Packing Your Bags for a Summer Weekend Trip

First, you need a bag.

Yes, this is pretty obvious.  And since I hate carrying more than one bag, I’m always on the prowl for one that’s big enough to hold all my stuff for a weekend trip.  (Part of that solution, of course, is not overpacking.  Touche.)

J.Crew’s Globe-Trotter Centenary 21" trolley case, above, is stunning.  Gorgeous.  (That is, if you’re one to think luggage is gorgeous.  I am.)  But with an $1,800 price tag, I won’t be owning it anytime soon.  Or ever.  And that’s fine – really, it is.  (Ignore the tears.)  Because this baby is a bit too much for a weekend jaunt.

Instead, I have a giant tote bag, similar to J.Crew’s Large Madaket tote.  It’s roomy, inexpensive, and stands up on its own, making it easy to pack.

"What about all my other stuff?"

“You know, like my makeup and shampoo and conditioner and shaving cream and razor and Q-tips and lotion and hair products and deodorant and loofah and soap and body wash and cotton balls and makeup brushes and sunblock?”  (More on this insanity later.)

You shove ’em all in here, Dearie. 

Nothing beats a Ziploc bag for your toiletries.  It’s clear, it contains spills, and is easy to throw into your bag.  Sure, it ’aint pretty, but it does the job just fine.

Next, plan your outfits.

Rather than hastily shoving random pieces of clothing into your bag and figuring it all out when you arrive at wherever it is you’re going, it really pays to plan out what you’ll be wearing for the next couple of days.  This way, you’re bringing only what you need and not dragging a bagful of extras.  

Bring comfortable, basic pieces that you can easily mix, match, and layer with other things, and dress them up with accessories.

1. Day

Two days away means 2 tops, one pair of shorts, and one pair of shoes for daytime wear.  Try to keep it that minimal.

2. Night

If your trip calls for an evening out, keep it simple with something that can literally be rolled up to pack and unrolled to wear.  A dark, solid color always works, and – sure – go ahead and bring an extra pair of sexy shoes to dress it up a bit.

3. Swim

One suit is all you need.  And instead of covering up with the shorts and top you’re wearing during the day, bring a separate beach cover-up.  A pair of rubber flip flops is just right for your feet.

OK, now let's talk toiletries.

Admittedly, this is the area where I’ve really had to make the most change.  Why I need a giant bagful of beauty products for one darn weekend on Cape Cod with my in-laws and a very young neice and nephew, I’ll never know.  But I’m learning and trying to change.  Here’s how. 

1. Go small

Obviously, smaller versions of what you use are going to make your life a heck of alot easier.  And, you may even use them up during your weekend away, which means you’ll have less to bring home with you.

Some brands (like Malin + Goetz) sell travel kits like the one below; otherwise, check the travel section of your local drugstore for mini-versions of shampoos, shaving cream, Q-tips, etc.  Can’t find your favorite shampoo in a travel size?  Buy a little plastic bottle and fill it up yourself.

Even styling tools (like the Metropolis Technology Mini Wireless Iron, above) have gone tiny.  If you absolutely must bring some along with you (but please, read Tip 4 below first), it’s worth it to check out if travel-sized versions are available.

2. Do double-duty

We’re in luck, because these days, beauty companies cater to the busy woman who doesn’t want to spend a ton of time on her face, but still wants to look great.

Enter products like the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (below).  This tinted moisturizer eliminates the need for a moisturizer and foundation, and even an SPF.  3 bottles down to one?  Perfect for the traveling girl. 

Other products can act as both a lip and a cheek tint, so you won’t have to bring a separate blush and lipstick.  Posietint by Benefit is a long-lasting stain that delivers a pretty pink color to your pretty little face.

3. Sunblock, sunblock, sunblock

I know, I know: you know.  But here’s a gentle reminder: bring plenty of sunblock and, better yet, use it.  The last thing you want is a sunburn to ruin a great couple of days, and of course, there’s that nasty premature aging thing.

4. Give it up

Yep,  I used to trek it down for a weekend at the beach with my blow dryer and flat iron in tow.  Thankfully, I got over that vanity and decided not to fight my curls during a weekend away.  Or to have a flawless complexion.  Or to bring a different shade of lipstick for each hour of the day. 

Letting go of having to look perfectly perfect (and, all of the products that go with it) is, actually, a vacation in and of itself.

Room for extras?

Probably not.   But, if you can, try to make space for these potential essentials.

Big 'ol shades

OK.  These are not extras – they’re a necessity.  Unless you have eyes of steel and don’t mind squinting and being blinded, then – hey! – leave ’em at home. 

A super-cool hat

Just another way to protect your face and hair from the sun and look way cool doing it. 

Some sort of headband

A headband – whatever style works for you – is great for making messy, unruly hair look quite cute.

A good book

You never know when you’ll have some downtime, or have trouble falling asleep, or be totally bored on the beach.  And carving out some time to read a really great book will help you relax and enjoy some “me time” during your weekend escape.

Something to keep warm

Because you never know if you’ll deal with a chilly night or a cool morning.