It’s every woman’s dream to be whisked away for a romantic break with her beloved. The ideal scenario is where it is a nice surprise, sprung on you at the last minute, so you don’t have time to worry about what to pack. But, if you have been given some notice, or this is a mutually planned trip away, here are some tips to help you pack everything you need for a romantic mini break.

Transportation

How are you traveling to your destination? Are you flying to Cancun for a few days, or catching the train into Canada to stay in Lake Louise?Or maybe your other half is driving you down the Californian coast to a gorgeous rental house on the beach? The reason I ask is that it is very important. Flying restricts the amount of luggage you can take if you are not taking any checked bags. It is also cumbersome to take a large suitcase on the train, as you will have to carry your own bags. However, if you are embarking on a road trip, you are free to throw everything in the car, which makes life easier.

Check the Weather

Romance is a subjective thing. One person’s idea of romantic could be a tropical beach resort whereas another person’s perfect romantic break would involve a cozy log cabin, a roaring fire, and a bottle of wine for two. Unless the final destination is a complete surprise, you should consider the local weather before you start packing.

For example, if your other half is whisking you away to a ski resort for the weekend, where you will spend a few days snowboarding and enjoying some après ski entertainment, warm clothing is essential. However, if you are spending the weekend at the beach, you should definitely pack your best Leilani swimwear so you can enjoy the sunshine.

If in doubt, check the local weather forecast two days before you travel, and if this is a surprise and you have no idea where you are going, ask for a clue as to what to pack.

A Capsule Wardrobe

Ideally, by now you have some indication of your destination and the local weather. If you don’t, it is hard to pack the right things, so we will assume you are all clued up and you just need some advice as to what to pack. 

Your best bet is to pack a capsule wardrobe, which includes items you can mix and match. This will give you multiple outfits, without you needing to take two or three suitcases. It’s easy for celebrities, as they have private planes and an entourage to carry their designer luggage, but you will be restricted to one bag, so you need to pack smart.

You will need casual clothes for the daytime and smarter outfits for the evenings. Take a pair of jeans or shorts for sightseeing and exploring the local shops and visitor attractions. If the weather forecast is hot, a sundress and two or three tops are essential. If the weather is cold, pack a warm sweater and some layers.

Pack two or three dresses for the evening. Easy-care fabrics are best, as these are OK when rolled up into a small bag. A little black dress can easily be accessorized with statement jewelry and heels if you need to dress up for a stylish restaurant.
Take a jacket or coat for cold weather or cooler evenings. You will need at least two pairs of shoes: one should be a comfortable pair of sneakers (or similar) in case you do a lot of walking, and the other should be a pair of heels for nights out. Nude heels are a good choice, as they go with any outfit.

Choose monochrome colors so you can mix and match garments. You can use accessories to add some color, such as a pretty scarf or cute necklace.

Travel Accessories

Aside from toiletries and makeup, take a kindle or iPad for the journey, as you may want to chill out with some music or read for a bit if it is a long trip. If you know your final destination, pack a guidebook. Don’t forget your chargers, too.

Romantic Accoutrements

Since this is a romantic weekend, you should invest in some sexy lingerie for the trip. Give your other half a nice surprise when you get ready for bed on the first night.
Romantic weekends are a wonderful treat. Make the most of your time together and enjoy each other’s company.