Caroline's Packing List For A Weekend Getaway

The open road has been calling me lately, especially being back on the West Coast for a spell, and Jeffrey and I are ready for a belated anniversary getaway. It also happens to be Jeffrey's birthday on the 3rd, so I’ve got a surprise trip planned for him that will involve a lot of the simple pleasures we both enjoy together - nature, hikes, swims and good grub. And with a weekend bag needing to cover all the bases, I thought I’d share what I’m bringing along.

When Jeffrey and I travel for fun, we like to keep our days open for whatever we're in the mood for. So when I pack my weekend bag, I focus on a few looks that are interchangeable depending on the weather and activity. For morning hikes and exploring in nature, I packed my favorite leopard high rise leggings, this black bralette and these new sneakers from New Balance. I also knew that a morning hike would likely turn into breakfast or brunch, so to cover up and elevate the look at bit, I brought along this cashmere fringe wrap. 

There are a few accessories that I always have in my bag when getting away for the weekend. This straw sun hat has become a travel favorite for its super versatile style, plus the durable weave makes it easy to pack. And a chic pair of sunnies like the Coleridge from Oliver Peoples are a must. I love how light they are, so they are great for hiking and stylish enough for lunch dates. I also like to have this mineral sunscreen, a matte lip balm like this one and my current favorite deodorant on hand. This trio keeps my skin feeling fresh, hydrated and protected from the sun throughout the day.

For daytime exploring, I packed these cotton shorts. They're perfect for travel because they pack well with no creasing, have a relaxed fit, and are easy to move around in, whether in a car or train for long spells, or boulder hopping. And I still feel like I could hit a nice restaurant for lunch. I love a good stripe and this striped muscle tank goes with so much. When it comes to shoes, these canvas espadrilles are my go-to these days. They pair well with shorts, dresses and jeans, and are comfortable enough for walking around all day. 

Jeffrey and I love trying out new foods, so I knew a birthday dinner out would be on the agenda. I chose to elevate one of my favorite pairs of dark grey jeans with this one shoulder ribbed tank from Bassike and the classic Alexandre Birman Clarita Heel. I’m also grabbing the cashmere shawl again as a wrap to keep the evening chill at bay. And a dinner date with my man calls for my favorite perfume, the No. 9 Perfume Oil from Maison Louis Marie.

My toiletries bag houses all of my very favorite skincare and wellness products, but for a weekend trip, I grab only the essentials. These Ursa Major Face Wipes are individually wrapped and a must when traveling. You can pop one in your purse for after a hike or post swim and they're infused with a formula that cleanses, exfoliates, soothes and hydrates all in one. To help with relaxation and sleep, I like to apply the HAOMA CBD-infused Temple Balm to my pulse points. I also packed the HAOMA body cream, which, to be honest, gets used more when I have time for myself, so I'll be slathering it on religiously all weekend.

I hope wherever this finds you this Labor Day weekend, you're enjoying time with those you love and activities that spark joy. Big Sur checks all our boxes and reminds us why we love California so much. It's also where Jeffrey surprised me with a mini moon, and a place he's brought me to often, so it was about time I surprised him.