What to Pack for a Weekend Vacation (While Also Traveling Light)
Summer is the perfect time of the year to go on vacation, even if only for the weekend! It’s always a great idea to have a break from the daily grind. Some people can sure get carried away with packing for their trip though! Considering that more and more people are choosing to fly elsewhere for the weekend (Abbotsford to Vancouver Island in BC is a good example), packing light is very much needed for this reason.
With that in mind, here are some tips on what to pack for your next weekend vacation, while also traveling light.
Rules of Thumb to Follow
Pack the basics. Make sure your suitcase includes the items you absolutely know for sure you’re going to need. Once you’ve figured out what you need, then you can focus on what you want to bring.
When we say keep it light, we mean keep it light. Airports in Canada require you to pay an extra fee if the luggage you bring on the plane exceeds their weight regulations. If you don’t want to pay the fee or can’t afford to, pack light so that you prevent this fee from hurting your wallet!
Avoid putting off packing until the very last minute. The last thing you want to discover is you forgot to pack something important! It’s usually best to pack the day before so that in case you need to leave immediately, you can just grab your bags and go.
The less liquids you pack, the better. We’re referring to mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner—things like that. Liquids are pretty heavy when you travel anywhere!
One last note: these are all basically suggestions and not exact rules or guidelines we’re talking about. If you don’t need a lot of this stuff we’re going to outline, then you definitely don’t need to pack it. This is basically to help you be prepared as opposed to rushing around right before you have to depart!
Tip 1. Essentials
Essential things to pack for your weekend may include the following:
Medication. This can range from insulin, to vitamins, to birth control. Be sure to bring this if you need it.
Documents. Specifically your passport if you’re flying, your plane tickets, ID, and any other documents you think are needed.
Credit or debit cards (or both). Make sure there’s money in your accounts too!
Your phone. Because nowadays, that’s where everything from your music to your camera is located.
Bathroom supplies. Your toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss for brushing your teeth; a hairbrush, a couple of elastic hair ties, and bobby pins (the last two are optional; the brush, on the other hand, is something every woman needs!); deodorant; lastly, if you absolutely need to bring it, makeup (just the one item for what you need, i.e. one mascara, one lipstick etc. Remember, you’re packing light!). Leave shampoo and conditioner out, depending on your destination (only bring them if you know where you’re going won’t include them).
Glasses and cleaner (only if you wear them). If the weather looks to be bright and sunny, bring 1 pair of sunglasses also (no more than that).
Tip 2. Emergencies
Pack the following in the event there’s an emergency:
Feminine supplies (pads or tampons). Because you never can tell when Miss Period may show up…
Ibuprofen. In case you get a headache or migraine.
Bandaids. Not a box of them, more like 5 or 6 (fortunately these are pretty light to carry around!).
A laundry detergent pen. These can be found in any drug store. They make for great prevention of huge stains left on your clothes before you reach a washing machine!
Tip 3. Entertainment
These are a few suggestions for when you have to wait for your ride to your destination, or while flying:
E-reader or tablet. Try to leave physical books behind as they are usually heavier.
Notepad and pen. Just in the off chance you love to scribble or doodle.
If you absolutely need something else to entertain yourself, try buying a magazine or newspaper instead whenever you’re in the midst of traveling. These are easier to leave behind as opposed to a book (especially if you’re reading a really good one!).
Tip 4. Clothing
Naturally clothing is a must when you have to pack! Here are a few suggestions we have in regards to clothes:
Underwear. A couple pairs of panties and 1 good bra that goes with everything (think beige with light clothes, or dark/black with dark or black clothes) should suffice.
One change of clothes. You read that right, just the one change of clothes. You can travel in the clothes you’re wearing the day of and then put them back on (with a clean change of underwear of course) when you have to travel home. Packing clothes with neutral colours such as beige, black, grey, and cream makes for easy changes with your jewelry and other accessories if needed.
1 extra pair of shoes. Wear your other pair during your travels and make sure they’re comfortable and easy to run in (you never know if you have to dash for the correct lane! It happens).
Jewelry. One each of a necklace, earrings, rings, and bracelets (all of these are optional of course). This is why we suggested packing clothes in a neutral palette—the neutrals go with any accessory you wish to wear.
The Beauty of Packing a Wrap Dress
Don’t you hate the idea of having to pack a dress that just wrinkles way too easily? Then don’t! Get yourself a convertible wrap dress that stays wrinkle-free and doesn’t take up too much space in your suitcase. Our wrap dresses usually come with their own laundry bag for even easier packing!
Next time you go on vacation, rest assured these tips will help you travel light and in clothes that will make you feel good while looking great. Happy travels!
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