Everyone needs to get away once in a while. Even if you don't have lots of resources or time, a weekend trip can be a good way to de-stress and explore a new area for a short time.
While a weekend getaway can be relatively easy to plan and execute, you'll still have to spend some time packing. You won't want to waste your precious vacation time at a store to purchase something you've forgotten.
Check out our weekend trip packing list with some basics you'll need, regardless of where you go. Then, at the bottom of the post, we link to our packing lists. What you bring for your short trip depends on the type of trip (beach, theme park, city), so be sure to review the appropriate list.
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Packing List for a Weekend Away
Where are you going on your weekend away?
First, you'll need to decide where you are going. This will determine the types of clothes you need to pack, as well as any additional items, such as beach towels and comfortable shoes.
You'll also want to consider your plans. If you go out to nice dinners or shows, you may want to include more than one pair of shoes and other nicer clothing items.
Remember to check the weather forecast at your destination before you leave. The weather may affect the clothes you bring, and you may also want to include an umbrella and/or a rain poncho if they are necessary.
Going on an adventure vacation? Bring a waterproof camera, appropriate footwear, and any other clothing you need. Bring bathing suits, coverups, sunscreen, towels, and other essentials for a beach vacation. If you plan to tour a city, you'll want comfortable footwear.
Driving or Flying?
Are you driving, flying, or taking a train to your destination? It's much easier to pack up a car for a quick road trip, and you can also bring along larger items you may want, like cases of water and fitness equipment. You won't need to be as mindful of your bag weight or how many you bring.
If you are flying or taking a train, you'll probably pack light and need to bring the right bag. If you are flying, you may bring just a carry-on bag.
In that case, you'll want a personal item to use as underseat luggage to maximize space in your larger carry-on. We recently tested a personal item bag that accommodates multiple items.
In your personal item, it's a good idea to put things you'll need during the flight, as well as any important things that you want to keep by your side. This includes any prescription medication, books, headphones, portable chargers, hand sanitizer, credit cards, and travel documents.
That way, you won't have to get up and open the overhead for anything you may need - and you'll have these items with you if they end up having to check your carry-on suitcase.
Some budget airlines charge an extra fee for carry-on bags or don't include them in the lowest fares. So check our specific flight information in advance so you aren't surprised when you check in. In some cases, you won't even be able to pay for a carry-on and will only be allowed to carry a personal item, and opt to pay for a checked bag.
Weekend Trip Bag
I'd recommend either a duffel bag or a wheeled suitcase for your carry-on. A duffel bag is more likely to fit in the overhead bin if the flight is full, but it can be more challenging to carry through the airport (especially with a heavier personal item).
When I pack for a weekend trip, I am very careful to ensure everything fits in my carry-on. I always roll my clothes and usually use packing cubes to compress everything. I try to limit how many pairs of shoes I bring because those usually take up a lot of space. I wear my biggest pair of shoes to save space.
Keep in mind that if you pack everything in carefully, you'll have to do the same on the way home. While I usually toss my dirty clothes in a laundry bag and bring them home in it, that can be tough to pack. Always make sure you leave a little extra space in your bag (that helps with souvenirs, too!).
As a side note, we recommend bringing your own laundry bag with you. While many hotels have offered plastic bags in the past, I haven't seen them in my hotel room the last time I traveled.
Type of Clothing
When I go on a longer trip, I usually bring a few extra items of clothing so that I'll have options. For a weekend trip, you probably won't have a ton of space in your bag. So you'll need to think about your specific plans and make sure that you have the right outfits packing all of your plans.
If you don't have plans that require a dressier outfit, consider bringing things in neutral colors so you can mix and match outfits. A pair of jeans can also be worn more than once if necessary, giving you more options.
Packing Toiletries
If you travel often, I recommend keeping a packed travel bag of toiletries ready to go. Because liquids, gels, aerosols, and creams have to be 3.4 ounces or less to be carried through airport security on a flight, you'll have to get travel-sized items for most of your toiletries. Save these in a toiletry bag and bring them out when packing for a trip.
Before you go, you'll want to pull out the bottles and ensure they are filled enough and aren't expired. Add any jewelry or makeup that you may want to bring for your trip.
Documents
You'll always need to travel with some basic identification, as well as cash and credit cards. These days there are even more things you may need, so make sure you've packed everything required. You may also need your flight information, boarding passes, confirmation letters, and passports (for international travel).
Other Essentials
Here are some other things you may need:
- Several pairs of pants
- Dressy item if necessary
- Sunglasses
- Glasses/contacts/solution
- Deodorant
- eReader and charger
- Important documents
- Rain jacket
- Shirts/sweaters
- Underwear
- Toiletries - face wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hair products
- Makeup
- Face moisturizer
- Pair of pajamas
- Day bag/purse for a day trip
- Hairbrush
- Hair dryer/straightener
- Comfortable shoes
- Any other shoes you may need
- Portable phone charger
- Charging cords for phone/watch/tablet
- Bathing suits (if going on a beach trip or using the hotel pool)
- Water bottle
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent and Sunscreen
- A coat if you are traveling in cold weather
Packing lists
These are just a few of the things you'll want to pack. For more essentials, download our packing lists. While we can't guarantee they include everything you need, they are a good start.
We've separated the lists by trip type, so start with the option most appropriate for your weekend getaway. There are two list types for each trip: a master list and a child list. Use one master list for your group, and then a child list for each additional person.
More Packing Tips Resources: Looking for more packing tips and recommendations? Here are all of our posts, including packing lists, product recommendations, and ideas for specific trips.
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