I love to travel and explore new places. But, with a full time job I can’t spare to take multiple long vacations. So, I try and make the most of my weekends and ensure that I am still able to explore and travel. These trips are mostly exploring my hometown and some nearby cities. And, it is also essential that I don’t pack too much or too little for a fulfilling weekend (I am sure you don’t want to run to stores during your weekend trip for things you forgot to pack). So, from experience I am putting together this post on how to pack for a weekend trip with a printable
Getting away for the weekend can really help you reset for the upcoming week. And, this list is to help make that trip seamless. So whether your trip is for business or weekend getaway, it can be applied to both. I will also list unnecessary items that you do not need to pack and can be left at home for the weekend (I know I have either packed too much and too little with my initial trips) And, now I just follow the list and always felt ready. So, you surely do not want excessive luggage with you. So, this compressive list on what to pack for a weekend trip would really help you align your plan and have a successful weekend trip
This post is an ultimate list of everything you need for a weekend trip. So you don’t pack too much or too little and instead have an amazing weekend. this post also includes list of things that you do not need to bring with you for a weekend trip.
sweet peach box
Table of Contents
What to pack for a weekend trip
Clothes
Clothes are the most important part, start off with a weekend bag or a duffle bag. Since this is a weekend trip, you do not need to carry anything bulky and heavy. If you are flying then its best to take a carry on or a tote since its easy to roll around with all the walking.
The accepted size for carry on in almost all airlines is 9.5 X 15 X 22 inches (24 X 38 X 56 cm) including wheels and sides. If you are looking to buy one, below are top options that I currently use from Amazon in a carry on, duffle bag and a tote. If you already have one great, if not, purchase one of these options from your preference
Carry on
This carry on is from American tourister, one of the leading brands in durable yet affordable carry on in the market today. This style itself has over 5000 reviews and 4.7 stars on Amazon. Dimensions are acceptable almost all airlines.
Duffle bag
This is a stylish weekend bag, enough to carry your essentials your weekend trip. Great for a road trip, camping, or a weekend getaway.
Tote carry on
A tote carry on is great for a weekend business trip. Great for storing documents, laptop and just enough for the weekend business outfit.
Its best to pack a minimum of 2 outfits for a weekend getaway. The type of outfits will depend on where your destination is like the; beach, mountains, city or camping. And, once that’s decided stick with those 2 outfits. A maximum of 4 outfits should be sufficient and no more ( 2 outfits for the 2 days and 2 of the outfits for the nights). But, definitely stay away from packing backup outfits, as there is a 99% chance you wont need more than 4 suggested outfits for the weekend trip.
Carrying more outfits will just take up and space and leave you undecided on what to wear, so better decide ahead on the # of outfits you want. I would suggest keep it between 2-4 depending on your destination. Plus don’t forget to throw in a t-shirt for bedtime.
Business trip
If you are going on a business trip than an easy pick would be to pack a maximum of 3 outfits. Don’t over do it, you wont have the time and the outfits would just take up the space in your bag. Because if its a business trip, you are most likely just working, and wont have time for much casual.
- 2 outfits Business/business casual (this is if you have 2 days of business meetings, if its just 1 day, then obviously you need the only 1 outfit)
- Casual : this is in case, you have a day to explore the city
Underclothes
You already know your preference, so take enough for the days you are traveling. My say would be just don’t forget to pack them. Include socks for sure.
Also, it would be a good idea to use packing cubes from amazon, this way you can pack more compressively and can get away with a tote carry bag. Another reason to buy cubes would be to easily separate your laundry from your clean clothes
Shoes
For a weekend trip, take 1 pair of dress shoes (if required for your evening or business wear) otherwise, stick with casual comfortable shoes (preferably the same pair for the entire trip) I always pack shower slippers
Toiletries
Toiletries are extremely important for the trip. You many come across hotels that may not have the complimentary toiletries that you want: so definitely buy a travel kit bottles and fill them from your full size whenever you are traveling, instead of buying travel kits.
If you are flying for a weekend trip and only have a carry on. Ensure that you only carry the allowable liquid quantity, Per TSA requirements 3.4 ounces (10 milliliters ) or less per bottle is acceptable. Otherwise, it will be taken away /thrown away at the airport.
No worries; if you have a checked baggage, because then you are allowed to take more than 3.4 ounces per bottle in your checked baggage
List of toiletries
- Shampoo and Conditioner (I always pack mine since hotel shampoos do not suit my hair) just pour yours in a travel bottle instead of buying travel size
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- deodorant
- hairbrush
- Chapstick
- Facewash
- Makeup remover
- sanitizer
- Q-tips
- Floss
- Chewing gum
- Hairbrush
- Sunglasses
- Feminine Hygiene products
- Painkiller
- Advil
This travel kit set contains all TSA approved containers for only $6.99 with a clear bag to carry in. This kit contains spray container, lotion container, and containers for carrying foundation etc.
Skincare
- Makeup remover
- Toner (this helps prep the skin for taking in the products and helps them work better)
- Eye cream
- Any treatments (serums, peel)
- Night cream / moisturizer
Makeup
- Foundation (carry in a small container)
- Concealer
- Setting powder (Brush to apply)
- Blush (Brush to apply)
- Lipstick
- Mascara
- Setting spray (transfer in a travel bottle)
Articles you may like: Top 7 things to do before your first international flight
Portable charger
Cell phones are not only an accessory for calling or taking pictures. But, is a need for many of us especially during travel since it is used for important apps, online documents and as a GPS. So, having a portable charger is an essential as you never know when you may run out of battery.
Recently, when I traveled to California, I rented a car and the charging port wasn’t working. Which I only realized after I left the rental place. I was upset about it, but, I wasn’t worried since I had a portable charger. And, I was able to drive in peace while I used the gps to direct me to the hotel at 11 pm. Click Here to buy the one I currently use from Amazon
Travel wallet
I definitely love my travel wallet as I am always on the go during weekends. This helps me to stay direct and able to show my documents right away if needed. Because I definitely don’t want to go through digging my wallet during an emergency or at check points. Instead everything is readily accessible. This travel wallet works really well from Amazon. Also, if you dont care about wear a fanny bag then its definitely a great option for vacation trips and wont have to worry about any burden on your shoulders.
For a more affordable option Click Here
What not pack for a weekend trip
- Laptop – do not carry your laptop if its just a weekend trip. Because, you most likely wont even have the time to open it. In case, you are looking to watch your shows at bedtime. Feel free to use tv in your hotel / Airbnb and most have Netflix. If they do not have it, download on your phone or you could just enjoy your trip and forget about the shows.
- Checked bag is not necessary for a weekend trip, instead try a duffle bag or carry on as linked above. They are smaller in size. And in most airlines its free to take a carry on/hand carry
Summary
This post is all about the ultimate list of thing on what to pack for a weekend trip. Download or use the editable version of the checklist. This checklist will ensure that you pack that enough not too much or too little
Comment and let me where you last went for a weekend trip and if this printable was helpful.
Related articles 11 road trip essentials you didn’t know you need