There’s something magical about a weekend getaway–just enough time to escape your routine without the stress of planning a full vacation. Whether you’re heading to the beach, mountains, or a small town nearby, having a reliable packing system can make your travel experience way less stressful.
Since I moved to France and it became easier to do short vacations or weekend getaways in Europe, I’ve mastered the skill of packing for weekend getaways. I’ve had my share of overpacking (and forgetting the essentials), and can now only have a carry-on bag or weekend duffle bag and have everything I need.
By Lotte Nielsen from Dupe
Weekend travel essentials
I used to be that person who packed half her closet “just in case,” only to return home with unworn outfits and an aching shoulder from lugging around a heavy bag. Sound familiar?
The key to stress-free traveling isn’t trying to fit everything you own, it’s bringing the right things. My curated weekend packing system has saved me countless hours of pre-trip stress and made spontaneous getaways actually spontaneous.
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The perfect weekend bag
Having the right bag sets the tone for your entire packing experience (and the ability to find everything you need without having to unpack). I personally like having a carry-on bag with wheels because I usually go to destinations where I need to take a lot of public transportation or trains to get there (my weak shoulders will not survive), but if I were to take a car, a weekender with multiple compartments would be a great idea as well.
The key here is to find a bag, whether with wheels or w duffle weekender, or a bag that can be both. Investing in a good quality bag really makes traveling way easier.
This is the carry-on bag I travel with all the time from Delsey Paris. So far, it has passed all the European budget airlines’ dimension requirements and is also expandable, so it fits a lot for a carry-on bag!
I also use packing cubes and organizers to make it easier to find my stuff and fit way more than just packing them directly in the bag.
How to Pack for Different Weekend Destinations
Clothing essentials
- 2 bottoms (typically two pairs of bottoms, could be jeans and one alternative–shorts for warmer weather, heattech leggings for cooler destinations).
One of my favorite pants that I always go to the airport with is the Lululemon Palazzo pants, which I bought for 130 euros, but I found a super similar alternative on Amazon for a quarter of this price!
- 3-4 tops that can be mixed and matched
- 1 light jacket or cardigan (even in summer–restaurant A/C is real!)
- 1 dress or nicer outfit option
- Sleepwear (2 light pajamas)
- Undergarments (plus one extra set)
- 1-2 workout outfits if you’re the fitness-on-vacation type
- 2 swimsuits
Footwear strategy
Shoes take up a lot of space, so I usually just take two to three pairs (including the one I’m wearing):
I wear my biggest shoes when traveling, and these are usually my running shoes, the Asics Nimbus 27; they’re so light and perfect for everyday runs and walks.
The other pair or two pairs are “situational” shoes like sandals for beach trips, boots for cooler weather, or dressy flats for cities.
And beach slippers, of course, if you’re going to the beach! Havaianas have the most stylish, durable, and comfortable beach flip-flops I’ve worn so far.
Hack: stuff socks and small accessories inside your shoes to maximize space!
Travel-Sized beauty products: weekend skincare & makeup essentials
One thing I’ve learned that makes packing so much easier for me is to always buy mini-sized makeup. I look back at all the makeup I’ve owned in my life, I think the only thing I’ve ever finished is mascaras and lip products. Otherwise, they get expired, or I get bored with them and want new ones. (I know I’m not alone here.)
So, I’ve decided to only buy mini-sized makeup unless it’s something I use so much that I know for a fact I will finish it. I can’t tell you how much easier this hack made my life: I can carry a small makeup bag with everything I need, even if I’m flying, since they’re always under 100mls!
These are my travel-size makeup essentials:
- NYX brow gel (best hold and has never flaked my eyebrows, unlike all the ones I’ve tried before)
- The Erborian CC cream that includes SPF (best if you like something that has light coverage and makes your face look radiant and natural)
- The Nars concealer!! I can’t say how much I love this concealer, you can make it as light or as heavy as you like. To make it light and more natural, I put a small amount on the back of my hands, and pat an eyeshadow brush on it until the bristles are fully coated and I can no longer see the concealer on my hands, and then apply it to my undereyes.
- The Rare Beauty blush and luminizer trio. I love these mini blushes and luminizer so much, they come in such a cute and small packaging and blend so well.
- KIKO lash gel and serum. This is both a serum and a gel for your eyelashes. It’s not a mini version because I go through it so fast, and it’s always sold out. It makes my eyelashes look thicker and fuller while growing them! I love it so much, especially since I don’t like using mascara in the morning.
- The Makeup By Mario Pop & Glow kit. These two blend like butter! They look so natural and last for so long.
- The Elf tinted lip oil. Literally the Dior dupe with a fraction of the price with jojoba oil!
- The Hourglass ambient lighting palette. These last a lifetime and give the most beautiful glow and color. They’re a bit pricey but so worth it!
For skincare or haircare, I try to buy them already in mini sizes and refill the bottles later, but if the product I’m using doesn’t have a mini version or doesn’t make sense for me to buy in a mini version, I use the silicone travel containers and make sure it says leakproof.
As for the rest of the miscellaneous essentials, I pack them in a small pouch, containing:
- Some bandages. I like this pack because the fabric is flexible and stays on for a long.
- A nail clipper (Tweezerman is the best!)
- Nail file
- Eyebrow tweezer (Also from Tweezerman)
- Some cotton buds and makeup-removing pads
- Disinfectant
- Mini detangling compact brush from Tangle Teezer (They have so many cute colors)
- Bobby pins, hair ties, hair clips, etc.
- Women’s pads and/or tampons
- Wipes
- Travel-size perfume
- Toothbrush and toothpaste travel kit
- Deodorant stick or spray (make sure it’s under 100 ml if you’re taking the plane and not checking your bag in).
And of course, a small jewelry box that keeps your jewelry organized and untangled.
Having an easy packing guide and a pre-travel checklist for every time you want to go on a weekend getaway makes it way easier to just get everything ready, travel without forgetting essentials, or overpacking! No more stressing before a trip and thinking about what you might have forgotten the moment you’re on the road.
If you have more travel packing tips, I’d love to hear from you in the comments!