I love short breaks away – especially staycations. I rarely go on long, lavish holidays anymore, instead opting for a weekend here and a few days there in different parts of the U.K (although if I had the means to, I definitely would treat myself to a lavish holiday somewhere nice!) However I’ve learnt that the packing process of a short break or a weekend away isn’t any less stressful than any other holiday. You’ll still forget something. You’ll still pack too much and hardly wear any of it. And you’ll always pack for the wrong season, with the unpredictability of the U.K weather. But where’s the fun if something doesn’t at least go a little bit wrong?! Today I’m going to share some of my ultimate essentials for a weekend away!
Clothes
Leggings: A chilled weekend away will always require leggings at some point or another. I always pack a pair or two of my comfiest ones so I can really relax in the hotel / cottage or wherever I’m staying.
One nice dress: But only one. You’re not away for long enough to need fancy clothes all the time but you never know where you might end up!
Basic, loose-fitting t-shirts / vests: These are perfect for layering (so you can add more or less, depending on the weather) and you can also make them look nice but be super comfy at the same time!
Bedtime
Fluffy socks: To wear in bed to reach ultimate snug-ness, of course!
Hot water bottle: Chances are, wherever you’re staying, there will be a kettle in the room so I always take a hot water bottle in case it’s chilly! (These are also super handy to have for any other emergencies, such as unexpected period cramps)
Cosmetics
Perfume: I always take my favourite perfume away with me. I was recently sent this handy Twist & Spritz* which allows you to pour a little bit of your favourite into this smaller container. Perfect for your handbag or just to save space!
Rosehip oil*: An oil like this is super handy to take with you because it’s small enough to not take up much room and it also has multiple benefits, including helping with dry skin and insect bites. And I don’t know about you but I get bitten to sh*t in the Summer!
Micellar water and cotton pads: The micellar water I use is kinda big but I still don’t go anywhere without it. It has too many uses not to! I can use it to take my make-up off with and give my face a quick clean if I’m in a rush.
Lip balm: This one speaks for itself. When you’re travelling or outside a lot on holiday, your lips can take a battering. Last year, I was away for 2 days and my lips got burnt. I didn’t have any lip balm. The pain.
Misc.
Tweezers: So goddamn handy to keep in your bag cos you never know when you might need tweezers for something! These Rubis tweezers are a Swiss brand who manufacture high quality products and you can certainly tell by using these. They make tweezing (is that a word?) quick, easy and steady. Not necessarily pain-less, depending on where you’re using them but they’re definitely of a higher quality to most tweezers you’ll buy in the shops.
Antihistamines: I suffer with hay fever really badly in the Spring and Summer but I always carry some antihistamine tablets with me, just in case.
A book: I mean, obviously.
What are you absolute essentials for a short break? Any weird items which you don’t leave home without?
Products marked with a (*) were sent to me
If I actually went anywhere, my essentials would be very similar to yours. 🙂 x
I love the Twist and Spritz atomiser – I have a cute pink one x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
We go and stay with my in-laws a lot and I always take fluffy socks and a hot water bottle! x
It’s so cosy! 🙂 xxx
I have never thought about taking a hot water bottle away, such a good idea!!
Haha well now you know 🙂 xxx
Oh my days, you’re the first person who actually packs a hot water bottle! I take mine with me everywhere! Rain, snow, blazing heat…it’s coming with me! That and my hair straighteners 🙂
So do I haha I love a hot water bottle it’s so cosy 🙂 xxx
I love having a pair of comfy socks! I also like to pack tweezers, micellar water, cotton wool pads and my make up bag. I also love having a good book with me. I like to have at least one dress with me and then a comfy t-shirt and some jeans. Oh and a hoodie too.
Clem xx
http://www.clemloves.co.uk
Ooh yeah a hoodie! Always nice to be cosy 🙂 xx
These are such great things to pack, tweezers are something that I always forget. Think I need to get a few extras to scatter in different travel bags and cases!
abigailtalksabout.com
They can go missing pretty easily, extras would be a good idea!
These are really good things to pack! I always pack a lot of clothes, but never skincare items although I should start doing that from now on
Wow really?
Love the fluffy socks idea – the floors in hotel rooms can be so cold! I’ll definitely pack some next time I go away. Thanks for the tip
They certainly can!
I’m impressed with your organisation. I think I might just use your list next time I go away. 🙂
Go for it! Print it out if you need too 😂
I agree with all of these being so important! I’m so bad at remembering everything though, I have to make a list the day before packing.
Vicki | http://www.missviclb.co.uk
I always make a list 🙂
Love this list so much! Fluffy socks are a must for me too, I just don’t feel the same without them!
Alys xxx
Same, they’re so cosy!
Super helpful post! My list is usually pretty similar, except it contains a loooot more books. I try to take my Kindle away or my packing becomes 90% paperbacks haha xx
Megan // https://www.pixieskiesblog.wordpress.com
I always take my kindle when I’m away to save space on books!
I love this! I’m always an overpacker, so I really need to work on narrowing things down to just the essentials. Definitely yes to the leggings, though! I cannot stand uncomfortable clothes, and so in the colder months, I pretty much live in my leggings. They’re perfect because you can dress them up or stay casual. I cannot wear socks to bed, though. My feet feel to claustrophobic! 😂
But how can you sleep with cold feet?! I love leggings too I definitely live in them! xxx
Haha my feet are usually on the warmer side to begin with, but I can sleep much easier with colder feet than hot ones! 😂
Hair ties are a must have for me, and I always seem to forget them. So I started stashing a few in my wallet since I have one of those duo coin purse/wallet things and never have change. Our last trip I always had a hair tie for when I needed it and I was so grateful.
Oh my god yes! I HATE not having a tie when I have my hair down xxx
it’s like you tell yourself I don’t need that and then suddenly its windy or rainy and your like “shoot, where is it.” lol every time
perfect choices!!
Thank you 🙂 xx
Great tips! Leggings and a water bottle are both a must for me! Keeping comfortable and staying hydrated!
Yep me too! Nothing worse than being uncomfortable on holiday xxx
Definitely!!
Yes to the leggings! I always make sure to take my own water bottle so you arent always buying drinks when you are out.
Yep I always carry a water bottle too! And find places to refill 🙂 xxx
I always overpack for a weekend away. I need to keep these tips in mind.
So easy to do! xxx
Yes to fluffy socks! I always pack a pair when I’m going away. A hot water bottle is a good idea! I’ve not thought of that before but that would be so lovely if you’re away in Winter and it’s chilly in the room! This has made me want to go away for the weekend, I love short breaks just for a few nights xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Hot water bottles are so handy cos some rooms can get very chilly! xxx
Good list and never thought of taking a hot water bottle. I’ve recently really started to pack less although struggle with shoes (heels, trainers, flats…). Also, always take a hairdryer which is bulky, even a travel one. Thanks. Ax
Ah it’s worth checking if the hotel you’re staying in has hair dryers! 🙂 xx
Socks in bed!! That’s one thing I can’t get on board with.
I think my only essentials are jammies and a good book.
Because how can you sleep with freezing cold feet?!?!?
OK a hot water bottle is an excellent idea! The Twist & Spritz looks so handy and would save so much space.
I take “capsule” makeup and skincare, usually hylauronic acid, rosehip oil, and some factor 50, maybe a bb cream and mascara. I’m good at fitting everything I need in a single backpack haha.
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Wow you’re like Mary Poppins! I always downsize my make up when I go away though 🙂 xxx
That or I don’t want to drag a suitcase around haha. I’m good at minimal travelling, did two nights/three days in London on a backpack in June.
Weekends away are something I very rarely do, don’t know why because they sound so great. You can’t go wrong with taking a hot water bottle, that is something I’d forget but regret the most about forgetting it.
Rebecca Elaine x
Bloody awful when you’re in a hotel room and it’s FREEZING! I hate the heat but being too cold sucks as well xxx
Tweezers are always a must when it comes to going away! Tweezers are 100% necessary!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
They’re sooo handy! xxx
Most of this is stuff I was supposed to pack for the holiday I’m on but forgot 😂😭 this is a great post and for whatever reason I love reading posts like this all the time ❤️
Oh no hahaha! This post came slightly too late 😂 xxx
Yesss to all of this (except wearing socks in bed, haha, sorry!). I love rosehip oil so much, it’s so good for your skin and it always leaves me feeling great. I really need one of those Twist & Spritz things too, I never take perfume away with me as it’s so bulky but that looks amazing. I’m also like you – I overpack. Although usually, it’s too many books, not too many clothes!
Beth x
Perfume can be really heavy can’t it! Whaaaat how can you not wear socks in bed when it’s cold! I can’t sleep if I have cold feet 😂 xxx