Packing List for a Weekend Trip to the City

Getting ready to explore a new city for a weekend is exciting, it provides an opportunity to explore new things and escape the day-to-day grind. If you’re like me, you will cram as many activities as you can into one weekend in the city. Your packing for a weekend trip list can be intimidating, especially if you want to pack light!

Lucky for you, this post covers exactly what outfits to pack and essentials to bring on a weekend trip to the city.

10 City Weekend Trip Essentials

While essentials can vary from person to person based on the trip specifics and personal needs, here are a few popular essentials to take to the city.

READ NEXT: Travel Essentials for Women

• 1. Wireless Power Bank

Keep your phone fully charged throughout the day with a portable charger. Perfect for on the go, this one attaches to the back of the phone and has a loop so that you can easily use the phone while charging. This way, you can continue to use your camera, maps, and search engine without worrying about a dead battery!

• 2. Small Crossbody Bag

A small bag, that will not weight you down but holds all of your essentials and can keep your hands free is a must. Love that this bag can be worn several ways and will go with any outfit. Wear it as a belt bag for sight-seeing, then convert it to a wristlet for a late night dinner. A must add to your packing for a weekend trip list.

• 3. Two Pairs of Shoes

A comfortable walking shoe and another pair to dress up for the evening. I love that these sandals are made for walking, yet they can be worn with nearly any outfit. Minimal, yet chic. Perfect for city life.

• 4. Ear Plugs and/or Sleep Mask

Depending on your accommodations, these may be required. City hotels can sometimes have thin walls and noisy neighbors, so pack a pair just in case! Also, if you need total blackout for sleeping, take this sleep mask! Hotels can be hit or miss in terms of light filtering curtains. This silk version is also safe for sensitive skin.

• 5. Sunscreen

If I’m not going to the beach, I’ll totally forget to pack my sunscreen. But it is important for the city & every day. My favorite travel sunscreen is small enough to slip into your bag and is TSA friendly. A must for full-day walking and touring the city.

• 6. Sunglasses

Commonly left at home but so essential for a trip to the city. These sunglasses are my favorite and come in a two pack. At this price, I honestly don’t care if these get a little banged up during a trip. It can also be easy to misplace sunglasses when you’re on the go, which is why I love a good affordable pair like these.

• 7. Packing Cubes

Even for a quick weekend trip to the city, I love using packing cubes for the sake of staying organized and saving space in my luggage. I always travel carry-on only and these definitely make that possible!

• 8. Toiletries

This toiletry bag makes an appearance in nearly every travel related post I do. It is that good and popular among PPF readers! Check it out here on Amazon.

• 9. Weekender Bag

Love this bag! It is the perfect amount of space for a three day weekend trip to the city. It has a bottom compartment, intended for shoes, and a top tote section for clothing & packing cubes!

• 10. Camera

If you won’t be using your phone for pictures, don’t leave home without a camera for your weekend trip. Although it might be a quick trip, you’ll be glad you took pictures along the way.

Outfits: Packing for a Weekend Trip List

From my travels over the years, I have learned the most efficient way to pack a wardrobe it to packs items, rather than outfits. Pack only coordinating and neutral clothing items to ensure you always have an outfit available and create the most looks from items you bring. This will avoid over packing.

Here are 12 pieces (including sunglasses) that can create at least 10 different outfits! This allows for quick outfit changes to go from day to night during your trip. Easily change out your top or bottoms and create a whole new look!

The capsule shown below is perfect for warm to cool weather. If travelling in warmer weather, swap out the pants for shorts and the jacket for another top!

Tip: Layer the sweater OVER the dress and cinch the belt over the sweater for a chi sate night outfit.

Black Tee  //  Jeans  //  Great Walking Sneaker  //  Crossbody Bag  //  Sunglasses  //  Dress  //  Lightweight Sweater  //  Faux Leather Leggings  //  Striped Tee  //  Belt  //  Sandal  //  Moto Jacket

 

Seasonal Items: Packing for a Weekend Trip List

Spring – Poncho or umbrella, rain boots, waterproof shoes, lightweight utility jacket.

Summer – Bathing Suit, Lightweight clothing, sun hat.

Fall – Layering Sweaters, Scarf, and extra Jacket!

Winter – Extra Layers, Heavy Coat, Warm Boots, Hat, Gloves, Scarf, & Hand Lotion for dry skin!