Weekend Away Checklist

Finally, the day has come… we can now travel with fewer restrictions, we can see relatives and actually hug each other and we can go to a restaurant and sit inside if it starts to rain! We have been in and out of a national lockdown for over a year now, but with the easing of restrictions we can now get away. Whether you’ve decided to board a plane or choose a staycation, I’m sharing my weekend away checklist to help you pack.

My weekend away checklist…

The type of trip you are taking and where you are going, determines your weekend getaway checklist. Beach clothes or hiking clothes… Do you need your passport, insurance, driving license, specialised gear, such as hiking poles, or helmets… I’m leaving these essentials for you to customise accordingly otherwise this list would be very long!

Health and Hygiene

• Face Mask – I use my UYN community mask one all the time; it’s breathable, washable and I love the colour.
• First aid kit – A pre bought kit including the necessities, plus sanitiser, prescribed medication, seasickness pills, anti-histamines, vitamins, insect repellents, handy toilet accessories from shewee (great for festivals) and ear plugs! (Take what’s relevant, depending on your getaway)
• Suncream & aftersun – the higher the factor, the better protection. Plus a hat, sunglasses and a UV protection rash vest.

Clothing and Shoes

Obvious choices, such as underwear, socks, tops, bottoms, warmer options, nightie and swimwear. Targeted items for specific adventures such as moisture wicking clothes. Plus…

• Leggings – For activities such as hiking or cycling. I love my Tentree inMotion Leggings
• Thermals – (For variable weather conditions, especially in the UK!) Underlayers, such as Sweaty Betty base layers, plus scarfs, gloves, thick socks etc…
• Shoes – Trainers or flip-flops… depending on the activity, but walking shoes are always useful especially if they are lightweight. I loved my Saucony so much that they are nearly falling apart! My Merrell Grassbow are great for hiking and my Giesswein merino runners are cosy and lightweight.
• Raincoat – A raincoat that is breathable, lightweight and waterproof. I have just ordered the OutTrack Salomon for a sailing trip I have planned.

Food & Drinks

As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to keep hydrated. TFL recommend carrying a water bottle on the bus and tube as it can get hot down there, especially in the summer. When hiking, you should always carry plenty of food and water to keep you hydrated. When travelling abroad, most airports let you take through an empty bottle which you can fill on the other side.

• Water bottle – I carry one of my reusable bottles and choose which one depending on what I’m doing. I have a thick vacuum-insulation Hydro Flask for the beach as cold drinks stay icy cold. I don’t use this hiking as it’s heavy. Instead, I use my Dopper as it is light, has a built-in cup, plus, it has a clip to attach to my bag.
• Water Purification Tablets – Great when hiking and you don’t know when you can refill from a tap.
• Snacks – I carry Nakd Bars with me as they are delicious, (plus they are wheat free, gluten free, dairy free and vegan.)
• Hydration Products – Gels, tablets etc, to keep you hydrated. I often use Nuun tablets to stay hydrated.

Navigational Devices

• Maps – Don’t just rely on you phone, have a paper back-up!
• Compass – for direction.
• GPS device – for more advanced hiking guides.

Accessories

So many things you can take, depending on your trip, so I’m just sharing a few of my top takes…

• A Bag – One that is size appropriate for your trip. I recently ordered the Salomon Duffel which is perfect for a weekend getaway. The Salomon Out Day is great for a day hike.
• Lighter & matches – I love these windproof matches… clever!
• Torch or headlamp – Headlamps are easier if you want to be handsfree.
• Microfibre Towel – light, quick drying, multi-purpose.
• Dry Bag – A must for any water adventures; keeps your phone dry! I love my Up stuff sacks.
• Battery Pack – Charge your phone on the go; great for camping or festivals.
• Tote bag – I use a light and foldable backpack from Decathlon for small shopping trips.
• Utensil Kit – If your getaway requires them, this kit from 4Ocean is awesome. 4Ocean have many products that replace single-use items.
• Repair Kit – Useful for things like tyres.
• Go Pro – So you have the memories…

Final Thoughts:

There are so many things that you can pack for a weekend away. I do have a tendency to overpack, but I’d rather be prepared, than fall short. During this unpredictable time, it is better to be prepared than rely on shops having stock, or even being open.

Be sensible, be safe, be prepared.

I hope my weekend away checklist can help you decide what you want to take… or what you don’t need!

What do you pack when you travel? Let us know in the comments below.

*Health Advice: Check with local guidelines regarding travel restrictions and advice. UK Government’s roadmap out of lockdown