One question I get asked all the time is — What should I pack???  It’s tough to figure out what to bring – so many things factor into your decision.  Where are you going?  Is it a city destination or is it a more active weekend?  Are you planning on lots of tourist type of things to do?  Do you have kids with you?  No need to worry – I’m going to break it down for you below.  And make sure you read to the end – I’ve listed some great travel hacks to make your packing a breeze.

What To Pack For A Weekend Away – A Carry-On

When you are thinking about what to pack for a weekend away – think small!  My first rule of packing – do not check your bags!  Who wants to wait after your flight arrives at the baggage carousel?  A weekend away is precious time – spend that time wisely by not overpacking and traveling light.  It’s absolutely freeing to walk off the airplane and to just keep going.  A bag that fits comfortably in the overhead and a backpack to fit under the seat in front of you is all you need.  (If you are traveling by car – go ahead and fill up your biggest suitcase and overpack to your heart’s content – with my approval!)  My family and I all use the Mother Lode Mini 21″ Wheeled Carry-On Duffel from ebags.com.  It is ebags best-selling carry-on and it’s roomy and expandable.  The wheels are oversized and makes rolling it super easy.  As for backpacks – all four of use something different.

What to Pack For A Weekend Away – Backpacks

Besides a carry-on, you definitely need some kind of backpack.  I don’t like a tote because they are not as easy to carry around and I like to keep my hands free.

Chris:  I love the Rebecca Minkoff Julian leather backpack.  Stylish enough to use as an everyday bag plus very functional.  I can fit an extra layer, a bottle of water plus my other essentials.  I will usually carry a wristlet or smallish leather pouch to act as my wallet.  This way if I don’t want or need to carry my larger bag I can readily downsize.  Two of my favorites small leather goods to use are:  Gigi New York All In One Bag and Madewell Leather Pouch Clutch.  If we are planning a more active getaway I bring a regular backpack (which I have listed the favorites below) and still add my leather pouch/wallet for double duty.

Joe & the kids:  Everyone usually carries a backpack.  Laptops, iPads, books, iphone chargers, snacks, candy all need a place to go.  These bags do double-duty when we go on a hiking trip to carry all our on the trail essentials too.  Here are some of their favorites to carry – – REI 25-liter backpack, Jansport backpack with laptop sleeve, The North Face backpack with bladder sleeve and rain cover.

What To Pack For A Weekend Away – Clothing

Now we get down to the nitty-gritty for what to pack for a weekend away.  I start checking my destination weather at least 2 weeks before we head out.  (I’m a little OCD like that.)  Traveling from South Florida where it is almost always sunny and 85 degrees I want to make sure I get it right for packing.  Plus I don’t like to be cold!  And these days with crazy weather all over the place you almost never know what to expect.  Whether it’s an active trip or a city trip, my packing generally follows the same basic ideas.  Plus, I have added links for some of my favorite things to pack for a weekend away.

• 1 pair of jeans – Madewell skinny jeans
• 1 pair of leggings – Active – Athleta leggings with pockets.  Fashion – Athleta moto leggings
• 1 tank or camisole – Active – Lululemon racerback tank.  Fashion – Lace trim camisole
• 2 short sleeve tops/tees
• 1 long sleeve top – Active – Lululemon long sleeve run top. Fashion – American Eagle long sleeve henley
• 1 lightweight sweater, cardigan or cozy layer
• 1 pair comfortable sneakers for walking or running sneakers – think Vans or Converse
• 1 pair of booties or hiking boots
• 1 jacket – jean jacket, utility jacket, lightweight puffer or rain jacket – Levi’s jean jacket, Gap army green utility jacket, The North Face packable puffer, The North Face rain jacket
• PJ’s – sweatpants/leggings and a tee – can double as loungewear
• Undies, 1 bra, 1 bralette
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• Hat
• Sunglasses

This really isn’t a lot of stuff to pack.  I think you could still fit more in your carry-on – – another pair of jeans or leggings.  Even an extra jacket.  Look closely at my pics on Instagram – I’m wearing the same thing in a lot of photos!  Generally we do so much during the day we head straight to dinner in the same clothes!  No need for multiple outfits in one day.

What To Pack For A Weekend Away – Packing Hacks

1. I love to use packing cubes!  You really need to try them – it makes it so easy to find things in your bag.  Another great item from ebags – 3-piece packing cubes set.
2. Roll up your socks and underwear and stuff them inside the shoes you are packing.  This helps the shoes keep their shape plus you fill up empty space leaving you more suitcase to fill!
3. Mini puffers that fold down into their pocket are genius!  So small but so warm!
4. Wear your jacket – don’t pack it!  It’s always cold in the airport and on the plane.  Now you’ve got more room in your suitcase!
5. Roll  instead of fold!  Rolling your clothing saves more room than folding.  It also cuts down on wrinkles.
6. You know you need to put all your travel-size liquids in a baggie.  You are also probably packing make-up too.  Double bag so you have no surprises, spills or leaks!  Use a quart-size baggie or this Ebags carry-on approved case.
7. Have a separate pouch or packing cube for your in-flight essentials.  Wallet, passport, gum, snack, meds, headphones, phone, earplus, etc.  That way you are all set and don’t have to go fishing around for anything!  We have an assortment of pouches, these from Eagle Creek are very handy.
8. Keep your bag of travel toiletries always packed.  Don’t empty it when you get home – just replace or refill and you are ready to go for the next trip!
9. Check out my post- –  Before You Go On Vacation Do This  so you don’t forget anything else before you head out of town.