What to Pack for a Romantic Weekend
Do you want to get away with your sweetheart for an extra-special weekend? Then the most important part of preparation is packing — because, let’s face it, last-minute romantic adventures require a lot more than just grabbing some clothes and running out the door.
If only we could pack our entire closet for a romantic weekend trip, right?
Trust us, we know the struggle of having to pack light, but at the same time, ensuring that you have all your favorite outfits so that you feel confident and prepared for any occasion. Well, lucky for you, we’ve got all the packing tips PLUS advice on all the other packing essentials you’ll need for an unforgettable romantic weekend getaway. Check it out!
Whether you’re craving a city break, some beachside bliss, or a secluded mountainous retreat, your weekend packing list should correspond with the unique backdrop of your romantic getaway. From attire and gadgets to toiletries and romantic extras, here’s a comprehensive packing list to make sure your romantic weekend away is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
Clothing Essentials
Maybe the most difficult (and most important) part of packing for your weekend getaway is determining what clothes to bring. Depending on the location and season, you want to make sure you prioritize the essentials that keep you warm, dry, and comfortable WITHOUT overpacking (we’ve all been there!).
For example, if you’re planning a wintery escape to the mountains, pack warm sweaters, fleeces, and down jackets. If your romantic trip is a beachside adventure, bring plenty of light clothing and sunglasses.
No matter the weather, here is a checklist you can use to help you make sure all of the essentials are accounted for:
Packing Essentials
The Basics
Tops: Tank tops, t-shirts, and long sleeves.
Bottoms: A pair of jeans, shorts, and a flowy skirt
Outerwear
A versatile jacket (dress up or dress down) & your favorite cozy sweater!
Nice Outfits + Accessories
For any fancy dinners or special occasions along the way! Hats, scarves, a belt, jewelry, and a shoulder bag.
Toiletries and Personal Care Items
Toiletries can be tricky to get through airport security, so it’s best to find the perfect balance of keeping this basic while also being prepared for anything that comes your way. If you’re flying, using travel-size containers will help you avoid any potential issues at the gate (and you can use them for future trips, too!).
A few essentials we suggest are:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant and your favorite perfume or cologne
- Makeup items (if you like to wear them!)
- Hairbrush and haircare products
- Razors, shaving cream, tweezers, and lip balm
- Sunscreen or bug spray (depending on the location)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Birth control (wink, wink)
Romantic Extras
Now for the fun part, filling your bag with all the romantic extras that will make your weekend getaway an extra-special one! Here are some ideas on what to pack for a romantic weekend that’ll add a bit of spice to your trip:
- Scented candles and/or incense
- Massage oils
- Rose petals
- A couple’s activity book
- A special bottle of wine or champagne (+ bottle opener)
- A Polaroid or disposable camera
- Bubble bath
- Sexy Lingerie
- Chocolate or your favorite dessert
- A romantic Spotify playlist
- A surprise gift for your partner
Travel Documents and Essentials
The last thing you want is to show up at the airport without your passport or ID, so double-check that you have all the proper documents before you leave.
Some travel essentials you’ll want to make sure are packed in an easily accessible bag include:
- Passports & IDs
- Flight/train tickets and confirmation numbers
- Cash and credit cards
- Travel insurance information (if applicable)
These important items can easily get lost or disorganized without the proper systems in place. If you or your partner are notorious for losing or misplacing things, consider investing in a passport and travel document holder to keep everything organized together.
For digital documents/emails, we recommend storing them in a secure cloud-based system (like Google Drive) or in a special folder in your email account for easy access.
Most important packing tip: Airlines are getting greedy these days, and depending on the type of ticket you buy, many airlines are now charging for carry-on roll-aboard luggage. Look closely at your ticket type and the airlines’ luggage policies. The better idea is to make use of a backpack that can fit most of your items, like clothes, toiletries, laptops, or tablets. Even if it’s the same size or bigger than your roll-aboard, they most likely won’t charge you. It’s stupid, I know.
Snacks and Drinks
Adventuring can be hard work, so it’s important to stay hydrated and fueled for the journey. Bringing your own snacks and drinks (if able) will not only save you money but provide you with the perfect picnic opportunity! Here are some ideas for inspo:
Drinks: a bottle of wine, sparkling water, your favorite tea, and a thermos for hot drinks
Snacks: trail mix, chocolate-covered strawberries, cheese & crackers, protein bars, and hummus & veggies
With all these items packed, your romantic weekend getaway will be a complete sensory experience that you and your partner can enjoy together!
Electronics and Gadgets
Go-go gadget romance! Some of the most important items to pack in your weekend bag are your electronics and chargers. Keep in mind that if traveling abroad, you may need an adapter for the outlets there. Check the list below to make sure you have all the necessary items before you hit the road with your sweetie:
- Phone: It may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget your phone in all the excitement!
- Chargers: You’ll want to make sure you have the right charger for your phone and any other devices you’re bringing.
- Portable Speaker: For all those romantic dance parties!
- Power Bank: In case you need an emergency charge or two.
- Headphones: For when you want to watch movies on the flight without disturbing other passengers.
- Camera: To capture all the special moments!
When bringing your pricier gadgets anywhere, it’s a great idea to have a place where they stay safe and secure. Consider investing in a protective case or bag for extra protection during your travels.
Entertainment and Relaxation Items
It’s always good to fit in some downtime during your romantic vacation — it’s a great way to wind down and bond with your partner.
Here are some items that will help you relax during your stay:
- Books or magazines
- Puzzles, a jigsaw or crossword
- A deck of cards
- A journal for writing about your experiences
- Coloring books
- Games: cards, charades, etc.
- A cozy blanket for snuggling up with your love!
Travel Health and Safety
You never know what can happen when you’re traveling, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Make sure your bag is stocked with everything you’ll need in case of an emergency.
Some items to consider:
- First-aid kit
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Hand sanitizer
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Face masks
No matter how fun and romantic your getaway is, always be sure to practice safety first. Keep all of these items easily accessible in your bag so you can respond quickly in case of an emergency. Have fun, and be safe out there!
FAQ
How do you save the most space in a suitcase?
To get the maximum amount of space in your suitcase, follow these simple steps:
1. Only pack what you actually need.
2. Tightly roll your clothing.
3. Use vacuum seal travel bags to compress clothing.
4. Fill any empty spaces with underwear.
5. Downsize your makeup, jewelry, and toiletry bag.
6. Wear your bulkiest items during travel.
7. Stuff your shoes with socks and toiletries.
What is the 3-1-1 liquids rule?
This rule only applies to those traveling by airplane. To pass through airport security, all liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols must be no more than 3.4 ounces.
What if I want to buy souvenirs while on my trip?
If you are planning to purchase a few knick knacks during your trip, it’s best to set aside some room in your suitcase before setting off to your destination. You could also place your new items in a bag and bring them onboard as a carry-on if you’re able!
Know What to Bring for Whatever the Weekend Brings
Let’s be real here, out of everything you’re bringing on your romantic weekend getaway, the most important is the person you fell in love with. That being said, it’s also important to make sure you have everything else you need for a perfect weekend!
We know you may not need ALL of these items depending on where you’re going, but this checklist is an excellent reference point to help you make sure you’ve got everything you need for a swoon-worthy time away.
Have any other great tips on what to pack for a romantic weekend? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more tips and ideas on romantic weekend getaways.
We wish you and your sweetheart the most romantic and memorable weekend ever. Enjoy!
