Carry-On Only: What I Actually Pack

The things I take with me, the things I leave at home, and how I manage to travel with just one small bag.

After years of travelling, I've become much better at packing light. For a weekend away or a short city break, I can usually manage with just a carry-on bag.

So here's what I actually pack for a 3–4 day trip, what I leave at home, and the little tricks that make travelling with just one small bag much easier.

What I Actually Pack for a 3–4 Day City Break

For a typical long weekend, this is roughly what I'd take.

Clothes

• 3–4 tops
• 1–2 pairs of trousers
• 1 extra layer
• Underwear for each day, plus one extra
• Socks for each day, plus one extra
• Sleepwear
• One lightweight jacket
• One outfit that can work for an evening out

I choose clothes that work together. If all my tops go with both pairs of trousers, I suddenly have several combinations without bringing several outfits, make everything mix and match.

Shoes

For most city breaks, I take one pair of comfortable shoes and wear them on the journey.

If I genuinely need a second pair, I'll take something lightweight, such as flats or sandals, depending on the destination.

Toiletries: This Is Where I Save the Most Space

I don't take full-size bottles unless I really need them. Small bottles or travel-size containers make a huge difference.

My usual toiletry bag contains:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Skincare basics
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hairbrush
• Essential makeup
• Small personal-care items

I also try to avoid taking something simply because I might use it.

What Goes in My Personal Item

If I'm flying with a small carry-on, I like to keep the things I might need during the journey separate.

• Passport and travel documents
• Wallet
• Phone
• Phone charger
• Power bank
• Headphones
• Small toiletry pouch
• Any medication I need
• Water bottle
• Tissues
• A small snack

I also keep anything valuable or important with me rather than putting it in a bag that might need to be checked at the gate.

If I absolutely need it to get through the day, it stays accessible.

Electronics: Fewer Than You Think

I love technology, but I don't want to spend half my trip looking for chargers.

For a short trip, I normally take:

• Phone
• Phone charger
• Power bank
• Headphones
• Travel adapter if necessary

The Things I Always Forget If I Don't Check

Before leaving, I check:

• ☐ Passport or ID
• ☐ Wallet and cards
• ☐ Phone
• ☐ Chargers
• ☐ Travel adapter
• ☐ Medication
• ☐ Travel insurance details
• ☐ Booking confirmations
• ☐ Keys
• ☐ Sunglasses
• ☐ Any tickets or travel documents

I also check the weather one last time. That can completely change what I put in the bag.

My Trick for Cold-Weather Trips

Cold destinations are much harder to pack for because winter clothes take up so much room. I think in layers.

Base layer + jumper + jacket

That combination can work in very different temperatures.

I'll usually wear the bulkiest items while travelling rather than putting them into the bag.

A large coat, boots and chunky jumper can take up an enormous amount of carry-on space. Wearing them is much easier than trying to squeeze them around everything else.

Packing Cubes: Do I Actually Use Them?

Packing cubes are useful because they keep everything organised.

I usually separate things into categories rather than throwing everything into one bag.

For example:

Cube 1: underwear and socks

Cube 2: tops

Cube 3: other clothes

It makes it much easier to find something without emptying the entire bag onto the hotel bed.

And if I'm moving between hotels, which happens on some trips, it saves a lot of time.

A Small Thing That Has Saved Me More Than Once

A luggage scale might not sound exciting, but it's one of those things that becomes very useful when an airline has a strict weight limit.

It's particularly helpful on the way home. At the beginning of a trip, everything fits easily. Then you buy a few things, add souvenirs, throw in the clothes you bought, and suddenly the bag feels much heavier than it did when you left.

I prefer checking the weight before heading to the airport rather than discovering the problem at the check-in desk.

Want to Make Packing Easier?

If you’d rather not rely on memory when packing, I’ve also put together free travel packing checklists you can use before your next trip.