the items will vary depending on your interests, I happen to have a small cheese board and knife, wine glasses and a wine opener because I like being in the middle of nowhere and having the ability to indulge in a glass of wine while watching the sunset. 

In California we are blessed with AMAZING French bread. There are bakeries and different varieties of great bread everywhere. For a day trip it’s easy to grab a French bread, some olives and keep a small cooler in back and a very inexpensive way to snack. 

Here are some suggestions on things to have ready to go:

Map

GPS Unit

Journal/pen/pencil

Camera

First Aid Kit

Picnic Bag

Plates

Cups

Napkins/hand wipes/hand sanitizer

Bug spray

Cheese board

Wine/Bottle Opener

Water

Granola Bars/Crackers/Nuts

Add fresh fruit and perishable foods the day of your trip and bring in a small cooler with ice

Clothing

Shorts

Bathing Suit

Sweatshirt

Jacket

Pants

Socks

Underwear

Hiking shoes

Dress shoes (in case you go out to dinner)

Sandals

Random Entertainment

Dice/Farkle
Deck of cards

A couple of things to note, I keep a cheese board, wine glasses and wine opener just in case we come across an awesome sunset somewhere. Of course never drink and drive and don’t drink in your car. I use this for places we’ve hiked to or will be staying at. The clothes I suggest are for a mild California climate, obviously take into account where you live and what type of weather/terrain you have. I can’t vouch for or have no knowledge of what kind of gear to have in sub zero temperatures.

The list of what to include can go on and on. What are some things you like to carry in your car for your adventures?