My Essential Weekend Break Pack List

Getting away for the weekend is a great way to enjoy a change of pace and recharge your batteries. If you are prepared to be adventurous and are not too worried about where you go, you can get away for a few days even if you are on a tight budget.

Generally speaking, the later you leave your travel plans the less you will have to pay. However, if you want to take advantage of these truly last minute deals you need to be organised, which means you have to know how to pack fast when you have to. Fortunately, it is not that hard to do.

Toiletries to fly with

If you are likely to be flying a few times during the year, keep a set of your favourite toiletries in a clear zip lock bag. Make sure that they are small enough to comply with the airline and airport security restrictions. Bear in mind that these standards can change, so just double check that your pre-packed toiletries still conform before leaving for the airport.

It may also be worth buying an ultra light towel. If you always stay in hotels you are not likely to need it, but if you like to stay in bed and breakfast, or use websites like Airbnb having a clean towel in your luggage is always a good idea.

A couple of outfits

Make sure that you get your washing and ironing done before any weekend you are planning to travel. That way you will be able to put together and take your favourite outfits.

Something for a night out

Even if you are planning a quiet weekend, it is still worth taking something that you can wear for a date or to a party. You never know what will happen while you are away. It is always worthwhile being prepared.

Swimwear

If you are planning to spend the weekend by the pool or the sea, you will need a swimming costume, like the ones you see here. Even if you are not planning a beach break it is often still worth packing some swimwear. Swimming is a good way to relax, and you can usually find a pool wherever you go. If you plan to visit a spa, you may also need to wear swimwear. Whether you will or not depends on the sauna etiquette of the place you are visiting, but it is always worth being prepared.

Relevant travel apps

Before you leave home, take the time to download a few travel apps. The idea is that when you get to where you are going you will be able to find your way around.

To do this you will need an up to date map, ideally one that you can use offline should you need to. It is also worth downloading the apps for local public transport providers and a language app. That way you will be able to communicate effectively. Most of the time, an app like TripAdvisor, is all you need to be able to find a nice restaurant and work out what there is to do in the area.

Provided you dress well for your trip to the airport, the basics outlined above is all you really need for a weekend trip. If you take a lot of short breaks it is worth keeping a case packed, so all you need to do is to carry out a quick check to make everything you need is there before you leave.