Going away for the weekend is one of those simple pleasures in life. Whether you’re going to the beach or camping, do you even know what to pack for a weekend trip? Planning a weekend trip can be stressful enough but packing is a whole other story!
Don’t worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we’ll cover what to pack for a weekend trip, how to pack for a weekend trip and as a bonus, we've put together a bunch of different ‘what to pack for a weekend trip’ checklists for all occasions that will help you massively.
What to pack for a weekend trip checklist
Okay, here we go. Here is your first ‘what to pack for a weekend trip’ checklist. This checklist covers the essentials and can be applied for any type of weekend trip. Be sure to have this handy when making decisions around what to pack for a weekend trip:
- Weekender bag or backpack: Before you get that huge suitcase down from the closet, chill. You’re only going away for the weekend. We all think we need to take everything ‘just in case’ but dragging that suitcase around will only stress you out further. A weekend bag or backpack will do. It's stylish, lightweight, and actually has a lot of space for all those ‘extra’ things. Trust us, it’s more than enough when packing for a weekend trip.
- Two pairs of shoes: You will need a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a formal pair if you're planning on attending a conference or going somewhere fancy.
- Colorful accessories: If you’re sticking to a neutral color scheme, adding colorful accessories to your outfits with give it that pop of color.
- Toiletries: Just because you’re on vacation, does not mean your skin should suffer. Your go-to cleanser and moisturizer and basic toiletries should always be with you no matter what.
- Packing cubes: By using packing cubes, you'll create so much more space in your weekend bag. They will keep your clothes organized and make packing (and unpacking) a breeze.
- Sunglasses: If you’re going away in the summer, don’t forget your sunglasses. You don’t want to be squinting for the whole weekend.
- Portable charger: Whether you burn your phone out taking photos or you don’t have access to a wall outlet, a portable charger is a lifesaver.
- Windproof travel umbrella: Travel umbrellas are essential to make the most of your short vacation because you never knows when the rain wil hit unexpectedly.
- Travel wallet: Instead of taking your bulky purse with you, a travel wallet can be handy in carrying just the basics that you need - your ID, cash, and credit cards.
- Fanny pack: I know these are mostly associated with festivals, but trust us - you’ll be thanking us. It’s the most convenient thing that will help you organize all of your valuables in one location - especially useful when you're traveling and need quick access to your credit cards, passport, phone, etc. Leave it in your weekend backpack and you’ll be frustrated when you can’t find it amongst everything else you have in there.
- Camera: If you’re a photography geek and a smartphone camera doesn’t meet your expectations, be sure to take your camera to capture those special memories, locations, and people that you’ll meet along the way.
- Copies of important documents: Your itinerary, travel tickets, as well as your insurance information should not be forgotten! You can carry or keep this document holder in a backpack, briefcase, or your fanny pack if it’s big enough.
Okay, let’s break it down even further. The next checklist includes specifics depending on the type of trip you’re taking, the weather, etc.
Clothing
When it’s hot:
When it comes to thinking about what to pack for a weekend trip in the summer or somewhere hot, add these items onto the main ‘what to pack for a weekend trip’ checklist:
- Weekend bag - Backpack (30 liter) or duffel bag
- A pair of comfortable pants, shorts, jeans, or leggings
- 2-3 t-shirts or tops
- A dress if you’re planning on going for a fancy dinner or hitting the town
- 2-3 pairs of underwear and a pair of socks
- Pajamas or comfy nightwear
- 1 lightweight, waterproof jacket
- Beach towel
When it’s cold:
If you’re thinking about what to pack for a weekend trip during the cooler months (or at higher altitudes), then you will need to adjust the basic weekend packing list above based on your destination and the weather. You will need to bring such things as:
- A parka or jacket for winter
- Thermal wear
- Shawl/Blanket
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Warm hat or beanie
- Boots or warm shoes
You don’t need us to remind you but just in case it slips your mind - check the weather report for your destination just before packing to make sure you pack only what you need.
Toiletries
Typically, when you stay in a hotel, you won't need to take shampoo, conditioner, or body wash because the room is stocked with these items. Other toiletries you may want to pack:
- Face wash
- Skin and face moisturizer
- Sunblock and After sun
- Brushes & toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Makeup items
- Vitamins/medicines
- Wetwipes
Electronics
- Mobile phone
- Power bank with multiple ports
- Camera (optional)
- Earphones (optional)
- Kindle(optional)
Essential documents
- Purse/Wallet, credit cards, and cash
- Park permits (if visiting state/province parks)
- Hotel or tour reservations
- Travel tickets
In today's new normal, the following is essential
- Mask (if required in your place of residence)
- An antibacterial hand sanitizer
How to pack for a weekend trip?
We’ve gone through WHAT to pack for a weekend trip. Now, let’s talk about HOW to pack for a weekend trip. Use this guide on how to pack for a weekend trip to help you pack wisely.
Don't overpack
Today, the travel bag market is flooded with excellent products. There are so many amazing brands, but be sure to consider the longevity and compatibility of the bag. Choose one that suits what you will be bringing with you on your weekend getaway.
- Our favorite is the Raja Backpack 30 Liter, a great everyday backpack, that can also serve as an adventure backpack for the weekend or as a carry-on. The zip pocket on the right side of the bag can be used to store electronics and sunglasses. The zipped pocket on the left side can hold water bottles. With this backpack, you can remove the laptop without taking the backpack off since you have a padded laptop pocket for 13-15" computers.
Here are some others we recommend:
Organize your closet into a mini capsule
Having a tiny capsule wardrobe involves condensing your entire wardrobe into items you know you'll wear. You have an overflowing closet, but how much of what you own do you actually wear? Take only the outfits that you love and know you will wear on this weekend trip. Forget about the "just in case..." outfits. Make sure your attire is in line with the weather.
Have your packing list handy
Even if you're only going away for a few days, making a list of everything you'll need for your vacation will ensure you don't forget anything. Print out our 'what to pack for a weekend trip checklist' and make it your own!
Put everything in its place before packing
Set out everything you want to take on your weekend trip on your bed before throwing it into your travel bag. This will give you a clear idea of what to pack for a weekend trip and what you can leave behind. Make sure every item on your list is there so you don’t leave anything behind.
Roll it, don’t fold it
We’ve all been taught to fold out clothes, however, there is a better way. By rolling your clothes, this will reduce the likelihood of them being creased. Other benefits of rolling, includes swift and efficient packing, and creating more space. Taking an iron with you is not the best option. It’s bulky and not allowed on flights if you’re flying.
Packing Cubes and Essentials
Like I mentioned earlier, packing cubes are a packing hack you'll use every time you travel for the rest of your life. What could possibly be better? Here’s another piece of advice for using packing cubes. Pack your items in clear packing cubes - this allows you to easily see what’s inside and help you find what you're looking for fast.
Use shoe bags
Keeping your shoes in their own travel shoe bag will keep the rest of your things clean and dirt-free. A large pair of shoes for men or two medium pairs of shoes for women can easily fit into a shoe bag. Alternatively, use plastic bags.
Bring travel-sized bottles for your toiletries
You might want to consider investing in travel containers for liquids (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, perfume, etc) for easier and more convenient storage. This will also create more room in your bag rather than having your 500ml shampoo bottle taking up space.
Make sure your travel documents are secure
IDs? Check. Passport? Check. Do you have a boarding pass? Check. Do you have a designated place to keep these crucial documents? It's best to double-check! Always keep them in a safe place and never leave your bag unattended.
Keep a Hygiene Kit on hand
Taking precautions when traveling is always a good idea, especially in light of recent occurrences (referred to as COVID-19). Wet wipes, alcohol, hand sanitizer, tissues, and a face mask, all of which you can use immediately, should be brought with you. Just in case.
What to pack for a weekend trip to the beach
Visits to the beach while on summer vacation is one everyone’s must do for escaping the heat. Whether you're staying close to home or flying to another country, this guide will help you with what to pack for a weekend trip to the beach.
No matter what you plan to do or how much time you spend on the beach, there are a few items you should pack for your beach trip. We gt you covered with this ultimate ‘what to pack for a weekend trip to the beach’ checklist:
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Books/Puzzles, etc.
- Dry clothes to change into
- Toileteries in case you decide to shower there
- Sandals
- A cap
- Beach towel
If you’re exploring or sight-seeing, you’ll need some additional things. Walking shoes and socks are necessary, as well as warmer clothing you could layer up with if the weather turns chilly.
What to pack for a weekend camping trip
With family and friends, or even on your own, camping is a great way to spend time in the great outdoors. There are lots of places to camp, including state and national parks, private campgrounds, wilderness areas, and even up a mountain. However, careless planning and forgetting critical things may ruin your whole trip.
This ‘what to pack for a weekend trip checklist’ for camping will help you stay organized while packing and keep you from forgetting anything important.
When you’re staying on a campsite:
Before leaving for your camping trip, you should always check the amenities at your campground before you pack. Generally, drive-up campgrounds provide showers, picnic tables and fireplaces on-site, as well as sell local firewood.
- Tent
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping mats
- Camping chairs
- Flashlights
- Other lights, such as lanterns and headlamps
- Pillows
Additionally, you may require
- Camp table
- Games
- Hammock
- Firewood (avoid bringing new insects to the campsite by buying your wood nearby)
- Rolls of duct tape
- Battery
- Axe (for cutting wood)
Toiletries and first aid
As you prepare your toiletries for camping, be sure to prepare for cuts, bug bites, and basic hygiene. It isn't necessary to shower if you're only going camping for a few hours or a day—although you will still be relatively clean (ish). A simple deodorant stick and a body wipe can work wonders after a night in a tent.
- Soap
- Facial wipes
- Toilet paper
- Deodorant
- Quick-drying towel
- Sunblock
- Antibacterial hand sanitizer
- Anti-Bug spray
- Emergency first aid kit
Clothing
- Shirts with short and long sleeves
- Shorts and pants
- Comfy shoes
- An evening jacket for the cold
- Shoes or boots for hiking
- Hat
- Sandals for lounging around the campsite
- Lounging clothes
- Socks
Cooking Equipment
- Fuel and stove
- Lighters or matches
- Cooking utensils and kitchen equipment
- Quality knives
- Dinnerware (plate, bowl, and utensils)
- Sponge
- Dish liquid
- Portable coffee maker
- Icebox
Food
Create a food shopping list and plan which meals you will make while camping before you leave. A few easy camp food standbys include:
- Oatmeal
- Freeze-dried soups
- Sandwiches
- Hot dogs
What to pack for a weekend trip with a partner
Know what to pack for a weekend trip with a partner can send you into a bit of a frenzy. Of course, you want to make a good impression and make sure you don’t forget anything that would make the trip go from amazing to boring. Here are some items you may want to take with you when packing for a weekend trip with your partner:
- Cute underwear/lingerie
- Polaroid camera
- Snacks
- Card or board games
- Swimsuits
- Portable Speaker
- Picnic Supplies
- Any gifts you may be needing if it’s an extra special trip!
Whenever you are deciding what to pack for a weekend trip with your partner, remember to live in the moment, regardless of what you pack (or forget to pack). I hope this is one of many trips together. Be present and enjoy the journey. It's going to be a great trip!
Final Words
We hope that this guide has helped you think about what to pack for a weekend trip and how to pack for a weekend trip. Weekend vacations are perfect when you are short on time or resources but also want to take a vacation from the real world. Weekend getaways are ideal for last-minute vacations as well.
But be extra prepared for last-minute weekend vacations. Make sure you keep this guide handy and pack everything you need for your weekend vacation by using our packing lists.
Are there any must-haves you'd add to your ‘what to pack for a weekend trip’ checklists? We'd love to hear!