What to Pack for a Weekend Road Trip

When you don’t have a lot of time for a long vacation, a weekend road trip can be just what you need to rest and restore. It’s freeing to feel the wind in your hair as you sing along to your favorite tunes on the road to nearby towns, mountains, beaches, or lake districts.

Packing for a weekend road trip should be pretty simple right? You can’t possibly need that much for a 3-day getaway, yet, when you have the luxury of taking your own car, belongings after belongings tend to find their way into your boot or back seat.

So, what items do you actually need to pack for a weekend road trip? Let's go over some quick suitcase essentials for your next getaway.

1. Wrinkle-Free Clothing

Maybe you’re organized and pack an actual suitcase, or maybe you just chuck your clothes in a couple of bags and throw them in the car. Either way, your clothes are going to be pulled in and out of bags over the weekend. Even if they start out neatly folded, it’s very unlikely they’ll end that way. Pack wrinkle-resistant fabrics, like denim and knits, so you can quickly pull out fresh clothes to change into for dinner and still look neat and tidy.

2. One-Piece Outfits

Is there anything worse than digging through your bag trying to find that last piece of clothing to complete your outfit? No matter how much effort you put towards packing clothing items into designated outfits, they seem hell bent on separating during the trip. Eliminate this problem by opting for one-piece outfits, like sundresses, rompers, and jumpsuits. Luckily, these outfits are perfect for summer getaways.

3. Layers

Yes, looking cute is important but you also have to make sure you're warm. Let's take a quick time out from fun outfits and talk about necessities. Even if the weather forecast predicts sunshine and 85 degrees all weekend, you still want to be ready for any last-minute chan. This is we’re its handy to have that extra space in your car. Pack a raincoat, windbreaker or other waterproof outer layer for the odd chance of rain. It's also a good idea to throw in a hoodie or sweatshirt and pair of joggers in case it gets a bit brisk in the mornings or evenings.

4. Accessories

The right set of accessories can completely change an outfit. Why pack dozens of different outfits when you can simply pack a few accessories? These include jewelry, hats, scarves, and belts. If it can spice up a simple outfit, then throw it in your bag.

5. Cute Bag or Purse

You don’t want to carry your main bag full of belongings when you go out exploring, so bring a spare! The type of bag you opt to bring ultimately depends on the nature of your vacation. If you're going to be doing a lot of walking and sightseeing, then a cute little backpack or shoulder bag is the best option. If your trip is more about lazing at the beach, then you bring a large canvas bag for your essentials. Just don't get caught having to carry everything in your hands.

Remember, one of the easiest ways to irritate yourself later is to overpack for your vacation. While you don't want to skip out on the essentials, it's not necessary to pack twelve different outfits for a 3-day trip. Be stylish and reasonable at the same time. You’ll thank yourself later.