We definitely weren’t done with summer just yet so hooray for long weekends! Planning on breaking a sweat? Or, perhaps turning the pages of a book is about as ‘active’ as you’re getting (no judgment!). Either way – there are a few essentials you can’t forget. We’ve rounded up a checklist with the most commonly overlooked items to pack for a long weekend away, plus a few of our handy packing hacks.
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Call us biased but is there a country more beautiful and diverse to be for a long weekend than our own backyard? You can literally drive past rolling vineyards, glistening lakes and world-class beaches all in one day. But, such diversity requires smart packing – you need to prepare for anything and everything, including four seasons in one day.
Don’t forget to pack…
Vitamins (duh)
This is where Vitally shines. No need to pack multiple bottles – just chuck a few vitamin packs into your toiletry bag and away you go.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
…We all know Four Square charges criminal prices
Antihistamines
During summer in New Zealand, no matter where you are, it’s hay fever season. Hay fever can wreak havoc on your holiday so don’t be caught short. Antihistamines are also great to have on hand for any kind of allergic reaction.
Mosquito repellent
On the above, mozzies are also a killer in summer.
Sunscreen
It’s no secret, the sun’s rays are very harsh in New Zealand. Make sure you carry good sun protection (SPF 30-50) and reapply it frequently. Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Collapsible beach bag
It may sound unnecessary but it makes lugging beach towels, books, sunscreen and water bottles to the beach a whole lot easier.
Sunglasses
Deodorant
Mask and hand sanitiser
Don’t forget to pop these in an easy-to-access part of your bag.
Phone charger
Beach towel
Portable speaker
Hat
Skincare
Books
Shampoo and conditioner
Raincoat/umbrella
Playing cards
Hair ties
Clever packing tips
Packing is pivotal. Forget an essential item and you’re left disappointed and scrambling to find the nearest store in your destination. Pack too much and you end up disorganised and burdened with heavy bags. So, we thought it best to revisit the most basic—and most useful—packing rules.
If you haven’t worn it this summer yet, don’t bring it
For some reason, when it comes to going away, we throw in garments we haven’t worn in months. But, without fail, end up wearing the same thing every day…usually a beach cover-up, are we right? 😉
Pack by outfit
On the above, there’s nothing more annoying than struggling to stuff everything back into your suitcase at the end of a trip only to realise you didn’t even wear half the clothes you brought. Think practically about what you’ll wear each day, including underwear and socks.
Pack something warm
In New Zealand, temperatures can skyrocket during the day and plummet at night, so don’t forget a jumper.
Be prepared for wet togs
Chances are you’ll be swimming this long weekend. Pack another bag inside your main bag for wet swimwear.
Plan a menu
If you’re going away to a bach, plan a menu for your grocery shop in order to save money and avoid wastage. Try to buy as much as possible at your local supermarket as regional grocers/convenience stores are notoriously expensive.