a millen-gordon guide to… packing for a weekend getaway
As you might’ve already seen from last night’s vlog, Ali and I escaped to Ireland for a magical weekend away with friends last weekend and left more determined than ever before to make it a regular occurrence… even if Eunice did try to thwart our plans!
You might’ve also seen in that video that packing light isn’t exactly my forté (checking in 20kg of luggage for a two night trip is normal right?!) but there are certain items that come with me on weekend getaways, without fail.
With that in mind, given that travel is back on the cards for so many of us, somewhere above the clouds en route to Ireland, I decided that I’d write a guide to packing for a weekend getaway on my return…
In case it’s helpful for you later down the line, that is!
Without further ado therefore, I present to you my packing list essentials:
The classics…
I won’t lie, when we get the chance to escape for a weekend away these days, there tends to be little room for spontaneity because trips come hand-in-hand with various briefs. That being said, I like being prepared for all eventualities regardless, so classic items like crisp white shirts and blazers that can be dressed up or down always find their way into my bag. At present, I can’t get enough of the new boyfriend shirt from my latest collection with Karen Millen – the perfect shirt for an afternoon of sightseeing or a chic cover up on the beach. This blazer by Khaite was a timeless investment that keeps on giving. And this Altuzarra shirt dress does no wrong in my eyes. It also happens to be called Lydia… meant to be!
The coatigan…
Any item of clothing that can keep me cosy when we’re 14,000 ft up in the clouds and double up as a chic cover up for exploring a new city will always get my vote. With that in mind, a coatigan will always feature somewhere on the packing list. For me, no-one hits that brief better than Lauren Manoogian. Especially at this time of year when the weather likes to keep us on our toes!
The bags…
When space is limited, you can’t underestimate a bag that goes from ‘handy sightseeing crossover’ by day to ‘elegant looks the part’ clutch by night, with ease, so my Lady Dior Mini comes into its own when I’m away. On the flight itself, I carried my Hermes Birkin as hand luggage last weekend (because there’s only so much you need with you on a 50 minute flight!) And as for my main luggage? My TUMI case has been by my side for years now and is sturdy but lightweight so allows for extra outfits… and shopping!
The haircare…
Had you asked me this time last month what styling tools I’d pack in my suitcase, I would’ve listed my Diva tongs from Amazon or GHD barrel without fail. Yet since discovering Silkenberry’s heatless curls kit a few weeks back, my enthusiasm for both has cooled down somewhat (… see what I did there?!) Not only is Silkenberry proving better for my hair in the long-run but if we’re being purely practical about packing, it weighs less and can be crammed into any awkward gaps in your case too!
The swimwear…
Whether I’m escaping to the sunshine or a countryside manor in the midst of one of the worst storms on record (!), somewhere with a spa or access to a pool for post-activity R&R is always favoured… Which means that flattering swimwear is never forgotten. For years, I struggled to find swimwear that both looked and felt good… until I laid my eyes on Arabella London that is. With cup-sized bras that add much-needed support and high waisted knickers that hold in any holiday food coma-induced bloats (!) it’s my go-to for flattering and fashionable bikinis.
(That being said, I fell head over heels in love with the print of this swimsuit and bikini set from Visual Mood so have a feeling that they too will become a staple in my holiday packing going forward!)
The loungewear…
Pre-pandemic, I was travelling abroad on an almost monthly basis so got well-versed at hopping from home to destination and back on repeat. But these days, travelling feels a bit more foreign (pun very much intended) so cosy loungewear that I can snuggle up in helps me to zone out. Naturally, this cashmere hoody and jogger set from Karen Millen is my go-to for ultimate comfort but I also like any good leggings with an oversized sweatshirt. “Where from?” I hear you ask… Adanola, Gymshark and TALA, of course!
The vitamins…
Last time I went away for a few days, I forgot to pack my daily vitamin gummies and by the end of the trip, my skin looked lacklustre and my energy levels felt low. With that in mind, as soon as I put two and two together and realised the missing link, I promoted my gummies to travel non-negotiables in an instant! Granted, if you pack them all, they’d take up valuable space that could be used for duty free spending sprees (another travel non-negotiable, let’s face it!) so I tend to count out the exact number I need and pop them in one of these travel pots from Amazon.
Which vitamins do I take? Novomins, Hairburst and WellWoman, without fail!
The pillow spray…
The hotel we stayed in last weekend was honestly one of the most incredible stays of my life (thank you Carton House!) but we’ve all been to hotel rooms that feel unfamiliar and cold. For that reason, a good quality pillow spray is a ‘must pack’ in my eyes. (The trick being that you use it at home pre-trip so it instantly feels comforting while you’re away!) This Perfect Sleep pillow spray by Aurelia London is hands down my favourite at the moment. That being said, Carton House provided this one from Aromatherapy Associates and it was a very welcomed addition to an already perfect stay.
The accessories…
Finally, my Smythson passport cover and Aspinal of London travel wallet are always nearby and help to add a little luxury and order to the mountain of paperwork needed to fly at the moment! Be it my PCR results, boarding passes or passport itself, ensuring that all of my documents are in order before I get to the airport, helps to make my travelling experience that bit more stress-free.
