What to Pack for a Weekend Trip
A weekend trip is such a fun way to unwind and get away from your usual routine. They’re typically a relaxing time, but packing can be quite overwhelming – and I find myself packing all of the time – so today I’m here to share some of my top tips!
A weekend trip is such a fun way to get away from your usual routine, unwind, de-stress, etc. Usually my weekend trips consist of visiting friends or a warm beach getaway with my husband! While a weekend getaway can be fun and relaxing, but packing for a weekend trip typically isn’t. It can be quite overwhelming – and I find myself packing all of the time – so today I’m here to share some of my top tips!
What to Pack for a Weekend Trip
I refer to this general packing list whenever I’m preparing for a trip! Of course it changes from time to time, depending on the weather, if it’s international, the activities planned, etc. Always be sure to check the weather before your weekend trip so you pack the right layers. Even if the weather is supposed to be warm, it doesn’t hurt to bring an extra warm top and pair of pants.
Weekend Trip Packing List:
☐ Shirts, sweaters, blouses
☐ Pants, shorts, skirts
☐ Dresses
☐ Pajamas
☐ Athletic clothes
☐ Pair of socks6x
☐ Shoes (one pair of comfortable shoes is always a must)
☐ Undergarments
☐ Swimsuits
☐ Coats and jackets
☐ Makeup
☐ Hair tools
☐ Hair care products
☐ Skin care products
☐ Shampoo
☐ Conditioner
☐ Body wash
☐ Razor
☐ Toothbrush
☐ Tooth paste
☐ Floss
☐ Makeup
☐ Deodorant
☐ Makeup remover
☐ Lotion
☐ Perfume
☐ Hand sanitizer
☐ Tide stain stick
☐ Medicine
☐ Earbuds or headphones
☐ Chargers
☐ Kindle or book
☐ iPad or laptop
☐ Outlet adapter (international)
☐ Passport
☐ Wallet
☐ Eye mask
On a short trip, you may be able to get away without some of these items, such as shampoo and conditioner.
What to Pack for a Weekend Trip – Flying
Shop Luggage:
In Your Carry On Bag
Packing list:
☐Toiletry bag
☐ Belts, tights and accessories
☐ Bottoms in a larger packing cube
☐ Tops and dresses in a larger packing cube
☐ Swimsuits and coverups in a medium packing cube (if applicable
☐ Athletic sets and pajamas in a medium packing cube
☐ Underwear, bras and socks in a small packing cube
☐ Shoes separated in shoe packing cubes
☐ Bulky jackets, denim and sweatshirts on top
Pro tips:
- Pack within a color scheme so you can mix and match! Also allows you to pack lightly.
- Take pictures of the items and keep a list on the Notes app for easy referencing and outfit planning
- Compression cubes are great if you simply have too much
- Wear your bulkiest shoes and clothes if they don’t fit in your bag
In Your Toiletry Bag
Travel size toiletries are the best for packing because you can fit so much more in your bag if they’re small.
This Calpak cosmetic bag is my most favorite ever! Everything I pack for my trips is listed below. I almost always bring travel sized beauty items whether or not I’m checking a bag just to save room! Travel size toiletries are the best for packing because you can fit so much more in your bag if they’re small.
Cosmetic Bag Travel Packing List:
☐ Makeup brushes in silicone brush holder
☐ 4-in-1 makeup brush
☐ Makeup sponge in silicone sponge holder
☐ Light up portable mirror
☐ Liquid filled makeup removing swabs
☐ 3-in-1 makeup compact
☐ Lip trio
☐ Travel razor
☐ Makeup
☐ Primer
☐ Setting spray
☐ Skincare
☐ Makeup remover
☐ Deodorant
☐ Toothbrush
☐ Toothpaste
☐ Travel mouthwash
☐ Floss
☐ Travel body wash
☐ Travel hair products
In Your Personal Item Bag
Having the right bags is step one, especially for your personal item. You want to be able to get stuff out of your bag easily on the plane, airport, train stations, etc. My mini convertible weekender from Beis is my all time favorite carry on bag. I love that this shoe compartment and lap top sleeve can be removed – only the convertible bag has this feature! Beis really thought of everything when it comes to this back and it makes sense why it is so popular.
On Flight Packing List:
☐ Passport
☐ Reusable water bottle
☐ Wallet
☐ Lip balm
☐ Laptop
☐ Tech organizer
☐ Book or Kindle
☐ Eye mask
☐ Hand sanitizer
☐ Sunglasses & sunglass case
☐ Headphones
☐ Travel pill organizer
☐ Travel jewelry case
☐ Light up portable mirror
☐ Hair curler in silicone pouch
☐ Makeup bag (to save space in your suitcase)
☐ Pair of shoes (to save space)
☐ Jet lag medicine
☐ Sweatshirt
☐ Compression socks
☐ Extra outfit (if you’re traveling to a different climate)
☐ Snacks (ex. protein bars, pepperoni sticks, electrolyte packets)
☐ Gum
☐ 1-2 pairs of shoes
☐ Emergency kit
Shop:
Tech Organizer Packing List:
☐ iPad
☐ iPad pencil
☐ iPad keyboard
☐ Kindle
☐ Journal or planner
☐ Pens and highlighters
☐ iPhone charger
☐ 3-in-1 charger (iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods)
☐ iPad charger
☐ Kindle charger
☐ Oura ring charger
☐ Outlet adapter (for international travel)
☐ AirPod earbuds
☐ AirFly adapter (allows you to connect your headphones to airplane TV)
Emergency Bag/Aid Kit Packing List:
☐ Compact travel hair brush
☐ 2-3 hair ties
☐ Deodorant wipes
☐ Blowfish hangover remedy
☐ White Wipes or Moon teeth whitening wipes
☐ Wire earbuds (for backup)
☐ Extra iPhone charger
☐ Granola bar
☐ Electrolyte packets
☐ 3-4 tampons of various size
☐ 2 panty liners
☐ Band Aids
☐ Hand lotion
☐ Hand sanitizer
☐ Face mask
☐ Lip balm
☐ Advil
☐ Dayquil, Nyquil
☐ Cough drops
☐ Floss
☐ Travel mouth wash
☐ Gum
☐ Face mask
☐ Photo copy of your passport & ID
☐ Tide stain stick
My friends and family always laugh at how much I pack – however, my emergency kit almost always comes to the rescue at least a few times on trips! My emergency kit is always packed and basically lives in my carry on at all times. I like to have to have extra’s of the essentials, such chargers and earbuds in case I – or my travel companions – forget to pack one! But my emergency kit also comes in so handy because you never know what you or your travel mates may need, such as insect repellent or band aids. A sickness, an injury and – let’s be honest – hangovers are always potentials on vacation and I like to be prepared! Airports almost always over charge for these items and depending on the location of your trip, it can be hard to find what you need.
What to Pack for a Weekend Trip – Driving
The best part of road tripping is that you don’t have to worry about packing light! You don’t have to squeeze your shoes and toiletry bags in your duffle or suitcase which leaves room for more clothing options!
Inside the Car:
Inside the Console:
More Road Trip Must-Haves:
What to Pack for a Weekend Beach Trip
Beach & Pool Essentials
If your weekend trip includes some pool and beach time, there are some essentials you should keep in mind when packing. You can find travel sizes of
Beach Trip Packing List:
☐ Beach bag
☐ Swimsuits
☐ Swim coverups
☐ Flip flops or sandals
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Body sunscreen
☐ Face sunscreen
☐ Tanning oil
☐ Leave-in conditioner
☐ Hair comb
Travel sizes of sunscreen and other products will take up less room in your bag!
What to Pack for a Weekend Girls Trip
I’ve been a lot of incredible girls trips and if you need outfit and packing inspo, I have ideas for every type of trip.
Nashville Girls Trip Inspo:
Vegas Girls Trip Inspo:
Beach Girls Trip Inspo:
What to Pack for a Weekend Trip with the Dogs
I love taking my dogs with me on a weekend getaway because they always have so much fun! Whether you’re driving or flying with your dogs have a lot of tips and advice for you.
If you’re driving, I recommend a dog car seat to keep your pet safe and comfortable. And if you’re flying, you’ll need a fully closed pet carrier.
Shop dog finds:
Pet Travel Packing List:
☐ Car seat or pet carrier
☐ Food and water bowls
☐ Dog food
☐ Leash and harness
☐ Poop bags
☐ Toys
I fly frequently with my dogs and I always had people ask me questions about it. So I made this video and blog post explaining how we flew across the country with two dogs!
