S H O P this L O O K

Longchamp bag | SwissGear suitcase | Panama hat (similar here) | Rayban sunnies (similar here)

Weekender is my middle name. I cannot say with enough gusto how much we cherish our weekends. Monday through Friday brings a level of work insanity that I can honestly say accounts for the number of wine bottles in the garbage bin. So weekends are where it’s at around here.

I love to stay at home and sleep in but I also love getting away and experiencing a change of environment. It’s the ultimate refresh. But I hate packing. I loathe it. A while back I wrote a post about my favorite carryon essentials, and I wanted to do a follow up sharing some things I do when I’m just packing for a quick weekend trip. While airlines might seem to be limiting our options with each passing day, I have a few tips that will help you stick with that two carryon rule.

Why just the two bags, you might ask? Well for one, it’s only a weekend trip. You shouldn’t need to bring your entire closet with you. Second, I don’t enjoy waiting around the baggage carousel hoping my bag made it with me. I like to hit the ground running and get started having fun. So if I can streamline the whole process, I will.

Here are my 8 easy packing tips for a weekend trip:

Tip #1 – Roll everything

Yes, it really does work. Not only does it allow you to fit a ton of things into a carryon roller bag, it helps to prevent wrinkles. Most t-shirts and knits will remain wrinkle-free with this method. I also roll jeans, pajamas, and swimsuit cover-ups.

Tip #2 – Keep ‘em separated

I use dust bags for shoes so that I don’t risk any dirt transferring onto my clothes. I also use a separate bag for my undies and swimsuits. Place the shoes into your suitcase first and then layer your rolled items on top.

Tip #3 – Lens cases, not just for contacts anymore

I can’t take credit for this tip. A good friend of mine shared this hack with me years ago and I’ve been doing it ever since. Thank you, K, for your infinite wisdom! 😉 Contact lens cases are super cheap. Amazon even sells them in a 12-pack. I use these for moisturizers, eye creams, sunscreen, and liquid makeup. Not only do they free up room in your makeup bag, but they are great for tossing into your purse. Life saver, trust me!

Tip #4 – Play dress up BEFORE you go

To avoid over packing, try on everything you want to wear beforehand. I will put together outfits in my closet and snap pictures of myself in them. There’s no room for “what if” items. You’ll just end up lugging them back and forth. When I’ve narrowed it down, I ONLY bring outfits that work. Plus I have the pictures in my phone to remind me of what my outfits are when I arrive.

Tip #5 – That second carryon item, PART I

Most airlines allow you two carryon items. In addition to my rolling bag I bring a larger handbag as my second item. I can stash my camera, medications, magazines and more in it. I usually pack a couple of flat clutches or maybe a Longchamp into my suitcase since they fold flat. This way I’m not stuck with the same bag for day and night.

S H O P this L O O K

Michael Kors clutch (similar here)

Tip #6 – That second carryon item, PART II

So you decided to do a little shopping on your trip and now you have to go home with your rolling carryon, large purse, and another bag (or two). I always make sure that the shopping bag can accommodate my purse inside of it so I can consolidate my carryons back down to two. Stores will give you a larger bag if you just ask. I’ve also used the laundry bag provided by my hotel to throw everything into.

Tip #7 – Hotel toiletries, always interesting and sometimes luxurious

There are certain items in my beauty routine that always travel with me. But for the rest, I rely on some of the toiletries offered by my hotel. I enjoy trying new shampoos or lotions, and hotels are increasingly partnering with some amazing brands. I’ve seen Le Labo, Peter Thomas Roth, Korres and many more. Save what you don’t use for the times that you do need to pack your own toiletries, such as staying at an Airbnb. If you welcome maid service, you’ll likely get at least one refill during your weekend stay.

S H O P this L O O K

Le Labo Rose 31 Body Lotion | Le Labo Rose 31 Shower Gel | L’Occitane Verbena Shampoo | L’Occitane Verbena Conditioner | Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit Body Lotion | Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit Bath & Shower Gel

Tip #8 – Same song, second verse for your purse

The same tips you use for your rolling suitcase can also be applied to your purse. Organization is key. You know all those little makeup bags you’ve received as a free gift from the cosmetics counter? Put them to use in your purse. Stash makeup into one, medicines in another, wallet/keys into one, and chargers/headphones, etc. into another. That way you avoid a tangled mess and can breeze through security.

If I could fit that little furry cutie in my carryon, I totally would! Leaving her behind is the hardest part about traveling. We are looking into some road trips that she could tag along. Any other pet parents out there with great tips for that, please email me or comment below!

What tips do you have when it comes to packing light? I hope these help you the next time you’re enjoying a weekend away. Thank you for stopping by and reading!

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8 Easy Packing Tips for a Weekend Trip appeared first on Cathedrals and Cafes