Travelling Light – What’s in my carry on for a weekend trip?

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.