The song says that “girls just wanna have fun,” and the best way to accomplish that is a getaway weekend with your best gal pals. Discover the girls’ weekend essentials you need to pack—from a bottle of vino to your favorite bikini—to help make all the fun happen on your next girls’ trip.
Ladies, is there anything as fun as a girls’ getaway weekend? We think not. There’s just something magical about taking a vacation with your closest friends and leaving your cares at home. No relationship drama here, please and thank you! That said, packing for a girls’ trip can be daunting, but whether you’re planning an action-packed city weekend, a relaxing jaunt to the beach, or a more adventurous getaway like a camping trip, there are some standard girls’ weekend essentials that you need to pack. So before you hit the road with your besties, check out this girls’ trip packing checklist—and find out how to fit everything into your bag!
1. One Roomy Weekender-Style Bag
You’ll probably be sharing a hotel room or cramming into a vacation rental, so make a pact to bring one bag apiece to save on space. Picking the right bag for a girls’ weekend is essential: You want one that’s roomy and full of storage space, but no bigger than a carry-on—especially if you’re carpooling to your destination. The Cargo Hauler Duffel will definitely do the trick: With zip-away backpack straps, you can switch between a duffel and a backpack as your needs dictate. If you’re planning on making your girls’ getaway a shopping trip, toss this Packable Duffel in your bag—you can use it to haul home your new purchases!
2. Packing Cubes
There’s only one way to keep your girls’ weekend essentials organized in your bag: Fill it strategically with packing cubes in various sizes, from a large packing cube down to an XS packing cube. Pack your clothes and swimsuits in compression cubes like the Pack-It® Isolate Compression Set to save space, then use dedicated cubes for things like your shoes and toiletries—keeping any dirt or potential leaks safely away from the rest of your things.
3. Simple Clothes
If you’re going to the beach—a classic destination for a girls’ weekend—or somewhere else that’s hot, hot, hot, here are some wardrobe ideas.
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Your cutest swimsuit
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A few sundresses in a material that won’t wrinkle
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An adorable cover-up
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A pair of shorts
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A couple of coordinating tanks (one casual and one dressy)
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Flip-flops
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One nicer pair of shoes for hitting the town
Heading somewhere chillier? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
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A warm coat
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A warm sweater
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One pair of jeans
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A dress (and tights!)
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Chic booties that can be dressed up or down
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A sparkly shirt for a night out
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A hat, gloves, and scarf
4. Sustenance
Even if you plan to go to restaurants, it’s always a good idea to have some food and drinks on hand to enjoy between meals. Toss a bottle of wine or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage in your bag (unless you’re flying, in which case you’ll have to get it when you arrive). Tell each of your friends to bring her favorite variety as well, and have your own happy hours in the evenings! And snacks are a must: Coordinate with everyone to bring a few goodies apiece, and you’ll be fully stocked. Don’t forget the makings for s’mores to be consumed around a sunset bonfire if you’re at the beach or on a camping trip!
5. Entertainment
Make sure to bring a deck of cards: You can easily slip it into your bag’s pocket, and it’s perfect for late-night entertainment. And check ahead with your lodging to see if they have a DVD or Blu-ray player, or even a way for you to connect a streaming device. If so, bring along a crowd-pleaser movie like Magic Mike that will have your whole group cheering. Make a playlist on your phone or tablet, and have it queued up for impromptu dance parties in your pajamas.
Packing these girls’ weekend essentials and keeping yourself organized with our smart packing tips allows you to focus on the important stuff: having fun and bonding with your friends. Now, get ready to have the time of your life with your besties!
Related Links (from Eagle Creek blog):
Girls Getaway Ideas: Outdoor Adventure in Costa Rica
