Whether you plan on exploring the streets of Paris or lounging on the beach in Ibiza, weekend trips are great ways to get out, reset, and refuel. A small trip can be filled with adventure and relaxation. However, they’re also traps for over-packing. There’s something about knowing that you’ll only be gone for a weekend that triggers you to get carried away and dump your entire life into your suitcase. Packing mainly depends on your destination and personal style and usually, I’d say there aren’t any hard rules for it. But when it comes to avoiding bringing your whole wardrobe to Italy, here are a few tips for stress-free summer packing for a weekend getaway to Europe.

Plan Things Out

Planning outfits ahead of time is a great time saver and also reduces the “what if” worry that often comes up with traveling. Plan what you are going to wear around your weekend itinerary. Think about all the places you may be going to and the things you may do and plan accordingly. For example, you may want to have an outfit for a nice dinner, a leisurely museum visit, and tours around the city. Don’t forget about the weather. My suggestion would be to first make a list and plan out possible outfits on paper. When you do this, you’ll want to keep the temperature of your destination in mind along with the appropriate footwear. Next, try all the outfits on and narrow it down from there. Since it is just a weekend, I would limit the number of outfits you bring so you can avoid checking a bag.

Pack Smarter Not Harder

Because your trip is only a couple of days, aim to pack smarter not harder. This means that as you plan your outfits, you want to make sure you pack versatile items that can be worn in multiple ways and more than once. For example, you may want to bring a mid-length cotton dress that can be worn with comfortable sneakers during the day while you walk through museums and nice sandals in the evening for dinner. So essentially, adding a different pair of shoes and accessorizing can take that outfit from day to night in no time. One-piece bathing suits are great because sometimes they can double as a top. Another clever strategy is to wear the same outfit to and from the airport.

Keep It Light

Summer in Europe is hot. Some places get temperatures over 100° and A/C isn’t common, so staying cooling while still keeping your luggage light is a must. Try bringing light fabric shirts like cotton and linen. They won’t burden your suitcase and can be dressed down with shorts during the day and dressed up with a skirt and nice sandals in the evening. Dresses are great options for the summer in Europe as well. They’re off-the-rack outfits and they keep you cool. Wide leg pants in a hemp material or cotton are a great alternative to jeans for the summer.

Less Is More

When it comes to makeup and accessories for a weekend trip to Europe, less is more. Avoiding bulky items, only carrying your essentials, and keeping your looks minimal will help stop your face from melting in the hot sun and will make getting ready a breeze. I like items that can double as other things, for example, a cream blush that can also double as an eyeshadow. Make sure you’ve got all your essentials in 3-ounce travel-size containers and always pack a small mirror so you can touch up on the go.

Traveling light may not be easy but it is possible. Make a list and plan accordingly. Do you have any tips for packing for weekend getaways?