Recently I was watching one of those procedural crime shows where FBI profilers fly around the country solving murders. Every episode features the lead character saying, “Get your bag. We’re wheels up in 30!” And off they’d go. I’ve come to find out that these bags are called, “Go Bags.” I like the idea of having a bag ready to go so I can take off on adventure at a moment’s notice. So, I decided to create my own Go Bag(s). Who knew something so simple could make my travel life so much easier? No more running around at the last minute trying to find travel-sized toiletries or forgetting my toothbrush. Everything is packed and ready to pop into my carry-on bag.

Over the years, I have tried a ridiculous number of travel bags. Most were too bulky, too heavy, too specialized or too compartmentalized. As a disorganized person who loves things that promise to get me organized, I was always drawn to those big, un-zip-it and hang-it-on-the-bathroom door bags. “A place of everything” bags. Except I never used them. Oh, I’d buy them—yeah, I bought multiples, assuring myself this time I’d use it. Never did. I finally made a list of exactly what I needed: one clear plastic zippered bag for liquids and multiple light-weight, washable zippered cosmetic bags. I now have four go-bags: one for liquids, one for toiletries, one for make-up and one for medicines.

Side note: I should own stock in Ziploc Bags. I use a lot of them! Keep a box of quart sized bags and a box of snack bags on hand. Also, you don’t need to purchase fancy travel bags. Quart and gallon sized Ziplocs can serve the purpose.

TSA Approved Airline Compliant Clear Toiletries Bag.

My first bag is a TSA Approved Clear Travel Toiletry Bag.  I try to keep liquids to a minimum. As all the hotels that I stay at provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion, I never pack these items. I do pack travel sized deodorant, face wash, face cream, toothpaste and hairspray. Everything in this bag is individually packed in Ziploc snack bags. I always make this the last bag I pack in my carryon so that it is easily accessible at security. If you are interested in this bag, click here.

Le Sportsac Glob Trotter Extra Large Rectangular Cosmetic Case.

My next three bags are identical Le Sportsac Cosmetic Bags. (To find similar bags, click here).These are very light-weight and washable. Like many travel bags, Le Sportsac bags come in a full range of sizes, shapes and functions, and I was seriously tempted to buy them all. But I stuck to a list of what I really needed. I settled on three bags that were all the same size. This makes packing so easy, because I don’t need to struggle to fit them into my carryon. Each bag has a function:

Toiletries: Admittedly, this bag feels superfluous, but I always end up with stuff in it. Make-up wipes, feminine products, dental floss, Q-tips, Band-aids…you get the idea. I keep a well-stocked basket of travel sized items in my linen closet to make packing easier and replace items in this bag as needed.

Make-up: In my dream travel life, I would have a duplicate set of all my make-up. In real life, I simply keep this bag in my vanity for daily use. I use travel sized make-up brushes. For travel, I usually don’t take liquid foundation, opting to use a solid cream stick instead. I never carry a full size or even a travel sized perfume. I only pack perfume samples. Life hack: Every time I purchase new make-up, I ask my salesperson for perfume samples, and they are always happy to throw a few in with my purchases. Every item in this bag is individually packed in Ziploc snack bags. This may seem like over-kill, but it keeps the inside of the bag clean. I started doing this when a blush compact opened and broke in my cosmetics bag and covered everything with peachy pink dust.

Medicines: I always pack my prescription medicines in the original pharmacy container. While those pill organizers that old folks love seem great for travel, I have heard stories of travelers having issues getting them through security. Could just be an urban legend but I don’t think it’s worth the risk. I also pack twice as many doses as I’ll need while I am away. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, keep a copy of your prescription in this bag. In addition to my prescription medicines, I also pack small sized OTC medicines like Advil, Tums, Tylenol,  etc.

I keep a list of the contents in each bag. When I return from a trip, I clean out each bag then I check my list and replace the empty products. The bags are stored with my carryon bags. Having these bags pre-packed has saved me 15-20 minutes of packing time with each trip. That adds up.

This works for me, but I encourage you to create your own Go Bags based on your specific needs. Maybe you are a minimalist who only needs a quart sized Ziploc bag for toothpaste and deodorant. That’s impressive; wish I could be you. Perhaps one large toiletries bag suits your needs or maybe you love your hang-it-on-the-bathroom-door bag. Find what works for you. Make a list of the items you need and stock up on those items. Keep a small basket of travel sized toiletries to facilitate swift repacking. Pack your Go Bags and store in or with your carryon.

That’s it. Your Go Bags are ready to go!

Disclosure Policy

I love to share products and services that I have found that enhance my life at home and on the road. Any products used or reviewed in a post are those I have purchased myself unless I have stated otherwise. If I ever actually figure out how to use affiliate links that generate commissions and include them in a post, I will disclose that within the post. Unless otherwise disclosed, all content on emptynestandcarryon.com is solely my opinion and my own original material.