A to-bring list of items can vary widely depending on the type of weekend trip you're planning. Certain things, like an extra set of clothes, are recommended across the board, while other things can be brought or left depending on the type of place you're going to. Here is a list of things to consider bringing:   Clothes. For a weekend trip, a fresh set of clothing should be considered necessary. You will want to feel fresh on the second and third day of being away from home, and in the case that your first set of clothes gets wet or dirty, you'll want something to fall back on. The same applies to socks and underwear. Bring heavier clothing, like a jacket, based on the forecasted weather.   Toiletries. Toothpaste and a toothbrush should be deemed essential for your trip. If the place you're going has running water, a small vial of shampoo and conditioner should be brought along as well to ensure you're feeling fresh throughout the trip.  Trip entertainment. The journey to and from your location should be just as enjoyable as when you get there. This can be helped by taking along some entertainment. If you're driving, bring a few of your favourite CDs to cycle through. A good book is also recommended, particularly if you're going somewhere relaxing like a lake.  Trip-applicable items. A weekend vacation is often built around a certain activity. Your to-bring list should mention the specific things you'll need to perform that activity. If you're fishing, for example, you will need a rod and a bait box, among other things. Depending on where you're going, items like some mild first aid should be considered as well. A weekend trip is relatively easy to outline. It's not a large amount of time, and it's usually focused on one specific activity. Try to gauge what you will need. Can you think of any activities you'll most likely be doing? What are you hoping to do over the weekend? Running through the vacation in your mind's eye will give you a stronger idea what you should be bringing along with you.  For example, if you're going to a lake in the Summer, useful items such as bug spray and lighter fluid are recommended. Imagine the possible scenarios that relate to the environment in question, and speculate as to the things you would need. If there are activities you may do but aren't sure about (like swimming, for example) it's best to bring them along anyway. A weekend trip isn't going to require much baggage to begin with, and you might feel left out if you decide not to bring something. Your packing should be arranged with respects to the weekend's activity and the environment it's taking place in. Because your trip will only encompass a couple of days, it's prudent to check the weather forecast for those days and plan accordingly. If there's going to be rain, the clothes you bring should reflect that. A poncho and umbrella will be sorely missed if you neglect to check the weather beforehand. In the case of sun, bringing sunglasses and sunscreen will be helpful. Cold weather demands you bring heavier clothing, like a winter parka, along for the ride. If you're somehow unsure, prepare for the worst just in case.  Even if your weekend trip will be spent mostly indoors, bringing an umbrella can make a major difference in the case of rain. Download an app like Weatherbug for on-the-go weather forecasts. Under the best circumstances, you won't need to use everything you bring with you on a weekend trip. In case something bad happens however, you don't want to be far from home and wishing you had brought something. This is especially true if you're going to be camping or otherwise hiking somewhere where help isn't immediately available.  Carry a small bit of first-aid along with your toiletries. This includes some band-aids, aloe vera and headache relievers. These will take up a negligible amount of space, and you'll be glad you brought them if it comes time to use them. A set of extra socks will come in handy, especially if the weather is forecasted to be rainy. Nothing spoils a good weekend faster than wet feet. Even if you're only going to be gone for a weekend, an extra set of underwear is never a bad idea. For a weekend trip, you're more likely to overpack than underpack. Unless you're going camping, you won't need much to hold you over for a weekend and carrying too much stuff around will sap some of the enjoyment of travel to begin with. If you can, see how much you can minimize the amount of stuff you bring, and try to stuff it all into a backpack. You don't want to skimp out on things you might miss, but optional luxuries like a hair dryer can probably be done without over a 48 hour period. For a weekend trip, try to limit yourself to a single backpack forth of clothing and items. This will force you to prioritize what you need over the things you can do without. One change of top is usually all you'll need for a weekend.

Summary: Prepare a list of things to bring. Consider the weekend's activities. Pack to suit the weather. Keep possible emergencies in mind. Pack lightly.


Any type of abuse can have a negative impact on someone emotionally and psychologically. Victims often report feelings of shame, terror, depression, guilt, and hopelessness. Many times the victim will blame themselves for the abuse. Some of the mental health concerns abuse can evoke include:  Post Traumatic Stress—This can be expressed through increased anxiety and depression. There could be nightmares or intense memories of the abuse. Various triggers can cause the victim to become disoriented with their current situation and immediate surroundings. Depression—Usually causes feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, shame, and worthlessness. Depression can range from mild symptoms to more intense symptoms that are debilitating. Anxiety—People with anxiety may have agoraphobia, panic attacks, physical anxiety, or chronic fear of the abuser and anyone who may have characteristics of the abuser. If you are being abused, you may feel scared, hurt, or even guilty. The fact that your ex is abusing you may make you feel even worse since you probably cared about the person or may still care about them. Reach out to someone you trust to talk to them.  You can talk to a family member, friend, colleague, teacher, therapist, abuse counselor, or religious leader. You may want to reach out to a mental health professional, especially if the abuse is causing severe emotional problems for you. If you think your life may be in danger or if the abuse becomes too much, consider getting help. You may consider contacting the police. Most police stations have people who deal with cyberstalking or cyber crimes. You may be able to file a restraining order or take other action against your ex. When you contact the police, you should expect to answer a lot of questions about what has been happening between you and your ex. Bring all your records with you that gives evidence of harassment and threats. Be sure to exercise daily, eat healthy, and get enough rest. Spend time doing things you enjoy, like reading, playing video games, painting, or swimming. Hang out with friends and family members that you can trust and that support you. Avoid using drugs or alcohol to cope.
Summary: Recognize mental health concerns related to abuse. Talk to someone. Contact the police if you feel threatened. Care for your own well-being.