My favorite kind of vacation is a short trip that ranges from 3-4 full days at a destination. This is a time for you to stay stateside but visit somewhere you've never been with more flexibility than you'd have on a regular weekend getaway. You can make it a long holiday weekend, extend your break from work, jet off in the middle of the week, or any other combination of days you choose to be gone. In theory, the world is your oyster. However and whenever you travel, I encourage your vacations to be at least 3 full days long- fly in early on your first day, fly out late on your last- and enjoy everything your new destination has to offer. 

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That being said, it can make packing a bit trickier. However, with practice and patience, you can be a master packer in no time. Here are my little pieces of advice for you. 

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MAKE A LIST

Back to the lists. There's nothing I can say that I didn't say in the weekend getaway "make a list" section other than YOU SHOULD BE DOING THIS. Spreadsheets, word documents, phone notes, pen and paper, just make the list. They can be detailed or minimal, extensive or brief, just do it. 

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How do I pack for a 3-4 day adventure? Here's how it be sometimes: 

• 6 pairs of socks, underwear, bras (sports bras and one nice bra)

• Pajamas 

• Jacket conducive to climate or season (lined rain jacket for the mountains, windbreaker for the Midwest/South, etc.)

• One sweatshirt for the hotel, Airbnb, or airplane cabin

• Two dress outfits (usually a dress and nice wedges, obviously seasonal)

• Two casual outfits (NOT Nike shorts/leggings, typically jeggings, a solid t-shirt, and a cardigan with chucks)

• Four pairs of black leggings

• Five shirts (long sleeve or short sleeve, etc.)

• Two pairs of shoes not worn on the plane (usually Chacos and Chucks)

• Two swimsuits, or other activity related clothing (Hiking boots/shoes, tennis shoes, Chacos, etc.)

• Toiletries/Cosmetics: toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shampoo and conditioner, dry shampoo, skincare routine, comb, body wash, travel makeup (small brush set, travel or sample size cosmetics), hair dryer, jewelry

  • If I'm flying with only a carry on, I stick with travel size products. If I'm flying with a checked bag (shouts to Southwest because that bag flies FO' FREE​) I'll bring everything I need for a full look, full size products included. 

• Contacts and solution

• Phone charger

• Laptop and charger

• Headphones

• Bag for dirty laundry

• Backpack as a "personal item" (flying only) 

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DOUBLE CHECK TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

I am a meticulous planner. Hotels, rental cars, and reservations are made well in advance to allow for modifications. I'm also extremely anxious before trips. A week before I leave, I make sure to double check all of my travel arrangements. I call hotels to verify reservations, contact Airbnb hosts to see if there have been any changes or if I need to modify my stay, I check with rental car companies to ensure that I have the appropriate pick up and drop off times, see where they are located in the airport, and make sure I have the correct plan selected. 

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DOUBLE CHECK THE AREA YOU'RE VISING FOR CONSTRUCTION, DETOURS, AND DELAYS

There is absolutely nothing worse than arriving to an area and fighting with construction, events, detours, and delays. I've been there... leaving an airport in construction is a nightmare. Finding alternate routes in a city you've never been to can be awful. It's very easy to check the area you're traveling to and near where you are staying to make sure that alternate routes are available and easily accessed. You should also check with construction or closures near the airport and make modifications as needed. 

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Also check your flights the night before and the day of! 

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PACK EARLY

Notoriously last minute for absolutely everything, packing early is the bane of my existence. Typically, I don't do this. Maybe a day before. Recently, I've made myself start packing 3 days before my trip. The earlier you pack, the more efficient you are able to be. When you're not rushing around, you have the time to make sure you've packed everything on you list, ensured that you know exactly what you want to bring, and you can prevent over packing. Double and triple checking my bag is something that eases my anxiety, but I'm not able to check the later I pack. In my recent experience of being an adult and packing like an adult, forgetting something I'd need has not happened as frequently. 

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DON'T TRUST YOURSELF TO REMEMBER LAST MINUTE

I'm forgetful. I've gotten somewhere without my phone charger at least fifteen times, left my laptop on the kitchen table or forgotten to turn off lights or electronics before leaving several times. My tip? Turn off your wax warmers, extra lights, etc. the night before. I don't trust myself to remember to do this as I'm rushing out the door last minute. Same with my phone charger. Have an extra? Pack your 10ft. charging cord the night before and use your spare to charge at night. Same with your laptop- pack it the night before. You can sacrifice one night, right? Typically. 

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