The Ultimate Weekend Getaway Packing Checklist (+Free Printable)

Getting ready for a weekend getaway but feeling overwhelmed about what to pack? I totally get how stressful that can be! Especially for just a weekend away when you need to pack all the essentials without overstuffing your carry-on bag or forgetting your favorite hairbrush. As someone who loves taking weekend trips, I’ve created this free printable weekend getaway packing checklist to help you out!

By using a checklist for your weekend trip, you can make the packing process quick, easy, and painless. Whether you’re packing for a weekend away with your boyfriend or a weekend away with your friends, this guide has you covered. This checklist works for perfectly for a 2-day trip or a 3-day trip.

This packing list will help you stay organized, minimize overpacking, and make sure you’re prepared for any situation. From clothing and toiletries to travel documents and tech gadgets, it covers all the essentials you need to pack efficiently for your weekend trip.

Plus, you can download a free printable and editable PDF that you can use on your phone or computer while packing or print out for convenience! You can even tick the boxes off as you go!

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Download the FREE Packing Checklist!

Download a FREE editable PDF of the packing checklist!

This PDF is a part of my travel freebie library, which contains FREE travel checklists, resources, guides, & more!
You will also be added to my monthly email list to stay notified about the latest free content & travel tips!
Click here to subscribe & get access to the travel freebie library

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The Best Carry-On Luggage for Weekend Trips (Under $100!)

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Your choice of luggage is probably the most important decision when packing for a trip. I usually prefer bringing a compact hardshell suitcase because it will fit a lot of things without taking up space in your trunk or the overhead bin space if you’re traveling by air.

I’ve had the Samsonite Centric Expandable Suitcase for over 5 years now, and I will never go back to using any other suitcase. I’ve even taken it on week-long trips and it fits everything perfectly! It’s under $100, comes in many colors, is durable, and can expand to fit a lot of items.

The product links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Here are some great options if you rather take a smaller piece of luggage while traveling.

I love taking a sturdy, high-quality backpack when traveling light. It fits my laptop, toiletries, books, and even rolled up clothes! If you’re traveling on a budget airline and can only bring a personal item, I would highly recommend taking a backpack just because of how much it can fit.

Duffel bags are another one of my favorites. I’ve been using the Adidas Small Duffel Bag for many moons and it’s held up great! It slides easily under the airplane seat, fits in a tight overhead bin on the plane, and can be thrown in the backseat of your car if you’re taking a road trip.

You could also take a weekender bag which you can sling over your shoulder for easy carrying. These surprisingly can hold a lot of items! Most can also fit under the airplane seat for convenience.

How to Pack for a Weekend Getaway

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pack efficiently for a quick weekend trip.

1. Check the weather
First things first, check the weather where you’ll be going! It’s going to set the tone for what you pack. If it’s going to be raining during most of your trip, you’ll need to pack a rain jacket or a small umbrella to stay dry. If it’s going to be cold you’ll be packing some warm weather gear. If it’s gonna be hot, then shorts and T-shirts will suffice.

2. Mix & match outfits
This is super important when packing light for a weekend trip! Bring neutral or versatile pieces that you can mix and match to create different outfits. For a 2-day trip, I like to pack 2 tops, 1 bottom, 1 pair of shoes, and a set of PJs. For a 3-day trip, I’ll add in an extra top and bottom.

3. Keep your toiletries simple and compact
This is where packing cubes or toiletry organizer bags can come in handy! If you’re traveling by air, make sure to bring TSA-approved bags or containers. Don’t forget essentials like medications, skincare, and a toothbrush!

4. Pack based on your trip style
Think about what you’ll be doing on your vacation and pack accordingly. Consider outfits for date nights if you’re traveling with your boyfriend, comfy loungewear if you’re going to a relaxing trip, or a swimsuit if you’re going to the beach.

5. Don’t forget the tech!
For some reason, I always forget about this until the last minute. But it’s so important in this day and age! Bring all of your chargers, headphones, a portable power bank, and any other tech gadgets you can’t live without.

6. Double check you have all of your travel documents
Make sure you research all of the important documents you’ll need, especially if you’re traveling internationally. These include your passport, travel visas, boarding passes, reservation details, etc. I also recommend making copies and taking a photo of all these documents just in case. Tuck them inside a travel document holder so you don’t lose anything!

7. Leave a little room for souvenirs!
Avoid overstuffing your bag. A little extra space lets you bring a souvenir back home—or pack that spontaneous extra outfit without stress!

Packing Tips for a Weekend Getaway

1. Use packing cubes – These help keep your suitcase organized and maximize space.
   
   
2. Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids – If flying, ensure carry-on liquids are under 3.4 oz and stored in a clear, quart-sized bag.
   
   
3. Roll, don’t fold – Rolling clothes helps prevent wrinkles and saves space.
   
   
4. Pack a day’s worth of essentials in your carry-on – Just in case your luggage is delayed or lost.
   
   
5. Check airline baggage restrictions – Avoid unexpected fees and weight issues.
   
   

What to Pack for a Weekend Getaway

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Important Travel Documents

Before you pack anything, make sure you tuck all of your important documents in a safe and convenient place.

I love keeping everything in a travel document organizer. You can get these for under $10 on Amazon! This helps me keep all the important documents in one place and I’m not shuffling around to find them at the airport. Or worse, misplacing or losing them altogether!

If you’re traveling internationally, each airline and country has it’s own travel requirements, so make sure you research and double check before you travel. Plan to do this a few months before your trip in case you need a visa, immunization, or something else that may take a few weeks to obtain.

Another tip I’ve learned over the years is to keep both digital and printed copies of your passport & other travel documents. The printed copies will come in handy in case you don’t have Internet connection (especially in foreign countries) and the digital copies will be helpful in case you lose or misplace your printed copies.

Make sure that the digital copies are available even when offline. I like to save them to Google Drive and use the “make available offline” option to do this.

• Passport
• Driver’s license or ID
• Boarding passes
• Travel visa (if necessary)
• Travel insurance details
• Travel itinerary
• Copy of airline ticket
• Copies of hotel, rental car, & other reservations
• Credit/debit cards
• Cash in local currency
• Emergency contact information
• Pen (for filling out forms, customs, etc.)

Check out this post for other travel gear & travel essentials!

The product links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Clothing & Accessories

Before you start packing your clothes, make sure to check the forecast at your destination so you can plan accordingly.

Count out how many outfits you will need for your trip and opt for versatile, layer-friendly pieces that can be mixed and matched.

No matter what you will be doing, it’s always a great idea to bring comfortable walking shoes and a pair of flip-flops for the bathroom.

It’s also a good idea to pack a swimsuit – especially if you have a pool at your hotel or if you may end up going to a beach or lake near your destination.

• Tops (varied based on destination & climate)
• Bottoms (jeans, shorts, skirts, or leggings)
• Underwear & socks
• Sleepwear
• Swimsuit
• Outerwear (jacket, coat, or raincoat based on weather)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Dress shoes or sandals (if needed)
• Accessories (hats, scarves, gloves, sunglasses, belt, jewelry)

Toiletries & Personal Care

The toiletries and personal care items that you pack will depend whether you’re doing carry-on only or if you’ll have a checked bag.

Of course, you can add more things to a checked bag but a carry-on is usually the best when you’re just going for a weekend trip. Some airlines may even charge for a checked bag, so plan accordingly.

I recommend buying a set of empty travel bottles in various shapes and sizes so you can add your favorite sprays, lotions, serums, etc into TSA-compliant packaging. You can also find simple travel bottle sets at the Dollar Tree!

You can also never go wrong when packing a small first-aid kit. In 2021, I got a horrible ankle sprain and a bad cut while hiking. Ever since then, I make sure to pack a basic first-aid kit everywhere I travel! You can make your own at home or purchase this ready-made kit that has the essentials!

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Body wash or soap bar
• Razor & shaving cream
• Skincare products (moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm)
• Makeup & remover wipes
• Hairbrush or comb & hair ties
• Feminine hygiene products
• Prescription medications & pain relievers
• First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, motion sickness tablets)

The product links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Tech & Gadgets

Of course you can’t travel without the tech!

Make sure to pack chargers for all your devices – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost forgotten to bring my phone charger. You can purchase a travel cord organizer case (similar to the one above) for a great price on Amazon.

Another great investment for traveling is a portable power bank or charger, which can be lifesaver on long days of sightseeing.

If you’re traveling abroad, bring a universal travel adapter. If you’re taking a camera with you, make sure to pack extra memory cards for all the lovely snaps that you will be collecting.

• Smartphone & charger
• Laptop/tablet & accessories
• Headphones or earbuds
• Power bank/portable charger
• Travel adapter & voltage converter (if traveling internationally)
• Camera & memory cards
• E-reader or book
• Smartwatch & fitness tracker (if needed)
• Portable Wi-Fi hotspot or SIM card (if needed)

The product links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Travel Comfort & Miscellaneous

Travel can be exhausting, so bringing small comfort items can make a big difference!

A travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs can help you rest during long flights or bus rides. Having a reusable water bottle ensures you stay hydrated, while a tote bag can be handy for day trips or shopping.

Packing a few snacks from home is also a great way to avoid overpriced airport food!

• Travel pillow & blanket
• Eye mask & earplugs
• Foldable tote bag or backpack
• Portable travel fan
• Snacks & gum
• Reusable water bottle
• Ziploc bags for liquids & wet items
• Travel laundry detergent (for longer trips)
• Lock for luggage
• Books for reading
• Notebook & pen
• Guidebook or maps (if needed)

The product links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Weekend Getaway Packing by Season

What you pack may change depending on the time of year you travel. Use this checklist to pack for your weekend trip based on the season you’ll be traveling in.

🌸 Spring Packing List

• Light jacket or raincoat
• Long-sleeve tops and short-sleeve tops
• Comfortable jeans or leggings
• A floral dress
• Sneakers
• Rain boots or waterproof shoes
• Small compact umbrella
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Allergy medication (if needed)

☀️ Summer Packing List

• Cotton T-shirts
• Tank tops
• Shorts
• Linen pants or capri shorts
• Lightweight sundresses
• Swimsuit and cover-up
• Flip flops and/or sandals
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Portable fan or cooling towel
• Beach bag

☀️ Summer Packing List

• Warm sweaters
• Long-sleeve tops and jeans
• Fleece jacket or vest
• Ankle boots
• Scarf
• Beanie hat
• Reusable travel mug

❄️ Winter Packing List

• Warm chunky sweaters
• Hoodies
• Thermal layers
• Leggings
• Gloves
• Beanie hat
• Scarf
• Heavy coat or insulated jacket
• Waterproof boots with warm socks
• Travel-size hand warmers
• Lip balm
• Hand lotion
• Hot cocoa packets or snacks for cozy vibes!

Download the FREE Packing Checklist!

Download a FREE editable PDF of the weekend getaway packing checklist!

This PDF is a part of my travel freebie library, which contains FREE travel checklists, resources, guides, & more!
You will also be added to my monthly email list to stay notified about the latest free content & travel tips!
Click here to subscribe & get access to the travel freebie library

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I hope you found this weekend getaway packing checklist useful in packing for your next adventure! Let me know your thoughts below and if you have any other travel necessities that you can’t leave home without! I’d love to hear from you & happy travels!

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