How to Pack for a Last-Minute Weekend Getaway
Weekend trips seem like they should be the easiest ones to pack for, but they always are the hardest for me. For the past 29 years, my husband and I have traveled across the country, squeezing in weekend
trips during the school year and longer trips in the summer. Our trips always included our twin daughters, which required us (mostly me) to become expert packers.
Packing for a last-minute getaway doesn't have to be stressful. Today I'll share my go-to packing list, favorite travel accessories, and some tips for a go with the flow attitude.
Have A Go-To Packing List
The travel arrangements are in order; the car's been serviced and gassed up, and the last thing you need to do is pack.
When planning my packing list, I like to break things down chronologically. The first day usually consists of traveling and then grabbing dinner. The second day is open for exploring, shopping and eating, and maybe a nice dinner. The last day is breakfast or brunch, then traveling home. Taking a few minutes to think about your activities might save you the agony of realizing you missed the mark with your outfits.
Another thing I always do is check the weather report for my destination. For example, if you're headed to a rainy city and plan on spending most of your time exploring the outdoors, you should bring a raincoat and leave any leather boots at home.
So once you've considered those factors, here is what you'll need:
Car outfit
Friday night dinner outfit
Saturday exploring or shopping outfit
Saturday evening outfit
Sunday brunch and drive home outfit
When thinking about clothing and shoes to pack, I usually try to think of a color palate. For example, I might decide the whole weekend will be about creams and neutral colors. This limits the number of shoes, jackets, etc., that I'll need to pack.
The Breakdown
This breaks down into the following:
one blouse & two t-shirts
one dress or jumper
a sweater or light jacket for layering
one pair of jeans
one pair of leggings
shoes: one dressy sandal or wedge & one pair of sneakers
depending on the weather or indoor pool options: swimsuit & cover-up
So that's a wrap for the clothes but what about a bag for the car? I usually pack a tote bag for the car when taking a road trip. This bag would most likely have:
a book or kindle
some snacks
phone charger and earbuds
travel pillow and blanket
hand sanitizer and tissues
Optional add on's
jacket
cold-weather accessories
eye mask and earplugs
Bonus Packing Tips
If you travel more than once a year, consider setting aside a ready-to-go toiletry bag forever stocked with travel-size minis of all your usual toiletries. Don't touch this toiletry bag at home, and you won't have to remember what to pack each time you jet off because it's already there!
Don't pack items you can find at your destination. You don’t need to bring a hairdryer if the hotel has one.
Ask your salon for trial-sized samples of your must-have skincare products.
Leave your work computer at home!
Travel with a small fabric or mesh bag for your dirty clothes. This keeps the rest of your clothes from getting dirty and smelly.
Let Go and Enjoy
A weekend getaway is supposed to be something positive, fun, and exciting. Don't let packing stress you out. Luckily, there's no right or wrong way to pack; keep it simple and enjoy the trip!
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