The Ultimate Weekend Packing List

The 10 Things You Need for Your Weekend Away

There’s nothing more frustrating than getting to your destination and realizing you forgot something important. Of course, what you bring on your getaway depends largely on where you’re headed. But some stuff (comfy shoes and sunscreen) is pretty much universal – and that’s where our weekend packing list comes in!

To make sure you have all of your essentials, here are the 10 things you don’t want to leave at home during your long weekend.

• Your Favorite Outfits

  The usual packing advice is to pack mix-and-match neutrals. But we’re going to go against the conventional wisdom on this one.

  Instead, we encourage you to pack your favorite clothes, the ones that boost your confidence and make you feel like, well, like you. Pack those tried-and-true outfits you’ve rocked in the past, the ones you know are comfortable (and stylish!) enough to wear all day.

  So that vintage Hawaiian shirt you slay in? Yeah, bring it.

• At Least Three Pairs of Shoes

  You’ll want comfy shoes to walk around in, slides to wear to the beach/hotel pool/around the room, and a pair of dress shoes or heels for dinner or special occasions.

  If you plan on hitting the hotel gym or heading out for exercise, bring an extra pair of sneakers, too.

• Portable Charger

  There’s nothing worse than heading out for a day’s adventure and sloooowly watching your phone battery drain. But if you’re using your phone for GPS, taking pics, and staying active in the group chat, that’s exactly what’ll happen.

  A portable phone charger fits in your pocket and will keep you juiced up all day. Charge it at night in your room, and you’ll be good to go again the next day.

• Toiletries

  Hotel toiletries are a roulette wheel. They might be awesome, lux products. Or they might be… you know, NOT. So if you can’t live without your extra-volumizing conditioner, go ahead and bring it. Just make sure you check with TSA’s most recent guidelines, so you know exactly what’s allowed.

  Pro Tip: This is probably the most personalized part of your weekend packing list. A few days before you leave, write down every product you use, morning and night, so you don’t forget anything.

• Sunglasses

  Even if you think you’ll mostly be indoors, sunglasses are a must-pack. Take care of your baby blues (or greens, or browns) with an oversized pair labeled with UVA/UVB protection.

  If your sunglasses are a designer label, pick up a cheaper pair so you don’t worry about losing them or scratching them – beach sand is notoriously tough on shades.

• Snacks

  You’ll want to keep your energy up while you’re roaming around a new city. Pack your fave protein bars, granola, nuts, and other healthy snack options. They won’t take up much room in your favorite suitcase, and it’ll make it easier to say no to the overpriced treats in the hotel vending machine.

  Unless, of course, you really want those Cheetos – we’re not judging!

• Electronics

  Unless you’re traveling for business, you can probably leave your laptop at home. But tablets and other tech gear are another matter. They’re an easy way to access your favorite apps, watch movies, download books… whatever tech gear gets you through the weekend.

  Just promise us you’ll unplug a little bit, ‘kay?

• Reading Materials

  Vacations are the perfect time to catch up on your reading. A juicy crime novel at the beach is almost mandatory, after all!

• Waterproof Cell Phone Case

  File this one under stuff you don’t think you’d need… until you actually need it. If you’re going to be anywhere near water, a waterproof cell phone case is well worth it for the peace of mind. Then you can take alllll the insta-selfies, without worrying about your phone going for a swim.

• Copies of Important Documents

  What do you absolutely need to know when you go out of town? Your itinerary, hotel reservation, flights, car rental info… It’s always good to have an actual printout on you, just in case. You never know when you’ll end up with spotty service and can’t pull up a confirmation email.

Once your suitcase is packed with everything you need, ship it to your hotel or Airbnb with LugLess. You’ll be able to hop off the plane and go straight into vacay mode, without having to stop by baggage claim or worrying about what to do with your suitcase while waiting for your room.

What’s on your weekend packing list? Let us know in the comments section!