Planning for an overnight or weekend trip shouldn’t take up hours of your time, but planning the perfect overnight bag can be a hassle. When a spur-of-the-moment trip arises, don’t leave stressed that you’ve forgotten something you need. From a staycation in your city to a red-eye flight to an unknown destination, you should always be able to pack your overnight bag quickly and easily. Whether you’re on your way to a beach mini-vacation or skiing in the mountains, take a look at how to pack the perfect overnight bag.
Choose a Versatile Wardrobe
Packing for a quick trip can mean having less space in your bag for clothing. If you’re going on a flight, save money by placing everything you need into your carry-on bag. Limiting the amount of clothing you bring or bringing versatile clothing can leave you with many outfits without taking up space in your smaller carry-on bag. Look for pieces that can be paired or styled many different ways to ensure you always have options. For evening wear, a simple black dress or business shirt and pants will give you a nicer option without needing to pack a dress bag or additional luggage.
Plan for the Unexpected
If you’re traveling a long distance or on planes for your weekend away, there are always chances of delays or traffic. Don’t be left without the things you need while waiting for your next plane or for traffic to lift. Keep all necessary things in an easy to grab bag or carry-on to ensure you’re never left spending additional money on products, medicines, or extras. Keep all medication in an easy to locate compartment in your bag. Airports often don’t include smoking areas or you may not have time to leave your gate or terminal. Opt for an e-cig to keep in your purse or bag during long delays or traffic.
Keep Extra Toiletries on Hand
You may think you can get by with just the bare minimums when traveling overnight, but toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and body washes are necessary for any weekend away. Instead of relying on hotel toiletries, opt for travel sizes that you can grab easily and pack quickly. If you travel often or don’t have much time to prepare when planning your getaways, keep travel sizes of your favorite products on hand at all times for quick overnight bag packing. Not only will it save you time and hassle when fitting all your things in a small bag, but you won’t have to worry about not meeting airport regulations if you’re flying.
Pack Just the Basic Cosmetics
If you wear makeup or use skin care products, don’t worry about bringing your entire morning or night routine with you for a weekend away. Instead of wasting space in your bag or transferring products into three-ounce containers, bring just the bare minimum for your weekend away. Not only will this make packing quicker and easier, but you won’t be left with hundreds of dollars in products to replace if your luggage or carry-on bag is lost while traveling.
During weekend trips or overnight stays, think about creating an extra bag just for products perfect for traveling. Add in your favorite travel version of skin care or makeup in an easy to grab on-the-go pouch. This will take the guesswork out of deciding what to bring. Just make sure to replace products every few months to avoid out of date items.
Pack Medicines and Vitamins First
When packing in a hurry or throwing together an overnight bag, it’s easy to forget to pack the most important things of all — medicines and vitamins. Don’t be left without your needed medicines for a weekend away or business trip. Not only will it leave you feeling unlike yourself, but it can be difficult to get your hands on the meds you need while away from home. Solve this problem by packing all medications and vitamins first. As soon as you know a trip is coming up, put all medications and vitamins in a designated area that is easy to get to. Place these items in a purse or in an accessible pocket in your carry-on luggage.