Travel plans are generally best when laid out well in advance. That way all your ducks are in a row. Your I’s are dotted and your T’s are crossed. Pick any of those old cliches. However, sometimes travel is a spur of the moment thing. Whether it’s a family emergency, a super last minute business trip, or just a mega dose of cabin fever, there are times when you have to head out with limited travel plans in place. That’s why I’ve put together a list of ways to help you be prepared for last minute travel.
Travel Plans for Quick Departure
When you have to leave quickly, it can be easy to forget things. Whether it be from the excitement of your impromptu road trip or the stress of an emergency, it can be easy to forget things. However, if you have a few simple things in place, you can be better equipped to handle that last minute rush to the door.
[tweetthis]Sometimes you can save money traveling last minute – here are 6 tips to always be prepared for last minute travel #travel[/tweetthis]
Toiletries
If you’re like me, toiletries can take quite some time to get together for a trip. There are toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and all the other beauty and hygiene supplies that we use on a regular basis for myself, my husband, and my kids. Rather than rushing around and trying to gather all of those items up, have a bag ready to go filled with all of the toiletry items that your family uses. That way, you can snag the bag as you pack rather than going on a bathroom scavenger hunt.
Trial Sizes
I keep a tiny cosmetic bag packed at all times with trial sized face creams, soaps and antiperspirant as well as trial hairspray and shampoos. Basically any of those tiny carry on flight sized samples that you get. I put them to good use and only break them out when traveling. That means I never have to worry about missing my toothpaste or my dental floss or hairspray. I keep elastics in there too for hair emergencies on the run.
Batteries and Chargers
Batteries and chargers are important to all of us every day. We need them for our tablets, our phones, and our laptops. The last thing you want to do is forget these when your travel plans consist of a 24 hour or less notice. Just like having a bag of spare toiletries, a bag of spare chargers and batteries can be a life saver.
Clothing
If you have the space, having a seasonal bag packed and ready to go can be a huge time saver. Simply pack one season appropriate outfit for each family member. That way if travel plans change or if you’re hit with an emergency, everyone will have clean clothes for at least a day. It gets you out the door and gives you a little breathing room to figure things out later.
Medications
While you can’t keep extra prescription meds packed up for quick travel, you can keep all your other essential medications in a handy travel area. Keep a stash of any over the counter medications you use on hand for quick departures.
Keep it all Together
Last but not least is keeping these emergency travel supplies together. When travel plans are changed or fast tracked, it pays to be able to just head out the door. Take all of the items I listed above and pack them up into one “fast travel” suitcase, so you’re ready to hit the door in a flash when needed.
[tweetthis]If you get called to travel last minute a lot it might help to have a small suitcase packed and ready at all times. #travel[/tweetthis]
Travel Plans Aren’t Always Possible
It’s best to have travel plans in place for any trip, but sometimes that isn’t possible. As a travel blogger I often get called and have little notice to respond to a quick trip itinerary. I’m not complaining because I love what I do, but I have learned a few tricks along the way. That’s why it’s nice to have a “fast travel” suitcase packed up and ready to go for impromptu day trips, overnight trips, or emergencies. That said, I rarely have a full suitcase ready when I need to run, but I know it’s a great strategy for many other travel writers and business people. With the above tips, you’ll be good to go in the even that your travel plans consist of, “We gotta go!”