July is about to end, and summer is almost halfway,  but it's not too late to have a memorable trip. While an extended vacation in an exotic location is ideal, a short but sweet summer weekend getaway is a fun option as well. There are plenty of amazing destinations you can cover on a weekend getaway, plus it's easier to pack for. All you need is one bag to carry all your weekend getaway essentials. But, what are the essentials?

Photo courtesy of Sharon Carpenter

We spoke to Sharon Carpenter, an award-winning LA-based British TV host, journalist, celebrity writer, and podcaster, who is planning a weekend getaway in a few days. We also took a peek at her Medium Expandable Knack Pack to see what she's packing for her upcoming summer weekend getaway.

So where are you going?

I'm heading to my favorite Caribbean island, Barbados, in a few days. Can't wait! 

Aside from chilling on the beach and sipping iced drinks, what else is going on in Barbados?

I'm going there to participate in Crop Over! It's the insanely fun carnival that takes place in Barbados every year and it's back for the first time since covid. I'm soooo excited and can't wait to wear my awesome costume. Perhaps I'll run into Rihanna again, like last time. 

You are a seasoned traveler both for work and leisure. What are your biggest challenges when packing for a weekend getaway like this?

My biggest challenge, every time I travel, is fitting everything I need into my hand luggage. I have a 12-hour plus trek from LA to Barbados, so I need an assortment of things to keep me out of trouble. I'll have to get work done on the plane but my laptop always weighs down my bag, plus it's a tight squeeze with all my other essentials. Thank goodness this time, I have the solution, my Knack Pack.

We are glad your Knack Pack is making your trip easier. Yes, it is expandable, so fitting your work gear with all your clothes and travel essentials is not a problem. What are your must-have travel essentials for a weekend getaway like this?

My must-haves in my Knack Pack are:

• My laptop - the work never ends
• A book - to keep me entertained when taking a break from work
• My phone / headphones - because we can't function without them
• My makeup essentials - so I look presentable after 12 hours of travel 
• A rose water facial spray - it's like a sweet-smelling slap to the face
• My shades - so I don't crush them again in my suitcase
• Snacks - way more appetizing than the food onboard 
• A bottle of water - stay hydrated!
• Hand sanitizer / masks - Omicron, stay away! 
• 1-2 outfits
• My wallet - because bills don't pay themselves 
• My passport - or the trip is over before it begins 

For a jet-setting celebrity media personality like Sharon Carpenter, a Knack Pack is critical to her lifestyle because it can hold everything she needs without carrying multiple bags while traveling. The patent-pending expandable feature of the Knack Pack enables her to switch gears from appearing on TV to attending a concert to gracing an Awards gala like the Emmys or the Grammys.

We love hearing from Knackpackers, like Sharon and we’re glad Knack Packs are making her weekend getaway a better experience. How about you? Where are you going? Please share you weekend getaway stories with us in the comments below. And if you are taking your Knack Pack with you, don’t forget to take a photo and post it on social media with the hashtag #onebaglife. We would love to hear from you.