Packing For a Weekend Getaway

Are you planning on a weekend trip to Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach, or the Outer Banks? Then this guide will help you figure out exactly what you need to pack, and what you should leave behind.

For Women:

I would recommend trying to pack lightly, because even I am guilty of over-packing sometimes with makeup, and more clothes than I need because I want different clothing options. Trust me, for just a weekend getaway you really don’t need much. Personally, I love dresses, so I usually just pack 2 dresses and wear them on alternating days, and I try to pack one dress that is less formal, that can be thrown on to go out to the pool, beach, or town, and one a little more formal, if I go out to dinner somewhere. For everyone else I recommend:

• Bring a large tote (Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote) or a small carry-on suitcase to fit everything
• 1 Dress
• 1 Shirt
• 1 Pair of Shorts
• 4 Pairs of Underwear
• 1 Bra
• 1 Pair of Pajamas (lightweight shirt and shorts work)
• 2 Bathing Suits
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat (cap or wide-brimmed)
• Beach Towel
• 1 Pair of Sandals (simple enough for the beach and fancy enough to go to a restaurant)
• Cell Phone Charger
• Makeup/Sanitary items:
  • Tinted Moisturizer (bonus points if it contains SPF)
  • Waterproof Mascara
  • 1 Lipstick (that can go with everything)
    • If you want to bring other makeup, go ahead!
  • Feminine Products (you do not want to forget these)
  • Deodorant
  • Prescription Medicine (if taking any on a daily basis)
  • Toothbrush
  • Travel Size Toothpaste (you can pick this up at Target)
    • *Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are usually provided at hotels
  • Compact Hair Brush
  • Razor (unless you have waxed before the trip)

Here are some summer beach outfit inspiration:

    

 

For Men:

Men have a very easy and basic wardrobe that doesn’t need a lot of effort to look put together. I would recommend if your style is more laid back, then go with a basic tank top and a lightweight shirt with a basic pair of shorts and cargo shorts/khaki shorts. If you are a bit more stylish and preppy, I would go with a buttoned down collared shirt, with Bermuda shorts and Sperry’s since that look is extremely popular in Cape Cod especially Martha’s Vineyard/Nantucket.

• Small Duffle Bag
• 1 Shirt
• 1 Tank Top
• 1 Buttoned Down Collared Shirt
• 1 Pair of Cargo Shorts or Bermuda Shorts
• 1 Basic Pair of Shorts
• 1 Belt (optional)
• 1 Hat
• 4 Pairs of Underwear
• 1 Pair of Sunglasses
• 1 Pair of Flip-Flops or Sperry’s
• 1 Pair of Pajamas (lightweight shirt and shorts)
• 2 Bathing Suits
• Beach Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cell Phone Charger
• Sanitary Items:
  • Comb (or any hair products you use)
  • Toothbrush
  • Travel Size toothpaste
  • Razor (shaving cream if needed)
  • Deodorant
  • Prescription Medicine (it taking any on a daily basis)

Here are some summer beach outfit inspiration:

  

For Children:

Packing for children is quite easy, as they do not need nearly as many things as us adults do. For boys I would mostly just stick to 2 pairs of shirts and pants, as they can always mix and match them the other days. For girls I recommend a dress as well as a shirt and pants.

• Boys:
  • 2 Shirts
  • 2 Pairs of Pants
• Girls:
  • 1 Shirt
  • 1 Pair of Pants
  • 1 Dress
• 2 Bathing Suits
• 4 Pairs of Underwear
• 1 Pair of Pajamas (lightweight shirt and shorts)
• Diapers (if they need them)
• 1 Pair of Flip-Flops or Sandals
• Hat (cap or wide-brimmed)
• Sunscreen SPF of at least 30
• Beach Towel
• Sanitary Products
  • Toothbrush
  • Travel Size Toothpaste
  • Deodorant (if they need it)

 Here are some summer beach outfit inspiration:

    

 

 “Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends” – Pat Conroy