Weekend Trip Packing List: What to Pack for Your 2 or 3-Day Trip

Packing for a trip is exciting, as you pull out your A-team clothing lineup and try to anticipate the necessities for the excursions planned. If you aren’t conscious of your baggage, though, you’ll quickly end up in over-packing territory, when you need to be focused on maximizing comfort and preparedness. 

Fetch can help make last-minute travel easier by allowing you to earn rewards on travel necessities and accommodations, such as hotel bookings, travel costs, transportation, and trip essentials. Check out these tips to maximize the efficiency of your weekend trip packing list, and download our free rewards app to earn rewards you can use to offset travel costs and save money.

Why packing smart is essential for weekend trips

For a weekend trip, chances are high that your itinerary is packed, and you’re trying to get from point A to B quickly. That’s why it’s super important to pack light and smart for short trips, and avoid dragging around unnecessary baggage. A good packing list will ensure you can take those spontaneous trips and still maintain the flexibility travellers need for a successful trek.

Earn rewards on last-minute travel accommodations with Fetch Shop

Finding the right accommodations is half the battle with weekend trips, as we all have a meter for comfort, budget and other travel needs. Travellers who use Fetch Shop can earn rewards on last-minute purchases, including lodging and airfare, for a whimsical weekend away. Plan your next trip in the app or using the Fetch browser extension to get rewarded for bookings through:

• Best Western
• Booking.com
• Choice Hotels
• Expedia
• Hotels.com
• IHG
• Travelocity
• Uber

Essential packing list for a weekend trip

Knowing what to pack for a weekend trip is important, because it will determine your preparedness, and thus your comfort and budget. You don’t want to get to your destination and have to waste a lot of time and money on items that you left back home. Plan ahead with Fetch’s handy weekend trip packing list:

Clothing and accessories

• Layers: Depending on the climate, it’s always smart to pack a few versatile clothing items that you can layer as you go. Think: a base-layer long-sleeve, a light jacket, or a pair of long johns or socks. 
• Outfits: This is where the list gets tricky, but to avoid over-packing, we recommend packing only one or two outfits per day, but ensuring you have casual options for daily activities, and adaptable pieces if you go to a nice dinner or show where a long skirt or sport coat is appropriate. 
• Footwear: From airports to museums, weekend trips usually equal a lot of walking. Ideally, you would have at least one good pair of walking shoes that can double as dressy casual or work for multiple settings. If not, one comfortable and one dressy should cover your bases. Depending on your destination, a pair of sandals or hiking boots would also be necessary. Use Fetch Shop to earn points on all your footwear needs from retailers like Nike, Sorel, Toms, Finish Line, Converse, and more.
• Accessories: Small conveniences can really blow the budget if you aren’t prepared. Think ahead to your planned activities and the climate, so you can pack the necessary hats, sunglasses, scarves, stockings, light jacket, gloves, tie, airport-friendly belt, and other items that will make your trip a breeze. The beauty of accessories is that they are small and lightweight, and you usually just need one of each.

Toiletries and personal care

• Travel-size essentials: Depending on your needs, be sure to pack a sample-size of your routine care items, like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, lotion, and mouthwash. Don’t have travel-sized toiletries? Don’t worry: you can grab what you need from Sephora. Also, make a mental note when you go through the motions of your care routine so you don’t forget important items like your toothbrush, floss, deodorant, or a shower cap.
• Skincare: Sunscreen and moisturizer are essential, and your hotel won’t always have these on hand. Plan for other skincare essentials and try to pack them in travel-sized bottles.
• Medicine and first aid: It’s good to have basic first aid on hand, such as pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, stomach aids, bandaids, and any personal medications; stock up on all the essentials online at CVS.

Technology and entertainment

• Phone and charger: Leave with a charged phone and charger. It’s great to have a portable charger as well. Pro tip: if traveling out of the country, check their outlet type to be sure yours will work.
• Camera or GoPro: For capturing memories, pack your camera, GoPro, Instax or Poloroid, and necessary attachments.
• Books or e-readers: For relaxation and leisure, pack your books, e-reader or tablet, or maybe pick up a new book for your trip from Barnes & Noble.
• Earbuds: To manage travel entertainment, earbuds and/or noise-cancelling headphones are a must; thankfully, Sony will have just what you need.

Travel essentials

• Documents and ID: Don’t forget your passport, driver’s license or State ID, and any necessary travel documents like your temporary visa, activity vouchers, etc. Put these together in a designated pouch or wallet.
• Wallet and cards: Pack the on-the-go credit and debit cards you need, and ensure they’re travel-ready and know you are going away so you don’t run into issues. 
• Travel pillow and blanket: For added comfort on the journey, grab your neck pillow, throw blanket, eye mask, stuffed animal, and other sleep and comfort essentials.

Tips for packing for different types of weekend trips

Your destination will really determine the extras you need to pack for. Consider these suggestions for your weekend trip packing list:

Beach weekend

• At least one of each of these beach essentials: Swimsuit or trunks, bottle of sunscreen, reusable water bottle, pair of flip-flops, sunglasses and/or goggles, and a beach bag. For multiple beach days or water excursions, it’s a good idea to pack extra swimwear and consider your needs like a swim shirt, beach cover up, or water shoes. 
• Experience enhancements: Consider convenient roll-on or spray SPF, electrolyte powder, small salty and sweet snacks, and a small bluetooth speaker.

Outdoor adventure

• Clothing: Must-have’s for hiking or camping will include a pair of water-resistant shoes with traction like hiking boots, a jacket with heat-preservering qualities and ideally a lighter zip-away base layer, thick socks for each day plus an extra pair just in case, a pair of gloves for heat or protection, and a hat or visor depending on the temperature.
• Pro tip: Use your reward points for gift cards to Cabella’s or other outdoor stores, so you can purchase special outdoor or recreational clothing. That way, they are created with the climate control, moisture-wicking, or heat control you need. 
• Other outerwear: Depending on the climate, a sun hat or rain parka will be useful.
• Safety measures: Pack some light utilities and safety measures, such as foot and hand warmers, bug spray, a flashlight, spare batteries, and a pocket knife. Consult an employee at one of our many outdoor specialty stores if you have other questions about necessary gear and supplies.

City getaway

• Casual comfort: City getaways are a vibe, because your attire is hand-picked for style, comfort, and sometimes a little sophistication. A neutral crossbody bag and a pair of trendy but walkable shoes will translate from the zoo to the brewery.
• City living: Your city-life moment will include a lot of cross-town exploration, where time and energy is limited. Thankfully, Uber is a Fetch partner, so your points can be exchanged for free rides!
• Extra measures: For your days and nights on the town, consider packing an umbrella, a pair of foldable ballet flats, and a secure wallet.

Redeem Fetch Points for travel gift cards

Fetch has partnered with major travel brands and airlines to make it easier than ever to fund future weekend trips. If you already have something booked, cut vacation costs by redeeming Fetch Points for travel wear and supplies at one of our scores of retail partners. The more you can offset costs on flights and accommodations, the more funds you have for food and recreation! Your Fetch Points will help you get free gift cards to the likes of:

• Airbnb
• Booking.com
• Delta Airlines
• Expedia
• Hotels.com
• Southwest Airlines
• Travelocity
• Uber
• …and so many more!

Final packing tips for a stress-free weekend trip

A stress-free weekend trip hinges on a solid packing list. As long as you create a list of all the things you need to pack for the weekend activities planned, and you prioritize comfort and efficiency, you will reap the rewards of a relaxing weekend. So, you can handle the shampoo and socks, and let Fetch help with the last-minute booking and purchase details. When you rely on the app for rewards and use helpful offers, key expenses of travel will become more affordable! 

Plan a thoughtful weekend trip & get rewarded with Fetch!

A fun and successful weekend trip away comes down to a thorough and thoughtful packing list. Explore the Fetch shopping rewards app for upcoming travel, so you know all the ways you can earn rewards points, and how you can use them to pay for flight, hotels, vacation outfits, and more. As long as you plan ahead, you will be more than prepared for an amazing getaway!