Weekend getaways can be so much fun. Whether you’re jumping on a flight to travel to another state or driving a few hours away to scope out a different city, it’s an opportunity for adventure. Of course, you don’t want to get caught on your trip without your essentials. These items can be different things for different people. But in general, a few personal belongings must be on your checklist to ensure you have a great weekend.
Extra Undergarments and Accessories
A quick way to ruin your weekend is to find yourself without extra socks, underwear, bras, etc. You might wake up on the first morning of your trip to go on a beautiful hike and get drenched in a downpour. Or, your period might start, ruining your underwear. These unexpected events happen to even the most seasoned travelers. And you don’t want to have to rush out and find a store that carries your brand of undergarments.
Any weekend getaway should include an extra pair of socks, an extra sports bra, and an extra pair of underwear. If there’s even a slight chance you might start your period, be sure to pack pads, tampons, or your period underwear. It will save you time, money, and embarrassment to have those backups tucked into a side pocket of your bag. It’s also a good idea for those with long hair to bring extra hair ties, just in case you lose yours and want to put your hair up.
Toiletries
Some people might depend on the toiletries at the hotel, Airbnb, or other accommodations when traveling. The problem is you might arrive and find you don’t like what’s provided. Or worse, you may show up and discover your booking doesn’t even carry shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, or soap of any kind. Now, you have to take the time out to find a local store that carries what you need.
It’s a good idea to keep a “go-bag” filled with your favorite items for your personal hygiene. If you’re getting on a plane, consider toothpaste tablets and bar soaps, so you don’t have to worry about carrying on liquids. If you’re taking a road trip, you can typically bring all the toiletries you’d like, from bottles of shampoo and conditioner to a full makeup kit. The idea, however, is to pack only what you’ll need for the weekend. Escape the extra clutter.
Thin Layers
Speaking of traveling light, make sure you pack a few light layers. You don’t want to plan for a warm weekend only to find yourself catching a chill thanks to an ocean breeze. In contrast, you may expect your trip to be cold and forget to include short sleeves and tank tops. The next thing you know, the sun comes out and you’re sweltering. You can find yourself uncomfortable or even miserable if you don’t bring the proper clothing.
Pack a few light layers for each day you’ll be gone, and you’ll be prepared for any turn of the weather. For women, consider tank tops, long-sleeve tops, and cardigans. For men, include a short-sleeve shirt, a crew neck, and a fleece-lined flannel. And everyone should have a pair of sandals or flip-flops, in addition to walking shoes, for when it gets warm outside. Barring extreme shifts in temperature, these basics should keep you warm, or cool, as needed.
A Water Bottle and Snacks
While many people, especially on road trips, figure they’ll get all their snacks on the road, it’s a much better idea to come prepared. Yes, you can still get your Funyuns or Slim Jims at the gas station when you stop. But you should always have a backup plan in case you don’t find what you’re looking for. Even worse, your trip might include many miles of highway without a market or gas station for refueling (your car and yourself).
If you’re flying, fill up your water bottle once you get past security. If you’re driving, bring your full water bottle plus extra water to keep in your trunk for when you run out. Also, pack your favorite snacks in your car or in your bag (for a flight). Try to include protein, like nuts or meat sticks, and dark chocolate or dried fruit for a sweet treat. Remember, too much sugar or ultra-processed foods can make you feel bloated and fatigued. That’s not a good feeling for a weekend getaway.
An Extra Book!
One of the best parts of a weekend getaway is reading a good book. However, it seems to be a lost art, for even the most avid readers. Now, people find themselves scrolling endlessly on their social media accounts, staring at their phones until they fall asleep much later than planned. This habit does not lend itself to good sleep or a feeling of being rested. On the contrary, scrolling all day and night can make you agitated and restless.
A whirlwind adventure is the perfect time to break that habit and enter the world of literature. Reading real books is good for you, and what better time to start than on a trip? You’ll rest, see a new place, spend time alone or with someone you love, and you can build new, healthy habits. Bring along a book, or two, and instead of reaching for your phone during downtime, reach for the book. You may find yourself enjoying your weekend even more than you expected.
A weekend getaway is probably going to be fun no matter what you bring, or what you forget. Indeed, sometimes mishaps and mistakes make for great memories! But it’s still a smart idea to plan ahead and pack away those essentials to maximize your chances for a positive experience. After all, those fun (funny) memories of having to rush around on your trip to get what you need are not so fun or funny while they’re happening.
