Now that the summer travel season is in full swing, your social media pages are filled with envy inducing photos from all over the world.  When your vacation time is in short supply but your wanderlust is incredibly high, a weekend getaway is the perfect way to get in on the fun.  It is essential for these quick trips to travel lightly, pack smartly, and plan accordingly for the weather and activities for your destination.  Follow these guidelines to be sure your only worry is staying camera ready for the weekend.

Tip 1: Don’t over pack- There is nothing worse than lugging a heavy suitcase around, and the luxury of a weekend trip means that you don’t have to.  Pack only what you need in a weekend bag, the smaller and often cuter counterpart to the bigger bag you’re used to.  These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so do your research to choose the one that fits your needs.  Here are a few highly rated favorites:

• TLS Mother Lode Weekender (ebags)- You will be amazed at how much this backpack will hold. And its affordable price tag and durable material is a win-win, especially when you pair it with the ebags packing cubes.  Stay organized and keep your hands free with this award winner.

• Vera Bradley is known for its stylish and colorful handbags, but this brand also offers top ranking luggage and accessories. Their large duffel bag is lightweight, but still has plenty of room for what you need.

• For a more traditional wheeled bag, try the Kenneth Cole 16 in. upright carry on. Its durable hard shell exterior is surprisingly lightweight, and holds just enough for the weekend.  As an added bonus, this size perfectly meets the strict requirements of most airlines. 

Tip 2: Be weather ready-Know what to expect before you go, especially since your luggage space is rather limited.  It’s better to be prepared with rain gear, comfortable shoes, and layers than a bag full of things that you will never wear.  Summer weather can often be unpredictable, so be sure to pack what you need.

Tip 3: Keep your camera handy, you never know when inspiration will strike.  Many new cameras come with Wi-Fi capabilities meaning you can easily share those photos instantly without having to plug in to your laptop first.  And, as a bonus, if you are always the one behind the lens, the Wi-Fi feature allows you to use your Smartphone as a remote, meaning you’ll no longer be missing from all the shots.

Tip 4: Charging matters.  Keep your cords organized and all in one place with a simple storage solution.  The market is flooded with options, so consider your own collection of electronic devices and find one that best fits your needs.  Ranging in size from small to large, these handy bags will keep your stash of chargers, batteries, and wires safe while you travel.

Tip 5: Multi-tasking is a must.  Choose clothing that can be versatile. Plan your pieces that are easy to mix and match, and will work for both day and night.  Use your accessories to dress up your outfits. Save room in your luggage for an extra pair of shoes by choosing items that can be worn more than once. Plan on purchasing a dedicated travel case for your jewelry, most have small dedicated sections for rings, bracelets, and necklaces to keep your pieces safe and tangle free while you travel.

Tip 6: Slip in a separate bag for your dirties.  While this may seem self explanatory, as many of us are chronic over packers, having a dedicated space to keep your unmentionables is the best way to keep things smelling fresh until you get home.

Tip 7: Don’t forget the sunscreen!  It is super important to use a good SPF sunscreen daily, even if you aren’t going anywhere near the beach.  Protect the skin you’re in, and don’t forget to reapply often.

Tip 8: Go light on your toiletries.  A weekend trip is not the time to bring your entire beauty regimen.  Stick to the basics and keep it simple. Be sure to include a good dry shampoo, travel size hairspray, and your favorite facial cleanser.  Hotel soaps can dry out your face, so don’t forget your favorite moisturizer to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy while you’re gone.

Sometimes you just need to get away, and taking a weekend trip is one of the best ways to renew your spirit and refresh your mind.  Though your time will dictate how far you can wander, you can be sure that these packing tips will make it easier to get out the door. Keep it simple, and keep your decision making limited to choosing which photos are Instagram worthy.