How to Pack for a Long Weekend

“When you figure out your suitcase, you figure out your life.” – Diane von Furstenberg

Bonjour!

This weekend, I am visiting Mes Parents in Vermont. They recently retired from central Illinois to Middlebury and I haven’t seen their new cottage yet. The bad news is that L’Husband and Le Chien can’t join me on this trip, malheureusement, but we’ll all get to visit Vermont together soon.

The good news is that I get to pack and therefore make a list, two of my favorite activities (after sleeping and eating, bien sûr). Today’s post covers why I prefer to carry on and what I will take in my suitcase. Stay for future posts on my travel scrapbook and other travel tips.

Why I Always Carry On

I prefer to carry on when I fly for several reasons, not least of which because I can’t fathom paying even more money for the luxury of bringing my things with me on top of already exorbitant flight prices (quelle horreur!). I also find it more convenient en route (no extra hassle to check in a bag or collect it at baggage claim) and at my destination (a smaller vessel means less stuff to worry about). And, finally, I like to keep an eye on my things. No getting stuck, say, without a suitcase on the first day of your honeymoon in St. Lucia due to a missed transfer in Miami (le sigh).

And so, I carry on. For a four-day trip to Vermont in August, I will need casual but chic ensembles for hot weather and outdoor activities. My draft packing list includes tops and bottoms that mix and match, a sundress for an evening out, and the fewest pairs of shoes that work with the most outfits. (Three is usually a good number.)

Final Packing List

• 1 pair black ankle pants
• 1 pair blue jeans
• 1 pair palazzo pants
• 5 shirts
• 1 sundress
• 1 pair pajamas
• 1 white jean jacket
• 1 pair black sandals, 1 pair cream sandals, 1 pair hiking sneakers

On a Roll – How to Pack a Carry-On Suitcase

While what you take on any long weekend trip, whether for business or for pleasure, is important, how you pack it is even more so. Rolling clothes is the most effective method I have tried. It keeps clothes tidy and less wrinkled and creates extra space for other items like shoes and a toiletries bag.

To roll, I fold an item in half longways first and lay flat on a flat surface. Then I start rolling the item from the bottom to the top like a crêpe. Depending on and item’s size and width, you may need to get creative (e.g., a suit, maxi dress, or). After rolling all items, I take my crêpes and put them in my carry-on. This time, I had plenty of room for shoes, toiletries, and a lightweight robe.

What is your preferred packing method? Do you like to carry on or check baggage?

Merci for reading and please subscribe and share!

Amitiés,

Katie