So you’ve booked your flights, found your passport and now you’ve just got to decide what to pack! Much of our travelling is made up of short city breaks, and something we’re often asked is what we pack when we go away. If you’re just planning just to take carry-on luggage, it’s even trickier to know what cram into your case – especially with the airport security restrictions in place all over the world.
To answer this question we’ve teamed up with Round the World Experts, who have handily created an interactive packing list feature. Everything on the list is what I would personally take on a short city break away and if you click on the item you’ll find a little description of why I take that particular item and where you can buy it. From sightseeing in the day to dancing the night away, here’s our GlobalGrasshopper ultimate pack-light list for your cool weekend getaway…
And to convert this packing list to fit in a carry-on case…
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- Buy 100ml clear plastic travel bottles and containers and add your toiletries to them, for the dry shampoo buy their miniature travel version instead.
- Pack a super slim umbrella instead of a full sized one.
- Check the weather before you go and decide to take either the fit flops or the canvas trainers – both are very comfortable for sightseeing but if it’s going to rain you’re better off skipping the fit flops!
- If you’re flying with an airline which will allow you to only take one piece of hand luggage still take the Tote bag (to use when you get there) but squeeze it in on top on your clothes and zip up as usual!
- Try out these packing cubes.
american flyer greek key packing cube
What do you pack when you go away? We’d love to hear all your ideas and tips…
21 Comments
Marek
17 June, 2014 at 3:07 amI will definitely be showing this article to my wife! She always ends up packing 3x more than I do! Thanks for the article!
Lisa
19 May, 2014 at 6:26 pmGood tips Becky but I think this advise is only for single people not for families, how do you pack light when traveling with kids and still light even though is only the weekend?
Becky Moore
4 June, 2014 at 2:42 pmHi Lisa,
That’s a tricky one I don’t have any experience in travelling with kids but I know some friends who find Trunkies very useful.
Margaret Shelly
8 May, 2014 at 9:31 amHey Becky….these are really cool stuff.I do not forget to take my camera without any mistake venturing out.
Becky Moore
8 May, 2014 at 9:48 amThanks Margaret, I never travel anywhere without my camera 🙂
rebecca
7 May, 2014 at 7:51 amwhat a fun little feature!
Becky Moore
8 May, 2014 at 9:47 amThanks Rebecca was a lot of fun putting this post together!
lola
4 May, 2014 at 8:54 pmoooo ooo i love this cool feature so much. i’m stressing out right now about packing for the Mongol Rally and this makes it seem more fun 🙂
Becky Moore
4 May, 2014 at 9:23 pmOh wow enjoy!
Julie Kinnear
3 May, 2014 at 9:53 pmGreat guide, right on time! I can plan a whole trip without any problem but when it comes to packing, well, that’s difficult… The biggest complication is: cold! And shoes, of course… I´m visiting Sweden for 10 days starting next week, so the problematic part has already started: “should I take my winter jacket or it’s not necessary? Yes, It’s quite warm, but the wind… Should I pack only pants or a dress as well? If I take a dress, I will need another pair of shoes as well, because these are not matching… Do I have enough space for that?” It’s like this, every time. I’m not expecting that this list will solve it all, but I hope it will help. Wish me luck…
Becky Moore
4 May, 2014 at 9:28 amAh Sweden is a tricky one, I went to Denmark a few weeks back fully expecting rain and then had warm sunshine all weekend!
the lazy travelers
2 May, 2014 at 4:55 pmTHIS IS SO COOL! we’re still pretty terrible at packing, no matter how much we travel. it’s hard looking so gorgeous all the time, ya knoooow?
Becky Moore
2 May, 2014 at 5:32 pmHa ha thanks Lazy Travelers! 🙂
Mary Anne
1 May, 2014 at 2:52 pmEssecntials for packing: Dry Shampoo for sure, a pair of black flats and one pair of black heels, jeans, a light top and sweater and my camera. DONE
Becky Moore
2 May, 2014 at 5:31 pmDry shampoo is definitely a popular choice!
Scott
29 April, 2014 at 4:30 pmI’ll show my wife, when are you going to do a male version? 😉
Becky Moore
29 April, 2014 at 4:44 pmHa ha thanks Scott!
Emma
29 April, 2014 at 4:12 pmOoh I love all the cute dresses! I might have to look into some of those myself! 😉 I pack lush products too, good choice!
Becky Moore
29 April, 2014 at 4:44 pmGotta to love Lush! 🙂
@mrsoaroundworld
29 April, 2014 at 2:22 pmI cannot travel without dry shampoo. And chargers. Hum… I wonder why!
Becky Moore
29 April, 2014 at 4:45 pmDry shampoo is a must, I can’t travel anywhere without it! 🙂