Weekend away: Your holiday checklist

We know the feeling… you’ve booked a dreamy weekend away and you’re dead certain that *this time* you’re not going to overpack. Instead, you’ll be super efficient and only pack your travel essentials (but you’ll obviously have on-point outfit options for each day). Wondering where to start? Don’t fret, we’ve pulled together weekend-away packing lists for every kind of trip. Seriously, forget that pre-getaway panic, all you need is right here! From our top travel-gadget tips and peak packing hacks to lists on what to pack for your holiday type and verrry big deals on versatile clothing, we’ve got more than just your holiday packing list covered. So, keep scrolling go-getters and save all your concerns for the weather…


Weekend away packing lists

Just because it’s not a two-week trip, it doesn’t mean you can leave your holiday packing list ‘til the last minute. Trust us, from experience, we can tell you it doesn’t work that way. Zero prep = pure panic. Luckily for you, we’ve done a lot of the hard work already… whether you’re jetting off abroad or staying in beautiful Blighty, check out our city, beach and family weekend packing checklists so you don’t miss any holiday essentials off your personal packing checklist.


City holiday checklists

York or New York, it doesn’t really matter – you’re need versatile clothing either way. Think effortless pieces that you can mix and match. It’s the key to packing success and, providing you pack well (i.e. you follow this holiday packing list!), it will cover you for every activity on your itinerary. If only there was somewhere to shop (and save big on) styles that will take you from museums and markets to stadiums and speakeasies… oh yeah, you can cop top cosmopolitan styles right here at TK Maxx – all for up to 60% less*.

Beach holiday checklists

Beach bound? There’s no need to get all tide up with your weekend packing list, just follow our trusty packing checklists. Give 'em a big wave (sorry, not sorry!) Get ready to tick off all the sun-ready staples... yep, from turtley cool sunnies to clam-azing shorts, we’ve got all your beach holiday essentials covered. Bask in big-brand bargains below. And if you’re short of a few pieces, seas the day at tkmaxx.com or in one of our stores – you’re shore to find what you need for a shell of a lot less!

  • Women’s beach holiday checklist

    - Swimwear
    - Sunglasses
    - Hat
    - Beach cover-up
    - Beach bag
    - Toiletries (check out our selection below)
    - Make-up bag
    - Jewellery
    - Sunscreen
    - Shoes (trainers, sandals and flip-flops)
    - Casual outfits for day trips and sightseeing
    - Summer dresses
    - Light layers, such as a blazer or denim jacket
    - Underwear
    - Socks
    - Pyjamas
    - Purse
    - Any travel documents

  • Men’s beach holiday checklist

    - Sunglasses
    - Hat
    - Swim shorts
    - T-shirts
    - Shirts
    - Shorts
    - Linen trousers
    - Shoes (trainers, sandals and flip-flops or sliders)
    - Underwear
    - Socks
    - Toiletries
    - Washbag
    - Sunscreen
    - Hoodie or overshirt
    - Wallet
    - Any travel documents


Family holiday checklist

Kids’ clothes might be smaller but for some reason that doesn’t mean their stuff takes up less space (seriously though, someone make this make sense!) When it comes to what to pack for a children’s holiday or weekend away in the sun, follow this holiday packing list and it’ll all go swimmingly. Missing a few bits and bobs? You can snap up everything below with fin-tastic savings.




The travel gadgets every weekend away needs

When writing your travel packing list, make sure you squeeze a tech section in there, as you can’t holiday without a trusty travel gadget (or two). How else are you gonna straighten your hair without a travel adapter? Or drown out the sound of a screaming baby on your flight without a pair of noise-cancelling headphones? Whether you’re jetting off for a three-day city break or staycationing in the UK, the best travel gadgets you need at the top of your packing checklist are: phone charger; headphones or earphones; travel adapter plug (if travelling internationally); camera + charger; portable speaker; power bank (if using your phone as a camera). Good job we sell travel gadgets for up to 60% less* then, isn’t it?

…and let’s not forget travel toiletries!

Avoid any last-minute dashes around duty free (or, even worse, manic motorway stations) by bagging your travel toiletries early. We’re talking travel toothbrushes and toothpastes along with your routine essentials and go-to glam. At up to 60% less than the RRP, our toiletry prices are better than the airport so make them a priority on your weekend-away packing list.


Six key packing tips

Sitting on your suitcase to force it shut? Being stung with excess baggage fees? Never heard of ‘em. You won't know them either after you've had a good ol' read of our travel packing hacks. Now you’ve got everything on your holiday packing list, you can get ready to never pack the same way again. Here goes...

  • Rolling > folding

    Rolling vs folding clothes? If you fancy crease-free clothes and optimal suitcase space, then you should be team roll all the way! Rolling clothes helps avoid wrinkles and hard creases created by folding clothes, meaning no need to iron when you arrive.

  • Use packing cubes

    Packing cubes will be your saviour for separating categories and unpacking on the other side. Put all your pyjamas/undies in one, day clothes in another, evening clothes in another and accessories in another – trust us, it'll prevent you from overpacking.

  • Stuff your shoes

    Shoes are a big excess baggage culprit. You can't help the size of them, so utilise them better. Stuff socks, belts, jewellery pouches and anything small into your shoes to save on precious space. Bonus: stuffing your shoes will help keep the shape of 'em.

  • Try before you pack

    Try on all your outfits before you pack and take photos of them to reference when you're away. This helps avoid overpacking random items that don't match and means you have guaranteed outfits. Win-win. P.S. remember what we said about versatile clothes.

  • Skip the beach towel

    Most hotels and apartments provide towels, so why waste space? Another packing hack: use your beach bag as your hand luggage and throw in a daytime outfit, a cossie and some undies in case your suitcase disappears. Mini toiletries won't go a miss either!

  • Bright is best

    Heading to the airport? Don't take a black suitcase. Avoid the inevitable conveyor belt drama by picking a stand-out suitcase from TK Maxx. Not only will you bag savings of up to 60%*, but you'll also have a wheely stress-free airport experience. Priceless.


Camping essentials and accessories

So, you’re off camping in the UK… good luck. Just kidding! As Alfred Wainwright once said, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing” and he wasn’t wrong. We’re hoping you’ve already secured the tent as we don’t sell those (yet), but what we do sell is *drumroll please* suitable clothing – and there’s no camping essentials more essential than waterproofs!

Tent and camping gadgets aside, when it comes to knowing what to pack for a camping holiday, you can’t go too wrong if you invest in a good quality anorak and well-fitting pair of waterproof hiking boots to protect you from the elements. Camping is all about being prepared, so whether you’re a camping pro or a nervous novice, lean on layers for temperamental weather, pack some thermals for when the temperature drops at night, and always opt for practicality > fashion. P.S. If you're camping in summer, don't forget sunscreen and a cap or sun hat!