Autumn Bliss: Top Packing Tips for a Seasonal Getaway

A crisp chill in the air and the crunch of golden leaves underfoot - an autumn getaway is certainly evocative, and we believe there’s no better time for families to plan a quick holiday during this season. This could either be a short weekend break or a longer October half-term trip, but either way, you’ll need to know what to pack - and that’s where we can help.

This post will run through all the things you need to make sure your autumn break goes as smoothly as it possibly can.

Pack some sturdy clothes

Autumn in the UK can throw up just about anything weather-wise. Bizarrely warm days, showers, hail... You name it, it’ll probably happen at some point during this upcoming season. This is why hard-wearing, practical clothing is a must.

We’re not claiming that experiencing autumn in one of the world’s mildest countries is akin to scaling the north face of the Eiger, but it’s certainly better to be comfortable whatever the elements throw at you. A pair of jeans is always a safe bet, while a packable waterproof is a near essential.

The key to autumn dressing is adaptability, so breathable fabrics are advised in case the sun begins to shine and you feel a little too warm while out hiking or cycling. The same principle means you should have some hats and gloves packed away just in case the mercury drops to unexpected levels. This could make the difference between an enjoyable day out and an unmitigated disaster, especially if you have young children.

In case of rain…

...Pack a game (or two). However luxurious and comfortable your Willerby static caravan may be, you don’t want to be stuck inside for your whole holiday with nothing to do as the rain pours down. Making sure you have a few old favourites on standby, such as Monopoly and Cluedo, will help you get the whole family together and avoid feeling like time indoors is time wasted.

Let’s be honest - the point of a holiday is to escape from your regular routine, so treat activities such as board games (typically reserved for special occasions like Christmas) should be your go-to if any day of your trip is a washout.

Prepare yourself for muddy activities

Dry summer days are all well and good, but an underrated aspect of autumn is how muddy it gets, especially on mountain bike trails. A summertime cycle along a well-signposted route can feel a little pedestrian, so bombing down a muddy chute of gravel in the midst of a British forest is certainly an evocative autumnal upgrade.

Just remember to be prepared for autumn mountain biking. Attaching mudguards to your front and rear wheels is an essential step, as you really don’t want a streak of brown mud running up your back after the day’s riding. A lightweight cycling jacket and knee pads won’t go amiss, either, to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible while out on the trails.

Be conker-ready

A highlight of any autumn stroll is finding conkers that’ll soon be transformed into playground weapons of mass destruction - and if you have little ones who are preparing for such an autumnal schoolyard tournament, make sure you’ve packed conker-hunting essentials for your trip.

A small drill and some bootlaces are a must, but, for a real advantage, you might want to consider packing a small amount of vinegar to soak your prize finds, before putting them in the oven to harden them up for conker glory.

Wherever you’re going in autumn, comfort should be your top priority. We hope these packing tips have helped you plan a holiday that’ll create some amazing memories for your family. Just remember, the weather can do absolutely anything in autumn, so we may even see an Indian summer if we’re lucky!

Author bio:

Luke Conod is Managing Director of Buy Jeans and its parent company Denim Nation, providing competitively priced men's jeans and other high-quality clothing from leading international labels.