City Break Packing List
Pack smart for 2-3 day city adventures with carry-on only
City breaks are all about efficiency. Whether you are exploring cobbled streets in Prague, gallery-hopping in Paris, or eating your way through Barcelona, the last thing you want is a heavy suitcase slowing you down. This guide helps you pack everything you need in a single carry-on bag, with versatile outfits that work from museum to rooftop bar.
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Build My Packing ListThe Carry-On Strategy
The secret to successful city break packing is accepting you do not need options - you need the right pieces that work together. A 40-litre backpack or small cabin bag is plenty for a 2-3 night trip. Skip the checked luggage queue, breeze through arrivals, and head straight into the city.
Size Matters
Check airline carry-on dimensions before packing. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet have strict size limits. A bag that fits BA might not fit Wizz Air.
Documents & Essentials
- Passport or ID card (for EU travel)
- Boarding pass (download to phone plus screenshot)
- Hotel confirmation
- Travel insurance details
- Bank cards (notify bank of travel dates)
- Small amount of local currency for arrival
- Copy of passport photo page (email to yourself)
Clothing - The Capsule Wardrobe
The capsule wardrobe approach means every item works with every other item. Stick to a colour palette of 2-3 neutral tones plus one accent colour. This lets you create multiple outfits from minimal pieces.
- 2-3 t-shirts or tops (mix casual and slightly smart)
- 1 long-sleeve layer (shirt, blouse, or light jumper)
- 1 pair of jeans or versatile trousers
- 1 pair of shorts or skirt (warm weather)
- 1 light jacket or cardigan
- 3-4 sets of underwear
- 3 pairs of socks
- 1 evening outfit (or dress up a day outfit with accessories)
- Pyjamas (or sleep in a t-shirt)
Family Tip
Wear your bulkiest items on the plane. Heavy jacket, chunky trainers, jeans - all worn, not packed. This frees up significant bag space.
Footwear
Footwear is the hardest category - shoes take up space and city breaks involve serious walking. The magic number is two pairs maximum.
- 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes (wear these on the plane)
- 1 pair of smart-casual shoes or sandals (pack these)
- Skip the heels unless essential - cobblestones are brutal
Warning
Break in new shoes BEFORE the trip. Blisters on day one ruin everything. Bring plasters just in case.
Toiletries - The Minimalist Edit
Remember the 100ml liquid rule for carry-on. Decant products into travel bottles or buy travel sizes. Hotels provide basics - use them.
- Toothbrush and small toothpaste
- Deodorant (solid stick avoids liquid limits)
- Small shampoo/conditioner or use hotel supplies
- Moisturiser
- Razor
- Minimal makeup (one palette, mascara, lipstick)
- Medications (in original packaging)
- Paracetamol/ibuprofen
- Contact lenses and solution
- Lip balm
Tip
Pack toiletries in a clear plastic bag. Security will ask for it, and spillages stay contained.
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank (must be in hand luggage, not hold)
- Travel adaptor (check destination requirements)
- Earphones/headphones
- Camera (optional - phones are usually enough)
- E-reader (lighter than books)
Day Bag Essentials
Pack a small day bag or foldable backpack for exploring. You do not want to carry your cabin bag all day.
- Small backpack or crossbody bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Pocket umbrella or rain jacket
- City map or offline maps downloaded
- Snacks for the plane
Seasonal Additions
Adjust for weather. Check the forecast 3-5 days before departure and pack accordingly.
- Summer: Sunscreen, hat, lighter fabrics
- Winter: Warm coat (wear it), scarf, gloves, hat
- Rainy season: Packable waterproof jacket
- Variable weather: Layers that can be added/removed
What NOT to Pack
The key to carry-on success is ruthless editing. Leave these behind:
- Just in case outfits - you will not wear them
- Multiple pairs of shoes beyond two
- Full-size toiletries
- Bulky hairdryers (hotels have them)
- Valuables you would worry about losing
- Heavy books (use e-reader or phone)
- Too many electronics
- Anything you have not worn in the last month
Money-Saving Tip
Lay out everything you want to pack, then put half of it back. You genuinely need less than you think.
Packing Technique
How you pack matters as much as what you pack. Use these techniques to maximise space:
- Roll clothes instead of folding - prevents creases and saves space
- Use packing cubes to organise and compress
- Fill shoes with socks and small items
- Put heavy items at the bottom (near wheels or your back)
- Keep one outfit accessible for overnight flights
- Pack a spare outfit in your personal item in case of delays
Family Tip
Packing cubes are game-changers. They compress clothes, keep things organised, and make unpacking at the hotel instant.
City Breaks with Kids
Travelling light with children is harder but not impossible. The key is accepting you will do laundry or buy basics if needed.
- 3-4 outfits per child (they spill things)
- One warm layer
- Comfortable walking shoes (only one pair)
- Favourite small toy or comfort item
- Tablet with downloaded content for travel
- Snacks - endless snacks
- Wipes (useful for years beyond nappies)
- Change of clothes in hand luggage for accidents
- Lightweight foldable pushchair if under 4
Tip
Children do not care about outfit variety. They will happily wear the same comfortable clothes repeatedly. Pack for practicality, not Instagram.
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