Pack Like a Pro {Weekend Getaway Edition}
I have done so much traveling over the past few years that it's kind of ridiculous. While I have taken a few cross-country trips, I'm mainly going away for the weekend. You would think that packing for a weekend getaway would be easier than packing for a week-long vacation, but as any girl knows, it's just as hard. I'm also a chronic over-packer, so my weekend getaway baggage can get a bit ridiculous. Even though you'll only be gone for a few days, there's a myriad of items that you need everyday to get ready. After a few weekends where I awkwardly carried around a rolling suitcase, my purse, my laptop bag, AND a huge bag filled with toiletries and shoes, I knew that I needed to confront my problem and find a way to pack quickly and efficiently.
I don't want to brag or anything, but I'm basically a professional packer by now. My goal for weekend getaway packing is to fit everything you need into one bag. I know that you girls will think that I'm crazy, but I'm telling you that it is possible to pack five outfits, two pairs of shoes, toiletries, and electronics in one bag. This seemingly impossible feat can be accomplished easily if you follow a few simple steps.
The key to fitting all of your items into one bag has less to do with size and more to do with functionality and storage space. I recommend finding a sturdy bag with LOTS of pockets and zipper compartments. The extra pockets allow you to fit more into your bag, and more importantly, they keep everything neat and organized.
My favorite weekend getaway bag is features a sturdy leather exterior and thick straps along with at least a dozen compartments and pockets. Investing in a functional bag will save you time and money in the long run, and you'll be able to avoid having to dump out all of the contents of your bag every time you need to find something.
This tip may seem obvious, but I can't tell you the amount of times I've flown with people carrying full-size products for a three day vacation. Don't waste the space on full-size items for short trips because you'll only need a small amount of each product.
Razors can be tricky to pack because they're sometimes large and bulky, and they can drip water over your suitcase after use. Well ladies, I've found the perfect shaving solution for traveling, the Venus Snap razor. It's my newest must-have product because the compact size and travel-friendly case make it easy to take anywhere. Prepare to be amazed by it's cuteness.
See, I told you that it was adorable! It's the tiniest razor I've ever seen, but it is completely functional and just as easy to use as a normal-sized razor. The mini-handle is easy to hold and use, and the Venus Snap features the Venus Embrace blade that features a water-activated ribbon of moisture for smooth shaving. How many times have you gotten to the beach and found a few stray hair that need to be removed immediately? I know that I nearly always miss a few spots of hair here and there, and it's extremely uncomfortable to spot a random long hair while you're in a sleeveless shirt or a bikini and have no way of correcting the situation. The Venus Snap razor has completely changed how I think about shaving due to its petite size and adorable case. I used to only keep a razor in my shower, but now I keep my handy Venus Snap and its case in my purse. It's the latest addition to my "Just In Case" mini-emergency bag, and I always take it to special events.
For size reference, it's about the same size as a mini nail polish bottle. Seriously, so cute. How could you resist adding this product to your collection? As soon as I used the Venus Snap razor, I picked up a backup for travel and one for my mom at Target. I'm so excited about bringing this razor to the beach, on a night out, or even just for a trip to the mall. You never know when you'll need it, and the small size and convenient packaging makes it easy to take on the go. Now that the weather is warming up, this razor is an absolute necessity for shorts and tank top weather!
Save the samples that you get in magazines or as a gift with purchase for travel. Those tiny foil packets of hair care and skin care products take up the smallest amount of space, plus you can easily throw them away at the end of your trip! Sample packets also completely eliminate the risk of your toiletries spilling in your bag. After I had a shampoo bottle leak and ruin two of my absolute favorite pairs of shoes, I make it a priority to avoid taking bottles at all costs.
It's easy to throw random clothing items that you love into your suitcase, but simply packing more items doesn't yield more outfits. By pre-planning your outfits, you can pack less items, save valuable space, and actually have more outfits for the weekend!
My basic weekend getaway clothing essentials include one dressy casual dress, one cardigan, one tank top or t-shirt, one button-down shirt or blouse, one pair of jeans or a skirt, one scarf, and one belt. It seems like such a small amount of clothes for two or three days, but it's easy to get 5-7 outfits out of these items. Plus, you also have the items you wear while traveling to add into the mix. Throw in an outfit to sleep in, under garments, and a pair of dressy and casual shoes, and you've got a complete wardrobe. When you purposely choose items with colors or patterns that work together, you maximize your fashion choices on your trip without taking up too much space.
One thing that I've learned from traveling is to always pack something warm. Even if you're headed to a tropical island, you'll get cold in the car, on the airplane, or on the bus at some point or another. It's also nice to have something to wear over your clothes in case it rains. Try to find a jacket that folds into a tiny case for traveling. I keep this waterproof padded wind breaker with me at nearly all times because the handy pouch is the size of my hand!
Of course a girl needs some sparkles for the weekend!
Before you put the items into your bag, lay them out on your bed and re-edit your selections. Carefully think about the items that you've selected and try to take away at least a third of the items. I usually need about the half the items that I think that I need, so this process is the most important step for me. For example: You don't need your entire makeup bag, so only pull out one of each type of item that you'll need. Eliminate as many toiletries as possible but never eliminate your razor. You'll definitely need to shave over the course of the weekend; however, you don't need to bring a full-size razor and full-size can of shaving cream. Add your Venus Snap razor to your purse or bag and use extra shower gel or conditioner as a makeshift shaving cream during your vacation. Packing only what you need seems limiting, but you honestly won't miss the things you didn't include once you reach your destination. Plus, you'll have extra room in your bag to do a little shopping!
What are your weekend travel essentials? How many bags do you bring on a weekend getaway?
My basic weekend getaway clothing essentials include one dressy casual dress, one cardigan, one tank top or t-shirt, one button-down shirt or blouse, one pair of jeans or a skirt, one scarf, and one belt. It seems like such a small amount of clothes for two or three days, but it's easy to get 5-7 outfits out of these items. Plus, you also have the items you wear while traveling to add into the mix. Throw in an outfit to sleep in, under garments, and a pair of dressy and casual shoes, and you've got a complete wardrobe. When you purposely choose items with colors or patterns that work together, you maximize your fashion choices on your trip without taking up too much space.
One thing that I've learned from traveling is to always pack something warm. Even if you're headed to a tropical island, you'll get cold in the car, on the airplane, or on the bus at some point or another. It's also nice to have something to wear over your clothes in case it rains. Try to find a jacket that folds into a tiny case for traveling. I keep this waterproof padded wind breaker with me at nearly all times because the handy pouch is the size of my hand!
What are your weekend travel essentials? How many bags do you bring on a weekend getaway?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
