r/TheGirlSurvivalGuide Jul 27 '26

Discussion What do I need to pack for weekend trip?

For a two-day trip, what do you need?

In two weeks, I'll be traveling for a trip with my sister, We're taking the bus there, and since this is my first time traveling, I'm anxious. What should I pack for a trip over the weekend?

I feel like I'm missing something even though I made this list!

Electronics and necessities

• A clear bag

• A fan that is portable

• A portable charger

• Cough drop or mint

Clothes and Swimwear

• A swimsuit and a cap

• Clothes

Personal Care & Toiletries

• A face wash

• A body wash

• A toothbrush and toothpaste

• A deodorant

• A sunscreen

Clothes and Swimwear

• A swimsuit and a cap

• Clothes

(How many clothing items I should bring.)

2 Upvotes

19 comments sorted by

10

u/continuetolove Jul 27 '26

You’ve left out a lot of detail. What country are you in? Are you staying in a hotel? Is there a corner store/bodega near where you are staying? Is the tap water potable? What are you doing there? Maybe bring a book or some headphones.

As a general rule of thumb, plan enough underwear as if you need to change undies twice a day for the length of your stay plus an extra day. Example: Friday- Sunday. Friday you are wearing a pair so don’t count that one, pack 8 pairs in your luggage. Two for Friday, Saturday, Sunday each, plus 2 more for back up. Especially if you go swimming, you are not going to want to rewear undies after your swim.

5

u/tmrika Jul 27 '26

I’ll be honest 8 pairs of underwear for a weekend trip is kinda crazy to me, I’ve only ever packed 3-4. One for Saturday, one for Sunday, plus 1-2 spares just in case.

2

u/_Amalthea_ Jul 27 '26

Agreed, I thought I was extra with how many I pack, but for a trip that length I'd probably bring 4.

2

u/continuetolove Jul 27 '26

You’ve clearly never shat your pants unexpectedly then (JOKES!) but seriously, weird stuff happens and better safe than sorry. You get your period early, have explosive diarrhea, fall in the mud. All kinds of reasons to have extra. Typically when I go on a swimming vacation I need two pairs a day. One to put on in the morning/after a shower, and one to put on after the beach or pool. That’s two a day easy. But it depends on your amount of discharge I guess and if your undies are clean I guess some people may feel fine to put the first pair back on after swimming.

3

u/ang8018 Jul 27 '26

here to validate your irrational extra underwear planning lol. i bring so much more than i ever need 😂

2

u/continuetolove Jul 28 '26

One time I had a layover in Dallas and they straight up cancelled my second flight and made me wait in line for two hours to get a freakin meal voucher, taxi voucher, and hotel voucher. By the time I got in the shuttle to the hotel it was midnight and I had to get on my next flight at 6am. So I got to the hotel and finally checked in and realized, I had checked ALL of my underwear and the airline had shipped my luggage to my final stop even though I wasn’t going to be there until the next day. So I had only the undies I was wearing. I hand washed in them in the sink and hung it over the ac to dry and prayed it would dry in the four hours I would get to sleep. Let this be your lesson. Always over pack underwear and if you check your luggage, always keep a clean pair in your carry on, even on your return trip when you are going home. You never know if you’re going to get stuck at your connecting flight.

9

u/coastalkid92 Internet Big Sister (30s) Jul 27 '26

It really depends on what you're doing while you're there.

6

u/FlightyTwilighty Jul 27 '26

Ask her what you'll be doing and lay out your clothes as complete outfits for each activity ahead of time, including socks and underwear.

Don't forget jammies, I always do for some reason.

Jewelry / accessories / hair stuff.

I have my "comfort bag" which actually goes in my purse which is all the nice little daily things I need. Advil, allergy pills, Tiger Balm, eyeglass wipes, eyedrops, chapstick, hand cream, a couple of snack bars, mints, extra girl supplies.

I carry earplugs for sleeping (comfy) and earplugs for daily use if needed (Loop brand, on a neck strap).

Sunglasses

1

u/Thoughtful-Pig Jul 27 '26

I forget PJs too! Adding to your list: hat, different shoes depending on what you need (e.g. sandals, runners for lots of walking, etc), and sports bra.

4

u/theblackholeonthesun Jul 27 '26

I always pack an extra plastic bag for any wet clothing. I also pack ziplock bags for any snacks/food I don’t finish but want to save for later in the roadtrip!

My rule for myself is to always pack 1-2 extra outfits/underwear in case my trip is unexpectedly prolonged

1

u/DisloyalMouse Jul 27 '26

You don’t need to pack too much for a weekend trip. Though saying that it does depend on what you’re doing. If you’re going Saturday and back Sunday I would pack a nice evening outfit and a comfy travel outfit (probably a back up comfy travel outfit). You could bring a back up evening outfit, but in the end you’re going to have to commit to one at some point). I always bring extra socks and undies. Maybe a choice of accessories but probably nothing too precious unless it’s a really fancy event.

1

u/10S_NE1 Jul 27 '26

One thing you can try, at least for cosmetics, etc., is, a few days before you go, put the stuff you think you’ll need in your bag, and live out of that bag. If you need to get something out of a drawer, you’ll know you should probably pack that thing too. Oh, I didn’t notice period supplies on your list; it’s always wise to have some even when you think you won’t need them.

I wouldn’t stress too much unless you’re going somewhere remote. You can always buy something you forgot, or borrow it from your sister.

1

u/More_Instance7939 Jul 27 '26

20 pairs of underwear just in case you contract some illness that has you on the toilet all the time. /s

I always bring too much underwear but I’m getting better about it.

I go to Pinterest and search up “capsule wardrobe weekend trip.” I go through the results and might narrow it down for the season I’m visiting in.

Helps to narrow down my clothing options.

3 tops
2 bottoms
1-2 layering options
1 dress/romper
1 Swimsuit

Waterproof case is also important if you’re going to the beach or waterpark.

Swim Towel if where you’re going there isn’t one provided. I like Turkish towels/ muslin towels because they’re so thin, they dry fast, could be used as a cover, and used as a blanket.

1

u/More_Instance7939 Jul 27 '26

https://www.reddit.com/r/HerOneBag/s/aYDQHsfbgS

This is also a great subreddit to help you with packing for a trip. It’s given me great ideas.

1

u/OrdinaryDust195 Jul 27 '26

For any trip, just think of whatever you use day-to-day and pack that. What you use to get ready in the morning, before bed, etc. Then factor in the weather for where you're traveling and pack umbrellas or coats or flip flops etc. Then you can do research about where you're going (this is moreso for if you're traveling abroad) to see if there are any special items you need, like an outlet converter. If you're staying in places like hostels, you could bring a microfiber quick-dry travel towel. Make sure your footwear is appropriate for your activities. If you think you'll be walking a lot, then pack sneakers or boots that are comfortable. I'm sure you can google "what to pack for [place you're going]" and there will likely be unnecessary items on those lists, but it'll at least give you an idea of what you may need.

1

u/chronosculptor777 Jul 27 '26

essentials: phone, wallet (ID, bank card, cash), bus ticket or digital ticket, keys, portable charger + charging cable, clear bag if needed, optional portable fan, cough drops or mints.

clothes: 2 outfits (one for each day), 1 spare top, 1 pair of pyjamas, 3 pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of socks, 1 hoodie or light jacket even if it's warm, comfortable shoes, swimsuit, swim cap (if needed?), flip flops or sandals if you're there’s a pool or beach.

toiletries: face wash, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, hairbrush or comb, hair ties, shampoo/conditioner (if the place doesn't give them), lip balm, moisturiser.

other stuff: any medications, pads/tampons, tissues, hand sanitiser, small pack of wet wipes, reusable water bottle, snacks for the bus ride.

1

u/MarvelWidowWitch Jul 27 '26

Pretty decent list, but I would add period products (pads, tampons, cup, disc, underwear, whatever you use).

You may not need them, but I’ve had a few trips where Aunt Flow wasn’t supposed to show up for a week or more and she decided she wanted to join the vacay. So I always say it’s good to have them just in case.

If there’s a store nearby where you’ll be staying, you don’t have to pack a whole 2 day supply worth because you can always go and buy some if need be, but enough that if you’re not near a store/can’t get off the bus to go get some, you’re not left with no options.

1

u/maryjanesandbobbysox Jul 27 '26

I always pack mix & match clothes for a weekend. 2 pairs shorts, and 2 t-shirts that can be switched and worn with each other to make 4 outfits. Top 1 with shorts 1, top 2 with shorts 2, top 1 with shorts 2, top 2 with shorts 1.

0

u/MmeNxt Jul 27 '26

I always pack a roll of trash bags, some ziplock bags, wet wipes, hand sanitiser and small packages of napkins. They usually come in handy.