Ferran Barbarà
I’m Ferran Barbarà, passionate about tourism and gastronomy in the Maresme region, and a marketing & web design specialist, always eager to share my love for this vibrant part of Catalonia.
Hospitality
How to pack the perfect suitcase for a short getaway
Because a great getaway starts with a well-organized suitcase
Published: 2025
Some people throw in two t-shirts and head out the door. Others pack half their house because they can’t stand the idea of forgetting something. There isn’t a single right way to pack: there are trips, there are travelers, and there are different ways of living life.
At Dynamic Hotels, as you can imagine, we see it all every weekend. Groups arriving with minimalist backpacks, families turning the room into a mini campsite, cyclists bringing half a mobile workshop… each with their own circumstances and travel style. And that’s the key: it’s not about how much you pack, but about planning your suitcase for the trip you’re going to have.
Start with the plan, not the closet
Before touching a single piece of clothing, ask yourself: What are you going to do? Beach, mountains, city, sports, parties? It’s not the same as a romantic coastal getaway or a weekend hiking trip with friends.
We see it in our hotels all the time: those who plan their itinerary first get it right — they bring what they’ll actually use and don’t waste time asking “why did I pack this?”.
Photo: Sylwia Bartyzel
Define what’s essential for you
Some feel safer packing extra “just in case.” Others hate carrying weight. There are even those who check their daily horoscope before packing. There’s no single right way — the key is to be intentional.
Make a list of essentials based on your travel style. Need fresh outfits every day? Perfect. Prefer to repeat clothes and travel lighter? That’s fine too. The key is deciding ahead of time, not improvising at the last minute while sweating in front of the closet.
Photo: Benjamin R
Think functionality, not quantity
It doesn’t matter if your suitcase is tiny or huge: what matters is that every piece serves a purpose. Sneakers good for both walking and going out to dinner, a jacket that’s warm but packs small, pants that mix and match easily.
And if your trip isn’t a leisure getaway but a business meeting, the same rule applies: pack something that works for your professional appointment but can also transition to exploring the city or relaxing once the day is over. The goal isn’t to pack light or heavy, but to pack what you’ll truly use.
Photo: Anastasiia Nelen
Coordinate if you’re traveling in a group
Group travel, whether with friends, family, or coworkers, is usually fun… until it’s time to fit everyone’s luggage in the car or share room space. Most people pack the same “just in case” stuff: three hairdryers, five first aid kits, enough chargers for an army. The result? Extra weight and unnecessary chaos.
Talk it over before you leave and split up what can be shared. One hairdryer is enough, a shared first aid kit covers everyone, and a couple of power strips avoid fights over outlets. A bit of planning can save arguments (also financially) and make everything easier once you arrive.
Photo: Swansway Motor Group
The perfect suitcase is the one that fits your trip
There’s no magic number of clothes or single formula. Some people need to bring it all to feel comfortable, while others prefer traveling as light as possible. Both are valid if they help you enjoy your trip.
The key is that your luggage matches the plan you’ve made — whether it’s a getaway to Vielha or a weekend exploring the Maresme — and doesn’t turn into a burden that drains your excitement from the start.
Photo: Christopher Ivanov
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