I’m planning a few weekends in Europe this year, so my mind is on packing light for a hand-luggage only weekend away.
If you’re away for just a weekend you don’t want to be wasting your time standing beside a luggage carousel for ages at the airport. You just want to get off the plane and head to your hotel, before getting out to explore!
Here are some tips for doing just that.
Get the right size bag
First things first, you need a bag that’s going to fit. Fit under the seat in front of you, that is. And make sure you get this part right, because you don’t want to be delayed by the cabin crew insisting on checking your bag when you board!
I usually go for a 25l backpack. This should be enough space for your toiletries, some lightweight shoes, and enough outfits for a few days.
I have a Kathmandu Cotinga 25L which is just perfect, and it has a lot of padding on the back too!
Minimise your make up and toiletries
If you’re packing for a hand-luggage only weekend away, take only what you need when it comes to makeup and toiletries. There’s no sense in taking up valuable bag space with bottles!
Toiletries
Buy a set of travel bottles in a clear plastic 20cm x 20cm case. For a weekend away you really only need a tiny amount of cleanser, make-up remover, moisturiser, etc.
Buy travel size versions of the things you can’t decant into smaller bottles. Things like toothpaste and deodorant.
Make-up
Do you really need a whole bottle of Foundation for a long weekend? Nup! Decant a small amount into one of your mini travel pots instead.
Again, for things that won’t decant – mascara, eye shadow, etc. – take sample sizes. I’m a fan of Bobbi Brown make-up and they always send me a few sample products when I order something. These are what I take when I travel.
Work out what you need
Check the weather
First things first, check the weather for your weekend away. There’s no point taking three thick jumpers if it’s going to be 30*C all weekend! And if it’s going to rain, you definitely do need to take that packable waterproof jacket.
What are your plans?
Next, think about what activities you’re planning to do. Are you going to be walking around a lot? Will you do any sports? Are you going out for a posh meal, or will you likely eat at more casual restaurants?
These things will impact what you take and help to stop you from packing ‘just in case’ items.
Tops
Cotton mix t-shirts
I usually pack a few cotton mix t-shirts, with sleeve lengths to match the weather where I’m going. Cotton mix t-shirts tend not to crease too much when rolled up in a backpack, plus they are quite quick to dry out if you end up needing to give them a quick wash.
You can also layer up t-shirts with different sleeve lengths to match the climate, so make sure you take colours that work well together.
Merino wool jumper
Merino wool jumpers/sweaters are great because you get a lot of warmth out of a thin garment that will fold up quite small. I usually take just one jumper for a warmer weather trip, and two if it’s likely to be a bit chillier in the daytime.
Bottoms
Cotton joggers
Cotton joggers are amazing for packing light. They’re thin, comfy, and can be dressed up or down. Cotton joggers roll up very small and are light to carry, so taking one or two pairs is a great idea for a hand-luggage only weekend away.
Dresses & Jumpsuits
Dresses and jumpsuits work great for a hand-luggage only weekend away, as you can dress them up or down and layer t-shirts over the top to make them look different from day to day.
Your insta followers will never notice you’ve worn the same thing for three days running!
Take packable outerwear
Down jacket
The best item of travel clothing I’ve ever purchased was a down jacket. Living in the UK, I almost always need a jacket at least to get me to the airport – no matter where I’m going!
Down jackets are very warm and super light, they’re great for a hand-luggage only weekend away. Many come with a small bag which they stuff into, so they take up very little space in your bag. They’re also great if you happen to end up on a freezing cold plane, which happens all too often!
Packable waterproof/poncho
If the weather forecast says rain, don’t travel without a waterproof. There are a huge range of lightweight, packable waterproof jackets on the market which are perfect for a hand-luggage only weekend away.
You should be able to fit one into your backpack no problem but, if you do find you’re short on space, a plastic poncho can also be a good (and very cheap!) option.
Packable fleece
I have a packable fleece which I just love. Similar to a packable waterproof jacket, it folds up neatly into it’s own pocket. And similar to merino wool sweaters and down jackets, it provides a great deal of warmth for the thickness of the material.
Take lightweight shoes
What always takes up the most space in a bag? Shoes! Sorry ladies, high heels or clumpy boots just aren’t going to fit. Here are some more packable options!
Toms/Vans
I’ve been a fan of Toms espadrilles for years. They are super light and super comfy, plus for every pair you buy they give a pair of shoes to a child in need. Win win.
If you want to take something a little more substantial, Vans offer a great range of ‘Lite’ sneakers. They really are light, and if you get the ones with ultra-cush they are very VERY comfy for sight-seeing!
Flip flops
I love Havianas and they are the only plastic flip flops I would consider buying. I’ve never got blisters from a pair of Havianas and they last for years before wearing out.
Havianas are great for travel, as they are a lightweight option and some even come in more ‘fancy’ styles.
Flat pumps
High heels might be too bulky to fit in your bag, so consider swapping them for some flat pumps. Go for something dainty, or if you’re planning a night out choose sparkles.
Hiking shoes
If you’re planning on going for any hikes on your weekend away, make sure you take some decent hiking boots. I have a pair of Keen Terradorra boots which are super light-weight – read more about them here! Whilst they don’t necessarily fit into my 25L backpack, I usually wear them to travel and if I need to carry them between locations whilst I’m away, they are light to carry in a separate bag.
Wear your bulkier things to fly
If you’re going somewhere the weather is cold and are limited on hand-luggage space, make sure you wear your bulkier items to fly.
Travel in jeans, hiking boots, your thick jumper, hat scarf and gloves if you have to. It will be worth it.