Memorial Day Weekend Trip Checklist
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. For many of us, it's also the first real getaway of the year—a chance to shake off the last of spring and hit the road for a few days of adventure.
Whether you're camping in the mountains, heading to the beach, or visiting family a few states away, a little preparation goes a long way. The last thing you want is to realize halfway there that you forgot the cooler. Or sunscreen. Or your phone charger.
Here's a practical checklist to help you pack smart and start your weekend relaxed.
Before you leave home
A quick sweep of the house before you head out saves headaches later.
Home prep
- Adjust thermostat for while you're away
- Unplug unnecessary electronics
- Take out trash and perishables
- Stop mail or ask a neighbor to grab it
- Lock all doors and windows
- Water plants (or set up a plant sitter)
- Set a light timer if you'll be gone more than a day
Vehicle check
- Fill up gas (or charge your EV)
- Check tire pressure and spare
- Top off windshield fluid
- Verify registration and insurance are current
- Pack emergency kit (jumper cables, flashlight, first aid)
Getting these done the night before lets you leave on time without the last-minute scramble.
Road trip essentials
Long drives are more enjoyable when you're prepared for comfort, entertainment, and the occasional snack attack.
For the drive
- Phone mounts and chargers
- Downloaded playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks
- Physical map or offline navigation (just in case)
- Sunglasses
- Snacks and drinks in a cooler
- Trash bag for wrappers and receipts
- Toll money or pass (if applicable)
- Paper towels or wet wipes
For passengers
- Pillows and blankets for sleeping
- Entertainment for kids (tablets, books, games)
- Headphones for everyone who wants them
- Motion sickness remedies if needed
If you're traveling with kids or pets, their needs deserve their own mental section of the packing.
Destination packing
This part depends on where you're going and what you're doing. Here's a flexible framework:
Clothing
- Weather-appropriate outfits for each day
- Layers for cooler evenings
- Swimsuit
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Something nicer if you're going out to dinner
Toiletries and personal care
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Medications
- First aid basics (bandages, pain relievers, antihistamines)
- Any personal essentials
Tech and entertainment
- Phone and charger
- Camera if not using your phone
- Portable battery pack
- E-reader or books
- Games (cards, travel games)
If you're camping
Camping trips require extra gear. If you're staying at a campsite, add these to your list:
Shelter and sleep
- Tent with all poles and stakes
- Sleeping bags and pads
- Pillows (easy to forget)
- Tarps or ground cloth
Cooking and food
- Camp stove and fuel
- Cooler with ice
- Cookware (pots, pans, utensils)
- Plates, cups, and cutlery
- Dish soap and sponge
- Trash bags
- Water bottles or hydration packs
- Food in bear-safe containers if required
Camp comfort
- Chairs and maybe a small table
- Lantern and/or headlamps
- Firewood (or buy near the site)
- Matches or lighter
- Multi-tool or knife
- Extra batteries
If you're visiting family
Sometimes the destination is a relative's house. You might pack lighter on gear, but there are still things to remember:
- Hostess gift (wine, flowers, something thoughtful)
- Chargers for all your devices
- Toiletries you prefer to your own
- Contribution to a meal (offer to bring something)
- Games or activities to share
- Photo book or something to reminisce over
Even when you're not packing a full trip kit, a quick checklist ensures you arrive as a thoughtful guest.
The return trip
Before you leave your destination, spend five minutes making sure nothing gets left behind.
- Walk through the room or campsite
- Check under beds, in bathrooms, in closets
- Verify all chargers and electronics are packed
- Double-check rental or borrowed items are returned
- Take out trash and leave the space clean
And for when you get home:
- Unpack right away (future you will thank you)
- Start laundry before you crash
- Restock anything you used from your travel kit
- Note what you forgot for next time
Making the most of a long weekend
Memorial Day weekend is short—maybe three or four days if you're lucky. A good checklist means you spend less time worrying about what you might have forgotten and more time enjoying the trip itself.
Browse our travel templates for packing lists you can customize, or build your own in CheckYourList. Check things off as they go in the bag, reset for next time, and get out the door with confidence.
Here's to sunny skies, open roads, and a weekend worth remembering.