One of my very favorite things to do is travel with my girlfriends. Those friendships are so incredibly important to me and I never pass on an opportunity to spend time together exploring new places, trying new restaurants and wine, and catching up. Some of my favorite trips have included a weekend in Chicago, St. Augustine, New Orleans, and locally at Fearrington Village. These are core memories for me and those trips are always just what I need to refill my cup! Here is the ultimate girls’ weekend packing list with 15 essentials you’ll need!
The Ultimate Girls’ Weekend Packing List: 15 Essentials You’ll Need
Sunscreen:
You know you won’t catch me without sunscreen no matter the season or situation. I use this one as part of my morning skincare routine and this is my go-to body spray. For traveling, I like this set, especially since it comes in an insulated bag.
Snacks:
We always make a pit stop at the grocery store on the way to get situated and pick up snacks, drinks, and other items we need for our time together. I always look forward to this for ways to find new, healthy snack options while also grabbing old favorites, like Cheetos.
A Good Book:
I never travel without a book or two. This is fun to swap with friends while on a trip or to leave in an Air BnB or a local Free Little Library. If I run out of books, it is a great way to find a local, independent bookstore to explore and pick up another one. Looking for beach reads? Check out this post with some of my favorite reads from the summer. Here is a full look at my reading list.
Mini Portable Speaker:
For any time in open areas, whether it is at a park or the beach, this mini portable speaker comes in handy! We also use it on our front porch as well.
Reusable Water Bottle:
This is a great travel water bottle that can be used for other beverages as well. I try to avoid using plastic water bottles, so this size in particular is my go-to for traveling. It also keeps coffee hot if we go for a walk in the morning and wine cold in the evenings.
Travel Cell Phone Charger:
Regardless of whether or not my phone holds a charge well, I still like to have a portable cell phone charger just in case. This one is a great option and I keep it in my travel bag at all times.
Make-Up Wipes:
I love these wipes, and they are great for traveling. I especially like that they are individually packaged, making them easy to keep in my bag.
Large Tote:
The Lo & Sons O.G. bag is my go-to bag for traveling. It’s an easy tote to throw my purse in as a carry-on and it has so much space. I also use it for road trips since it has padding for my laptop. I bought mine in 2014 and it is still in great shape!
Instax Camera:
This camera is just *so* fun for creating postcards from trips with your friends.
Mini Toiletries that Multitask:
While I don’t like to bring my entire toiletry collection, these are a couple of my favorite products I bring this hydrating face spray and this Rose Salve. The spray is a great makeup setter plus helps keep my skin hydrated, while the Rose salve is a great option for an undereye cream, for scrapes, blisters, etc.
Non-Breakable Stemware:
This affordable option is great for traveling and if you lose one, you haven’t broken the bank with some of the more expensive versions. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors and could be fun to personalize for friends.
Wine:
Here are some of my favorite, affordable wines!
Versatile Outfits:
If I am flying, I only pack a carry-on, so I pack light with pieces that can work with lots of other options.
Versatile Purse:
I love this bag for summer and this one as my go-to tote bag with an insert. I also bring this Lululemon crossbody bag with me.
Bathing Suit/Laundry Bag:
The one thing I do not like about traveling is the whole dirty clothes thing. This bag is perfect for keeping them separate and is also a great option for still-wet bathing suits.
Unisom:
While I pride myself in my ability to sleep, the first night or two of sleeping somewhere new can be a struggle. I took a Unisom while I was in St. Augustine and I slept well, felt well-rested, and rejuvenated for the day ahead.
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What are some things you never go on a vacation without? Share in a comment below!
This post was originally published in 2019 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2023.