Handy Planners

Some weekends go wrong for want of one small thing: a phone charger, a booked seat, a spare pair of socks. These planners collect the checks we find ourselves running through again and again. Print them, save them to your phone or copy them into your own notebook. Each one links to the full article if you want more detail.

Festival day planner

Run through this the evening before. Full details in what to wear to a music festival.

• Tickets downloaded and a screenshot saved
• Bag policy checked on the organiser's website
• Comfortable, worn-in shoes and spare socks
• A light waterproof and an extra layer for the evening
• Sun cream, a hat and a refillable water bottle
• Phone charged, plus a small power bank
• A meeting point agreed with your group

Family day out planner

For festivals, fairs and big outings with children. More in taking kids to a festival.

• Event checked for a children's area, quiet spaces and family toilets
• Ear defenders for each child
• Your phone number on a wristband or card
• A photo of each child taken that morning
• Snacks, wipes, a blanket and a change of clothes
• A rough leaving time, shared with everyone

Weekend away by train

For two or three days with a small bag. Read the train travel tips for the full picture.

1. Compare departure times, changes and ticket types.
2. Book a seat reservation on busy services, if available.
3. Pack a capsule of pieces that all mix and match.
4. Keep a day bag at your seat with tickets, ID, charger, water and a snack.
5. Save the route from the station to where you are staying.

Before you book a home project

Useful for decks, fences, windows and other jobs where you hire help. See Home Improvement for detailed guides.

• Describe the job in writing, with measurements and photos
• Ask more than one business for a written quote
• Check what is included: materials, waste removal, clean-up
• Agree a start date and a rough timetable
• Ask what guarantee applies to the work
• Keep copies of every agreement and receipt

A slow weekend at home

For a staycation or a quiet couple of days. Ideas in staycation ideas.

• Out-of-office on and work apps closed
• One local place to explore that you have never visited
• One special meal planned
• One block of time with nothing booked at all

Suggest a planner

Is there a weekend you would like a checklist for? Tell us through Send Us Your Plans.