Summer’s here, and that means it’s time for vacations to the beach, road trips, and other weekend adventures! Maybe you and your girlfriends are jetsetting to Cali, or perhaps you’re driving down to south Texas with your family like I am…

Whatever the case, packing for these short weekend trips can be confusing. You don’t want to overpack, but you also don’t want to arrive at your destination unprepared.

If you’re unsure of how to pack for those 3-4 day vacations, look no further.

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Table of Contents

Step 1: Pick Your Bags

The first thing you need to do is decide on a set of bags to bring. I recommend the combo above: Weekender + Purse + Cosmetic Case. Ideally, everything will ultimately fit into your biggest bag – the weekender.

Weekender bags are my favorite things ever because they’re just big enough to feel like a small suitcase, but can easily be slung over your shoulder. I’ve heard excellent things about the one above from Everlane, but I also swear by my Catalina Deluxe from Lo & Sons (it’s got a separate shoe compartment, which is awesome).

Next, you’ll want a purse large enough to carry your essentials during the day. This bag is separate from your weekender because you really don’t want to be lugging around your big bag all day (trust me).

Finally, somewhere in your weekender should be your cosmetics case, which you can easily dig out when you return back to wherever you’re spending the night.

Step 2: Pack Clothes in Your Weekender Bag

Your clothes go directly into the weekender bag, unless you want to roll up your swimsuit and put it in your purse if you’re going to a beach destination.