Sometimes packing for a quick weekend away can be more stressful than packing for a two-week holiday.
For city breaks especially, you cant predict the weather, youll need both walking shoes or at least shoes that wont make you want to chop your feet off after a day of sightseeing, andnice shoes. And unless youre some kind of baller who doesnt mind forking out for checked luggage, everything has to fit into a carry-on.
So, since I consider myself the queen of weekend breaks [if you need inspiration, check out my list of the best European city break destinations], heres my guide to packing everything you need for a two-night city break into one carry-on bag including some tips for beating the airlines liquid restrictions.
How to pack if youre going carry-on only on a city break
Choosing your travel outfit
What you wear on the plane en route to your city break destination can make or break your packing strategy. Youll want to go for comfort, obviously, but you probably dont want to look like, homeless when you land. Oh, and youre also going to want to wear the heaviest items of clothing youre taking, to avoid extra luggage charges. And then theres the hassle of stripping off at security, which means avoiding wearing anything that might set the alarms off.
Shoes
I like to start from the shoes up. Nobody wants to have to go barefoot over that gross threadbare carpet that ten million stinking toes have traipsed over at security, so opt for a soft shoe. I usually wear my Converse trainers or if Im going someplace warm, my flip-flops. Depending on their weight, you might want to wear your heaviest shoes for the flight, just so you dont have to carry them. For hiking trips, Ive worn my much-loved Salomon boots on the flight before.
Bottoms
Anyone who professes that leggings arent trousers clearly hasnt been on a long-haul flight. Im giving you permission right here right now to wear leggings on the plane. Theyre comfy, theyre lightweight and black bottoms go with everything. If people dont look closely, they might just think youre wearing grown-up pants. Just dont go for those cheap, see-through Primarni ones, they give public legging wearers a bad name. Simply Be have a great selection of leggings for every shape see here.
Up top
Your top half is the place to utilise the potential of layering. I tend to go with a plain vest top, a shirt and then layer a hoody over the top. Hoodies are cosy, you can use them as a pillow, you can pull one on under your jacket if its super chilly where youre going basically, theyre so versatile that you cant afford to travel without one.
If a hoody will suffice, youre golden. But if youre going someplace freezing, or youre off on a winter city break, youll need a coat. I pack one coat and one coat only for a weekend away, and bring a different scarf, faux fur stole or hat to switch my look up during the trip.
No matter what kind of climate youre off to, its also wise to have a cheap waterproof mac rolled up and on-hand should you need it.
Handbag
Most airlines allow a small handbag in the cabin alongside a larger bag. This is where you should keep your cash, passport, phone, headphones, Lonely Planet guide, gum, and other small personal items. Ive taken rucksacks, laptop cases, beach bags and all sorts but you should check how strict the airline youre flying with is.
My ultimate travel essential is a USB plug charger. This one has four ports, and interchangeable adaptors so you can use it with your electrics whether youre off for a city break in Europe, the US or whatever.
If youre travelling with camera equipment, use your camera bag as your small carry-on. The only camera I travel with is my Olympus Pen E-PL7, because its compact enough to fit in certain smaller bags.
And guess what guys? You can basically wear the same outfit on the journey back. Just switch your top and obviously, your underwear. Ive just cut your luggage weight in half, right?
What to pack in your carry-on
If youve selected your travel outfit wisely, you can now pack your carry-on bag efficiently. Heres what youll need for a two-night trip:
- Six pairs of underwear, in case you pee yourself. Doesnt matter if you havent done it since you were five, its better to be safe than sorry. Besides, knickers take up like zero room.
- Four pairs of socks, in case it rains and your feet somehow get soaked.
- One pair of jeans. I sway towards black skinny jeans because you can dress them up or down.
- For evenings: two dresses / two nice tops. If you have extra room, play around with skirt, culottes or short combos
- Your good shoes for evenings theres nothing worse than being knocked back from what youve heard isthebar to go to because youre in trainers
- Something to sleep in. Unless of course, its a dirty weekend youre being whisked away on.
How to fit your liquids in your cabin bag allowance
First, only put your actual liquids in the plastic baggy. Heres what should go in a separate toiletry bag that can stay inside your cabin bag:
- Toothbrush
- Hairbrush
- Face wipes [yes I know theyre terrible for your skin but you can sacrifice your normal skincare routine for one weekend]
- Eyelash curlers
- Solid makeup, for example powder bronzer
- Paracetamol [for the morning headache]
- Blister plasters [if youre taking new shoes or are planning to do a lot of walking]
Now, heres what should go into your clear plastic bag [and how to beat the 10 items or less rule]
- Travel-sized toothpaste. Ill never understand why even the poshest hotels dont have toothpaste in the rooms. Youcouldtake a full-sized 100ml tube on board but some airports are super strict about the stupid plastic baggy closing properly so its generally best to buy a miniature.
- Full-sized roll-on deodorant or travel-sized aerosol.
- Mascara, concealer, foundation, eyeliner etc if you wear it.
- Lip balm [take this out to keep your lips moisturised on the flight].
- Face moisturiser with SPF I love Soap & Glorys BB Cream for weekends away. I use it morning and night when Im travelling, so I dont have to carry two or three separate products.
- One perfume sample. Rip it out of a magazine or ask at Duty-Free you seriously dont need to bring a huge glass bottle of fragrance away with you!
- Mini conditioner. If I have to make a choice between bringing shampoo and conditioner, conditioner wins every time. I could wash my hair with fairy liquid and it would still look presentable and clean so long as I have my conditioner to stop it going frizzy. Its also the thing some hotels dont have.
- Mini dry shampoo. If Im only going on a two day trip, Ill do everything in my power to make one blow-dry last the trip.
For shampoo and bath soap, that will be in the hotel. If not, or if youre staying in a hostel, buy a cheap bottle at the corner shop when you land. You should also add a bath towel or travel towel to your carry-on if youre staying at a hostel.
Im a card-carrying skincare addict so I understand if youre aghast that I havent mentioned cleanser, toner, serum etc. But seriously? You can go without for one weekend. Just do a little pampering session upon return!
And as for the carry-on case itself? There are SO many chic ones out there.
Alternatively if youd rather carry a small backpack, I absolutely love my Osprey Sirrus 26 litre backpack. I know some travellers swear by packing cubes but Im yet to try them.
There you have it: how to pack for a weekend break if you dont want to drag a heavy case around or pay for checked luggage without looking a state. Hope this helps!
What are your best packing hacks? Id love to hear them in the comments! And are you a roller or a folder? Im definitely a roller.
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