A weekend trip packing list: What to pack for a weekend trip
Wondering what to pack for a weekend trip? This weekend trip packing list will guide you on things to pack to have an amazing weekend getaway.
Weekend getaways are the best kinds of trips. After a jam-packed week with loads of work, appointments, assignments, and sometimes reports, it’s that time of the week to reward yourself with a fulfilled and relaxed weekend by going for a weekend trip.
Personally, random weekend getaways are some of my favorite trips, from all the exhaustion of work and “real-life challenges”, it is time to break away from all of it just to enjoy a weekend away!
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Your perfect weekend getaway could be in a new city, country, or even your hometown that you can’t get enough of.
Whatever the location or reason for planning a weekend getaway, knowing exactly what to pack is important.
As a traveler who also works from Monday to Friday, the best time to travel is on weekends or public holidays.
This means that the best way to maximize your time is by setting off for your trip on Friday evening straight out of the office and heading back home on Sunday night to be able to catch work on Monday morning!
It might seem a bit stressful but can be fun, and who doesn’t want a weekend away from work and normal life?
Unlike other long-time travels, weekend getaways should be pretty easy to pack for unless you’re an over-packer! I always pack for a weekend trip last minute since I know I don’t need much but rather a couple of things.
Sssshhhh… if you’re an overpacker, check out these tips for packing light. The post is jam-packed with hacks that will turn you from an over-packer to a light-packer! I know I did.
So here is the ultimate weekend trip packing list- but before that, let’s look at some of the things to consider before packing for a weekend away.
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Things to consider before packing for a weekend trip
Before you even start thinking of what to pack for a weekend away, there are some factors that should be taken into consideration.
The Weather
The weather in the place you plan to visit will dictate what should be included on your weekend away checklist. The clothes to pack in winter will totally be different from those in summer.
So before you pack for your weekend break, find out what the weather will be on the weekend you plan to travel to know exactly what to pack.
Activities to do
Different activities require different outfits and different travel gear, so confirm the activities you’ll participate in during your weekend trip to be sure of what should be added to your short trip packing list.
If you’re planning to go to a beach, things like swimwear or beach clothes should be packed but if you’re going hiking, then you might want to think of the right hiking gear to take.
Items that the hotel/hostel you’ll sleep at provides
Before packing for a weekend trip, find out the items that your hostel/hotel provides so that you don’t pack them.
There is no point in packing what will be provided. Some hotels provide toiletries and towels – so might want to skip those.
Remember that the point is to pack what you’ll actually use not what you might need.
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A Weekend trip packing list: What to pack for a weekend trip
Here is the complete weekend packing list you’ll need!
Weekend packing list: The right Day pack/ Bag
Before you start packing, you’ll need somewhere to pack all your weekend trip essentials and a proper sizable day pack or Duffle bag will be perfect.
You don’t need to use a huge suitcase or backpack for just a weekend, a sizeable day back will be able to accommodate all your weekend trip essentials. Don’t have one? Below are some good quality weekend away bags to consider.
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Whether it is going on a road trip to the nearby city or even a weekend getaway in another country, I prefer using a day pack.
I like this Osprey Daylite plus daypack as it is light, can fit all my weekend trip essentials and it’s durable.
The availability of a water bottle holder means that I can go sightseeing with my reusable travel water bottle to minimize the use of disposable plastic.
You can also walk around with it anywhere with ease even take it as a carry-on bag. It’s perfect for backpackers.
Canvas Leather Duffle bag
I know I always gush about Osprey day packs but not everyone is into backpacks, some travelers just want to stay trendy and fashionable, if that’s you, then this Canvas Leather Duffle bag is for you.
It is sizable to accommodate everything you’ll need on a weekend trip and it also has side compartments perfect for your shoes if you don’t want to mix everything in the main one. Did I mention that it comes with a free toilet bag, this bag is a real weekend deal.
And on top of being fashionable and cute, its leather skin guarantees durability which means that you’ll go on many weekend trips with it.
Related post: What to pack for a hostel stay
Weekend packing list: What to wear
Here are the clothes to add to your packing list for a weekend!
Down jacket
As a traveler, you have to be ready for all kinds of weather conditions and that’s why a down jacket should be added to your weekend trip packing list.
I always opt for this Wantdo down jacket as it packs really well into its attached compartment to fit in any kind of weekend bag. It is also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about rain.
I recommend only taking this kind of down jacket when it’s not extremely cold, but if you’re taking your weekend trip in winter, check out this winter packing list for the right jacket and clothes to pack.
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Comfortable Walking Shoes
Even if I am just packing for a weekend trip, I never leave my Nikes behind! They are so comfortable to walk in, and they also add a sense of style when I wear them.
Since it’s just a weekend trip, it’s not ideal to take a lot of shoes and that’s why it’s important to take one that you don’t mind wearing the entire time. Running shoes are perfect for that. You can opt to buy my kind of Nikes or this pair of running shoes from Adidas.
On top of the sneakers, I never leave behind my flip-flops. Yes, I am a budget traveler, and hostels are my thing, so I always pack a pair of these flip-flops to use in the shared bathroom or just to change into after a long day in closed walking shoes.
But If you’re traveling in winter, then you’ll need to take these winter waterproof boots instead.
Bottoms
When packing for a weekend getaway, I’d suggest carrying a maximum of 2 bottoms but if you can handle using one, that’s also great and actually doable. Some of the bottoms to pack for a weekend getaway are;
Jeans
I am a super fan of jeans compared to any kind of clothes. They are just so comfortable and easy to walk in and you’ll never have to worry whether it’s inappropriate for the area you’re visiting or not.
I particularly love this stretchy pair of skinny jeans. They can be worn with any kind of top and they’re super comfortable.
I always go for dark-colored ones like black or navy blue as any color of the top can work perfectly fine with them.
Leggings
On top of the jeans, I also pack a pair of leggings. This pair of leggings is a must-have for any girl planning a weekend getaway.
It is comfortable, warm, and high-waisted! Nothing beats a high-waisted pair of leggings with pockets in my opinion.
For guys, a cool pair of jeans will work well but I know most guys also love this pair of convertible outdoor pants.
If you’re not a fan of pants, you can substitute them with skirts, though I still vouch for pants — they’re perfect for ”recycling”.
Tops
I always carry way more tops for a weekend trip than bottoms since it’s hard to reuse tops. So when packing for weekend trips, 3 tops would be ideal.
- 1 cute top like this one for those special occasions or even an evening out.
- 1 T-shirt for a casual day. I like this Hanes T-shirt.
- 1 tank top: This one is perfect for a weekend trip.
And, 2 T-shirts of different make and colors would be perfect for men.
Pro tip* Pack 1 top/shirt for each day and 1 extra just in case you need it. The same tip works for underwear as well.
Underwear
Even though I think this should be more of an individual preference, I’ve got a few suggestions of my own.
- 1 sports bra if you like a morning jog! You can shop for my all-time favorite sports bra here.
- 1 Bra
- 4 undies/knickers
- 2 pairs of socks. These Merino wool socks are the travelers’ favorite. Even when you plan to go hiking, they’re perfect.
Swimwear / Bikini
Some weekend getaways are all about soaking in the sun as you rock that beach body ( yeah the beach is gonna get whichever body you serve).
So if you’re wondering which things to pack for a weekend away, then swimwear is one of them.
- 1 bikini is just perfect for a weekend getaway for women. You can opt for this 2 piece bikini or this one-piece monokini.
- 1 swim short is also enough for the gents.
Pajamas
Night clothes should also be included on your weekend getaway packing list.
Pack pajamas for your weekend trip so that you don’t have to sleep in your daytime clothes. You can buy some of my favorite pajamas from here.
If your weekend trip is in winter, then add these essentials below to your weekend trip packing list.
Winter accessories to add to your weekend getaway packing list
– Full set thermal base layer for women and here’s the men’s version.
– Fleece for women and here’s the men’s version.
– Winter jackets for women and this one for men.
– Woolen socks — To keep your feet warm and dry at all times.
– Gloves — these ones are actually touch-screen sensitive, so you can use your phone without taking them off.
– Scarves — buy this long and thick one for extra warmth.
– Knitted cap — this is the one I recommend to keep the snow off your hair and to stay warm.
– Earmuffs — protect your ears from cold Europe by buying these cool earmuffs.
– Waterproof Winter boots for women and these ones for the guys.
You can also read this comprehensive winter packing list to find out everything you will need to pack for your winter vacation Or this ski trip packing list if you’re heading for a ski weekend getaway.
Weekend packing list: Toiletries
For a weekend away packing list, toiletries should be extremely minimal as you will just be traveling for a few days.
Here are a few toiletries I recommend as a must-have for a weekend break.
- Perfume/ spray
- Deodorant
- A bit of shower gel if you plan to sleep at a hostel. (If you’ll sleep at a hotel, skip this)
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Body Cream/ Lotion
- Wipes
- Sunscreen
Weekend packing list: Electronics and Gadgets
Even when it is just a short break, there are some essentials that cannot be left behind. Yes, electronics are some of the things to pack for a weekend trip.
- Power bank: Never run out of battery while traveling — carry this portable power bank.
- Universal travel adapter: Since different places use different adapters, I recommend taking this universal travel adapter that can work literally everywhere.
- Camera: You can even leave behind your heavy DSLR if you’re phone has a great camera
- Phone: (Duh! obviously)
- Headphones/ Earphones: I recommend buying these noise-canceling earphones.
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Weekend packing list: Entertainment
Whether it is a weekend break abroad or just in a neighboring city, you should pack something to entertain yourself.
Some of the things that I add to my weekend trip packing list to entertain myself are;
- A book. (You can also buy an Amazon Kindle to have a variety of books in one place)
- Music on my phone
- Some board games if I am going on a road trip with my friends.
Related post: How to kill boredom on a road trip
Final Thoughts on What to Pack For A Weekend Trip
That is it for the weekend trip packing list. You don’t have to pack a lot of stuff. It is sometimes possible to get carried away and pack so many things even if the trip is just for 2 days.
So after reading this post, I am sure that you now know exactly what to pack for a weekend getaway.
In brief, the weekend trip essentials that you’ll need to pack are; clothes, toiletries, travel gadgets, and a bit of entertainment and you’ll be set for an amazing weekend getaway.
Note* If you’re looking for a 3-days packing list, this weekend packing list can also work for 3 days perfectly without you missing anything.
More Packing lists to inspire you to pack the right travel items
- What to pack for a hostel stay
- Road trip packing list
- Car Camping packing list
- What to pack for a beach getaway
- The complete Winter packing list
- What to pack for a ski trip
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