I'm a Professional Packer-These Are My 10 Hard-and-fast Carry-on Rules for Quick Trips and Weekend Getaways

"Packing for a short weekend getaway is deceiving. On the surface, it seems simple. You just need a couple of outfits, pajamas, and one or two pairs of shoes. If you're traveling by plane, you certainly don't need to check a bag; if you're traveling by car or train, you might be able to get away with just a spacious backpack."

"Because it appears to be such an "easy" type of packing process, many travelers make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to throw everything in their bag and go. But as a travel journalist and the founder of the Just Packed newsletter, I can tell you that's where they go wrong. Packing for a short weekend trip actually requires the same (if not more) planning and organizational practices as longer trips."

"Remember: Your luggage real estate is limited-you don't want to be that person hauling in a massive suitcase to the cabin weekend-and there's a good chance you're packing a lot of activities into a short period of time. Brunch, hiking, cozy afternoons, swimming, maybe a night out or two... You feel pressured to bring an outfit for every possible scenario."

Short weekend getaways require deliberate packing and organization despite appearing simple. Limited luggage real estate and packed schedules create pressure to bring outfits for many activities. Waiting until the last minute leads to overpacking and unnecessary items. Prioritize a secure, high-quality duffel bag or backpack with pockets and padding to protect contents and stay organized. Choose versatile clothing that can serve multiple activities like brunch, hiking, swimming, and evenings out. Plan outfits and essentials ahead of departure, cull extras, and focus on function and compactness to maintain room and reduce stress during short trips.

Read at Travel + Leisure