A weekend packing list is just what you need when you want to travel light for a quick trip. Grab this free printable so you know what to pack for a weekend away.
Packing for any trip can be a struggle. You don’t want to pack too much and you also don’t want to forget anything you need.
This task becomes more of an art when you’re packing for a weekend away. It doesn’t make sense checking bags that may possibly get lost for a couple of days. That’s the length of your whole trip! So, you have to whittle down what you take with you to the bare minimum and get it all in a carry-on bag.
The secret is to plan what to pack a few days before your trip. You’ll need to do a little research about your destination. This will help you to determine if you need clothing for warm weather, cold or a combination of the two. No sense having a bulky jacket to travel to the Caribbean in July, right?
Pack just enough and leave the “I might need this” stuff behind. Make decisions before you leave for your vacation instead of taking options with you which will just take up precious space and add weight to your luggage.
So, without further ado (so fancy, I know!), here’s a weekend trip packing list. There’s a printable version available at the end of this post too!
Weekend Packing List
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Clothes
Jeans are the perfect item to bring on any vacation. They’re hard-wearing and you can dress them up or down.
For a weekend getaway, take a clean pair of jeans in a dark wash. The dark color will hide any dirt or stains you may get on them a lot better than say, a white pair. You can even wear these on the trip to avoid adding weight to your bag. Jeans are heavy. A pair of jean shorts are also a good choice for warmer climates.
Next, select tops to pair with the jeans. Take two casual tops e.g. a T-shirt or sweater for Saturday and Sunday and two dressy tops for the nighttime.
If you prefer, pack a simple dress instead of one of the more elegant tops. Choose one that’s made of a jersey fabric that won’t easily get wrinkled and is comfortable.
Going to an event such as a wedding? Then, you’ll need a dress or suit.
Since you’re going on a short holiday, pack enough socks and underwear to last. Who needs to do laundry over a 2-3 day vacation? Not me! Take bras that will work well under each of your shirts and dress(es).
You’ll need pyjamas to sleep in unless you plan to sleep naked (how scandalous!). You may also need thermal underwear and a jacket, if it will be cold.
Accessories
Basic accessories are all you need for a short trip. Don’t take your entire jewelry box or bag collection.
One or two pairs of earrings—a simple pair and a more elegant selection—a necklace and bracelet that can go with everything, a clutch bag for a night out or your event and a small handbag for daytime.
Don’t forget to pack a belt, if your jeans are a bit loose.
Shoes
The shoes you take with you will really depend on your destination and why you’re going. If it’s a place that will have cooler weather, a pair of boots or even sneakers will be essential.
For warmer holidays, sandals and flip-flops are good options. These hardly take up any space in your luggage at all so there’s a bonus. You may also need a pair of heels or wedges for a more formal event.
Wear the heavier shoes during your flight or drive instead of having them take up valuable space in your bag.
Need a beach vacation packing list? Grab one here!
Electronics
I don’t know about you but I can’t travel without my cell phone these days. It’s all the technology I need in one small device. I use it for entertainment purposes while I’m waiting for a flight, train or whatever but I can also order a cab and stay in contact with my loved ones. If needed, I can do light work tasks using my phone too e.g. checking email and making notes.
You may consider taking a tablet or a laptop but only if you absolutely can’t do without them. A camera is another item you can bring along. Of course, there’s always the camera on your cell phone. Just be sure to clear some memory before you travel.
Take along all the necessary chargers for your technology and a pair of ear phones for quiet movie watching or listening to music and podcasts. No-one wants to hear what you’re listening to! That’s a personal pet peeve of mine while I travel. Can you tell?
Toiletries
You can find a toiletries packing list here.
I highly recommend purchasing 3.4 oz (100 ml) leak-proof bottles and decanting products you already have at home in them. This will save you money in the long run because the bottles are reusable and you’re not buying extra bath and body products just for a weekend trip.
Of course, if you prefer, you can go ahead and buy travel-sized bottles of your favorite products. Just be sure to store any liquids or gels in a quart-size, clear plastic Ziploc bag to adhere to airport security rules.
If you’ll be staying at a hotel, use the soap, shampoo and conditioner provided so you don’t have to pack your own.
It’s always best to keep medications in their original packing for airport security purposes and in case you need to show a pharmacist or doctor during your holiday. Vitamins, however, can be stored in a small pill organizer so you don’t have a huge bottle with you.
Travel Essentials
These are items you should never travel without, even if you’re just packing for a weekend trip. Luckily these things are pretty small and will take up hardly any space in your luggage:
- Passport/ Visa/ Other I.D
- Wallet/ Purse
- Cash
- Credit cards/ ATM cards
- Medical insurance card
- Travel insurance card
- List of prescription medications
- Emergency contact
- Credit card contact
It might seem like overkill to travel with the last few items on this list but things can go wrong in the blink of an eye and you’ll be glad you have this information handy.
Free Printable Weekend Getaway Packing List
Click here to download the printable Weekend Packing List I promised you.
If you’re traveling for a short time, whether you’re heading on an international getaway or staying in the same country, knowing what to pack for a weekend trip away can make your holiday even more enjoyable.
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