Saving & Spending Travel

The Essential Weekend Getaway Packing List

Don’t forget anything important: Double check our packing list before your long weekend away.

By Lindsay Frankel

Edited by Jess Ullrich

Updated Dec. 19, 2024

Whether you’re jetting off to Las Vegas for a long weekend, heading to a destination wedding, or simply traveling for business, you’ll want to make sure you have all your essentials packed and ready to go.

But while it’s important to make sure you have everything you need with you, you also don’t want to overpack, especially given the high costs associated with bringing extra baggage. For a long weekend away, a carry-on bag and personal item should suffice. Experienced packers may even be able to get away with just a backpack that fits under the seat, which most airlines will allow you to bring free of charge.

To ensure you don’t forget any of the important things, we’ve compiled an essential four-day packing list that includes everything most people will need for a long weekend trip. We’ve also provided some suggestions for bags that stand out from the pack, so you can select trusty luggage that will last for many trips to come. Let’s dive in.

Carry-on item

The right carry-on bag helps keep your items secure and can also help you avoid baggage fees. That’s why it’s important to choose a carry-on that meets your needs and fits in your budget. To find the best carry-on bag for you, consider what you’ll need to bring, if you need to pack any valuables, how heavy of a bag you can handle, and any special features that might make your trip easier.

Things you’ll want to pack in your carry-on bag:

Jeans — two pairs
Dress pants — two pairs
Shorts — one pair
Bathing suit — one to two sets
Long-sleeved shirts — two
T-shirts — three to four
- Pro tip: Merino wool t-shirts are quick-drying, easy to wash out in the sink, and don’t retain odors, meaning you can bring fewer!
Undergarments — four to five pairs
Socks — four to five pairs
Dresses — one to two
Dress shoes
Sneakers or walking shoes
- Pro tip: Choose an easily packable pair, such as TOMS or Converse.
Toiletries/makeup
Chargers/adapters
Sweatshirt
Pajamas/nightshirt
Jacket
- Pro tip: Choose something packable with a great warmth-to-weight ratio, such as the North Face ThermoBall Jacket.

Our favorite carry-on brands:

The Standard 35L Carry-On Backpack

Features a 3-in-1 design, so you can choose how to carry it
Ergonomic to save your back
Dedicated laptop pocket to protect your computer
Attaches easily to rolling luggage
Locking zippers
Water bottle pocket
Keeps your items organized
Expands to fit even more

The Away Bigger Carry-On

Lightweight yet durable
Two compartments for separating clothing from shoes and toiletries
Hidden laundry bag
Compression straps
Ejectable battery that can charge your phone five times
TSA-approved lock
Quiet, 360-degree wheels for easy mobility
Available in a variety of colors

The Pacsafe Venturesafe Carry-On

Locking cable
Deluxe locking system
Puncture-resistant and slash-resistant
Compression straps
External attachments for bulk items like jackets or yoga mats
Keeps your items organized
Internal attachments for wallets and keys
Fits a 15” laptop

The GeniusPack G5 Spinner Carry-On

360-degree spinner wheels
Separate laundry compartment
Top and side handles
Keeps your items organized
Compression straps
Push-button, telescoping handle that is rubberized for comfort
Abrasion and water resistant
Very lightweight (only 6.9 pounds)

Personal item

Most airlines will allow one free personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, but you’ll need to make sure it meets your airline’s size requirements, or you could end up paying extra. Airlines have varying requirements, so be sure to check on this before choosing the right bag for you.

Your personal item is sure to stay with you throughout the flight, unlike your carry-on bag, which can sometimes be checked if there isn’t enough space on your flight. That’s why it’s important to keep your valuables in your personal item. You should also pack your personal item with things that you’ll need to access, like your phone, wallet, and medication.

Things you’ll want to pack in your personal item:

Boarding pass
ID/passport
Wallet
Phone
Charger
Laptop
Tablet
Bag with liquids
Bag with jewelry
Extra pair of socks/underwear
Extra t-shirt
Neck pillow
Eye mask
Headphones
Medication

Our favorite personal item brands:

The Peak Design Everyday Sling 5L

Can be worn two ways: crossbody sling or waistpack
Easy to access without removing the bag from your body
Dividers for easy organization
Weatherproof shell
Padded tablet sleeve
Small and lightweight

The Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop Backpack

Clothing compartment
Easily attaches to rolling bag handle
Laptop and tablet sleeves
Weather resistant
Locking zippers
Removable sternum strap for comfort
Water bottle pocket that zips flat
Shoulder straps that can be hidden away

The Away Everywhere Bag

Easily attaches to rolling bag handle
Comes in a variety of colors and fabrics
Removable shoulder strap
Waterproof pocket for an umbrella
Laptop pocket for a 15” laptop
Six interior pockets for easy organization
Hidden phone pocket

The Haerfest Small Travel Backpack

Easily attaches to rolling bag handle
Available in a variety of colors
Padded laptop compartment
Outside pocket for easy access to phone/travel documents
Beautifully designed and attractive

Our favorite credit cards for booking a four-day weekend

Now that you know what you’ll need to pack, consider using one of the best travel credit cards to pay for your airfare and hotel. Certain cards offer rewards you can use to offset the cost of your trip. A welcome offer could even pay for your entire four-day getaway! Beyond that, you’ll also earn points you can use towards future travel and enjoy perks that will make your trip more comfortable. Here are a few of our favorites.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards card is a great card for people who are new to travel rewards. It offers a generous welcome offer, has a relatively low annual fee, and the rewards system is simple. You’ll even get a credit for TSA PreCheck, which can save you time when waiting in line at the security checkpoint.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

For travelers who want to enjoy premium perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is one of the best options out there. New cardmembers can earn a generous welcome bonus that can be put toward travel. With this credit card, you can also enjoy access to Priority Pass lounges, a $300 annual travel credit, and a credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

For the most frequent travelers looking for incredible perks, the Platinum Card from American Express stands out as one of the winning options. It offers great rewards for eligible purchases, along with a $200 annual airline credit. The Platinum Card from American Express also comes with airport lounge access and a credit for TSA PreCheck (five-year plan only) or Global Entry, similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Select benefits require enrollment.

Pack up and go!

With the right luggage and a trusty travel rewards card, your next four-day weekend trip will be a breeze. Pack light to avoid baggage fees, ensure that you have all your essentials so you’re not caught off guard at your destination, and book your trip with the card that will earn you the best rewards. When you travel like a pro, you can stress less and put your energy towards enjoying your time away.

Benefits

Card Details

$0 annual fee
Simple, flat-rate rewards
Flexible redemption options
Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
Apply Now

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.49% - 28.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Bank of <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>America<sup>®</sup></span> Travel Rewards credit card

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Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Annual Fee

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