Your Guide to Packing for Weekend Trips or Longer

We have all been there, confidently leaving the house for a trip just knowing that you’ve filled your luggage with everything that you need, down to the essentials.

Yet, once you arrive at your hotel, you realize that you have forgotten something important, such as a phone charger. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or longer, there are certain things that you’ll need to bring with you on a trip.

road trip – photo by TimOve on Flckr CC

Plan Ahead

Once you have decided on your trip and have all of the details of your travel itinerary settled, it’s time to make a list. Start brainstorming a few weeks prior to departure as you are less likely to forget something when you’re not under pressure.

Pack The Essentials

Begin by writing down the everyday essentials. What are the products that you use first thing in the morning, or right before bed? Funny enough, although these are the items you use the most, they’re also the ones you’re most likely to leave behind. We’ve compiled a list of the basics to help you along:

• Medications (can pre-pack in daily/weekly pill holders)

• Toothpaste/ Mouthwash

• Toothbrush/ Dental Floss

• Deodorant

• Mini First Aid Kit

• Razor or Clippers

• Hair Accessories (brush, comb, bobby pins, hair products)

• Chapstick (may be harsh weather or dry air where you’re going)

• Sunscreen and Face Moisturizer with SPF

• Lotion

• Tissue Packets

• Perfume/Cologne

• Mini Laundry Detergents

• Hand Sanitizer or Disinfectant Wipes

• Feminine or Personal Hygiene Products

• Body Wash or Soap (hotels don’t always have the best toiletries)

• Shower slippers or flip-flops

• Plastic bags for your dirty clothes

• Eyeglass or Contact Lenses Cases

• Extra Pair of Glasses or Contacts if you have them (my only pair of glasses once broke while on vacation)

• Electric Converters & Adapters (depending on where you’re going)

• Earbuds

• Phone and chargers

• Petty Cash (Somewhere to hide the cash such as a secret belt compartment or a safe designed to look like a book)

photo by Drive by Shooter on Flickr CC

Buy Travel Sized Items

Most of the products mentioned above are items that you will need to use up until the actual departure date. As a result, it’s super easy to forget these things during your last minute packing.

I highly recommend that you continue to use these staples at home and buy duplicates of the same items specifically for the trip – that way you avoid anything forgotten. The bonus here is that many basic products are available in travel sizes, which minimizes the space you’ll need in your suitcase and possibly avoid having to check a bag altogether.

Prepare For The Worst

Be sure to pack all of your prescribed medications. For those with allergies don’t forget any allergy medications, anti-itch cream (such as calamine cream), epi pens or inhalers that you may have. Ensure that all the medications are labeled so that there will not be any confusion or hold ups during security checks.

It may not be a bad idea to pack some ibuprofen or over the counter menstrual medication for minors aches or cramps. Consult with your doctor about the list of medications that are to be packed into your luggage for the trip. Other items such as nail clippers, band aides, tweezers or earplugs can be added as well.

Prior to arriving at your destination, conduct an internet search to familiarize yourself with the location of any hospitals or urgent care facilities. Also be sure to inquire about who accepts your particular medical insurance, what payment plan options that are offered if any, and perhaps if there are any free clinics if needed.

Be Prepared For Bad Weather

We are all aware on how quickly the weather can fluctuate with little to no warning. For that reason, it is best to be prepared regardless of the expected climate. This will vary somewhat depending on whether you’re travelling to warmer or colder climates so be sure to check the weather forecast for your weekend vacation. Here are a few staples that should be packed:

• Rain Coat

• Warm Jacket or Hoodie

• Hat or Visor (to protect you from the sun)

• Umbrella

• Wool Socks

• Some sort of water proof shoes or boots

photo by Christine und Hagen Graf on Flickr CC

What And How To Pack

Besides your everyday outfits, you will need to take a few more items just to make sure that you are well covered for any occasion. There’s a fine line between packing the right amount and over-packing.

If you’re someone who notoriously packs too much on any given trip, it may be a good idea to go over your planned items with another person coming along.

Another tip is to bring an item that can be worn with multiple outfits whether that be your favourite pair of jeans that can be dressed up or dressed down or a little black dress that can be easily transformed into different looks.

Research the area that you are going to ensure that your clothing choices are respectful of the dominant culture of the location in which you are visiting.

• A few sweaters and sweatshirts for warmth

• Layers! Several lightweight clothing items that can be easily added or removed as the temperature fluctuates

• A pair of underwear for everyday that you are gone, plus and extra three pair. (clothes could get wet, etc.)

• Both lightweight and heavy socks

• Comfortable shoes for walking or standing for long periods of time (a pair of foot insoles for cushion if you’d like)

• Pajamas

• Comfortable jeans, leggings, shorts

• Dresses and/or skirts

• A few dress outfits in case you go somewhere special (strapless bra if your outfit calls for it)

• Swimsuit or Trunks

• Scarf

• Long and Short sleeve shirts

• Travel pillow, eye mask and ear plugs

All of the items mentioned are intended to cover every aspect of your trip. Of course, you can tweak the list to your liking, adding or taking away items as needed. I hope that this list will help to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that many of us experience while packing and planning for vacations and getaways. Most of all, we just want you to have fun!

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