The transition into fall can be a bit jolting. One second, you’re enjoying a day in the sun and the next your trying to mentally prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It’s no wonder we crave going on vacation this time of year — we need a break from our hectic schedules! Time spent away is guaranteed to help people recharge both mentally and physically — whether you plan a solo escape with no plans and nowhere to be, or a quick trip with friends.
But no matter what your weekend entails, you shouldn’t have any extra baggage weighing you down. We want your time off to be easy and restful, and that begins with your approach to packing for a weekend trip. While we can’t help you shake the figurative weight you’ve been carrying, we can most definitely help you get your luggage sorted. Here are a few tips for getting all of your wellness essentials into one compact carry on, so you can fly out the door and leave your stress behind you (at least for a couple of days).
Think about what activities will help you recharge, and pack clothing accordingly. If you’re going to be curled up in front of the fire all weekend, you probably don’t need to bring dress shoes; if your ideal escape is a rain-or-shine hike, then make sure you’ve got all the right gear. Or perhaps your happy place is checking out the local food scene — in that case, you might want to pack something a little more formal.
Whatever your plan, the key to having a relaxing weekend is packing comfortable, familiar clothes so that getting dressed is as easy as possible (packing cubes can help keep things compact and organized, too). Choose versatile items that can multitask so that once you’ve made it to your destination, you’re not spending time lingering over your suitcase wondering what to wear.
- 3 t-shirts
- 1 sweatshirt
- 1 light cardigan
- 1 blouse or dress shirt
- 1 pair of leggings
- 1 pair of jeans or slacks
- 1 pair of walking or running shoes
- 1 pair of heels or loafers
- 1 rain jacket
- Your favorite sleepwear
- Socks and underwear
A commitment-free weekend is the ultimate opportunity to up your self-care game. If you’re planning on really taking advantage of this chance to slow down and unwind, then you may be able to get away with eliminating some everyday essentials — like makeup and cologne — from your suitcase, and instead use that room to pack some more luxurious wellness products.
Maybe you’ve been intending to do a face mask for months but just haven’t made the time, or you’ve been saving a bottle of bubble bath for an evening when you can really enjoy it. Now’s your chance. By eliminating unnecessary clothes and toiletries, there’s room in your carry-on for a few indulgences that are sure to make your downtime extra special. And remember, travel pouches can help you keep these items neat and tidy.
- Lip balm
- Depuffing eye gel
- Hydrating face mask
- Body wash and lotion
- Bath bomb or bubble bath
- Essential oil
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
Pssst! Our Clean Beauty Bundle has everything you need in TSA-approved sizes, so you can travel without worry.
You don’t want to put a lot of effort into packing for a weekend trip, only to realize that you’ve left something crucial at home. The mesh pockets inside of a carry-on suitcase are great for those items that we get anxious about forgetting — using them can help reassure you that all of the essentials are packed, while keeping them organized and easy to reach. It’s just one more way to get the most out of your getaway.
- Phone charger
- Headphones
- Supplements and multivitamins
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Tissues and tampons
You’re all done! But guess what? You’ve still got a little more room. Your bag is so organized that you can fit in a couple extra treats if you want. Imagine your most blissful, relaxing moment — what do you need to make that fantasy a reality? Maybe it’s a hot cup of coffee, a good book, or a familiar fragrance.
- Paperback book
- Fresh ground coffee
- Your journal
- Snacks
Packing for a weekend trip shouldn’t be stressful — and with the right suitcase, you can bring everything you need to relax and recharge. Shop our travel collection to find the perfect piece of luggage and travel accessories to take on your next getaway.
Photos: Priscilla Du Preez / Unsplash, Brandless, Aleona / Shutterstock
