Got a Day Trip? Grab Your Backpack and Go!

Going somewhere this weekend? Grab your backpack and go! But why? This isn't camping so what's the point? Why bother packing at all? Everything you need whenever you need it is at any shop.

True but that's the point. You'll save money. And for those of you who don't love standing in line you'll also save time. Many of you out there thinking that a purse will solve the problem do not know what I mean by a day trip. Not a problem. I'll get to that later.

Oh, you'll notice that my bag doesn't have the logo on it. I got my bag while in I was the Army. To my surprise, having a tag wasn't Army regulation so I had to take it off. Once the tag was off, I could wear it with my uniform but I couldn't use it in combat.

The tag is gone as well as my Army days. But the bag is still with me.

Think of a day trip as a one-day vacation. Going to the mall isn't a day trip but going to a baseball game might be. In either case your backpack will help you but you can leave it at home.

When I go somewhere I've never been before and I expect to be there all day, that's when I reach for my backpack. When I expect to be there for more than a day, then I go for a different bag.

For an expat in Japan like myself day trips come frequently. There are new places and new festivals to see all year round. It's as easy as grabbing my bag and heading for the door. The Everest backpack is the one I use. I got it while in the Army years ago and it's served me nicely. I bought it for its price and design. I had no idea it would last as long as it has.

OK. You've got your bag so what do you put in it? Well, where are you going? And when? You'll know where to start once you answer these questions.

To help you out here are just a few things I always take with me on any day trip: umbrella, camera, canteen and maps. This is the gear I took when visiting Columbus, Georgia years ago in the Army and again when visiting to Akihabara, Tokyo last summer.

This isn't a lot because I leave room for souvenirs for friends and family. You can bring snacks if you like. I keep snacks to a minimum because I like to try the local food once I get there.