Packing For A Short Break
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Things to consider -
Before you even begin to think about what it is exactly you're going to pack. It's a good idea to start by having a think about some of the things you need to take into consideration when packing lighter...
- How long are you going away for? Is it a matter of only a few days? Is it 5 days maximum? Is it only over night? However long you're going away for, consider how many nights this will be and how many days you will be spending away from home. Once you've got that figured out, this will help you to roughly work out the amount you'll need to take with you.
- What will you be doing? Are you visiting friends or family? Are you going on a short holiday with your other half? Are you heading on a city break? Do you plan on spending lots of time in the sun and sea? Will you be doing more sightseeing or relaxing? Is it more of an adventure than anything else? Once you've got a good idea of the type of break you're going and the activities involved you can work out what type of things you'll need to take with you.
- What will you be using to pack everything into? Are you going to be backpacking? Will you be getting out the suitcase? Will you be using an overnight bag? What type of luggage will you be using? It's good to have an idea of this to make sure you can fit everything you need into it with no real problems.
- What's really appropriate/what's not? You're going to need to be practical with yourself and pack smart if you're only going away for a short amount of time with minimal luggage space. Ensure you know what the best things to take are and the things you can keep away at home until you return.
What to actually take with you...
Everyone will have individual ideas as to what is appropriate to bring on their short break with them and also what fits best with the considerations they have gone through above. However there are some good essentials that will be more than appropriate for anyone and everyone's short break. I've gathered a list together of some of the essentials:
- Wallet/purse
- ID card
- Cash + bank card
- Important documents i.e passport, check in details, flights, travel insurance etc.
- Phone + charger
- Any of your own prescription medication(s)
- A map, satnav or guide book (all optional)
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Travelling aids (ear plugs, sweets, bottled water, tissues, sick bag, travelling pillows etc) (optional)
- Minimal first aid kit
- Watch
- Sunscreen + after sun
- Towel
- Activity things (according to your specific break i.e waterproofs, swim wear etc)
- Toiletries
Outfits -
Depending on the amount of days you are going and also what is best suited to your choice of activities during your time away, packing what you're going to wear can become very difficult if you're someone who always packs way too many outfit choices (which is totally me btw). To avoid this or even just minimise your outfit overhaul, then perhaps consider following this simple guide to packing your outfits as light as possible:
- A minimum of two tops/shirts - Taking at least two t-shirts with you is a great place to start. If you're time away is longer than two days, then of course bring another one or two to accustom to your desired time away. But having at least two is the perfect starting point. Remember you can mix and match with your bottom half if you don't want to outfit repeat completely.
- A maximum of three bottoms - It will be easier to continue wearing the same bottom half than it will be the same top half after a few days. Think practically and what will go with the most top half options that you are taking with you.
- Layering pieces - If you're going to somewhere where it might get a little chilly throughout the day or towards the evening, then it's a good idea to bring a layer piece that you can throw on over the top of your outfit to keep warm. This might be a jacket, jumper or cardigan, whatever you find best suited, take it with you just incase.
- Smarter wear for evening - If you plan on going out for any nights out, whether that's for meals or drinks, then ensure you've got something a little more dressy to turn to. Depending on how many nights you go out for, think of what other pieces you're taking with you that you could also use, like a pair of jeans or a more smarter looking shirt.
- Day bag - Whether you're heading to the beach with your beach bag or out on adventure with your backpack, it's a good idea to bring a day bag with you wherever you plan on heading out to on your short break.
- An evening bag - If you do want to go out in the evenings, then taking a smaller or more dressier bag with you can also be a good option to take.
- Pyjamas - You will probably only need to take one set of pyjamas with you on your trip away.
- Underwear - However many days/nights you're going for take this amount in underwear. Take a couple extra if you fancy also.
- Shoes - Depending on what you get up to, for a basic guide bringing a pair of shoes for day and night wear is a great place to start. Then based on whether you need a certain type of pair for any reason you can adjust.
Accessories (all optional):
- Sun hat
- Belt
- Hair pieces i.e hair grips, hair bands etc
- Jewellery
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Umbrella
Makeup:
When it comes to your makeup choices when packing for a short break it's a good idea to at least include the essentials. This could be all the products you need for a basic everyday look. From this you can then build onto any additional products e.g more lip options for different lip looks each day or an evening lip product. Palettes are also a good product type to bring with you as they offer lots of different options in one and take up less space than lots of different products. It might also be a good idea to think about what products can be used for multi-use like highlighter for eyeshadow or vice versa.
Your makeup choices can also be influenced by the type of activities or the weather you will be expecting to have during your time away. If you're going away somewhere hot or where you know you'll be wearing minimal makeup then it's a good idea to pick accordingly. You might want to opt for more waterproof products to be more appropriate for the heat or if you're going to be in lots of water. Highlighter and bronzer can also be must have things to bring with you as these will help enhance your tan if you're going away to a warmer climate.
What are your top tips for packing light?
Lauren x
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