This light and creamy fish pie is perfect for lazy summer evenings. Make ahead and…
Packing for a weekend break
Are you packing for a weekend break? This checklist will make sure you don’t forget anything important.
It is always nice to go away for a weekend break and discover new things. It gets you out of the rut of every day life and allows you to recharge your batteries.
Part of the challenge of going away for the weekend is packing light. There is no point in taking the entire contents of your closets, you are only going away for a couple of days. With good planning you can take everything you need and still travel light. We have been on a number of short breaks, on our visit to the Yorkshire coast we encountered some stunning scenery.
Planning for a weekend break.
Before you start packing you need to ask yourself some questions.
- What sort of break are you going on? Self catering, hotel, bed and breakfast, youth hostel?
- What activities will you be doing while you are on your break?
- Who is coming with you? Partner, children, pets?
- Are you going abroad?
These will help you to start writing a list of essential items you need. If you are self catering you may need to pack food, towels and cleaning items like washing up liquid and cleaning wipes so start a list for these. Work out what meals you need to provide and take the food with you. This means you can have a cup of tea and a hot meal when you arrive instead of having to find a shop. If you are planning on doing lots of walking around sightseeing then you will want comfortable shoes. If you intend to eat out a lot you may require dressy outfits. Travelling with others means packing for them as well. Children of different ages need different things and may require games to amuse them while you are travelling. Travelling with a dog also needs essential items, you may be interested in my list of essentials for travelling with a dog. Travelling abroad means you need to bring your passport.
Packing for a weekend break
The first thing you need to put on your list are the essential things that you can’t do without.
Essentials
- Purse with money and debit/credit cards
- Prescription medication
- ID and/or drivers license
- Documents – tickets, travel insurance, check in times and information and itinerary.
- Map/directions or sat nav.
- Car and house keys
Clothing
Next you should think about clothing. Choose your clothes to suit your plans. Think about what the weather is likely to be like. You don’t want to be wearing a sun dress on a ski resort. Pick a few items that work well together and can be mixed and matched to create different outfits for day and night. Think complementary colours and layering. Pack a few accessories to enable you to dress an outfit up. Pack shoes that are comfortable for wearing during the day and if you need to a dressier pair for night time. Will you have access to a swimming pool and do you need to bring a swimming costume? Don’t forget your pyjamas and spare underwear. A little planning can make a couple of pieces turn into different looks.
Pack
- 3 tops
- 2 bottoms suitable for the weather
- Jumper or cardigan
- Dress or smart top
- Handbag
- Coat
- Swimsuit
- Underwear and socks
- Pyjamas or nightgown
- It can be a good idea to pack a kimono or light dressing gown in case you need to leave the hotel at night due to a fire alarm.
- Flat shoes and dressy shoes for night if needed.
Toiletries
Toiletries can take up a lot of space so try not to take the entire contents of your bathroom cupboard. Buy sample sizes or get small empty bottles and decant shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser etc into them. You can label the bottles using nail polish so you know what is in them. Remember if you are flying liquids must be under 100ml in hand luggage. Free samples of perfume are the ideal size for carrying for a weekend trip and don’t forget your toothbrush or sunscreen.
Sadly bladder weakness is a common problem for many women, over half of women experience it at some point in their lives. Many women skip going on a weekend break because of this, it effects their confidence. Worry about having an accident can prevent you enjoying your break. Fortunately if this is an issue for you Tena Lady have a solution, just slip a packet of Tena Lady Mini Night into your bag and use them discretely during your break.
Pack:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Brush or comb
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower gel
- Sunscreen
- Mini perfume
- Cosmetics and make up remover
- Hair ties for long hair
- Feminine hygiene items
Entertainment
There are often other things you need on a trip and these are some of the things that you may want to pack as they will come in handy.
- Camera and charger
- Phone and charger
- Notebook and pen
- Binoculars
- Snacks
It is also a good idea to look at what is on in the area and plan where you want to go and what you want to do ahead of time. It can save a lot of time to know this in advance rather than trying to work it out when you get there.
What are your essentials for packing for a weekend break? Have I forgotten anything from the list?
I was sent a mini break kit in return for this post but my opinions are my own.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I must admit, I am not great at packing. I just throw everything in and then realise that I have packed loads of things I don’t need and forgotten lots of things I do need.
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
I used to do that, having a list is a big help! It stops you forgetting things.
Dragons and Fairy Dust says
I can do that as well, I find a list really helps