It might sound odd, but on one-night trips, we often pack too much. Here is how to pack for a one-night trip.

One Night Trip Packing List

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Adults

  1. 1
    Think about where you're going. If it's cold, pack a coat. If it's warm, don't forget to bring your swimsuit. Sunscreen is also something that tends to be forgotten, yet maybe really important![1]
  2. 2
    Take a large backpackbackpack or small pull-along suitcase. But make sure your bag isn't too big, remember you are only staying one night. The smaller your bag, the less you can pack, which will help you not overpack.
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  3. 3
    Some entertainment items you could pack: (pack wisely and only bring one or two.)
    • A game console. (But remember unless it is handheld it will take up a lot of room in your suitcase.)
    • A book.
    • A DVD, Blu-ray Disc, or videotape + something to play them in.
    • An mp3 player.
    • A board game.
    • Laptop.
  4. 4
    Pack some toiletries such as some toothpaste and a toothbrush. If you're planning to have a shower bring shower gel, shampoo, and/or conditioner if you want.[2]
  5. 5
    Next things you should pack are some nightclothes and clothes for the next day. Here's a list of some clothes.[3]
    • nightclothes include:
    • Pajamas.
  6. 6
    Bring some clothes for the next day as well such as
    • T-shirt
    • A jacket.
    • Trousers
    • Underwear (pack no more than 2 pairs.)
    • Socks.
    • Shoes.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Sleepover (Kids, Tweens and Teens)

  1. 1
    Pack pajamas, slippers, and clothes for the next day.[4]
  2. 2
    Pack your toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, hair products, etc.[5]
  3. 3
    Pack entertainment for you and fellow guests such as
    • A board game
    • Truth or dare cards
    • Paper, pens, or arts and crafts stuff
    • Mobile phone
    • Games console or electronics
  4. 4
    Information on clothes and toiletries can be found in the last section.
  5. 5
    If you are the host of the party then make sure to make snacks.[6]
  6. 6
    Bring movies.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Visiting a sick person or a hospital

  1. 1
    Pack some clothes. Just pack some pants, T-shirts, and jackets.
  2. 2
    Pack some toiletries and pajamas and a small alarm clock to wake you up early to help the person.
  3. 3
    Bring a gift basket and medication for the person.
  4. 4
    Bring some entertainment for you and the person such as
    • A board game.
    • Puzzles.
    • Books.
    • Toys (If they're a child or a child at heart.)
  5. 5
    Information for clothes and toiletries can be found in the first section.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Business Trip

  1. 1
    Pack for the trip. Some good ideas are suits, ties, shirts, and pants.
  2. 2
    Bring a medium suitcase depending on what you need for your trip. Fold your suits very neatly so they don't get crumpled.
  3. 3
    It's likely you'll be staying in a hotel so bring some pajamas and toiletries such as a toothbrush and a hairbrush.
  4. 4
    Bring some things to entertain you. Items could be:
    • Laptop.
    • Reading materials
    • Audiobooks or music
  5. 5
    Remember to bring your work supplies such as your laptop, pens, pencils, phone, and paper.
  6. 6
    More information on clothes and toiletries can be found in the first section.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Children, Pre Tweens and Teens

  1. 1
    Think about where you're going. If it's warm pack a T-Shirt etc.
  2. 2
    Take a small backpack or pull-along suitcase. Know your sleeping arrangements and bring a sleeping bag if necessary.
  3. 3
    Next, pack some items to entertain you such as (You can take more than one)
    • Games console.
    • Book
    • Board game.
    • Art Supplies.
    • Toys such as dolls or action figures, etc.
    • DVD or Blu-Ray, and something to play them with.
    • Laptop.
  4. 4
    Pack toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. Bring shampoo, shower gel, etc. If you're going to have a bath or shower. You can also pack makeup if you want to.
  5. 5
    Day clothes include:
    • T-Shirt
    • Pants
    • Socks.
    • Shoes
    • Coat
    • Underwear (remember not to pack more than 2 pairs)
  6. 6
    nightclothes include:
    • Pajamas
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    If I am packing a small bag to use in the car, what should I put in it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Things to keep you occupied - ipod and headphones, a book or game, a snack and a drink.
  • Question
    What if I am going to Glacier National Park in August for 2 nights?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Pack clothes that you can layer. That way, if you get hot, you can take a layer off and if you get cold, you can add a layer. Make sure to pack three complete outfits, so if something happens, like you get wet, you have emergency clothes.
  • Question
    Why does it say if you are a girl you can bring make up? What if you're a boy in makeup?
    Sami97
    Sami97
    Community Answer
    Then that's completely alright as well. It probably said that because it's a lot more common for girls to wear makeup. Everyone can wear makeup, regardless of the person's gender.
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Warnings

  • If you're in a city, watch your belongings. People could pick-pocket you or they could get lost or fall out of your bag. Make sure your bag is secure before setting off.
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  • If you have a diary and you're going to your relations, they might look at your diary. So it's best to leave your diary at your home or disguise it.
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  • Don't overpack! If you over-pack your back will be heavy and think before you pack "Do I really need this?"
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  • Don't pack items you don't need such as your alarm clock. There will probably be an alarm clock where you are staying and if they don't you can probably use one of your gadgets.
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  • Be careful about writing details on a tag for your bag. People could do bad things such as impersonating you.
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Things You'll Need

  • A small bag
  • Book or form of entertainment
  • Clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Money
  • Chargers for electronics
  • Medicine or First-aid kit

About This Article

Sarah McDonald
Co-authored by:
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
This article was co-authored by Sarah McDonald. Sarah McDonald is a Certified Stylist and Image Consultant and the Owner of Pivotal Style. She helps both men and women feel confident through clothing by guiding them on how to dress based on body type, color tone, lifestyle, and personal and professional goals. Sarah received her Image and Style Professional Certification from The Fashion Stylist Institute. This article has been viewed 179,782 times.
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Co-authors: 40
Updated: March 17, 2023
Views: 179,782
Categories: Travel Packing
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