Packing List: Weekend & City Breaks
In this list we share with your our recommended packing list for your weekend trips and city breaks.
This list is designed for a 3-4 day trip, covering everything you will need for your trip.
Obviously this list will vary depending on the purpose of your weekend trip. A packing list for a sightseeing city break will be very different to a packing list for hiking in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland! So we will address Packing lists for outdoor weekend breaks separately.
Right. Let's get suck in!
A good weekend Cabin Bag
Just like your backpack/personal bag, a good weekend cabin-bag is the best starting point. Below we have shared two of our preferred options, which can be used in conjunction with your backpack/personal bag, which will fit under the seat in front of you.
Aerolite Hard-Shell
Liam & Alex recommend the Aerolite Lightweight 55cm 34L hard-shell carry on hand luggage suitcase with 4 wheels.
We recommend this one for multiple reasons:
- It has been designed to be accepted on the vast majority of airlines in the UK, Europe and America (Inc. Ryanair & easyJet when you Pay for Carry-on)
- It has 4 dual-spinner multidirectional wheels, allowing you to move it upright or pulling it behind you, maximising mobility
- The rigid shell is waterproof and adds extra protection and security for your belongings.
- And best yet - They have a 5 year warranty with replacement service, which also covers any manufacturing defects!
Dimensions: 55x35x20cm (All Parts), 48.5x35x20cm (Body). Weight: 2.6kg. Capacity: 34L
American Tourister
Hard-shell cases are great, but sometimes you need an little extra wriggle room, and the American Tourister Summer Session case does exactly that, with a base capacity of 38L but expands to support up to 42L. And thats why Richard & Lance recommend it.
- Designed by one of the global leaders in travel baggage
- Again, like the Aerolite, It has 4 multidirectional wheels, allowing you to move it upright or pulling it behind you, maximising mobility
- The soft-shell allows you to maximise its capacity, often squeezing a bit more in than you can in the hard-shell cases. The additional pockets also give you a few more options.
Dimensions: 55 cm (h) x 35 cm (w) x 20/25 cm (d) Weight: 1.5 kg.
Capacity: 38/42 liters 4 multidirectional wheels 2 front pockets.
Clothing
Before we get into this, we will caveat this entire section by saying that Plan It Form Me is run by and based on the experience and travel recommendations of 4 (admittedly very different) men. We appreciate that women have some different packing requirements to us. So while we may list some suggested items, we would never dare to recommend any specific products that aren't unisex, as we have said from the outset, we only recommend products that we have used ourselves.
How to Pack
So. The number one thing we have learned about packing over the last 22+ years between us is: Roll your clothes!
Rolling your clothes is the best way, short of vacuum packs to maximise your space in your suitcase. Rolled clothes take up significantly less space / maximise the available space in your case than simply stacking your clothes in the traditional sense and actually helps reduce wrinkles in clothing.
This is especially true for t-shirts, trousers, socks and underwear, and maximises space for any larger items such as an additional pair of shoes.
If you are one of those people that needs to be crease free, you can always Iron your clothes when you get there!
Click on the black and white image to see a quick guide to clothes rolling.
Jeans & Trousers / Skirts
We generally recommend packing 2 pairs of trousers / skirts, generally speaking a pair of Jeans and a smarter pair of trousers, usually chinos, in case you decide to go somewhere of an evening requiring a slightly smarter dress-code, or a skirt for women.
To increase the space in your bag, and reduce the weight of it, we also recommend you wear one of these items, particularly for a weekend/city break. You can always change into shorts when you arrive if you want to.
We also recommend a relatively loose fitting pair of jeans, particularly if you are planning to wear them while you are out exploring. We always recommend packing at least 1 pair of heavier trousers (eg: Jeans) in case the weather takes a turn.
Shorts
Obviously this depends on the time of year, as we travel all year round.
But shorts are a travel must, especially for warm locations.
As well as a decent pair or Cotton/polyblend shorts we recommend EKLENTSON Quick Dry Cargo Shorts Lightweight Walking Hiking Shorts for when you are out exploring. Cargo shorts are really useful for carrying bits and pieces while out exploring, as well as being practical when bad weather strikes. They are also lightweight to keep you cool on the go.
We recommend packing 1 or two pairs for a weekend trip.
T-shirts & Vest Tops
T-shirts. The travel staple. We're not going to tell you what style, or colour to pack, as we all have our favoured style, fit and brands.
But we do recommend packing a couple of light weight cotton t-shirts, particularly white if you are going somewhere warm and sunny.
Depending on how long you are going for, we recommend packing 1 t-shirt for each day you are there, and 1 spare (We've all spilt coffee or wine on ourselves at some point)
For the evenings, assuming you don't want to wear a shirt, a couple of smarter t-shirts or polo-shirts will do you nicely.
Shirts
Shirts are a must have packing item for us, but then we are shirt/over shirt guys. They are great for when you are out exploring, particularly for protecting you from the sun.
We recommend packing 2-3 shirts. More if you want to pack slightly smarter ones for wearing in the evenings (Remember: even HOT locations can be significantly cooler in the evenings!).
Remember to pack the right type of shirts for the climate you are going to and the activities you plan to do! Depending on your destinations, the colours of shirts you pack can be equally important!
- Lighter/Linen shirts for summer and countries with hot/humid climates
- Heavier shirts for winter and colder destinations
- Short Sleeve shirts to help you keep cool
- Long Sleeve shirts for sun/bug protection/keeping warm
Sweatshirt / Hoodie
This recommendation applies regardless of the time of year you are travelling.
Its one of those better to have and not need than need and not have items.
Even warm locations can get chilly in the evening (You'd be surprised how chilly even South America can get at night!), and weather can and does change unexpectedly, and a good alternative to a jacket in the evening.
From a hideously practical stand point, they also come in really handy if you end up being unwell (this has happened to us, and you'd be surprised how often we know it has happened to others).
Swimwear
If your hotel/accommodation has a pool or spa area, or if you are going to a costal location or planning to indulge in some wild swimming, we recommend packing a single item/pair of swimwear. This way, even if you opt not to, you will be prepared if you do (We have all done a mad dash to a foreign department store to buy a pair of swimming trunks at some point in the past!).
If you are going somewhere that at least gives you the option of going for a swim, we recommend packing swimwear. And a swim/steam/sauna where you can, is the perfect way to relax after a long day of exploring.
Microfiber Towel
Linked to the above, this one probably won't be needed if you are using facilities in your hotel/accommodation, but are very handy for when going to coastal locations or wild swimming.
They also make great beach/pool side towels for after a day of exploring.
They are practical, and light weight, so you may want to consider packing one depending on where you are going, and what you are planning, or even have the option to do!
Your Footwear
Depending on where you are going, you will want to consider your footwear.
Generally for city breaks, we recommend a decent pair of comfortable trainers, especially for visiting older cities where there are cobbled streets a-plenty.
Depending on the location and temperature, you may also want to consider packing a pair of sandals or flip flops.
If you are planning any outdoor activities, we obviously recommend you include the relevant footwear (eg: Hiking Boots).
Of course this is up to you. But what we will say is this: Always wear the heaviest item of footwear while travelling to reduce weight in your case, and pack the lighter option if you are taking more than one!
Socks and Underwear
We're not going to tech you to suck eggs on this one, but some general tips.
Underwear
Pack at least 1 pair of underwear for each day of your trip. We also recommend packing 1 spare pair should the weather necessitate an unexpected change one day.
Also - If you are planning to go exploring, it pays to make sure you pack comfortable pairs!
Socks
As with you underwear, pack at least 1 pair of socks for each day of your trip, plus one additional pair in case of contracting 'Wet Feet' thanks to those unpredictable rain storms.
For exploring, or trips involving a lot of walking, we recommend non-cotton based socks. This stops your socks from moving about too much as you explore, which can potentially cause blisters.
For outdoor activities / hiking, we recommend proper walking socks (again - Non-Cotton socks).
Depending on the time of year you are travelling, pack the type of sock best suited: Eg: Trainer Socks for summer, regular ankle/walking socks for winter/colder months.
Toiletries
As with the packing list, we caveat this list by stating that it was written by blokes. But we have listed what we believe are the the essential items.
We all use specific products for a reason, so pack what you need to.
Our suggestions may differ to your normal products, but this is for the purpose of helping you save space and weight in your carry on bag.
Remember - You have limited space and liquid allowance for your carry on baggage!
Toiletries Bag
A transparent toiletries bag for storing your toiletries for weekend breaks. While a lot of UK and some European destinations have installed the new Scanners which don't require you to remove your liquids/removes liquid limits, this isn't always the case, and your cant guarantee that your destination airport will have them for your return trip (You don't want to have to bin an expensive bottle of aftershave/perfume at the end of a trip!)
Travel Liquids Bottles
Lets face it. Nobody wants to pack a full bottle of shampoo or shower gel/body wash for a weekend break. The travel size bottles you can buy at Boots or other retailers are also generally over-priced and wasteful (it's a LOT of unnecessary plastic!). Also very handy for toothpaste!
Buying a couple of travel liquid bottles allows you to fill them with your normal products from home and use them time and again, and ensures that they still meet the 100ml limit applicable to airports using the older style scanners.
It's also generally a lot cheaper to fill these from the larger product bottles you use at home, rather than buying the travel sized versions.
Soap Box
If like some of us, you prefer a bar of soap (eg: Dove) over shower gel/bodywash, we thoroughly recommend getting yourself a soap box. They generally come in a pack of two, and mean that you can take your normal soaa with you and bring it back to use at home, or keep it in the box for your next trip.
Keeps your your toiletries dry, and reduces waste.
Having a bar of soap with you can also be really practical for helping to remove marks or stains from clothing while travelling!
Travel Toothbrush
Travel toothbrushes are really handy for minimising the amount of space you use in your bag.
These handy toothbrushes fold in half, both minimising the space used, and keeping the bristles clean when not in use.
These usually come in a pack of two in different colours, which is handy when travelling as a pair/couple, or having a spare when one needs to be replaced.
These also come in handy for work trips.
Toothbrush Cover
If you prefer to take your normal toothbrush with you, we thoroughly recommend buying a toothbrush cover. These help keep your toothbrush clean, and your toiletries dry.
(And help to keep residual toothpaste off the rest of your toiletries!)
Antiseptic & Wound Creams
Scrapes, grazes, insect bites and the occasional rash/skin irritation are all part and parcel of travelling, especially when in a location and climate your are not familiar with. So we recommend having the following products handy to help deal with the unexpected.
Antiseptic Cream
An oldie but a Goldie. Savlon is great for cleaning scrapes and grazes, and even insict bites you may encounter as you travel.
Wound Cream
Similar to Savlon, Bepanthen (Yes, Nappy Rash Cream!) is great for treating minor ailments, and in some instances is better than Savlon, as it is oil based and thicker (Particularly good for warmer climates where sweat can wipe away water cased creams).
Bepanthen is particularly good for treating skin irritations and sweat rashes you may encounter when exploring in hot and humid climates, and where you are sweaty ands your clothes rub against your skin.
We know 'Nappy Rash Cream' sounds odd, but trust us, this stuff can be your best friend in a pinch, and its better to have and not need, than need and not have (Nothing worse than trying to figure out the name / spelling of this in another language - Yes - We have been there! Try saying "Бепантен" with a hangover!).
Plasters, Blister Plasters & Liquid Plasters
Plasters
As with the antiseptic creams, you should always have plasters with you. As the quality of plasters on some countries is nowhere near as good as ours.
We recommend the 'Second Skin' plasters, as these plasters tend to get a better seal on the skin, and are less prone to moving/getting rubbed off by clothing, as well as providing better protection for the wound in warm/humid climates.
Take the plasters out of the box before packing in your toiletries to save space.
Blister Plasters
Hear us out - When it comes to blisters, blister plasters are 100% better than regular plasters. They are thicker, form a better seal and alleviate blister pain far better, and we swear by them.
Even if you are not prone to blisters, we recommend having these in your toiletries, as when out sightseeing, or hiking, you never know exactly how much walking you are going to be doing on a trip.
Plus cobble stoned streets and trails present surfaces you aren't used to walking on, (Even in Shoes and socks you have worn 100 times before) and as a result, more likely to cause unexpected and unwanted blisters.
Slightly more expensive than normal plasters, but much better at dealing with annoying and uncomfortable blisters.
Again, as with the regular plasters, take them out of the box to save space.
New Skin
A great alternative to regular plasters is a product like 'New Skin'. This is a liquid plaster that you apply over a wound to seal it and keep it clean (Even if it stings like a mofo when you put it on). Handy for keeping on you, particularly for outdoor activitiese for small cuts and grazes.
Pain Killers
So, in the same vein as plasters and blister plasters, it never hurts to be prepared for anything. From deadaches to hangovers, pain killers are an essential packing item. We have split this in to 3 distinct elements below.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol. Thats it. Simple, Supermarket's own brand Paracetamol.
Great for headaches and general aches and pains.. Even take a single strip from the box.
Simple. Effective. And light weight!
Ibuprofen
Another good shout to pack is a sleeve of Ibuprofen. As Ibuprofen is an anti inflammatory, it is ideal if you hurt yourself during a day of exploring (eg: rolled ankles) or even some of the more troublesome headaches.
Cheap and cheerful, generic/supermarkets own brand stuff is just as good and effective as Nurofen and other leading brands..
Hangover Treatments
When travelling, it is all too easy to get caught up in local customs and cultures... and their drinking habits (Particularly in Eastern Europe!). Also if travelling to go to an event or festival, we cannot recommend these enough to make sure you don't have to write-off the following day.
We cannot recommend Alka-Seltzer XS enough. Two of these in a glass of water, and you are good to go 20 mins later.
(Also - If its been a heavy night and you know it, 2 before bed and another 2 in the morning work a charm!)
Decongestants
Half of us at Plan It For Me have or are prone to sinus issues and colds, particularly after travelling on a plane. We know from all-too-uncomfortable experience that the products we use that are freely available at home, are not always available when you travel (including mainland Europe), particularly if they, as most decongestants do, contain pseudoephedrine.
For example, In several European countries this is only available with a prescription or with a local residence permit for the specific country. So it pays to have at least a small supply with you depending on the length of your trip.
Actifed
Our product of choice is Actifed, as one of the best products of its type. You can buy these tablet for almost any pharmacy.
If they don't have Actifed, Sudafed Sinus is a suitable alternative (although in our humble opinions, not as good).
Otrivene
Otrivene / Otrivine Sinus is another great product in this category. This is a Nasal Spar that can relieve congestion while on the move.
As a note - This is also commonly available in mainland Europe, so a handy one to look out for if you need it while travelling.
Other Recommended Toiletries
As we said from the outset, this is a common sense packing list for a weekend break. Some other things you may with to consider include:
- Antihistamines
- A razor (We don't recommend packing one, as generally these arent allowed in carry-on luggage - Get one when you get there, you can usually grab one for about £1 each when you reach your location)
- Sun screen
- Insect repellant
- Multi-vitamins
Weekend/City Break Packing Checklist
- Carry-On Bag
- Jeans / Trousers - x2 (Wear one of these while Travelling)
- Shorts x2
- Tshits & Vest Tops x No of days of your trip (+1 Spare)
- Shirts x2-3 (Daytime & Evening)
- Sweatshirt / Hoodie x1 (Wearing this while travelling is a good trick)
- An additional pair of Shoes/Sandals as required (Wear the heaviest pair for travelling!)
- Swimwear (If required)
- Microfiber Towel (If required)
- Underwear
- Boxers / Briefs / Pants / Bras etc - x No of days of your trip (+1 Spare)
- Socks (Trainer / Walking / Normal) x No of days of your trip (+1 Spare)
- Toiletries
- Toiletries Bag
- Travel Liquid Bottles
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Shower Gel / Body Wash
- Creams
- Toothpaste
- Shaving Foam/Cream
- Deodorant
- Face Wash / Facial Products
- Sun Screen
- Insect repellant
- Hair Gel / Hair Products
- Liquid Makeup & Make up Removal Products (Make sure the liquids are in with your Toiletries)
- Nail Clippers
- Nail File / Emary Board
- Soap Case (Alternative to shower gel / body wash) - [Optional]
- Aftershave / Perfume (100ml or less)
- Travel Toothbrush / Toothbrush Cover
- Hair Brush / Comb
- Painkillers (Paracetamol / Iboprofen / Alka-Seltzer)
- Antiseptic / Wound Creams
- Plasters & Blister Plasters
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Multivitamins
- Sanitary Products
- Sexual Health Products
**Remember - Non-liquid toiletries don't need to go into your toilet bag, pack these separately to maximise space in your single liquid bag!**
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