Sometimes you don’t need a big trip to re-energize—you just need a few quiet days.

Life lately has been feeling chaotic, and the impulse to get on a plane and forget about everything for a short-term trip is very tempting. When I imagine it, it feels simple. But I know that’s just because I’ve become too used to city breaks that they feel easy to me.

If you’re looking to get away, it’s always easier if you have a plan and systems in place. My favourite system is my list of items to pack for a short-term trip (think, at most four days). I’ve made versions of this list in my bullet journal for years, and now I’m sharing it in the hopes that it will make travel easier for you—so instead of worrying about packing too much or too little, you can relax knowing you’ve got everything you need!

Why is a Packing List Important?

I get so excited about travel sometimes that I pack slowly, over days—every time I think about my trip, adding something new. This has been a mistake every time I’ve tried it.

Why? Because I don’t know when to stop, and I pack everything. Too many books, shoes I haven’t worn in years—I get so excited that I don’t stop and think.

That’s why the list is important; it gives me a chance to curate my items, and set up my carry-on in a way that works for me without overflowing.

Why is Less Stuff Better?

I didn’t always travel light; when I was younger, I wanted an outfit for every mood I might be in, several books I might like to read, and lots of shoes to choose from.

But inevitably what happened is that I’d drag all the stuff I brought around the city, use only some of it, and bring the rest back untouched.

Travelling light saves so much mental energy. When you don’t have endless options for outfits, getting in the morning goes smoother. Things don’t get lost under piles of items when the number of items is reduced, and you’re not worried about leaving things behind.

Lugging a heavy suitcase around brings its own set of problems. Even with a rolling suitcase, different types of flooring won’t help you. Just try dragging a large, full-to-the-brim suitcase over cobbled stones, or in cities with antiquated stairs instead of ramps.

That’s also assuming everything with your suitcase goes right—once, on my way to the airport for an international flight, a wheel on my large suitcase snapped right out of the wheel-well. Having to manoeuvre and carry that case meant I got to the airport—and my destination—dishevelled and sweaty. What a waste of energy! It’s much easier to glide through a marble-floored lobby with a small bag than struggling with an oversized suitcase.

Packing less also can save you time and money. On your departure day, keeping a large suitcase at the hotel or hostel where you’re staying means you need to circle back to get it before your flight. Instead of this, I like to leave the hotel with my small bag, go somewhere like a gallery, and then go directly on to the airport. It means you get more time back!

If you can get away with not checking a big bag and just using a carry-on suitcase, it’ll save you time at the airport on both ends. There’s no need to wait in line to check a bag, or to wait at the baggage claim on the other side for your suitcase to come out. And again, that assumes that everything goes perfectly; airport luggage gets lost all the time. Travelling with just a carry-on bag means you’re not letting your items out of your sight.

Lastly—and this isn’t a factual argument as much as it is a suggestion from someone who loves travelling—it’s nice to go somewhere with a bit of space in your bag. Travelling with fewer items means there’s opportunity for souvenirs, clothing, and gifts. You never know when you’re going to pop into a local shop and find your new favourite dress, or find a perfume scent that reminds you of your vacation that you’d like to take home. With an oversized, full-to-the-brim suitcase, this kind of collecting isn’t possible. It’s hard to bring something that feels meaningful home when your suitcase was overflowing from the moment you landed. Nothing good can come into your life if you don’t make space for it!

My Formula For a 4-Day Slow City Break

I thought it might be helpful to explain what’s actually in my carryon for a four-day trip.

I try not to be too militant about what I can and can’t bring; the list is just here to remind me of all the things I appreciate having on me. When it comes to outfits, there are some rules I follow—such as:

• I pick clothes for the activities I’m going to. So if I know I’m going to be going on long walks in the countryside, it’s wellies and a strong coat, not a ballgown. Your best bet if you’re unsure is to pick basics that are adaptable to multiple situations
• Clothes all need to work together aesthetically, colour- and fit-wise (so for example, if you’re packing pastel basics, don’t throw in one neon top that doesn’t match anything—it won’t get worn!)
• I re-wear the pants I’ve picked. I often bring jeans, and I find they need washing less regularly than tops.
• I don’t get too caught up in social media and posting pics based on what I’m wearing. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t “have” to have a new outfit for every day of your trip. If your Instagram reel from your trip has you re-wearing outfits on multiple days—who cares? This is your trip!

What Do I Pack?

Feel free to save this list somewhere for your next trip!

Everyone packs differently based on what they need, so this list won’t be exhaustive. For example, I have an epi-pen I take everywhere for my nut allergy, but I’m not including it in this list. When travelling, ask yourself what you’ll need in terms of prescription medication, personal comfort items, and other speciality material, and add to this list!

When you see the (L) symbol, it stands for “liquid”—these are things that need to be in a separate, see-through bag if they’re not being checked, to get through security as fast as possible.

Toiletries

Medication:

• Antihistamines (because new cities = new kinds of pollen = the potential for new allergies!)
• Painkillers
• Anti-nausea tablets (for long car rides and boat trips)
• Bandaids
• Hand Sanitizer (L)
• Hypochlorous acid spray (L).

Skincare & Cleanliness:

• Sunscreen (L)
• Moisturizer (L)
• Toner (L)
• Retinol (L)
• Lip balm (L)
• Body wash (L)
• Shampoo (L)
• Toothpaste (L)
• Toothbrush
• Feminine hygiene products
• Deodorant

Makeup:

• Lip gloss or lipstick (L)
• Mini concealer (L)
• Foundation (L)
• Blush stick
• Mascara

Tools:

• Glass nail file
• Tweezers
• Cotton pads
• Eyelash curler

Clothes:

When I travel I wear: one shirt, one pair of pants, an oversized sweater, a pair of socks and walking shoes, undergarments, and whatever outerwear I need (including coat, hat, scarf, sunglasses, etc.). I also pack:

• One pair of pants
• Three shirts
• Three pairs of socks
• Three sets of underwear
• One bra

Sleep:

• Pajamas
• Eye Mask
• Ear Plugs

Electronics:

• Phone (in my pocket)
• 10ft phone charger cord
• Portable battery (I charge this fully before I leave!)
• Power adapter with USB plug-in
• Wireless headphones
• Wired headphones, only if I’ll be on a flight for more than four hours (so I can watch some TV)
• Laptop, only if I’ll be working during my trip

Other:

These things are often in my purse so they’re easy to grab en route:

• Passport
• Reusable water bottle (which stays empty until I get to the airport, so I don’t get stopped at security!)
• Keys
• Wallet with local cash (for emergencies)
• Small notebook & pencil with eraser
• Paperback book
• Tote bag

FAQ:

Is there a carry-on you recommend? Honestly, I know so many that work that I’m hesitant to bring one up. I really recommend getting one with four wheels that move independently (the two-wheel ones will limit how you move through the airport). I had a Samsonite that lasted me 10 years, and I loved it up until the strap broke; but I’ve also heard great things about Rimowa, BEIS, and Antler. But you do notneed a fancy new carryon suitcase if you already have one! Save it for the trip.

Do they check carry-on luggage at airport security? Yes, I’ve had my suitcase pulled for a check more than once. Usually it’s just because something unusual shows up on their scanner. To avoid this fate, make sure all your liquids are in a clear case before you get to the line!

Can I bring both a carry-on suitcase and a backpack? Most airlines let you have a carry-on suitcase and a personal item—and have different size requirements for each. Always check with your airline first, and remember that you might still get told at the gate that because of a full flight, you’ll need to check your carry-on suitcase.

Can you get through a four-day weekend with only a carry-on suitcase? I’ve gotten through a four-day weekend with only a backpack! And I’ve made it through a 12-day trip with a carry-on suitcase and a large handbag. It’s absolutely possible!