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I love a weekend getaway. It is the quickest way to get out of your usual routine without having to go too crazy. It is also a great way to relax and unwind and improve your mental health. It is one of my favorite remedies when it comes to getting out of a daily rut. 

A weekend getaway may seem like the easiest trip to pack for, but packing light without under packing can be such a challenge. Luckily I’ve been able to master this through my years of trial and error so I’m sharing my practical tips to help you pack for a quick weekend getaway.

How To Pack For A Weekend Trip 

This is my comprehensive guide for packing for a weekend trip. It includes packing tips, from what to pack to a checklist to help you make sure you aren’t missing anything. Using this ultimate packing list you’ll be able to take the stress out of packing so you can ensure you’ll enjoy your time away.

Packing Tips For A Weekend Trip 

Weather

This seems so simple and silly, but the first thing I do when planning my packing list is to check the weather for where I am going. Are they calling for cold temperatures where I’ll need lots of layers? Will I need to pack my mini umbrella for rainstorms (this has happened to me both times I’ve visited Savannah)? This is something I continue checking up until my final packing run through to ensure I’m prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store.

Luggage

I’ll be honest…I’m pretty picky when it comes to my luggage. Part of this is due to the fact my dad traveled a lot and was very particular about luggage and passed that trait onto me, but it’s also because I like things organized a certain way. I have two luggage staples I prefer no matter the length of the trip: a carry on bag (or weekender bag) and a backpack that is chic yet functional. 

For the carry on, I like having a bag with two compartments. This helps me keep my items nice and organized. If I can keep things tidy the way I like them, it really helps to lower my stress levels while traveling. I am personally coveting this bag from Mark and Graham (I’m a sucker for a monogram), but I’ve been pretty loyal to the Hartmann bag my dad found at TJ Maxx many years go - it has seen a lot with me!

As for the backpack, I like something that will hold and protect my laptop (one of my most sacred belongings) and will also fit my toiletries, a cozy scarf, my wallet clutch, my phone, and a Kindle or book. It is also important to me that the backpack be just as stylish as it is functional so I don’t feel weird lugging it around in nice clothes.

The Madewell backpack has been a favorite of mine (super cute), but I am also a huge fan of Calpak - these are the epitome of functional yet stylish and always my top pick for my personal item when flying.

Sealing Toiletries

I’ll be honest with you: I like to keep toiletries to a minimum while travel packing. I will get travel sizes for the things I know I’ll need (my favorite skincare set, for example) but I usually simplify my routine a little in order to avoid overpacking. To keep everything nice and secure, I like putting my toiletries in a bag with clear compartments like this one. The travel items are pretty leak free, but using the clear plastic toiletry bags make it nice and easy to clean any spills, as well as go through airport security.

Rolling Up Clothes

Folding clothing helps utilize space really well. I learned the value of this when I would travel a lot for conferences where I would be living out of a hotel room for over a week - I had to ensure I had options! It also makes it easy for me to see my clothing options while packing to ensure I’m not missing anything.

Filling Shoes with Smaller Items

A pair of shoes is actually perfect for storing smaller items you don’t want getting lost in your bag. I’ll fill my sneakers with a rolled up scarf or socks and my ballet flats with a small jewelry bag containing a pretty necklace or a bracelet. It’s an easy way to to utilize every available inch of space available.

Spare Bag for Used Clothes

I like keeping my dirty laundry separate. This helps me keep things organized while traveling and it also makes it super easy when I get home - I just empty the bag directly into my laundry bin! To do this, I actually prefer packing cubes. I’ve been a big fan of these since my sister got them for me. I like having a few to use for different purposes, from dirty clothes to my pjs and underwear. It helps me keep things nice and tidy and make it so I don’t forget anything while packing.

Keeping Shoes Separate from Clothes

Some bags have built in shoe holders, but you can make do without. I have a linen drawstring bag a set of sheets came in that I have repurposed to hold my shoes when I travel but they also make bags specifically for this purpose. I like keeping them in a bag because I don’t want the bottoms of the shoes touching my clothes, but in a pinch you can place them soles down in the bottom of your bag.

What to Pack for a Weekend Trip

Now that we’ve covered my tips for packing, let’s figure out what to pack in the suitcase itself! Sometimes packing can be stressful. As a result, I like to keep things super simple, as you’ll see below.

Clothes

As much as I would love to be the kind of person who dresses head to toe perfection with full on outfits, I know that usually sends me into a tailspin of overpacking as I overthink each day’s look. To keep myself sane, I like to channel Audrey Hepburn and pick classic items I can mix and match.

• The Basics: Jeans and T-Shirts

  I always start with the basics. I’ll usually travel in a comfy pair of pants (either dark jeans or yoga pants) with a cute t-shirt - I want to be comfortable, but also put together and not like I just rolled out of bed. I always pack another pair of pants and then something appropriate for a nice dinner, like a skirt, a maxi dress, or a jumpsuit. I’ll throw in a couple of nice t-shirts I can dress up or down.

• The Perfect Jacket

  Another important must have for me is the perfect jacket for the weekend. If I am going to be doing a lot of walking or hiking in a place where it will get chilly, I’ll throw in my Patagonia jacket. These are super easy to pack (they fold down really well) and they are easy to clean. If I’m going for a dressier vibe, I’ll opt for a moto jacket and if I’m going more casual but still cute I’ll go with a denim jacket. I will bring a jacket even when it’s hot out - I get really cold in the air conditioning and like having something easy to throw on.

• Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

  When I’ve packed multiple pairs of shoes for a weekend away I have always regretted it, as I usually wear the same pair or two. There’s no need for five pairs of shoes when you’re only gone for a few days and you’ll lose a lot of valuable real estate in your luggage this way. I’ve found a pair of slip on sneakers and a nice pair of ballet flats usually will do the trick for me. It is rare I will pack heels for any trip, as I find when I’m walking a lot I don’t want my feet to hurt…plus I am clumsy and don’t trust myself on on unfamiliar sidewalks. I’ve fallen many times on weekends away.

  I also like to slip in a pair of flip flops. These are nice to have in the room so I’m not walking around barefoot or if we’re staying somewhere warm with a beach or a pool.

• Other Essentials

  The last clothing items I pack are my other essentials: socks, underwear, bras, pajamas. I personally love pjs (I run cold) and I also have a weird fear of having to evacuate a hotel in the middle of the night so I like to be covered…literally. For a short trip one pair suits me fine, but I’ll pack more on longer trips.

Accessories

I wear the same jewelry every single day, as I’m sentimental and I prefer delicate pieces to statement makers, so I tend not to travel with a lot. However, I do think it can be nice to pack something a little special to dress up a t-shirt and a skirt for a nice dinner, like a fun and sparkly ring like this one. I’ll also throw in a scarf or two for easy and pretty layering. My big rule with accessories is I don’t want anything that will take up a lot of space or that I’ll worry about losing if I don’t have it on.

Another thing I like to consider is a wallet that can fit in a clutch or small crossbody for if we are going exploring in a city (like visiting a museum) or out to eat, as I don’t want to wear a backpack on those occasions. I absolutely love this wallet that can be made into a crossbody when traveling and also won’t get lost in my backpack - it holds the essentials while being portable and chic.

Electronics

My number one item when packing my electronics is a case for my cords. I actually have one I got as swag at a conference many years ago that perfectly fits my chargers for my laptop, phone, and Kindle, but you can find similar online. It definitely beats having cords loose in your bag - nothing is more frustrating when searching for your phone charger.

I usually always pack the same three electronics: my laptop, my phone, and my Kindle. I need my laptop to stay on top of my blog and my phone to stay connected to everything else. As for the Kindle, I like to have options for reading when I travel and I LOVE being able to save space with something compact.

Toiletries

I mentioned above I like to keep my toiletries simple. If I’m staying in a hotel, I’ll usually just use what they have on hand for shampoo and body wash but I always bring my own face wash, moisturizer, toothpaste, razor, brush, straightener, and makeup.

There are also the essentials, like medicine, contact lenses, and glasses. If I’m not flying and don’t need the bottles themselves, I’ll use a pill case like this one to keep my medications organized and prevent them from spilling in my backpack. Plus, it’s nice and small and doesn’t take up too much space!

Weekend Trip Packing Checklist

Just like I love a grocery list, I also love a weekend trip packing list to help me stay on top of things while preparing for a weekend away. I’ve put this one together for you. You can also download it and print it here- I hope it helps!

I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips. Until next time, cheers and happy traveling!