Whether you’re looking to relax at a spa or explore the outdoors at a park, a girls’ weekend away is an exciting time to escape and catch up with friends. However, packing for these trips always creates a challenge. You want to make sure you pack everything you’re going to need, but you also need everything to fit inside your luggage. With the following girls’ getaway packing hacks, you’ll be able to pack like a pro.
Make a packing checklist
You don’t want to put off packing for your weekend girls’ trip until the night before you leave. Instead, consider starting a few days to one week before your departure. Begin by making a list of the items you want to pack so that you don’t forget anything important. You can even do a walk-through of your morning routine, so you know you’re writing down all the essentials. Planning ahead also gives you time to buy any extra items you need for your trip. Be sure to compare lists with your friends to see if there’s anything you can share, like hair styling tools and accessories. The less overlap in packing, the more options everyone will have.
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Consider dual-purpose items
Since storage space is at a premium in your luggage, packing items that serve two purposes at once is a handy trick. Dual-purpose items help solve multiple needs while leaving room in your luggage for other necessities. For example, a rain jacket keeps you warm and dry if the weather during your girls’ weekend doesn’t cooperate, but you can also roll it up into its built-in pouch to create a comfortable neck pillow while you’re traveling.
Other items can serve double-duty as well, like a large wallet that can be used as a clutch for a night out or a scarf that can transform into the perfect beach cover up sarong! Learning how to curl your hair with a straightener requires advanced planning but is another great way to save space in your bag.
If you’re traveling during spring or fall, you might face some warm temperatures during the day but chilly temperatures in the evening. Pack items that are easy to layer, like a cardigan to wear over a summer sun dress or tights to throw on under skirts when it gets cooler.
Mix & match neutral staple items with bright accessories
When you’re looking to put together the best weekender bag, it’s best to pack neutral colors that will mix and match perfectly with each other. Black, white, gray, navy, cream, and burgundy all work together beautifully. If you pack two pairs of pants and three shirts in these neutral colors, you can create six different outfits during your getaway. Include two pairs of shoes and a dress if you’re planning on going out to eat one evening, and you have the perfect space-saving wardrobe.
Add bright accessories, like a fun statement necklace or a patterned scarf, to add pops of color. You may be wearing the same few staple items during your girlfriend getaway, but switching up your accessories can make the outfit feel brand new. Be sure to ask your friends what accessories they’re packing so you all can mix & match for more options!
Save space by rolling your clothes instead of folding
One of the best girls weekend trip packing tips to use is rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Tightly rolling your clothing takes up a lot less space than folding. Plus, if you roll properly, your clothing won’t get as wrinkled. To roll pants, fold them lengthwise so that the legs stack on top of each other. Start at the cuff and roll tightly all the way up to the waist. To roll a shirt, place it face down and fold the arms back so that it looks like a long rectangle. Then, just fold it lengthwise and roll it up.
Check your airline’s baggage policy
If you’re flying for any of your girls’ weekend trips, you have to pay special attention to your airline’s baggage policy. Some airlines allow you to check at least one bag, while others charge you extra for any checked bags. Additionally, airlines have weight and size limits for checked bags, and going over either one of these can result in hefty fees.
Before you start packing, go to your airline’s website and read their baggage policy, so you know what you’re dealing with. If possible, you might want to check before you buy your plane ticket, especially if you know you need to check a bag and want to avoid the fees.
Know the rules for packing liquids
While there are no liquid or gel restrictions for checked luggage, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extensive rules for packing liquids in carry-on luggage. If you don’t follow these rules, you’ll get delayed in the security line, and the TSA will confiscate your items. This is why it’s important to know and understand these rules. All liquids in your carry-on luggage must go inside 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller. They must all be placed inside one clear, zip-top, quart-size bag.
However, classifications of liquids and gels aren’t always as clear as you would think. For example, lip gloss and mascara are both considered a gel, so they must be included in the quart-size bag. Since the classifications are confusing and a few exceptions exist for medications, it’s a good idea to check the TSA website to make sure you follow the rules.
If your girls’ weekend is a large group trip, consider buying liquid items at your destination and sharing with everyone. Purchasing items like shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste once you arrive will not only save everyone money on baggage fees, but also free up valuable space in your weekender bag!
With these tips on how to pack for a weekend trip in mind, you can put together the perfect suitcase without sacrificing comfort or style. Pack like a pro and you’ll have nothing to do but enjoy your weekend girls’ trip.
