One of the benefits of being an empty nester is the ability to travel any where, any time. What are you waiting for? Pick a destination and plan a weekend getaway (or what the heck, a week day!) and go have some fun. Girls weekend? Check! Guys golf trip? Check! Couples beach trip? Check!
Let us help make getting away easy with our tips on what to pack for an empty nester’s weekend getaway.
With our weekend packing lists, you can quickly pack your bags and head out at a moment’s notice! Get your empty nester weekend getaway on your calendar (and don’t forget to call the dog sitter).
Megan’s Weekend Getaway to the Shore
We spend a lot of weekends (especially in the summer) on the eastern shore of Maryland. My husband grew up in Easton and since it’s about a two hour drive from Washington, DC, we head over the bridge often. Over the years I’ve gotten good at weekend getaway packing and now that I don’t have to make sure my kids have their bathing suits and more than one pair of underwear, packing for an empty nester weekend getaway has gotten a lot easier!
Where to Go for an Empty Nest Weekend Getaway
Road trips are great last minute getaways. No flights to deal with, just hop in the car and GO! An empty nester road trip is the perfect excuse to bring some friends along. It’s usually summer when most people think to head over the Bay Bridge to the Eastern Shore, but fall and spring are equally beautiful and arguably less crowded.
- Easton, Maryland is centrally located on the eastern shore of Maryland about 45m over the Bay Bridge. The Tidewater Inn is a spectacular hotel located in the heart of downtown Easton.
- St. Michaels, Maryland gets a lot of pub as a sailor’s dream. A quaint town with a picturesque main street filled with shops and restaurants. The Inn at Perry Cabin is one of the most charming hotel experiences you will ever have.
- Oxford, Maryland is for those looking for less touristy and more of a “locals” experience. This tiny town surrounded by water has quiet streets with a few shops, seafood restaurants and some of the best ice cream you’ll ever eat. Pro tip: Schedule your visit on a weekend when they are hosting a Fire House Breakfast. You will not be disappointed!
What to Pack
Start with a color story. Once you know your activities for the weekend and the weather (are your playing golf, biking, boating or headed to a fancy dinner?), pick your favorite outfit and go with that color theme. Blue and white – khaki, white and black – pink and white – orange, light blue and white – lavender, white and tan are a few of my favorite combos this summer. Pro tip: Each item you pack should go with AT LEAST one or two other items you are packing. Think of it as a mini-capsule.
For a long weekend on the shore, here’s what I’m packing:
- 1 swim suit and cover up
- 1 jean short
- 1 t-shirt
- American flag sweater
- cream cotton pants
- short cotton day dress
- fancy-ish evening dress
- 1 exercise dress
- sneakers and sandals
- a light jacket
- straw hat, sunscreen and my sunnies
- clutch as purse and packing in my boat and tote beach bag
- And don’t be like my kids and forget your pajamas and undies!
Shop Megan’s Packing List
Christa’s Weekend Getaway to the Beach
My ideal weekend getaway is any place warm and sunny with a comfy chair by the pool or beach, and a good book to get lost in. The days are filled with lounging, and nights are filled with sunsets, drinks and delicious food. Easy livin’ for empty nesters!
Where to Go for an Empty Nest Weekend Getaway
If you’re looking for some place warm and sunny, here are three destinations my husband and I have been to and highly recommend, all with direct flights from the DC area. When you’re planning a quick getaway, start by looking for anyplace you can fly direct–saves time and it’s just so much easier.
- The Flagler Club at The Breakers in West Palm Beach, FL is a boutique hotel within The Breakers resort, with 21 suites/rooms on two private floors, offering the ultimate in service and amenities. Catch a quick direct flight here and get chauffeured to the hotel in the Flagler Club car.
- Aqualina Resort in Miami, FL is known for it’s impeccable service. It’s upscale Miami at it’s finest! Read my travel guide here. Lots of direct flights from DC to Ft. Lauderdale or Miami.
- The Cloister in Sea Island, GA oozes Southern charm and hospitality, plus they offer an array of activities and dining experiences, all on the Sea Island property. Read my travel guide here. We fly direct into Jacksonville and rent a car.
What to Pack for a Weekend Getaway
When it comes to packing for a weekend escape, I’d start by revisiting my early spring wardrobe essentials. These versatile pieces are perfect no matter where I’m headed! To mix things up, I added a couple of new dresses. And since this getaway is all about poolside relaxation, I made sure to pack not one, but two swimsuits. After all, a little variety never hurts when soaking up the sun!
For a long weekend at the beach, here’s what I’m packing:
- 1 comfy travel/lounge outfit
- 1 day dress (for outings) paired with sneakers
- 2 dresses
- 2 blouses
- 1 white pants/denim
- jacket
- shapewear shorts for under the dresses
- heel sandals
- 1 raffia clutch or crossbody
- one “set” of jewelry
- sunglasses
- 2 swimsuits + coverup
- flat sandals or flip flops
- pool tote, Kindle, sunscreen
Shop Christa’s Packing List
And if we haven’t convinced you to plan a weekend getaway, this might. Here are “6 Ways a Weekend Getaway is Good for your Health.”
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