Packing Archives ⋆ The Dining Traveler https://diningtraveler.com/category/packing Travel Tips, Recipes, and Culinary Travel Website Thu, 16 Mar 2023 03:31:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://i0.wp.com/diningtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cropped-DiningTraveler_IG1-e1581697224126.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Packing Archives ⋆ The Dining Traveler https://diningtraveler.com/category/packing 32 32 88259031 Travel Tips: How to Pack for a Weekend Trip https://diningtraveler.com/2017/12/how-to-pack-for-a-weekend-trip.html https://diningtraveler.com/2017/12/how-to-pack-for-a-weekend-trip.html#comments Mon, 04 Dec 2017 05:44:47 +0000 https://diningtraveler.com/?p=5329 I’ve been trying to decode packing for the past twenty years. One of the things I learned in the Marines was to pack “never more than what you can carry”. That mantra came handy when I was traveling pregnant and that lesson has carried with me throughout the years. Many people ask me how to pack […]

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]]> I’ve been trying to decode packing for the past twenty years. One of the things I learned in the Marines was to pack “never more than what you can carry”. That mantra came handy when I was traveling pregnant and that lesson has carried with me throughout the years. Many people ask me how to pack for a weekend trip. I finally came up with a list of tips on how to get through TSA with a light bag and many options for your getaway.



Tip 1: Take Your Itinerary Into Consideration

When thinking on how to pack for a weekend trip ask yourself a few questions: Where are you going? Will you be attending a special occasion? What will the weather be like? Most of the time, weekend trips come with a tight itinerary. Go through your events and think about what you want to wear.

Tip 2: Pack “Grunt Rolls”

This is one of my more practical skills from boot camp that I’ve been using for two decades. Packing items such as workout clothes, tops, jeans, and jersey dresses in tight rolls (see video) create so much more room in your bag. Some readers swear by packing cubes but I find that they are a bit too much for a weekend trip. If a dress is in a delicate material, I fold in quarters so it is easier to iron.

How to Pack for a Weekend Trip Photo Credit: Carla Sanchez
How to Pack for a Weekend Trip: With my Samsonite Magpie Bag
Photo Credit: Carla Sanchez

Tip 3: Pack Light

Save space by packing items you can reuse throughout your trip such as a blazer or a cardigan. Shoes are heavy. Plan your outfits around the shoes you decide to pack. I usually pack 3 pairs of shoes. I wear the heaviest on, usually boots. I then pack a pair of heels for evening, casual sandals for daytime if in a warm destination, and my running shoes.

Tip 4: Organize Your Outfits Before Packing

This is related to tip 1 on how to pack for a weekend trip. Pull your outfits and lay them on the bed or hang them in a visible place. Can you mix and match pieces? Does each item fulfill a purpose?

How to Pack for a Weekend Trip: What's in my tote
How to Pack for a Weekend Trip: What’s in my tote
Photo Credit: Nikki Richardson

Tip 5: Bring a Roomy Tote as Your Personal Item

Airlines are becoming more militant about carry-ons and what you can place in the overhead bin. Make sure to bring a roomy tote you can comfortably fit under the seat in front of you. I carry my essentials in my tote: wallet, laptop, camera, chargers, and makeup bag.

Tip 6: Throw in a Few Extra Items for Variety

If you pack efficiently, you will have some extra space. Pack an extra sundress and one or two extra tops. Throw in an extra scarf. Although I plan ahead, I always like to have extra items.

Tip 7: Buy the Right Suitcase

A suitcase is an investment. If you purchase the right one, it can last you decades. I recently got the Samsonite Magpie 20″ Spinner. It’s been tested on a plane, car, and train. I love that it is a bit smaller than the average carry-on but it literally fits everywhere. It also has three compartments to organize toiletries and underwear. Another perk is that it is beautifully designed. I believe luggage is a big part of travel style.
How to Pack for a Weekend Trip: What's in my tote Photo Credit: Nikki Richardson
How to Pack for a Weekend Trip: Samsonite Magpie Bag Photo Credit: Nikki Richardson

Tip 8: Secure Your Valuables

When we talk about how to pack for a weekend trip, we forget to touch upon security. Make sure that your bag has a TSA approved lock. My current carry-on, the Samsonite Magpie 20″ Spinner has a combination lock. Yes! None of those flimsy locks that can be picked with a hairpin.

How to Pack for a Weekend Trip

When people ask me for tips on how to pack for a weekend trip, I share the tips above. After twenty years of continuous travel, I still pick up on new tips to be more efficient. Do you have any packing tips that work for you? Please share in the comments!

Dislcaimer: Our “How to Pack for a Weekend Trip” post is sponsored by Samsonite. As always, opinions are our own. Partnering with Samsonite was super easy as I’ve purchased their items for years. 

The post Travel Tips: How to Pack for a Weekend Trip appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

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