The ultimate weekend trip packing list with hand luggage only - tips and tricks

Packing for a weekend trip means mastering the "1-2-3-4-5" rule: 1 versatile jacket/sweater, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 bottoms, 4 tops, and 5 sets of socks and underwear. This streamlined approach saves space, lets you fit everything into a small personal item or carry-on, and ensures you're prepared for any activity. 

Although it might seem contradictory, flying with low-cost airlines often results in your luggage being required to be checked in.

This occurs even if you adhere to all the size and weight regulations for your luggage. Low-cost airlines operate on a tight schedule for landing, unloading, loading, and take-off, which frequently leads to delays. To minimize the risk of overcrowded overhead compartments and the hassle of moving bags and outerwear, many companies have implemented mandatory baggage check-in.

If you travel with a soft bag or weekend bag instead, you won't be forced to check in your luggage, as it can fit under the seat in front of you. Additionally, a cabin bag is typically heavier than a good weekend bag, allowing you to pack more in a soft bag.

Packing for a weekend trip means keeping your bags light and organised with this ultimate checklist broken down by category:

👕 Clothing & Footwear

Adapt your clothing to the season; if it's warm, you might require additional items. Nonetheless, the essentials for a weekend getaway are always 1 skirt/shorts, 1 pair of trousers, and 2-3 tops. The key is ensuring everything can be mixed and matched.

All the clothes, including those I wear during travel, are coordinated. This enables me to put together at least 6 different outfits with my travel wardrobe.

• 4 Tops: Mix and match casual tees and slightly dressier options for the evening.

• 3 Bottoms: Think versatile jeans, skirts, or comfortable walking trousers.

• 2 Pairs of Shoes: One comfortable, supportive pair for long walking days, and one dressier pair for evenings or dinners (like a sleek pair of flats or casual boots).

• 1 Layer: A lightweight jacket, cardigan, or pashmina that you can wear on the plane/train and layer as needed.

• Basics: 5 pairs of socks and underwear, plus an extra "just-in-case" pair.

• Extras: 1 set of sleepwear and appropriate swimwear/cover-up if your destination or hotel has a pool or beach access.

• Wear your jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves while traveling, so they don't need to be packed.

🧴 Toiletries & Health

Clear out the toiletry bag and only replace the items that are ABSOLUTELY essential. That pink lipstick from 2007 that you never used is still not going to be used.

Don't pack hair dryers and shower products! 

If you stay in a good hotel, there is always good shampoo, shower cream and skin lotion. However, the hair dryer in the hotel rooms is rarely a real hair dryer, but it is usually possible to fix the hair anyway with a little will. However, conditioner is a story in itself, but you will soon see that in the packing list below...

• Mini Essentials: Toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, and deodorant. Make sure it is less than 100 ml only.

• Skincare & Hair: Face wash, daily moisturizer, sunscreen, and a hairbrush.

• Liquids & Styling: Shampoo/conditioner (if not using hotel amenities) and a hot tool like a flat iron.

• First Aid & Meds: Your daily vitamins, personal prescriptions, basic pain relievers, and band-aids.

• Personal Care: Menstrual products and lip balm

• Sun cream - perfect for enjoying outdoor dining in sunny metropolitan areas. Since sunscreen bottles often exceed 100 ml, I purchase small travel-sized sun creams at Lidl for a minimal cost and take them in my hand luggage.

• Wet wipes in travel-size packs – Something you might not initially think to use, but soon realize how convenient they are.

📱 Tech Essentials

In Europe, in-flight entertainment systems are rarely offered, so I fill the iPad with TV series and pack small headphones. I have large noise-cancelling headphones that I take with me on long trips, but for a short weekend in Europe, regular small plugs are enough. They take up no space and effectively block out aircraft noise.

• Devices: Smartphone and e-reader or tablet.

• Power: Wall chargers, charging cables, and a portable power bank.

• Audio: Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones.

I’ve begun to favor smaller cameras when spending time in large cities. It's a real trade-off, but bringing my camera and lenses on a trip adds an extra 2 kg to my luggage.

💳 Personal Items

• Documents: Driver's license/ID, passport (if traveling abroad), and health insurance cards.

• Finances: Wallet, credit cards, debit cards, and a small amount of local cash.

• Extras: House/car keys, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle

• Most airlines allow you to carry a small handbag in addition to your hand luggage. Use it to keep your passport, keys, and wallet.

• Printouts of tickets and bookings

  Batteries run out. It happens way too often to me. Preferably just before I arrive at check-in.

• Guide Book

• I usually have electronic guidebooks, screenshots, and Google maps downloaded in the iPad, but I have learned that it can be good to have good old books when the batteries in my tablet/iPhone suddenly run out.

Snacks and water:

• Granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit

• Reusable water bottle.

DONE! total weight, under 3 kilos.

Simple, isn't it? Additionally, in a large city, you can usually purchase most things immediately if you forget something. The only items that might be troublesome if forgotten are a mobile phone, medicines, and lenses/glasses.