Now that our summer vacation has started (as of 11:30am today) planning trips is high on my list. While we don’t have a big summer vacation planned I like to make sure we plan weekend getaways for the family, day trips, and at least on trip with just my guy.
In the last several years I’ve gotten the art of packing for a quick trip down to a science with six basic categories. I can either cart it all in my big tote bag or I can bring a small suitcase which is handy if I’m hopping on a plane or train.
Below I’ll break down the six main categories and some options that will make it simple to pack for your own weekend getaway. The bonus? Everything I share is under $50, so if you need to round out your wardrobe for your trip it won’t cost you much.
Budget Friendly Weekend Getaway Looks And Packing Tips
1. Clothes
I start with clothes because this is usually the biggest stress you have when you’re packing. Choosing separates that work together and simple pieces is the key for me.
I like to stick with a color palette that offers some contrast. In this case I went with a coral color, blues, whites, and grays.
If you need something a bit dressier you could replace the distressed jeans with regular jeans, and upgrade the dress from a maxi to something more suitable to your plans.
I always pack a few options in terms of layers because even in the summer I find that I need layers indoors.
Foldover maxi skirt • Gap • $34.99
Lively and Lovely Tank • $19.99
Drapey maxi dress • Gap • $38.99
Essential short-sleeve V-neck tee • Gap • $12.00
Women’s Classic Chambray Shirts • Old Navy • $24.94
AQUA Tee - Baseball Crewneck • Aqua • $40.95
Women’s Lightweight Boyfriend Cardis • Old Navy • $20.00
Women’s The Sweetheart Distressed Skinny Jeans • Old Navy • $17.00
2. Jewelry
I’m not a big jewelry fan. I tend to like to have nothing on my arms and hands when I type and only wear more when I go out (and even then sometimes I take it off midway through the night). Costume jewelry is key so you don’t have to worry about it getting lost.
I lost my wedding band years ago and I don’t have an engagement ring so I wear the one of the rings pictured in lieu wedding band pretty frequently. This would work great if you’re worried about taking yours on a trip.
Cara Chain & Leather Cord Wrap Bracelet • Cara • $22.80
Alex and Ani Cancer Bangle • Alex and Ani • $28.00
Stackable Deco Rings - Set of 3 • $49.00
On the Mark • $49.00
3. Exercise Gear
For some reason I tend to exercise regularly more often when I’m out of town. I always pack my gym gear and usually fit in a quick run at the hotel gym. (note to self: do this at home more)
New Balance Women’s WL442 Running Shoe • New Balance • $34.39
C9 by Champion® Women’s Sleeveless Keyhole Tank With Inner Bra - Assorted Colors • Champion • $16.98
C9 by Champion ® Women’s Advanced Performance Capri Tight - Assorted Colors • Champion • $24.99
4. Pajamas & Undergarments
Undergarments that are comfortable and can last all day are key, and if you’re sharing a hotel room with the kids, friends, or family they’re essential. I love the Barely There line of underwear and bras and feature my favorites below. I’m also a big fan of Target’s line of pajamas. For the price you can’t beat them for comfortable cotton separates.
Gilligan & O’Malley® Women’s Tee Shirt/Crop PJ Set - Assorted Colors • $19.99
Barely There Flawless Fit Hipster • Barely There • $7.50
Barely There We’ve Got Your Back Wireless Bra 4128 • Barely There • $36.00
5. Shoes
I went a little Toms crazy here, but it’s what I’ve been wearing lately and I love them! The wedges are listed as more than $50/pair but I have been able to find them on sale on websites like Zulily for under $50, so it may take some hunting. I chose two pairs of wedges because you may prefer a different style. I personally love wearing enclosed flats for travel and the Toms flats are perfect for travel.
TOMS ‘Calypso’ Canvas Wedge • Toms • $68.95
TOMS - Strappy Wedge - Canvas Peep Toe in Black • Toms • $69.00
TOMS ‘Seasonal Classic’ Suede Slip-On (Women) • Toms • $49.54
6. Beauty Bag
I am not a huge beauty product junkie, but I do have some essentials I like to carry with me. Lately I’ve been loving the H2O line of face products. This pack comes with a few favorites. I’ve boarded the CC cream train. I love that it’s one product that does it all. Makes packing lighter so much easier, and offers great coverage and protection for my face.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eye Pencil • Bobbi Brown • $24.00
NYX ‘Natural Eye’ Eyeshadow Palette • NYX • $7.00
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes with Cotton Extract (30 count) • Burt’s Bees • $5.99
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara • Clinique • $16.00
Burt’s Bees Lip Gloss, Summer Twilight • Burt’s Bees • $8.99
Supergoop!® ‘Daily Correct’ CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 • Supergoop! • $32.00
H2O Plus Oasis Daily Hydration System 1 ea • H20 Plus • $43.00
Bonus: Tech
While this is technically not a category of clothing I always pack my tech gear including my laptop, laptop charger, phone, phone charger, and a backup battery. Yes I may be traveling for fun, but I often need to have access to my email and website no matter what. It seems every time I leave home a problem crops up, so having it on hand helps keep my stress to a minimum.
What do you pack on a weekend getaway?
Kelly
