To avoid routine and monotony in life, we try to escape from it as often as possible – the easiest way is to change the environment. Even a weekend can be enough to return with new strength and ideas. True, such trips are more challenging to plan if we are going with the whole family. However, if you stock up on the most important things, such a trip will give everyone in the household an unforgettable experience. This time, we will discuss the main things needed for a family weekend trip packing list.

Preparation tips for a family weekend 

Before planning a list of the most important things, you should consider a few tips that will help you make it more manageable:

• Consider the weather. Even in different cities in our country, weather conditions can vary significantly, so you should check in advance what the weather is forecast for the weekend of your trip. This will make it easier to decide on future activities and the things that will travel with you. For example, when preparing to fight the scorching sun, you should have sunscreen inside your vanity. Hats will also be handy, and clothes can be thinner and more open. However, if you have to deal with precipitation, an umbrella or a waterproof jacket will be handy.
• Find out what awaits you upon arrival. When going away for the whole weekend, you should also consider where you will stay with the entire family – depending on your chosen place, the list of things in it will also vary. Suppose you are not going to sleep in a tent. In that case, you will likely be greeted by towels, essential hygiene products, a hairdryer, and other similar attributes that will no longer need to be placed in the trunk. However, if you are unsure about specific items, you should contact the accommodation and find out this information in advance – this will help you plan your future list of things more accurately.
• Make a list of the most important things and tasks. Even a weekend getaway can be stressful for the family. You can forget a few essential things when packing at the last minute. To avoid this, list everything you want to take (see below). It’s even better to list the most important tasks you must complete before you leave – for example, turning off the iron or other electrical appliances. Then, when you leave the house, you can recheck this list and feel much calmer throughout the trip – and you’ll likely be able to rest even better.

Essentials

Below are the essentials that will come in handy for any family trip.

Clothing

You don’t need to pack half your wardrobe for a weekend getaway. Still, it’s a good idea to have a few outfits for different weather conditions (even if the forecast says otherwise). Younger, more easily soiled children may need more. Clothes should be easy to match, and footwear should be as comfortable as possible. Don’t forget your underwear: unique underwear bags are especially suitable for storing it. You can store clean underwear in one compartment and dirty underwear in the other to ensure maximum hygiene.

The most important cosmetics

You shouldn’t go on a weekend trip without a cosmetic bag to put your face and body care products. It should contain makeup products, shower gel, toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, and conditioner – although if the accommodation facility has specified otherwise, some products can be omitted. However, if your children have more sensitive skin, it is a good idea to take the same products you use at home. Linen cosmetic bags are especially suitable for such trips, as they are sturdy and practical. You can choose several different sizes, making it easier to stay organized.

Water and drinks

Regardless of how you travel and for how long, you must have a water bottle and snacks to offer hungry children. This will avoid unpleasant scenarios when they ask for food when there is no store nearby. These can be pre-chopped fruits, nuts, cheeses, or other foods they like and eat conveniently. It is best if you also take care of bags in which you can put the leftovers that are not entirely eaten—this will avoid wasting products.

First-aid measures

Car travel can be more relaxing since this vehicle already has a first aid kit. However, you can supplement it with disinfectant liquid, plasters, and pain and allergy relief medicines. During the summer, you may also need mosquito repellent, especially if you plan to spend more time in the forest or other places where you are more likely to encounter these bloodsuckers.

Entertainment for children

Make sure that the trip is not too long for the children – then it will be much shorter for you, too. A tablet, books, or children’s favorite toys can brighten the trip. You can also think about games you can all play together in the car. Relaxing on the beach and playing various outdoor or water games are worth taking care of, as they will ensure even more fun. In other words, you hope your children will not run out of enjoyable activities – the whole trip will go much smoother.

Personal belongings

Finally, it remains to pack smaller but no less important personal belongings. Ensure you have taken your phone and its charger, headphones, watch, sunglasses, favorite jewelry, and essential documents. When traveling in our country, it will be enough to have a driver’s license, but if you decide to cross the border, you will also need an identity card or passport and perhaps tickets and other documents. Also, think about how you will capture the moments of this short trip: usually, a phone camera is enough, but a separate camera may sometimes be needed.

Depending on the destination and your needs, this list can be supplemented with other important attributes, but having these will prepare you for many situations. Don’t forget a good mood—with a cheerful attitude, even the most complex problems can be solved much more easily. A positive outlook will make your family trip more enjoyable and memorable.