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Packing for a trip of any length can be pretty tricky. But somehow, despite only being a matter of hours long, day trips can end up being the most stressful of all.
Whether you’re exploring a new city, taking a picnic to your local park or getting ready to sun yourself at the beach, it’s easy to fall into the trap of under or over-packing.
Luckily, as keen day-trippers ourselves, we know exactly what to pack for a day trip if you’re planning to be out the whole day long. Because, let’s face it, the everyday handbag essentials just will not do.
1. Handbag Essentials
First things first, it may seem obvious when you’re thinking about what to pack for a day trip, but don’t overlook any of your basic handbag essentials.
We’re obviously talking about your keys and phone. As appealing as going off-grid can seem, it’s always wise to have a way of letting a friend or family member know where you are if something goes wrong. (And, of course, a way to get home again!)
Your purse is also a must-pack. After all, how else would you buy all those exciting souvenirs?
2. Hand Sanitiser or Wipes
Coronavirus may not be as big an issue as it once was but it’s still a good idea to take a face mask and a portable bottle of hand sanitiser out with you. (We love these citrusy hand sprays by Bath & Body Works — yum!)
Plus, we don’t know about you, but being nose-to-nose with a stranger in a crowded bus or train seems all the more manageable with a face covering to divide you. Right?
This Amazon pack of 20 disposable masks* costs just a little over £3 so you can simply throw away any you use at the end of the day without breaking the bank.
3. First Aid Supplies
If there’s one thing that’s sure to put a dampener on any day trip, it’s an unexpected injury — or even just a pesky blister just one hour in. Ouch.
While carrying a first aid kit won’t guarantee you an accident-free day out, it’s certainly better to be safe than sorry.
With plenty of plasters, bandages and cleansing wipes, this small but mighty Lewis-Plast first aid kit* has everything you’ll need to handle the average accident. And for the blister-prone day-tripper, an affordable box of waterproof plasters* is an absolute no-brainer.
4. Portable Phone Charger
Whether you need to double-check the route to that restaurant you saw on Instagram or you just want to snap a few selfies, there’s nothing worse than reaching for your phone only to find it on the verge of dying.
And let’s face it, your phone could easily run out of juice over the course of 8+ hours, so it’s best to go in with a back-up plan.
Luckily, with a handy lightweight portable charger like this one* from Miady, you’ll always have enough charge to take on the world.
5. Plenty of Water
If you’re going to be out all day, you need to stay hydrated. We recommend investing in a large water bottle like this Contigo Cortland Autoseal Bottle* and filling it up for your day trip.
Remember, you can also fill up your water bottle in cafés and public places with water fountains. Even if there isn’t a water fountain visible in a café, just ask a member of staff and usually they’ll be only too happy to fill it up with tap water for you.
6. Snacks
Speaking of food and drink, you may need to pack a snack or two for the day — especially if there’s a long journey involved.
Any melt-resistant snack is a winner but bonus points if it’s healthy and will give you all the nutrients you need to sustain energy all day long.
Consider swapping out your sugary breakfast bar for a handful of mixed nuts. Despite being relatively high in fat, nuts are highly nutritious and are packed full of antioxidants that will help prevent cell damage.
Failing that, a simple piece of fruit — maybe a banana, a handful of berries or a sliced apple — is also a winner. After all, just because you’re out on a day trip, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be trying to get your five a day in.
7. Medication
When planning what to pack for a day trip, any personal medication should be at the top of the list.
We also strongly recommend taking some painkillers just in case a headache unexpectedly comes on to try and ruin your day (we won’t let it!). Keep things simple with a handy pack of ibuprofen or paracetamol.
8. A Rain Jacket or Umbrella
They might not be the most glamorous of travel accessories. However, a rain jacket or umbrella is a must for any day trip — especially if you live in the UK.
It could be the middle of summer with blue skies forecast for several hours and then suddenly you find yourself caught out without a rain jacket or umbrella (hey, it happens to the best of us!).
Try this Travel Folding Umbrella* or commit to a full cover-up with this Torrent Women’s Waterproof Jacket or this Packaway Hooded Short Jacket* from M&S.
9. Layers
Just like it can unexpectedly rain in the UK, it can unexpectedly get chilly. Or it can go the other way, turning from really fresh in the morning to feeling like you’re in the Mediterranean by the afternoon. (Don’t you just love it?!)
That’s why we’d suggest wearing layers for your day trip that you can add and subtract as and when it makes sense.
For example, if it’s looking like it’s going to be a chilly day, pair a long-sleeved top with a chunky knit or cardigan. Or for a milder day, team a classic white tee with jeans and a lightweight jacket or cardi. Either way, just make sure you take a warm layer for if the temperature suddenly drops, such as an oversized sweatshirt* or a neutral knitted cardigan*. You can thank us later.
10. Suncream
Following on the same conversation about the good old British weather, don’t get caught out in the sunshine without protection.
You may presume that unless you’ve got a week in the Canaries booked, you don’t need to think about covering up with suncream. That said, considering wearing sunscreen can half your chances of developing melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer), suncream should have a permanent place on your packing list.
The NHS recommends wearing — and frequently reapplying — a minimum of SPF 30 day-to-day to protect your skin. (Yes, even on cloudy days.) However, those with paler or more sensitive skin should opt for a higher factor.
For an invisible finish and smooth non-comedogenic formula, we’re big fans of Bliss Block Star.
11. Sunglasses and/or Hat
Not only will sunglasses and hats protect your eyes and head from the sun, but they also double up as great finishing touches to your outfit.
These simple Polarised Sunglasses* from H&M are great all-rounders. Whereas, this blush pink framed pair* is perfect for adding a pop of colour to your look.
When it comes to choosing a hat, everyone has their own opinions but we like this Accessorize Natural Packable Fedora Hat or this laidback baseball cap* from ASOS.
12. Camera
Yes, you could just use your phone, but nothing beats photographing the sights with a proper camera. Right?
When choosing a camera to take out on day trips, it’s best to opt for lightweight models that will survive being bumped around in a bag all day.
Try a basic compact model along the lines of this Vmotal GDC80X2* from Amazon. Alternatively, push the boat out with a DLSR version like this Kodak PixPro AZ421*.
13. Tickets or Confirmations
If you’re going for a totally spontaneous day out, this won’t apply. For everyone else, be sure to pack any tickets or passes for attractions.
Or if you have to collect your tickets, make sure you have your email confirmation handy (and your phone fully charged!). We’ve learnt the hard way.
14. Lip Balm and/or Makeup to Top Up
One of the most common signs your body is dehydrated is if you have dry or cracked lips. Take a lip balm in your day trip bag to avoid your lips feeling like sandpaper every time you talk, eat or drink.
This Eucerin Intensive Lip Balm is good for those with sensitive skin. Even so, as far as we’re concerned, you can’t go wrong with a pot of Vaseline.
You can also throw a couple of bits of makeup in your bag that you may want to top up while you’re out all day. Think your eyeliner, eyelash curlers, concealer and/or lipstick for a quick midday boost.
15. A Good Book
When choosing what to pack for a day trip, some good reading material is a must for long days out where there may be an opportunity to sit down, relax and unwind.
On second thoughts, you may need a way to kill some time during unexpected journey delays or on lengthy train rides.
16. Tissues and/or Lady Supplies
This may sound random but the amount of times we’ve used a public loo and there isn’t any toilet roll is ridiculous. You won’t ever find us without tissues in our bag now — preferably of the soft Kleenex* variety.
As an added bonus, having tissues also helps if you have an unexpected sneezing attack or if you suffer from hayfever.
Plus, if it’s the time of the month (or about to be), you’ll also need some period supplies in your day trip bag to avoid any unwanted accidents.
17. Hair Ties and/or Clips
Whether you’re working up a sweat in the middle of summer or it’s windy and you just need to get your hair out of your face, one of the most pleasingly simple pleasures in life is tying back your tresses.
The Invisibobble* won’t mess up your styling. An Amazon Pack of 100* would also do the trick and you can always tame any stubborn flyaways with some trusty Bobby Pins*.
18. Glasses or a Spare Pair of Contacts
This last one is dedicated to those who need glasses. It’s likely that you’ll be wearing them for your day trip instead of putting them in your bag. But if only need them for reading, you may want to pack them as opposed to wearing them all day.
Or if you’re a contact lens wearer, you may want to pack a spare pair of contacts just in case you have issues while wearing your current lenses. (Sometimes we’ve had ours rip in our eye before… true story.)
Finding the Right Bag for Your Day Trip
Basically, the type of bag you take all depends on how many of the above items you need (and where you’re going!).
A cute straw tote like this one* from M&S would suit the beach, while this functional daypack* with plenty of compartments is ideal for exploring a new city. You could even take a handbag and then have a separate carrier bag or gym-style bag for all your day trip essentials (especially if you’re packing for more than just yourself).
Either way, if you’re only taking one bag, we’d suggest that it’s large enough to easily be able to hold all your personal items.
Additionally, if you’re wondering what to pack for a day trip you’re taking by car, you could pack a cool bag* or picnic basket for all your food and drink items. This would save room in your bag and keep your snacks fresh. Win-win.
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What to Pack for a Day Trip: Final Thoughts
Overall, working out what to pack for a day trip definitely requires a little bit more hard thinking than your average short trip out of the house. You have to account for any activities you plan to do as well as the famously unreliable Great British weather.
Even so, use this handy checklist the next time you’re packing for a day trip and you won’t go far wrong!
Do you have any other suggestions in terms of what to pack for a day trip? Share them with us in the comments below.
Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.
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