What’s In Your Getaway Bag?

With warm weather on the horizon and travel restrictions hopefully beginning to ease, there’s never been a better time to start thinking about a weekend getaway. Whether you’re camping by the lake or checking into a chic downtown hotel, there are a few essentials you’ll want to bring to make your trip easy, comfy, and tons of fun.

Sunscreen and SPF products

Good sunscreen and sun protection are essential no matter where you’re headed or what the weather is. Even if it’s not bright or sunny out, it’s key to protect yourself, show your skin some love, and layer on the SPF. If you’re going to be swimming or doing activities where you could break a sweat, like hiking or kayaking, be sure to reapply regularly. And don’t forget your lips, either. Reach for a lip balm packed with SPF to avoid the risk of a burn and sore, chapped, peeling lips so you don’t have to kiss your good time getaway goodbye. All this and more are available at Sephora.

Cute PJs

Jeans? Dress clothes? Hard pass. Stay comfy, cute, and cool with a new set of pajamas or Instagram-worthy loungewear. Thanks to American Eagle Outfitters or La vie en Rose, you can stick with soft, relaxed neutrals or bring on bright bold patterns that are sure to make you look and feel great. Whatever you choose, may we suggest something stretchy for all those extra snacks?

Battery pack/charger

Is there anything worse than forgetting your charger on vacation and watching your battery slowly die? We didn’t think so. Keep all your devices charged so you can capture your memories, humblebrag on social media, and check-in at home without worry. Grab an extra durable cable from The Source that can survive whatever you put it through, and a portable battery back you can stick in your pocket to keep connected on the go.

Good book/Activity book

Reading a book can be a mini-vacation all its own. So before you hit the road, be sure to pack a captivating read, activity book of brain busters, or cute notebook to doodle, journal, and record your vacation memories in. Available at Coles.

Backpack/Duffel

It might seem obvious but when it comes time to pack, you need a good bag. A lightweight, easy-to-carry backpack or duffle from Sport Chek is a great option and alternative to bulky luggage. A smaller bag ensures you only take the essentials and when the trip is over, your new bag is easy to store until your next vacay.

No matter where you’re headed, who you’re with, how far you’re going, or how long you’re sneaking away for, enjoy your time, enjoy your space, and stay safe!

Take A Hike

There’s a reason they call it beautiful British Columbia—because it is. With an abundance of natural beauty including lakes, rivers, coastline, islands, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean, it’s a great time to take a hike, literally!

No matter where you decide to venture, you’re going to need a good, comfortable pair of shoes. The right shoes and socks can make all the difference between an enjoyable walk basking in nature, and desperately wanting to go back to the car, or asking “how much further?”

Treat your feet well. Get shoes that fit your feet properly and offer the right type of support for the level of outdoor activity you plan to do and opt for a pair that can handle getting wet (this is the Pacific Northwest, after all). The team at Blackwell Supply Co. will be happy to help you find the right hiking shoes (pssst…the Blundstones are great!). And while you’re at it, look into getting a nice backpack to carry your hiking gear, like the one below!

Layer up! While it can be tempting to throw on shorts and a tank and hit the trails, especially when it’s bright and sunny out, make sure you’re prepared for the weather to change. Depending on the length of your hike and your final destination you may want to bring a light sweater or long-sleeved shirt with you to stay warm—plus this can protect you from sunburns and bug bites. And don’t forget a hat and sunglasses, while you’re at it.

Bring the right equipment. Pack light snacks, a cute water bottle, charge your cell phone completely, and always let someone know where you’re headed and when you’ll be back. Ready to up your hiking game? Consider a walking pole. Believe it or not, walking with poles offers numerous benefits like better balance and stability on trails, and can also improve posture and even strengthen your muscles when used correctly. Plus, collapsible poles make it easy to pack and store them when not in use. Walking poles and other hiking gear is available at your one-stop-hiking-shop, Mountain Warehouse!

Get a pass. Some provincial parks require you to have a pass for use. Save yourself the time and potential disappointment and check out the BC Parks website before you head out.

Don’t forget your camera! No matter where you’re headed, there’s so much gorgeous scenery and breathtaking landscapes that you’re sure to want to snap a few pics. If you’re already a shutterbug consider getting a new lens or equipment that will help you up your outdoor photo game and a case that can stand up to it all. Or go for binoculars and get a good look, from a safe distance, at the local critters that call BC home. The great thing is…you can get all your tech gadgets at Kerrisdale Cameras!

Wherever you go, and whenever you do, dress right, plan ahead and remember the cardinal rule of spending time outdoors: take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time. Happy hiking!