The Ultimate Packing Checklist for a Weekend Getaway
There are days when we just need to get away…
But more often than not, it seems impossible to get out of the rut and take a break. Either you don’t have the time or you just can’t afford to stop working, lest things pile up. These excuses are heard often enough, but the golden rule that I prefer to follow is ~ take a break to feel rejuvenated, as the grey cells sing when they are refreshed! With a weekend getaway, you don’t lose time and it’s affordable, and more importantly, you free up your brain’s resources from the daily grind of survival and workplace challenges.
Once you’ve decided to enjoy a weekend getaway, packing for it can turn out to be quite challenging. You don’t want to lose out on the momentum by having to drag a heavy suitcase or burden yourself with a bulging backpack. With travel ramping up these last few years, I have to say, the one thing I’ve truly mastered ~ is packing light!
Yes, strategic packing can address all your packing woes. And to help you pack stress free, I will be showing you how to pack for a weekend getaway in style. Make this ultimate packing checklist for a weekend getaway your first stop when planning your next trip.
Research Well
The first step is to pack the right clothes appropriate for the weather you’re likely to encounter. If it’s likely to be a bit chilly a good quality turtleneck, and a jacket should keep you warm enough for a full day’s worth of wander. I also make sure to carry a beautiful and functional scarf; your short holiday can be a dampener if you don’t have the right accessories to keep you warm. If the climate promises warmth and sunshine, you may pack lighter. So first things first, check the weatherman’s forecast and make a list of what you need to take with you.
Your Ultimate Checklist
This one may be a no-brainer but a lot of us are too lazy to make a list and often miss out on essentials. I would suggest that you start with the things you’d need in the morning; toiletries, makeup, clothing and work down the day to money, electronic items and accessories, prescription medicines {if any}, and footwear that you are likely to need. If a beach is in the vicinity, you’re sure to want your swimwear and sunscreen lotion. That done, choosing your backpack or a small suitcase will help you restrict your packing to its confines. Also, remember to fold or roll clothing so that they fit better and make your luggage more compact.
Pack Lightweight Pieces
Your ultimate packing guide for a weekend getaway is multi-functional in the sense that you would be able to mix and match items of clothing enabling you to get more out of less. Travelling light and in style is easy, if you just know-how. You don’t want to pack items that you think you may need but remain untouched through the duration of your vacay.
Here a capsule wardrobe is an essential concept to understand to create a minimal yet highly functional {and fashionable} travel wardrobe. I value simplicity, clean styling, and a good tailored fit above anything else. A duster can be worn with just about anything, and it can double up as a ‘warmer’ or chic outerwear when coupled with trousers or jeans. Similarly, stylish scarves don’t occupy much space and can be worn to achieve a ‘dressy look’ or simply as a part of your daily outfit when you’re out hiking or walking. Sunglasses make you look chic and protect your eyes; I would recommend you don’t miss out on them either.
Choosing The Right Shoes For Travel
Be smart about your shoes: comfy sneakers are realistic and safe as they are light and can withstand the rigors of walking or trekking. Throw in a pair of flip-flops for good measure; depending on where you’re headed, they can come in handy. Steel yourself to limit footwear to just that and never yield to the temptation of lugging around dressy shoes; they don’t serve any purpose. After all, you’ll be gone for just a couple of days.
To note: Ballet flats are a popular travel shoe option when you want a dressier look but they are not recommended for long hours on your feet sightseeing.
Minimal Beauty
For a short excursion, adopt a minimalist perspective. I would suggest paring down your toiletries to the absolute essentials. Pack-in small tubes of toothpaste, sunscreen, deodorant, moisturiser, body wash, and other skincare products that you use daily. A Ziploc bag is ideal for your toiletries; just ensure that you bring small quantities and minimum makeup {i.e. compact, bronzer, and lip colour}. Throw in your daily medication, too, lest you forget them later.
Electronic Items
Yes, you can’t travel without your smartphone and charger but you can definitely leave behind your laptop for a couple of days. Your phone can double up as a camera, and a guide if you store locations in it. And if you love reading, Kindle will allow you to take trips without lugging around books, leaving more space in your suitcase for essentials.
It’s always tempting to add items at the last minute ~ resist from doing so ~ you want to have a great weekend without having to feel ‘weighed down’!
There you have it, my tips on how to pack for a weekend getaway in style! What are some of your favourite short-term packing tips? Do share in the comments below!