Weekend Getaway Packing Tips

Whether you prefer Seattle, Whistler, Tofino, Kelowna or elsewhere, there’s nothing better than a quick weekend getaway to recharge your batteries. I like to save my vacation time for longer trips to Europe or Palm Springs, so lately we are trying to maximize long weekends or jet away for two nights. This means plenty of practice packing, re-packing, and curating the essentials for short-haul trips. I like to pack light, and have shared in the past five tips to traveling light. This post with my weekend getaway packing tips is a more in depth look on what to actually pack in your bag.

Weekend Getaway Packing Tips

The Clothes

For a 2-3 day trip I usually pack two outfits per day – one for daytime and one for nighttime as well as one comfy outfit for travel. I find that packing separates is the most effective way to maximize space and to account for different types of weather. Bring versatile pieces that can easily be interchangeable. Don’t pack delicate items of clothing that wrinkle easily and pack pieces that can be layered if the temperature changes on you. This can also be applied for longer trips as well, you don’t want to over pack or worry about an iron at your place.

Here’s a sample of pieces to pack:

• 2-3 tops
• 2 sweaters
• 1 skirt
• 1 dress or jumpsuit for an evening out
• 1-2 pair shorts
• 1-2 pair jeans
• 1 pair leggings or relaxed fit pants
• 1 light jacket or a coat for colder temperatures
• 1 hat
• Pajamas
• Underwear
• Socks
• Scarf
• Optional: bathing suit

The Shoes

I recommend packing one pair of shoes per function. There’s nothing worse than carrying a heavy bag full of shoes that you don’t end up wearing all weekend. I usually put my shoes in plastic bags or travel shoe bags to avoid getting my clean clothes dirty. Wear your comfiest shoes while traveling, that way you leave room in your bag. I tend to wear the bulkier so it’s usually runners.

Here’s a sample of what shoes to bring:

• 1 pair of walking shoes
• 1 pair of flats
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 pair of heels

The Essentials

For toiletries don’t bother packing full bottles that take up space. I usually bring samples that I’ve collected over the months along with my essentials in space saving travel-size containers. Also I pack a large cosmetic or zip bag with feminine hygiene products, painkillers, allergy pills, Band-Aids, and anything else I might need for the weekend. Throw your makeup into a makeup bag and you’re all set.

Extra Packing Tips

• Roll everything, EVERYTHING!, instead of folding them to save space and avoid wrinkling your clothes
• Stuff your socks and underwear into your shoes
• Pack an extra pair of socks and underwear in your carry-on
• Bring extra bags for dirty socks and shoes

The more space you have left over, the more space you have. What is your favourite from my Weekend Getaway Packing Tips? Don’t forget to also try out my Stress-free Vacation Checklist

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