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Essential Packing List for a Weekend Getaway: Be Prepared for Anything!


Weekend getaways are a fantastic way to recharge and create lasting memories. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing beach escape, a vibrant city adventure, or a rejuvenating mountain retreat, packing the right essentials can make all the difference between a smooth trip and one riddled with unexpected snags.

Let’s face it, sometimes the unexpected happens. Last summer, I was set for a mountain escape with friends when disaster struck just miles outside Denver. A rogue pothole left a rather unsightly dent in my friend’s car bumper. Thankfully, we found a reliable collision repair shop in Denver that helped us get the bumper repaired, getting us back on the road quickly and efficiently. Lesson learned: unexpected mishaps can occur even on short trips, so it’s best to be prepared!

Now, onto the nitty-gritty: packing essentials for a seamless weekend getaway.

Clothing:

Choosing the right clothing for your weekend getaway is crucial for comfort and enjoyment. Here are some key considerations:

  • Pack versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched.
  • Consider the weather forecast and planned activities.
  • Opt for comfortable, breathable fabrics.
  • Don’t forget essentials like a swimsuit for beach getaways or a warm jacket for mountain adventures.

Footwear:

Packing appropriate footwear is essential for exploring your chosen destination comfortably.

  • Pack comfortable shoes suitable for walking and exploring.
  • Include a pair of dressier shoes for evenings out or special occasions.
  • Consider packing sandals or flip-flops for beach trips.

Toiletries:

Packing essential toiletries ensures you stay fresh and comfortable throughout your trip.

  • Pack travel-sized versions of your favorite toiletries.
  • Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
  • Pack any necessary medications and prescriptions.

Electronics:

Staying connected and entertained during your getaway often involves packing essential electronics.

  • Pack your phone, charger, and any other essential devices like a camera or tablet.
  • Consider bringing a portable charger for extended trips or areas with limited charging options.

Travel Documents:

Ensuring you have the necessary travel documents is crucial for a smooth and stress-free journey.

  • Pack your driver’s license or passport (depending on your destination).
  • Bring any necessary travel insurance documents.
  • Make copies of important documents and store them separately in case of loss.

Pro Tip: Packing for Different Activities

Here’s a quick breakdown of additional items you might need depending on your chosen getaway:

  • Beach Getaway: Beach getaways often require specific items to maximize your enjoyment under the sun.
  • Beach towel
  • Sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Beach bag
  • Cool bag for snacks and drinks
  • City Break: City breaks often involve a lot of walking and sightseeing, so packing accordingly is key.
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Umbrella or raincoat
  • City map or guidebook
  • Mountain Escape: Mountain escapes often involve hiking and outdoor activities, so packing the right gear is essential.
  • Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
  • Layers of clothing for changing weather conditions
  • Backpack
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent

Emergency Preparedness:

It’s always wise to pack a few essentials for unforeseen circumstances:

  • Car Essentials: Being prepared for unexpected car troubles can save you time and hassle during your trip.
  • Jumper cables
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • First-aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Road flares
  • First Aid: Packing a basic first-aid kit ensures you’re prepared for minor injuries or ailments.
  • Bandages
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Pain relievers
  • Allergy medication (if applicable)
  • Communication: Staying connected in case of emergencies is crucial.
  • Portable phone charger
  • External battery pack
  • Emergency contact information

Conclusion:

Packing for a weekend getaway doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this essential list and tailoring it to your specific trip, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure. Remember, even the best-laid plans can encounter unexpected bumps (like that pesky pothole!). 

With a little preparation and a positive attitude, you’re all set to create unforgettable weekend memories!

Entertainment, Real Estate, Style, Travel

Five Places to Visit in Fort Collins Colorado

Fort Collins, Colorado is a wonderful place and one of the best cites to visit. It has the best blend of everything you could want in a small city. It has the highest concentration of microbreweries in America. A beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains can be seen from anywhere in town, and a fishable river flows right through. Colorado State University is square in the middle of town which means a bunch of hot 21 year olds, bars, and things to do. There are many places you should visit while you’re in town, but you’d be crazy to miss these five:

  1. Choice City Butcher

Choice City Butcher is an amazing place to go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re regularly touted as one of the best breakfast places to get a beer because they have a revolving tap collection that features some of the most iconic names in craft brewing. You’ll immediately have access to the best beers you’ve never tried and the selection is constantly changing. After you order drinks, you’ll have a huge menu to choose from that features delicious food that includes meat from: beef, buffalo, rattlesnake, antelope, and more. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried some of Vinny’s rattlesnake sausage so get going.

  1. The Yeti

The Yeti is a club in Fort Collins, Colorado which is split between three different entrances. The main entrance up top is a regular bar that fills up every weekend. The bar has typical bar food and a good selection of drafts, drinks, and cocktails. Overall, it’s nothing special, but it’s a really fun place to drink because the energy is infectious. The side entrance leads you to a completely different bar. This one is more upscale and almost hipsterish in feel. The electronic music and moody ambient lighting make it for one of the unique experiences in Fort Collins. The basement entrance is where the magic happens, though. Every Monday you can get pitchers of beer for one penny! That’s right, penny pitchers! Located in the heart of Old Town Square — The Yeti is the place to go.

  1. Tour De Fat

Tour De Fat is a bicycle an annual bicycling event led by the Fat Tire brewery. Every year people put on ridiculous costumes, get rowdy drunk, and then ride through town all day on their bikes. The brewery makes sure to include plenty of tables that local business can rent out to sell their goods and beer gardens everywhere. Get your bracelet early and drink all day at Tour De Fat!

  1. Universal Wellness Center

It wouldn’t be a list about Colorado if it didn’t include a story about weed! The Universal Wellness Center is pretty much the central hub for marijuana in Fort Collins. They have the biggest selection in town and lovely “budtenders” to help you make the right selection. You can’t help but love the creepy Alice in Wonderland paintings and overwhelming smell.

  1. Coopersmith’s Brewery

Also located in Old Town Square, Coopersmith’s is a huge brewery and eating establishment that offers exceptional taste at a fine price. The atmosphere is easy going but dark. You’ll fall in love with Coopersmith’s as soon as you go in and be ready to visit another famous Fort Collins brewery when you leave.

Business/Investment, Entertainment, Travel

The Best Odd Jobs For When You’re Hitchhiking Across America

If you’re on a shoestring budget, hitching across the US then you’re probably looking for some work to earn some extra money. The trick thing about odd jobs is that you want to find a place to work that meets your requirements: pays cash, starts immediately, nearby. You’ll be able to find all kinds of work out there but here are the types of job I relied on while forking my thumb out into the road.

Get Your Odd Job Online

WWOOF It!

Okay, so with WWOOF, you don’t actually make money unless the people there are really cool, but you will get a memorable experience. WWOOF is a worldwide opportunity for travellers and volunteers to work on organic farms. Most farmers and growers will allow you to live on their property and feed you, in exchange for work on the farm. WWOOFing is a great way to meet people and get a good, home cooked meal while out on the road. You won’t make any money,  but you will have a place to crash.

Taskrabbit

In most major cities, there are opening for Taskrabbit workers. Taskrabbit is an app that allows anyone to name their price for a service they can provide. Most of the time, you’ll be picked to arrange furniture or pick up groceries, but there are a varied amount of jobs on Taskrabbit and you’ll be able to pick and choose which services you’ll perform at a rate of your choosing — pretty much the best option.

Freelance with Craigslist

If you have a particular set of skills, then you can post your willingness to use those skills for someone’s project on Craigslist. This option is last for a reason, but you’ll find all sorts of jobs in the area. One tip: look for gigs at events as those are more like to pay you cash on the spot.

No Internet, No Problem

Okay, so you don’t feel like posting everything about your life on the internet but you still want to make money on the go. You do have some options. You can create and sell trinkets as you travel. One thing that’s great about hitchhiking across America is that you’ll meet all sorts of people that haven’t done anything as interesting as what you’re doing — they’ll gladly pay a few dollars for an interesting story if it means they can walk away with a trinket. Another good option to learning an instrument and busking. Busking is easy but in some towns can provide the police with a reason to get in your business. If you see others doing it, chances are you’re good to leave your guitar case open on the sidewalk and play Wagon Wheel three or ten times.

There must be a thousand ways to make money while hitchhiking across America. You might end up in the North or the South, but you’re most likely to find work online these days. If volunteering your services on an organic farm with WWOOF doesn’t pique your interest, then you should definitely check out Craigslist and Taskrabbit for local jobs. Otherwise, you could always make little leather statues and sell them on the side of the road with a guitar in your hand.