What to pack for a weekend trip

Stretching a day trip to an overnight escape or taking advantage of a long weekend means you can conquer new horizons further from home. And choosing a short trip rather than a week-long epic adventure is more affordable, doesn’t need time off work and packing is easier. You don’t need to pack very much, so there’s no need to be super efficient – throwing in a few extra things is no big deal.

But what to pack for a weekend trip?

Packing for a weekend away in 3 easy steps

1. Take as many tops and/or dresses as you have days away

So a three day long weekend means three tops and/or dresses (including the one you’re wearing).

2. Add your favourite practical items

For a short trip like a weekend away, then add a pair of jeans, a jacket and two pairs of shoes. If you’re not a dress kind of girl, then take a second bottom like a skirt, pants or shorts.

If you are trying to pack light, then it is perfectly possible to wear the same pair of shoes all weekend, as long as they’re that magical combination of comfort and style. A comfortable low-heeled boot like this one or a stylish sneaker like these are great options.

3. Make some seasonal additions

There will also need to be some seasonal additions like a swimsuit and cover-up in summer or a coat and scarf in winter.

At Disneyland Paris below, I added leggings to make my dress appropriate for cool weather and practically lived in these super comfy sneakers. Read about our DLP day trip here or our full 4 days in Paris itinerary here.

At Disneyland Paris

What to pack for a weekend trip

3 day long weekend in winter

Taking a short trip away in winter involves wrapping up warmly to explore. It means rosy cheeks, snuggly clothes and breath that you can see.

While you might avoid going outside on a winter weekend at home, when you’re away the excitement of a new location inspires loins to be girded, layers to be donned and adventures to be sought.

So you need outfits that are comfortable inside when you’re lunching, shopping or enjoying some indoor sights. Plus an outer layer for rugging up before venturing outdoors.

1    Boden long sleeve Breton
2    Sussan Large Statement Check Scarf
3    Frankie4 NAT Tan Punched
4   Reality Eyewear Le Brera Sunglasses
5    Gorman Elke knit
6    Frankie4 Izzy navy
7    Elm Colorado Puffer Jacket
8    Wild Pair Eden Jean
9    Elm Falling Sherbet Dress
10    Seed Pom Pom Cable Beanie
11    Boden Essential Boatneck – Candy Stick

4 day Easter long weekend

Easter is the ultimate long weekend with public holidays on both the Friday and Monday, giving you the opportunity for a 4 day long weekend.

As Easter falls in autumn the travel wardrobe below has the layers that are required in much of the country at this time of year.

The weather in Sydney over Easter is forecast to be 24-25°c during the day and 16-18°c at night. The forecast is for mostly fine weather.

Melbourne, on the other hand, is forecast to have a much wider range of temperatures – 20-26˚c during the day and 10-15˚c at night with perhaps a few showers.

So while a t-shirt and skirt might be enough on a gloriously sunny afternoon, a cosy jumper and parka might be necessary on a chilly morning.

But the joy of packing for a long weekend is that, although you don’t really need very much, you can probably fit a few extra outfits in to give yourself plenty of choice.

1    Birdsnest Bubble Dress
2    Seed Short sleeve split tee
3    Country Road Fluffy roll neck knit sweater
4    Funkis Gertrude clog low
5    French Connection Geo tote
6    Decjuba Je Ne Sais Quoi Band Tee
7    Frankie4 Belle metallic boots
8    Gorman Sparkle stripe socks
9    Witchery Mila Zip Jean Vintage Wash
10    Decjuba Bridget printed midi skirt
11    Witchery Long line puffer

Outfit ideas

Mix and match to suit the weather and what you’re doing.

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