Packing for a weekend trip isn’t that difficult, and you will know how much you need to pack relating to your destination and your preference. However, there are a few things that you need to know when packing for a short trip. The most important thing to remember is that you need to pack all the essential things you need, and then think carefully about whether you need to pack the rest of it or not.
The Checklist
Regardless of whether you are packing for a two-week holiday or a weekend vacation, having a packing checklist is essential. Just because you are only packing a few things, there is still the opportunity to forget the essential item that cannot be replaced or recovered as you are walking up to check-in. To minimize the stress levels, try to write the list at least a few days before you pack, you then have plenty of time to double check things and make sure you have all the supplies you need. It will also ensure that you have the clothes you want to be washed and dried in time. Once the checklist is written, read it over at least once to make sure nothing is missing.
Check Your Medication
Even though your trip will only be a fleeting visit, you don’t want to get there and realize that you only have enough medication for one day. Getting your medicine in other countries might be close to impossible, so you want to ensure you have enough before you travel. It is a good idea to check your stock at least a week before you go in case it takes a while for the doctors to prescribe you more. You should also ensure that you pack some other types of generic medication such as painkillers, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory. Although this type of medication will be available where you’re traveling to, it won’t hurt to have them with you as a back-up.
Keep it in Just One Bag
Unless you know that you are going to be attending a fancy function and you’ll need your best suit or ball gown, there won’t be any need to pack more than one case. You want to try and keep it down to just carry-on luggage not only to keep the cost down but also to make it easier for you to get around. You should be looking to use a good quality case for your trip; they will last longer and withstand the normal hustle and bustle of baggage claim. If you have the room, you should also put a secondary strap around your case as well as its own fastenings. That way, if the bag were to split the zip, the strap would still hold everything inside. Otherwise, you might find pieces of your clothing jetting off all over the world.
Plastic Bags Are a Bonus
Although you only want to take a carry-on bag with you, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take plastic bags. Some people use plastic bags for everything when they are packing. They use them to keep their small items such as chargers and hair clips; they also use them to store their toiletries. It is a good idea to store toiletries in these bags so that if they burst or come open in transit, you won’t have a bag full of shampoo. Plastic bags are also a great idea for holding your worn clothes as the vacation progresses, and to take to the beach to put your wet clothes in.
Space Save Where Possible
Getting a weekends worth of clothing into a carry-on bag shouldn’t be difficult, but if you are having problems, then try to save space as much as possible. Consider buying the small travel toiletries instead of taking a bigger bottle, or just buy it when you get out there. Roll up your clothing instead of packing it flat. You can get more in the case this way, and it won’t crinkle. If you need glasses for reading, then try to get a smaller and lighter pair that you can carry around easily. Consider how much you are packing and whether you need all of them, for example, will you need three pairs of shoes?
Your Traveling Clothes
Traveling can be long and tiresome, it can also be hot and sweaty or cold and chilly depending on where you’re going, so consider your traveling attire. Firstly, to make things easier, wear the same outfit on the outward and return journey. It will mean one less outfit to pack, and you will know it’s comfortable. Try to wear something that is light and airy so that you won’t get too hot and sweaty. You should also have a jumper with you in case you get cold, in fact, layers are the best way to keep your temperature right no matter where you are.
Passing the Time
The worst part of traveling is finding ways to pass the time. There is, of course, the option to sleep, but if that isn’t an option, then you will need something else. Take a tablet with you or an eBook reader so you can read without carrying a chunky book. You can also buy some magazines at the airport or service stations and read them. These are also easily disposable without leaving you too much out of pocket. Remember to take a charging pack with you for your phone or tablet so that you can play some games without running your battery down. Activities are particularly important if you are traveling with children as they might become easily bored and might want to run around. It might be a good idea to have a subscription to Netflix or another streaming channel and link up to the Wi-Fi, so you can all watch something. You can also download films and TV shows from the streaming platform beforehand, in case you’re ever without internet.
Although packing for a weekend away might not seem like a big deal, if you plan it right, you can make it even easier. Just remember to think ahead and pack for the conditions.
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