So I know quite a few of the readers of DetroitBuzz have to occasionally travel for business. I want to spend a little bit of time sharing with you what MY essentials for business travel are.You know... the kinds of things that make you smack your head with your palm when you know you've forgotten them?

Probably the most important item to me is a toiletry bag. This has come a long way since the old days of "Dopp Kits" which were nothing more than tiny duffel bags- your toothpaste got mixed up with your shaving cream and your deodorant got shampoo smeared on the outside...

Today's options for toiletry bags are diverse. Here is a great article about how to buy a toiletry bag as a gift. And it's a great gift idea for someone that either doesn't have one, or is in dire need of an update.

So what to fill it with? Make certain that you have, at minimum, a travel toothbrush (or a toothbrush in a case, so that you don't have toothpaste/water leaking out into the contents), your favorite toothpaste (ever TRY that nasty complimentary hotel toothpaste?), deodorant, shaving cream, razor. Then sit down, think about your morning routine at home- and try to find travel sizes of everything that you use. I keep doubles of hair gel and mouthwash in addition to the already mentioned above.

Something that I've added as well (my wife's idea, but one that I think is GREAT!) is a framed picture of my kids! One of the first things that I do when checking into a new hotel room is to put the picture frame up on either the bathroom counter or the desk. It reminds me why I subject myself to the crazy travel schedule that I do.

The most important feature of new school toiletry bags is the hanger on top of the bag with a multi-compartment flip-outs. This especially helps when you have to attend a convention or a meeting and have to share a room. Helps keep your stuff separate from your roommate. (Essential when you're germ conscious like I am.)

Let us know what YOUR business travel tips are in the Messageboard.