|

My Perfect Roadtrip Bag

Today I am participating in a blog hop with a few of my closest blogging friends. You might be wondering, “What’s a blog hop?” It’s an event where bloggers get together to write content associated with a specific theme – in our case, “My Perfect Roadtrip Bag” – and YOU get to move from one blog to another reading our posts and entering to win our giveaway! More on that at the end of this post.

RoadTrip-BlogHop

So, what's in my bag? I definitely depend on what I am doing but I have had many years to refine it to practically a science! Let's take a peek:

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Opinions are always my own and I’ll never promote something I don’t use or believe in. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Andi's Roadtrip Bag

I'll move from left to right, and here we go:

Although I don't always use it (why bother when my hubby takes such awesome photos?), I always bring my camera, a Fujifilm X-E2, and 2 other lenses for macro food shots. I bring my laptop, my iPad (now iPad mini), my iPhone and at least one (generally two) Mophie Powerstation – these are the best and I have turned so many people on to these after I charged their dead phones for them!

Next row from the left:

I used to always have a Moleskine Notebook with me, but after my recent trip to Detroit I now carry around an American-made Shinola journal with blog cards tucked into the inner pocket, you never know who you are going to meet! I am totally anal when it comes to pens. I love Sharpie pens and have them everywhere, I am very picky about what I write with!

Those are my digital and analog recording devices next comes food and health! Hotel in-room coffee will rot your gut (or at least it does mine) so my solution for that first cup of coffee while getting ready to start my day is a Starbucks Via packet. I just make hot water with the coffee maker, add the powder, and voila!

Next to that are two of my francophile staples. Cans of sardines and Vichy pastilles. Mr. Misadventures and I love sardines and I can't tell you how many times they have saved us when we were on the run and arriving at our hotel late at night, or finding ourselves on a southwestern road with only fast food joints to choose from. These little guys are delicious and so easy to pack. Vichy pastilles are mints made from the Vichy thermal spa waters. They are said to also have digestive properties as well. My mother-in-law lives in Vichy and sends them by the kilo!

Next, I have an assortment of bars: Luna, Clif, Kind. These can be (and often are) a substitute for breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner! I have been saved from starvation so many times by these little guys!

Lastly, are two items I always have on me. I have them in every bag, my office, my car, everywhere! An old friend who doesn't blog anymore (I seem to have more and more of those lately) turned me onto digestive enzymes about six years ago and they have totally changed my life. From over-indulging to bad food, to fried food, traveling (or just normal everyday eating) can be hard on the stomach and I take Rainbow Light Advanced Enzymes at every meal and sometimes in between. I also carry a French over-the-counter medicine called efferalgan which does wonders for my migraines.

So that's it. The contents of my road trip bag! Now let's do some hopping!

The wall organizer stores 5 credit cards and a passport. A zippered mesh pocket is also included. The RFID blocking technology prevents identity theft by stopping readers from picking up personal data from your ID, credit cards, and passport. The backside includes a zippered pocket to store your smartphone and other small objects. The back and straps are padded for extra comfort. There is one water bottle pocket on the side.

Here is a list of the participating blogs and their posts:

Katie of Domestiphobia

Esther of Local Adventurer

Christina of Christina's Cucina

Tamara of We 3 Travel

Brianna of Casual Travelist

Colleen of Colleen Brynn Travels

Jenna of This is My Happiness

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

283 Comments

  1. Thank you for including me in this blog hop! It’s been fun working on it.
    I particularly like your approach from a medical standpoint… it’s true: road trips can be tough on tummies!

  2. What a great blog hop idea. I’m getting ready to go to BAM and then Bike Week. These are all great packing tips.

  3. Oooh, I need to check into those enzymes. The worst part of travel is wanting to eat all the food but getting stomachaches because it’s not what you are used to eating!

  4. I’d always bring my camera, too. That’s the one thing that I take everywhere with me when I’m traveling about!

  5. I am a horrible road trip person(I get so antsy) so I usually sleep to make the time go quicker. I always have my camera on hand and chargers are a must! Is there a benefit to having a power station? Our truck has a billion USB slots but, I do love new gadgets!

  6. If I were to build the perfect roadtrip bag the one item from Andi’s bag I would include is the sharpie pens,

  7. I pretty much take my camera with me everywhere. I can’t live without it! it’s definitely a road trip must-have!

  8. I’m a physician so I always pack Tylenol, antibiotics, hand wipes and a sense of humor. I found you via This Is My Happiness.

  9. I love your ‘bag’! The only thing missing for me would be one of those little bottles of vodka! I collect them at 30,000 feet. Good Travels!

  10. I also love granola bars & lately am hooked on Quest protein bars thanks to my trainer. They are a meal in a neatly wrapped package. Cinnamon roll is so yummy!

  11. Luna bars are the best! Love them! I have wanted Kindle for so long but can’t afford it, so thank you so much for the opportunity to win!

  12. I am hearing more and more about the digestive enzymes…..I am going to have to look into that. Especially for this summer when we do some traveling! I also love to pack some granola bars and snacks!

  13. I love that crossover bag sooo much!! I never travel without a fresh journal! I cherish the ones I write in when I get home. And an extra pen. Plus, I never leave home (ever) without a book.

  14. I love seeing what’s in my friends’ bags! You know I now carry my Shinola notebook, too, and I usually have a Jenny Craig bar with me. However, you will never find sardines in my bag!

  15. You definitely look prepared for anywhere your trip might take you. My always-in-the bag items are ink pens-lots of ink pens, a water bottle, and lots of coins.

  16. The digestive enzymes is such a great idea. Long road trips typically involve fast-food which can really upset the stomach.

  17. I have been eyeing Mophie’s for awhile now! Kind of seems like the perfect thing to ask for as a Christmas gift.
    Sounds like your bag might get a little heavy, but you’ve definitely got the packing thing down to a science! I’m still working on getting there, but this is pretty inspiring. 🙂

  18. Sounds a fun idea for a blog hop, can’t wait to see the others. I am with you on camera, snacks and various other technology, although sadly these days mine is mainly things like little trains, books and a kindle for my son to watch on the plane!

  19. Do you have any suggestions for sardines? The only ones I’ve found that I like are either fresh ones you get from a delicatessen or canned that are too expensive (usually $30 a can).

    1. @Susan, we don’t pay $30 a can but we do pay $8. We get ours at specialty markets – Italian, French, Spanish/Portuguese, also Sur la Table carries them. Looking on Amazon I see a few Portuguese ones that are $15/$16 which is half of $30 but still expensive! What area do you live in?

  20. Love this idea! And love the rest of the suggestions–except the sardines. haha. Can’t get on board with those! Or on the road with those I should say!

  21. My perfect road trip bag has a small notebook as well (Moleskine is my favorite). I’ve also recently added to the notebook a handy-dandy bobino slim-pen – very convenient and stays right in the book cover – and it is flat!

  22. I’m a huge fan of probiotics, especially on the road. They are a lifesaver when I’ve indulged in one too many roadside eats.

  23. Like you, I have to have my iPad mini. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of the tech era – I can keep up with the world I’m escaping, take notes on my travels, even take pictures if it’s all I have handy.

  24. Between the camera and the notebook it’s hard to decide but I think I’d have to pick the camera. Any road trip needs one and in my opinion, almost any day or event needs one too! I don’t ever get mad for taking too many pictures, only when I forget my camera and take none! With digital room to take as many as you want, why not?

  25. I won’t pick one of the obvious big ticket items when commenting on you’r blog post because I found a simularity between you and I. I am also insane about what I write with. Sharpies! Only Sharpies! I have them everywhere, as well!!

  26. I think the one thing I would love the best from your pic of travel items would be the Bars and the power station! Funny how we are so dependent on our phones and such now…………

  27. I definitely need my cell phone, which I use for pictures as well. I’m always carrying at least 2 additional charging cases or portable chargers as well!

  28. Luna bars and Cliff bars! An absolute must have when I go on roadtrips or adventures. Go to Costco and get them in bulk!

  29. Great list! I love taking bars with me because I am definitely the type to get “hangry.” There are always a few stashed in my bag. Cliff Bars are great, but I also love ProBars and 22 Days bars. 🙂

  30. I would have to agree with the camera although mine is not as nice as yours but my samsung takes wonderful pictures and it’s so much nicer than using my phone.

  31. I would love to have a nice camera again! I don’t care what people say, the phone cameras can’t compare to a good camera!!

  32. I agree with the snacks. Mr. Duvall and I MUST have lots of snacks on our Road Trips. (No Sardines Allowed Though!)

  33. I’m a writer so I definitely would have to take a notebook and some pens with me, as well as my tablet and my phone.

  34. I would definitely have the digestive enzymes in my bag. When I travel it seems I eat things I normally wouldn’t at home and it messes with my stomach so they would be a must have.

  35. If I were to build the perfect roadtrip bag, one item from Andi’s bag I would include is the Fujifilm X-E2.

  36. Great post and list! As a fellow blogger I don’t go anywhere without a camera and notepad. You never know when inspiration will strike!

  37. Great Collection.. Probably all the items in the list, coz its similar to mine. I usually pack the slr, some books to read, ipod, road snacks, notebook & pen, iphone, chargers, medicines, etc..

  38. My sunglasses to keep those wrinkles at bay, my Kindle and my iPhone are always with me on a road trip. I like what’s in your bag, too.

  39. Wow! what great ideas! I’m definitely going to have to try this stuff out. I am usually SOOOO unprepared…and basically drink whatever coffee is given to me, lol! <3

  40. Thanks for co-hosting this giveaway! I absolutely love road trips and we usually take our dogs with us, so we always have stuff in our bags for them as well! 🙂 I like your idea of bringing along a notebook.

  41. The health bars are something I would include in a road trip bag. I’m also considering the Rainbow Light Advanced Enzyme System, since I have terrible digestive issues.

  42. I always bring my Kindle with me. It is very hand and fits in my purse. Thank you for the chance to win another one. My son wants one

  43. All great choices! I’m especially fond of Moleskine notebooks – they’re the best! 🙂

  44. Thanks for introducing me to some new blogs! I love this road trip post. I’d have to say that from your bag, I couldn’t live without my iPhone. I love the idea that I can drive in any direction and explore, with the confidence that my gps can still save me if I need it 🙂

  45. I would have never thought to pack a can of sardines! we’ll definitely have to try that next time. 🙂 we have packed those tuna salad packages with crackers before while hiking. before!

  46. My camera, phone, and tablet are always nearby. I would also have to include snacks, and a water bottle. My son’s roadtrip gear typically takes up the entire backseat!

  47. Very nice bag! I always like to carry something to nibble on in my bag. A snack mix or a protein bar is usually my go to!

  48. Re: WOW, I luv the Moleskine notebooks Divine. . OMG. Wow, prize kindle is fab. & splendid. 2 fingers snap. It is tight, fly & off the chain. Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity. Pick me, pick me! Dear Santa: I’ve been nice. My X-Mas wish this year is to win this contest. Starving artist here desperately needs the kindle to read, work and eat again.

  49. I find that a camera is *must* for a road trip! And any kind of trip. You know what? It’s a must for life in general.

  50. The camera is a necessity for me because, like my father, I love to capture the world around me in a way you can always enjoy even after its’ time has passed.

  51. I love that you bring Luna and Cliff bars. I like trying all different brands and flavors of them. I think Kind bars are my favorite.

  52. great giveaways! And i love everything you have in your bag 🙂 Those are important things for being on the road 🙂

  53. I would take the Mophie Powerstation to charge my phone. I’ve only recently tried Kind bars and I love them.

  54. Love, love, love this blog! I am an independent hair stylist who created her salon around a Parisian/vacation theme! Love your travel goodies but I would travel no where without my iPad mini, gluten-free snacks and a homemade scrapbook journal with crafting goodies.. also with a Sharpie pen (I prefer the extra fine tip!). Thanks for the giveaway.

  55. I love both bags you show, but I think the cross body would suit my needs best. I carry fiber bars and Sharpie pens and so many other little items depending on where the journey takes me and who goes with me. The contents are totally different if we have Foster kids with us as that changes our needs…..drastically!! LOL

  56. I am totally “Old School” so I would also include Sharpeie Pens in my road trip bag. After all pens don’t need a battery or need to be re-charged.

  57. I would carry the Moleskine with me – I carry one all the time and keep it on my bedside table. It’s a special one from a VIP bag from a Leonard Cohen concert (I snagged it off ebay – I didn’t get mega expensive concert tickets!) It’s one of my prized possessions! I love it so much I mostly write on post-its and put them in the notebook. I know, I know – I’m weird.

  58. I also carry an assortment of bars with me at all times. They are key for placating hungry toddlers (and hungry mamas too)!

  59. I can’t play !! I don’t have a phone that supports instagram and when I tried to set it up on the computer I made such a mess !! Have fun all of you that can play ! Good luck !!

  60. I too have suffered from travel eating so I am really interested in the Rainbow Light Advanced Enzymes for digestion aid.

  61. I love Luna bars so I would take those too, the Morphie Powerstation and enzymes are also a good idea to bring along on a roadtrip.

  62. The camera! I don’t like to go anywhere on a trip without one to snap photos of my adventures.

  63. Ok…for sure I would have to bring my phone with me! My phone is the LG G2, kinda old…but I love it! Cannot live without it! I also was thinking, my blood sugar gets low sometimes so I would have to have some kind of energy. Those Clif bars are amazing for this!

  64. Great bag!! I always carry a notebook these days, too… love keeping travel diaries! I’m like a kid with it, I make doodles, glue receipts and all kinds of things in there 🙂

  65. Thanks for sharing this. My road trip bag changes depending on where we go but these are great ideas!

  66. I would also take it all: books, chargers, music, a camera and granola bars! For my travels I need to have a pen and a book that I can write in.

  67. Camera is my #1 item when packing for any type of trip so I would choose that from your bag first.

  68. Good road trip kit. Like you have the digestives everywhere, I pack ginger chews everywhere. There’s almost always one in my pocket, with a supply in the car, the desk, the house… They help settle the tummy, alleviate “Taco Bell Breath” and are just yummy.

  69. It has to be my camera! I love to take pictures. And what’s better to save those memories than LOTS of pictures and videos?!? xo

  70. I NEVER go anywhere without my iPhone. This way I can either take pictures or take films! Love it!

  71. I’m a big fan of Sharpies too, and I never leave my iPad behind.–all my books, crossword puzzles, calendars, guidebooks and internet pastimes in one neat little package! The best way to pass a few hours in an airport or find a restaurant…

  72. Camera is a must at all times. Lucky you that your hubby takes pictures, I have to draft strangers now and then so I can be in the photo!

  73. This looks like a nice traveling kit. Mine looks a bit like this but with a lot more snacks though. LOL!

  74. Love my travelon crossbody bag – it fits just what I need for the plane, isn’t too heavy for daily travel use, and it’s gone tons of security features!

  75. I always have at least one camera on me plus extra batteries. Nothing sadder than being somewhere beautiful only to have your camera run out of juice! I’m totally looking into that powerstation now. When my daughter is cranky she can run down an iphone battery pretty quickly. 😛

  76. I would include the migraine medicine! Unfortunately I am prone to them and only certain things will work once I have one!

  77. I would definitely take my iPad (I LOVE the iPad mini!) Then I could keep writing songs like an artist on tour. Ha ha.

  78. I can not leave home without this baby 🙂 camera 🙂 Fujifilm X-E2 and reusable water bottle

  79. I would include the camera because you have to have memory pictures and pictures for your friends and family to view, whether they want to or nit.

  80. I would pack the ipad or ipad mini. If I had sardines in my bag I would give them to you! LOL!

  81. I’m with you on almost all of that stuff. I also take some Melatonin for when I’m hyped and excited and can’t sleep but really should sleep. Still, the sardines, I dunno about that.

  82. I would have to have me that Mophie Power Station, for sure!! It would really come in handy for the trips I am planning!!! 🙂

  83. I find there’s always the trick balance of bringing everything you might need and bringing WAAAY too much, HAHAH! With kids, I always make sure to have wipes and band-aids through.

  84. I must try the digestive enzymes you talk about above. Thanks for the info! And I definitely agree with you about the hotel coffee rotting your gut, that stuff, no matter where, is pretty much the worst part of any trip . Thanks for the chance to win this awesome blog hop.. Happy travels

  85. This is a great post. I absolutely would bring a camera with me on a road trip. I’m loving all the items on this list.

  86. Love the contents of your perfect travel bag, Andi! I’ll road trip with you anytime! 🙂

  87. I just love the Shinola journal to write in and keep track of my adventures. I often like to write info on the pictures I take so this is perfect to take notes on. Like all the colors it comes in too.

  88. I have to have the Rainbow Light Advanced Enzymes. Every time I travel I have to try the local food but it always tears my stomach up.

  89. I love your camera! Its a must take with me too. I love to take pictures of everything! Capturing beautiful memories! 🙂

  90. Love Luna Bars–especially the Lemon Zest flavor. And food enzymes make a world of difference for my tummy, too:)

  91. I would love to carry the Mophie Powerstation from Andi’s bag this is something I never think of!

  92. Can’t travel without camera. It’s is an unwritten rule. I’ll see something great and no camera. Lesson learned.

  93. I had no idea they make anti theft bags like this. I should look into it for my next european vacation.

  94. A charger. I’ve used my numerous time not only for myself but family and friends as well. A tube of tylenol is a must.

  95. I’d bring my laptop. Well, if I got a new one. mine is too big…and falling apart. I’d like to get a smaller one.

  96. I’m getting set to go to Italy in may and figuring out what I need to bring. Selection of granola bars seems like a solid addition.

  97. You lost me with sardines but got me right back with the luna bars. They r so good and ful of good nutrition

  98. A Kindle would be great to have along. If not that I would need a map because I don’t have GPS, a better phone because I don’t know if I’d get service and my Triple A card in case we break down.

  99. My husband and I used to get in the car on Friday evenings and just drive, with no destination in mind and travel for the weekend. It was great, but we were never prepared. I now wish we had a bag set up as good as you have for your travels. Now, I tend to way over plan because we tended to not have what we needed back then. A camera is always a must though.

  100. I don’t know about the sardines, but I’ll take your word for it. I’m a little late to the party, but thanks for sharing.