When I travel on the weekends, or even for a week long trip, I only carry a carry on bag. Most of the time this includes a small purse that can be put into the carry on when I fly with airlines like EasyJet, who won’t let you on the air plane with a second item.
I’ve also backpacked in Europe twice for 3 weeks with just a carry on. Why? To easily pick up and leave from the office and be able to take public transportation wherever I go. Saving the 30+ pounds on the extra bag also gives me the chance to try a few more foods or have dinner at a nicer restaurant when I’m exploring.
Here is my list of what to bring if I’m travelling for the weekend (leaving Friday and coming back on Sunday or Monday):
- Essentials
- Phone & Charger
- Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Extra Battery & Charger
- Travel Converter
- Notebook & Pen
- Passport
- Wallet
- Keys
- Scarf
- Sunglasses
- Anti-bacterial Wipes
- Optional – iPad
- Optional – Umbrella
- Optional – Tampons
- Clothes
- 4 Pairs of Underwear (always good to have extra!)
- 1 Bra
- PJs
- 1 Set of Workout Clothes (shorts, shirt & sports bra)
- 1 Pair of Jeans (2 for winter)
- 3 T-shirts/Tops
- 1 Sweater (2 for the winter)
- 1 Dress (2 for the summer)
- 3 Pairs of Socks
- 1 Pair of Sneakers
- I always bring my Nike Free Runs
- 1 Pair of Flats/Loafers/Sandals
- 1 Jacket (if Winter)
- Toiletries
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Hairbrush & Hair-tie
- Clinique 3 Step Travel Set
- Argan Oil
- Moisturizer
- Anti-Itch Cream
- Antiseptic Cream
- Tums/Imodium
- Ibuprofen
- Band aids
- Optional – Makeup
- Foundation
- Blush & Eye Shadow Set
- Mascara
- Chapstick
As I travel frequently for work, I actually never unpack my toiletries bag. This makes packing much faster and I know immediately when I need to re-stock on essentials. I have one see-through Clinique Toiletries Bag that I keep all of my liquids in all the time, and another one for makeup. If I need to pack extra light, I tend to go for less liquids. I’ll switch out my regular foundation for BareMinerals and use a stick deodorant.
Pro-Tip: I always carry a few plastic bags and a Longchamp travel duffel in my carry on bag in case I need to bring back a wet swimsuit, shoes get dirty, or sweaty gym clothes. The extra duffel is in case I find something nice to bring back home, or go to Sweden and want to stock up on candy and other Swedish foods.
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