Let’s face it, the best weekends away are the ones where you step off the train or out of the car already relaxed. That’s much easier when the packing’s been done properly. Nobody wants to spend the first evening of a break hunting for a charger, or the last morning sitting on a bursting case trying to force the zip shut.
With winter getting closer and the festive season not far behind, plenty of us are thinking about a cosy break somewhere. Here are five simple tips to help you pack well and travel light for your winter weekend escape, whether you’re heading to a country hotel, a city break or a snowy cottage.
1. Choose a Bag That Suits the Trip
The bag you pick shapes everything else, so it’s worth thinking about before you start. A wheeled case is fine for airports and smooth pavements, but it struggles on cobbles, country lanes and the steps of a railway station. A soft holdall with a decent shoulder strap is easier to carry, simpler to stow and happier squeezed into the boot of a small car. Many people like travel bags made from leather, which are heavier than nylon but age well and cope with the occasional scuff, and they suit a hotel lobby as well as a station platform. Whichever you choose, make sure you can carry it comfortably up a flight of stairs. A quick test is to fill it, lift it onto a chair and walk once around the house. If you’re wincing by the kitchen, something needs to come out. It’s also worth checking the size limits if you’re flying, since a bag that’s fine on a train can be a problem at the departure gate.
2. Pack in Layers
Winter weather is rarely predictable, and hotels can run hot or cold. Layers solve most of the problem. A few thin tops, one warm jumper and a good coat will do far more than a pile of bulky knitwear. Stick to a limited colour palette so everything mixes and matches, and choose one pair of shoes for walking and one for the evening. If there’s a spa or pool on the itinerary, add swimwear and a small bag for damp items. Don’t forget the practical extras too: a hat and gloves for a frosty morning walk, thick socks and a scarf that doubles as a blanket on a chilly train. Weigh each item up honestly, and if you wouldn’t wear it twice, it probably isn’t earning its place on your winter weekend escape.
3. Decant and Organise
Full-size toiletries are heavy and take up space you’ll need for other things. Decant what you need into small travel bottles, or check whether your hotel supplies the basics. Keep everything in one wash bag that zips properly and doesn’t leak, and pack chargers and cables together in a single pouch. It’s a small habit that saves a lot of stress when you’re unpacking in a hurry. Rolling clothes rather than folding them also helps, as does packing shoes at the bottom with socks tucked inside, so no corner of the bag goes to waste. If you’re travelling with a partner, share the bulky items between you instead of doubling up on hairdryers and adaptors.
4. Keep the Essentials Within Reach
Whether you’re on a train, in a taxi or standing at a check-in desk, the things you need most should never be at the bottom of the bag. Keep your tickets, phone, wallet, keys, a charger and a snack in a small bag or coat pocket. A paperback is a nice extra on a long journey, particularly when the signal drops, and a folding umbrella can be a lifesaver. A refillable water bottle and a small bag of nuts or fruit are worth their weight too, particularly if your journey includes a long wait or a service that’s been cancelled. Having the practical things to hand means you can relax and enjoy the trip from the moment you leave.
5. Leave Room for the Way Home
The best winter weekend escape often ends with a few extra purchases: a jar of local chutney, a bottle from a nearby vineyard, a woolly hat you couldn’t resist. Pack to about three quarters of capacity on the way there and you’ll have space for whatever you pick up. It’s also a good excuse to travel with less in the first place.
Enjoy the Journey
Travelling light is a skill, and it gets easier the more you do it. Keep a list on your phone of the things you always forget, and refine it after each trip. Note what you didn’t wear as well as what you missed, because that’s how a packing list gets shorter and smarter. Many frequent travellers keep a ready-made wash bag and charging pouch permanently packed, so they only have to add clothes. Before long, packing becomes quick and almost automatic, leaving you free to enjoy the weekend rather than worry about it.
If there’s one rule to remember, it’s this: take less than you think you need. Chances are, wherever you’re staying for your winter weekend escape, they will have a hairdryer, a kettle and a decent breakfast. The rest is a bonus.
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com. Some images supplied
