Packing for a Warm Weekend Getaway

When you’re traveling to Paris, Europe, or around the United States in the summer, you want to make sure you have everything you need with you to make the trip go smoothly. But packing for a 10-day excursion looks much different than packing for a few days away.

How can you possibly go out of town without carrying your entire closet with you? It all comes down to knowing what kinds of activities you’ll be doing and making your list from there. Your suitcase will look much different if you’re planning to spend all your time on the beach versus spending it touring the sights in Paris or Venice. Here’s how to plan for a warm weekend getaway.

Bring Clothes That Can Pull Double Duty

How many outfits should you pack for a warm weekend getaway? Well, it depends. Will you be spending your time indoors or outdoors? Will you be swimming or are you planning to stay dry? When it’s hot outside, women or mens loungewear can pull double-duty for walking around town, going to the water, or even enjoying dinner.

When it’s warm outside you want clothes that won’t make you sweat too much. Women can wear a nice sundress, or shorts or a light shirt all day long while away for a weekend. As the day progresses you might need a light sweater or sweatshirt as the night approaches and the temperature drops.

A 3- or 4-day trip means that you probably only need 2 or 3 outfits, plus a bathing suit if you plan to swim. Most hotels have towels especially if they are on the beach already.

If you are heading to Paris for the summer, here are my suggestions for packing.

Don’t Pack Too Many Shoes

Planning what shoes to bring can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of what-ifs that might run through your mind. What if we change our plans? What if we don’t end up going out to that nice dinner? It’s best to bring shoes for the activity you’ll be doing the most.

If needed a second pair of shoes like sandals or dress shoes may be appropriate. Many women especially tend to pack far too many shoes for a weekend getaway when most of them could get by with the pair they have on their feet right now. Wear a pair, pack a pair, is the best advice for going away for the weekend.

You know how I feel about Jambu, there are plenty of shoes in their line that serves multiple functions.

Pack Travel Sized Toiletries or None at All

Other than your deodorant, many hotels have all the toiletries you need. Some travelers simply use whatever the hotel provides for soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotions. If you prefer to bring your own, you don’t need to lug a large bottle of shampoo or conditioner.

Instead, use travel bottles and put just enough in for your warm weekend getaway. You won’t need to worry about having enough for a long trip and you won’t need to pack a larger suitcase just to fit all the things. It’s freeing when you have less to think about packing and you won’t worry about whether you forget it or not.

I feel strongly that you should use reusable containers as well as eco-friendly products for travel (and home!). Here are my suggestions.

Go Minimal With Electronics

Many people have several devices. They might have a smartphone, a tablet, and a computer, and unless there is an essential reason to bring all three, consider just bringing your phone. You’ll need to make sure you take the cord and the right adaptor plug, but other than that, a smartphone has almost everything you need.

You can even download apps for reading if you’d prefer. You can receive and send emails if you need to for work purposes while you are out of town. Going minimal with electronics means you’ll have fewer items to keep track of and fewer that could potentially get stolen too.

Don’t Worry About a Heavy Coat

When you’re traveling in the heat of summer, the last thing you want to worry about is a heavy coat. Don’t even think about whether you “might” need it. Just bring a light sweater for when you’re indoors and it’s cooler, or for evening walks outdoors.

Packing for a warm weekend getaway means bringing just the right clothes for the activities you’ll be doing. You’ll need shorts and other loungewear, as well as a few other items to ensure you have a great holiday and fun time away from home. Keep it simple, and check the weather before you leave to ensure you’ve packed the right things.

How about you? Do you have additional tips for packing for warm weather? Do share!

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