So, you’re planning on a weekend away and you need to know how to prepare. Doesn’t everyone? It seems like whenever you think you’re ready something happens. The weather is a lot hotter or colder than you expected or it rains and you forgot your umbrella. Or it’s super sunny and you forgot the sunscreen.  So here it is, your packing list for a weekend away.

Let’s take a closer look, but before you go, make sure you check into the best health insurance in the UK has to offer, so you can be prepared for anything.

First Up, Clothing

What’s the very first thing you need on your weekend packing list? Clothes. You aren’t going to get by very long without clothes, right?

• Simple Staples: Start with the basics. You’ll need to take a look at the weather for the time you’re going to be traveling and then pack the basics that go along with that weather, like t-shirts versus sweaters or pants versus shorts.
• Don’t Forget Your Feet: You need shoes. And depending on what you’re going to be doing you might need different types of shoes. If you’re doing a lot of walking you need tennis shoes. If you’re going to the beach you’ll want sandals.
• What Goes Underneath: You do not want to get to your weekend away and realize you forgot clean underwear. So make sure you have enough underclothes and socks for each day of your trip. Then add an extra just in case.
• Bedclothes: You need something to sleep in. No judgement on what that might be, but remember some comfy pajamas to get a good night’s rest.
• Trip Specifics: If you’re going skiing make sure to also pack your gloves, hat, and other outdoor gear. If you’re going to the beach make sure you have your swimsuit and coverup. Whatever you’re planning for your special trip, have the gear you’ll need to make it happen.

Next Up, Bathroom Essentials:

You can’t skip out on your bathroom items. These things are necessary for your overall health and also … you’re not going to feel very good after going several days without a shower or brushing your teeth.

• Simple Staples: Once again, you’ll need to think about the basics. These are things like toothpaste and toothbrush, shampoo and body wash, deodorant, medications, and all those daily things you need.
• Extras: Do you wear makeup every day? Need your glasses so you can take out your contacts? Want to shave while on vacation? This is the category for all of those things.

We All Need Electronics:

In this day and age you’re not going to get very far without electronics. Whether you thrive on all things electronics or you just need the basics, you don’t want to forget these items when you’re thinking about what to pack for a weekend away.

• Simple Staples: Should we check this category again? Well, this is where your phone and charger go because those are definitely going to fit in the ‘basics’ category. They’re something you don’t want to leave home without.
• Make Life Easier: Things that are going to make your life easier are a power bank and extra phone cord so you can be sure you won’t get caught without a charged phone. Also, you might want a laptop or tablet and power cords. Add in headphones and potentially a separate camera (if you’re a photo bug).
• Extras: If you’re a real tech aficionado you might also want some other things like video game systems, VR sets, drones, or any other electronics that could enhance your experience. But remember, you’re on vacation. So get out and enjoy some new things.

Your General Needs:

Wherever you go there are some basics you’re going to need. Some things that should always be on your weekend away packing list because without them … well, you might not be going on a weekend away.

• Documentation: This is where you’re going to need things like your wallet and ID, your credit cards, passport or visa paperwork depending on where you’re going, cash, or any other physical copies of information that you’re taking with you.
• Backpack: You want to be able to carry all of your gear with you for the day, even when you’re not near a vehicle. That’s where a backpack can come in handy, but make sure you get something small that’s light and holds only the essentials.
• Water Bottle: You need to be hydrated and depending on where you’re going it might not be easy to get something to drink at all times. Having your own water on hand will keep you safer along the way.

Keep it Simple

Okay, we talked about some of the ‘simple staples’ along the way, but when you’re traveling you also want to make sure that you know ways to keep things even simpler for yourself. These are a few tips for what to pack for a weekend away without getting overwhelmed.

• Choose Your Clothes Wisely: Instead of packing very specific items that only serve one purpose, look for things that can be mixed and matched to work for multiple situations (like a fancy dinner or a relaxing walk).
• Roll It Up: Did you know that rolling your clothes can help them take up less space? Another option is to stack your clothes while your suitcase is vertical instead of horizontal. It doesn’t seem like it would make a big difference … but it does.
• Wear the Heavy Clothes: Especially if you’re traveling by plane the best thing you can do is wear the heavy sweatshirt and jacket. You can always take them off on the plane, but it’s going to take up a lot less space in your bags.
• Remember What You’re Bringing Home: Are you planning on bringing any form of gifts home? If you are then you need to leave space for them in your packed bags. When you’re looking at your weekend away checklist remember that everything extra you buy must also fit.
• Go Smaller: The smaller the items you can bring the better. If you’re going to be traveling for a month you might want a full-size shampoo and body wash, but if you’re only going for a couple days you can likely make due with travel size items. These will take up less space so you can fit everything else easily.

Enjoying Your Trip

So it’s time to get on with your trip and enjoy everything that your new temporary home has to offer. Once you’ve chosen a quality health insurance agency like Premier PMI to help you along the way you’re going to be off and running in no time.

Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to pack everything you need.