As a native New Yorker, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring everything the Northeast has to offer — whether it’s traveling for weddings, weekend girls’ trips, camping, or just a quick hiking escape from the city. Now that fall is officially here, I’m itching to fit in more three-day weekend trips to enjoy the weather and famous East Coast foliage. But, such trips require a strategic packing list to travel light and cover all the bases for what my trip itinerary must entail.
Below, I’m sharing my ultimate three-day weekend trip must-haves that guarantee a smooth, comfortable, and all-around fun getaway. These 15 travel essentials are all conveniently available on Amazon and include everything from clothing and shoes to versatile travel bags and accessories. I’ve also thrown in some of my favorite spots so you can have the best weekend trip.
Essential Layers for Ever-changing Temperatures
Since I’m a Long Island girl at heart, let’s kick things off with two of the easiest and most convenient trips from New York City: Greenport and iconic Montauk. They are just as magical in the fall as they are it is in summer — but without the crowds. Both are just a short three-hour train ride east, and you’ll find yourself in a charming seaside town with breathtaking water views, boutiques, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat. When it comes to packing for Long Island’s ever-changing weather, layers are essential. During the day, the temperatures are usually warm and comfy, but once the sun starts to dip, it can get chilly fast. That’s why I recommend packing a versatile layer that will keep you comfy throughout the day.
Amazon Essentials Women’s Long-sleeve Fleece Quarter-zip
This Amazon Essentials top-seller has almost 4,000 five-star ratings. It’s perfect for layering, whether you’re hopping between art galleries or shopping down Main Street. It’s available in so many gorgeous colors and has inclusive sizing so everyone can find their perfect fit.
Mountain Hardwear Women’s Granite Peak Long-sleeve Flannel Shirt
In my very humble opinion, this Mountain Hardwear top is the perfect flannel. It’s made from cozy, 100 percent cotton that’s so soft and warm without being too heavy and bulky. I love pairing it with jeans or leggings for a casually comfy but put-together look that fits the bill for grabbing a drink at a casual brewery or hiking along cliffside trails.
Sampeel Long-sleeve Sweater Dress
This lightweight sweater dress strikes the sought-after balance of comfort and style. It pairs easily with accessories like cat ears or a witch’s hat for an impromptu costume when visiting another place I adore for fall weekend trips: Salem, Massachusetts. The breathable polyester fabric ensures that you won’t overheat during the day while the spandex-rayon blend gives the relaxed-fitting dress a comfy stretch and swing. Did I mention it has pockets?
Lillusory 2-piece Matching Set
Another in-demand pick from Amazon, this two-piece matching set is ultra-flattering and easy to mix and match, making it a must in your carry-on. The soft, cozy fabric keeps you warm without being too bulky or boxy. Plus, this set is simple to pack and doesn’t wrinkle easily; it works well for both lounging and casual outings, and it can be paired with other tops, skirts, blazers, or pants to double your outfit options.
Packable Pants for Any Occasion
Speaking of pants, these are what I’m packing this season when traveling. Since fall is all about soaking in foliage, one of my favorite spots for leaf peeping is Upstate New York. Over 2.1 million people flock here each fall to explore its hiking trails, art galleries, boutiques, and cozy coffee shops. Because there’s so much to do, I always pack a pair of active leggings (or two or three) and versatile cargo pants that I can mix and match with various tops to get the most out of my limited carry-on space.
Libin Cargo Hiking Pants
For a day of exploring here, I always opt for comfortable yet practical pieces, hence why the Libin Cargo Joggers are a must. They’re made from durable polyester with a hint of stretch à la spandex, so they remain lightweight, breathable, and perfect for all-day walking and exploring, particularly when you’re on a quick weekend trip to Beacon, New York as I was and hiking, visiting antique shops, and enjoying delicious farm-to-table food was on the agenda.
Baleaf Fleece-lined Crossover Flare Leggings
Another great travel pants option is Baleaf’s Fleece-lined Leggings. I love these because fleece lining keeps me warm in chilly climates without sacrificing comfort or breathability. Unlike most leggings, these uniquely feature side pockets to hold small essentials like your phone and wallet. Plus, their water-resistant fabric makes them perfect for hiking to waterfalls or spending time outdoors in the rain.
G4Free Wide-leg Yoga Pants
I absolutely adore pants that look dressy but are just as comfy as sweatpants. Case in point, the G4Free Wide-leg Yoga Pants. At first glance, they could pass for trousers with their high-waisted and wide-leg silhouette — but they’re actually yoga pants! They offer a supportive amount of compression, stretch, and shape so you can wear them with everything from workout tops and sweaters to blouses.
Versatile Autumnal Travel Accessories
When it comes to accessories, it’s easy to overpack. But, trust me, you’ll thank yourself for streamlining your packing list and only bringing the essentials on your next weekend trip. Versatile footwear is a must, which is why I reach for trail running shoes that also double as casual walking shoes. A sling bag with lots of pockets also comes in handy when you’re going from the trails to lunch. And, in the true spirit of fall, you can’t skip a cozy scarf or reliable baseball cap.
Brooks Women’s Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoes
When exploring a new city or hiking gorgeous trails I never skimp on shoes (your ankles will thank you). My go-to pair is the Brooks Women’s Cascadia 17 Trail Running Shoes as they’re built for all kinds of terrain — rocks, roots, concrete, you name it. The cushioned midsole supports and absorbs impact, keeping your feet comfortable even on longer walks and unstable hiking, and the sleek exterior makes them stylish enough to wear with casual outfits so you don’t have to pack multiple shoes. Pair them with the Anlisim Wool Hiking Socks and you’re ready for any adventure.
Coach Multicolored Check Muffler
Another favorite quick getaway spot of mine is Newport, Rhode Island. While the summer can draw huge crowds, fall and spring are the real hidden gem times to visit. Here, the mornings and evenings can get a bit chilly, so I always pack a scarf. I’m constantly getting compliments on my oversized Coach Multicolored Check Muffler. It’s super soft and warm, but what I love most is how classic and versatile the colors are — it’s the perfect addition to any outfit, whether worn traditionally or draped across my shoulders like a shawl. Plus, it’s lightweight, easy to pack and toss in my purse when the temperature warms up during the day, and plush enough to double as a makeshift pillow on road trips.
Banelu Sling Bag
Packing space is usually limited on weekend trips, which means you can’t bring multiple purses and bags with you. If you’re like me and constantly go from trail to town, you’ll want a versatile travel bag like the Banelu Sling Bag. It’s spacious enough to hold everything you’ll need for your hike and boasts an elevated exterior that makes it stylish enough to carry around as your everyday purse.
NPJY Baseball Hat
To get the most out of a short trip, I like to pack my itinerary with as much as I can: hiking, browsing local bookstores, kayaking, wine tasting, and so on. This means I’ll be spending my time both indoors and outdoors, so I like to sport a baseball cap to protect my eyes from the sun and keep my hair tame after a day of walking around. This vintage-inspired style at Amazon is $8, made with breathable cotton, and will go with any outfit in your weekender bag.
Miscellaneous Must-haves
Lastly, here are a few packing essentials and travel accessories you will need regardless of your weekend trip destination. These add-ons not only ensure that everything you need is organized and safely stored but that you can enjoy your trip without any hiccups.
Harp and Ra Extra-large Canvas Weekender Tote
As the name suggests, this tote has room to spare when packing for a weekend trip. It’s become my go-to for all my trips as its spacious main compartment effortlessly fits my clothes, toiletries, snacks, and even a book or two. The heavy-duty canvas material is impressively sturdy and I never have to worry about overpacking it to the point that the handles give out. I’ve taken this bag everywhere, from beach trips to local hotels, and even international Europe adventures, and it’s held up beautifully with no signs of wear). It’s one of those bags that’s both practical, timeless, and perfect for wherever your next adventure takes you.
Hotor Travel Toiletry Bag With Hanging Hook
Speaking of bags, let’s talk about one I can no longer travel without: a good toiletry bag. I absolutely love this one from Amazon-favorite brand Hotor. It’s super compact yet surprisingly spacious, with multiple compartments, mesh pockets, and zippered sections that make it easy to find what I need without digging through my suitcase. I can keep my shampoo, razors, toothpaste, makeup, and even jewelry all neatly separated and organized.
The best part might be the attached hook. It’s such a smart feature that lets me hang it literally anywhere, especially when I’m staying in a place without much counter space, like a tent or camper van.
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle With Straw
Traveling with a water bottle is a surefire way to save money on your next weekend trip. Whether you’re out and about hiking, or just lounging in your Airbnb, this popular water bottle keeps your drinks cold for up to 24 hours (and hot for 12), which means you’ll never have to worry about lukewarm water during a long day. It features a leak-proof design, making it super carry-on and travel-friendly. The FreeSip straw is the cherry on top; I never have to unscrew caps or awkwardly tilt the bottle. The stainless steel is so durable and built to last, yet the water bottle is incredibly sleek and compact to fit easily in my backpack or car’s cup holder.
Vrurc Portable Charger Built-in Cables and AC Wall Plug
Last but certainly now least, arguably the most important thing to pack for your weekend trip, is a portable charger. Like all of us, I heavily rely on my phone when I’m traveling; it’s how I book reservations, snap photos, Google attractions near me, and of course, get myself around via GPS. This genius Vrurc portable charger never leaves my bag if I’m heading out for a long weekend trip, commuting to work, or just running errands. It’s compact and hardly adds weight to my already overpacked bag.
The multiple plug options also make this a standout so it can power up several devices like my phone, tablet, or laptop at once. With this in my bag, I never have to worry about running out of battery when I’m on the go.
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