The nice thing about traveling is that there is no set time limit – you can travel for a few years, months, weeks, days, or even just for one day. You can embark on an adventure and not know when you’ll finish. But knowing what to bring on your trip, however, can be quite a challenge. Packing for a one year round-the-world trip will require items that you most likely will not need for a three day weekend trip to NYC. So how do you decide what you really need to bring? Read on to see recommendations on what you should pack for a short weekend trip. Below are two quick tips that will hopefully save you some time (and headache) when it comes to packing for you next weekend trip!
1. Know Your Location
Seems pretty obvious, but when you go to someplace new, you’ve got to take into consideration different weather temps, cultures, and housing arrangements. Do a little research on the city you’ll be visiting, and find out what the weather forecast looks like.
2. Pack Light
I’m speaking to all you who tend to overpack (I’m right there with you all, guilty as charged)! The inclination to pack just one more shirt/pant/purse/pair of shoes can be so easy to give in to, but trust me, the less you pack, the better. Your body will thank you (especially if you are only carrying a backpack for the weekend, like I did on my last New York City trip. A few miles into walking around the city and my back was hating me). Lugging a heavy suitcase around a city, or along dirt roads, is just going to be an unnecessary pain.
Along with knowing your location, you should know a rough estimate of some activities you are planning to do while on your trip. Going out to art museums and cocktails with friends? Pack only one pair of versatile heels, boots, OR sandals. Going hiking in a nearby forest? Bring those sneakers!
Here’s a short guide to help you brainstorm for weekend trip packing:
City Trips
- Pair of nice jeans
- 1-2 dress(es) or skirt(s)
- 2-3 nice tops
- Pair of sandals
- One pair of sneakers/good walking shoes OR one pair of heels
- 3 pairs of socks
- Pajamas/workout/comfy clothes
- Toiletries
- 1 purse
Outdoors Adventures
- 1-2 pairs of workout leggings or shorts
- 2-3 workout tops
- One pair of sneakers
- 2-3 pairs of socks
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries
- Pair of jeans
- Optional: 1-2 nice shirt(s) (for dinners or other activities)
Don’t worry if you go on your trip and realize you packed wayyyy more than you needed. Every traveler has had that moment sometime during their travels. I’ve realized that you gradually learn how to pack better with experience – so after every trip you take, you’ll become a little more knowledgeable about what you use most on trips, and what you can do without for some time.
Your packing list will vary depending on where you are going, but hopefully the above suggestions will help you in planning for your next trip. Happy travels!
The Bohemian Mermaid 