The ultimate checklist for your city trip luggage

Going on a city trip is so much fun, but packing always seems challenging. Do I have everything? Why isn’t it all going in my suitcase or bag? Do I really need that much underwear?

Because I struggle with those questions myself, I made a list of how I pack my luggage for a city trip. This means this should all fit in a small suitcase or even a rucksack you can take in the cabin. That is why some things might not seem optimal, like a towel every two days instead of every day, but sometimes you have to choose.

It’s important to know that I created this checklist with myself, a man, in mind. There might be things missing that seem apparent to some, and there might be things on this list that have never occurred to you. Maybe they’re even irrelevant to you.

This city trip packing checklist is a good starting point, but of course, feel free to adapt it to your needs and wants.

It’s also essential to plan how you’ll pack your stuff in advance. Are you checking in a suitcase? Or are you going to use only a small backpack? And are you staying at a hotel or a hostel?

These questions influence what you bring. And how many pieces of clothing you will fit.

Clothes to pack for a citytrip

As you will probably not walk around naked, I suggest you take some clothes with you. They help you not get arrested for public nudity and can showcase your personality. Two big plusses!

Tip: Try not to look too touristy. T-shirts with a location printed on them do not help with that. Leave that Hard Rock Cafe T-shirt at home, too.

Another tip: Use packing cubes to keep your clothes organized during travel. They are fairly cheap and really help with packing and organization.

• 1 piece of fresh underwear for every day (and take a spare one for every 3 days or so)
  • This includes underpants and socks
• 1 pair of longer pants. If it’s a short trip, I take the one I’m wearing with me.
• 1 pair of short pants if you’re going somewhere warmer
• 1 t-shirt/top for every day (and take a spare one every 3 days)
• 1 sweater (Again, the one I’m wearing if it’s a shorter trip)
• 1 raincoat or jacket, because you never know. (Though usually, I wear it to the airport anyway)
• An outfit you can go out with. Either partying or fine dining, whatever your vibe is.
• A hat if you wear one
• Sunglasses if you’re going somewhere sunny

Depending on your type of person, you don’t need to bring extra shoes apart from the ones you are wearing to your destination. I can recommend having comfortable shoes in any situation.

It’s also good to remember that bringing extra pants in case you spill might seem a good idea. Know yourself. But you can also use that as an excuse to go shopping at your destination.

Hygiene items to bring with you

If you don’t care about your appearance and smell, skip this part. But I’m pretty sure this is rather basic than excessive. So, maybe not skip this part and be hygienic. Especially if you stay in a hostel, you don’t want to scare your roommates away.

Make sure to get travel-sized versions of all the products, too. You don’t need a 2L bottle of shampoo.

• A toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Perfume
• Hair wax
• A comb
• Shampoo and body wash (Often hotels provide these)
• A towel for every two days (again, hotels provide those, hostels often don’t)
• Your contact lenses and glasses if you need those.
• A razor, if you don’t put it in your carry-on.

If you’re traveling with a friend, you can probably share a lot of these items, like toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo—just not the toothbrush.

Health items and protection

• Bring a basic apothecary (painkillers and other basics)
• Your prescription drugs (if you have any)
• Bandages
• Sun protection (or buy it locally)
• Condoms (you never know)
• Refillable waterbottle

Personal documents for your travels

You must bring some physical documents, like your ID-card or passport. But most of the documents are fine to have just in your mail inbox or on Google Drive. Make sure you know where they are, though. Perhaps even make them available offline on your phone or laptop.

• ID-card or passport
• Any insurance documentation like health and travel insurances
• Credit card(s)
• Tickets and reservation information: train, airplane, hotel, …
• Bank information to (un)lock your cards
• Driver’s License if you plan on renting a car

Documenting your trip

Making memories is probably one of the most essential parts of the trip. If not, it’s why you’re going on that city trip. So, get some things in place to document those memories.

• A camera or a good phone
  • Bring the appropriate chargers
  • Plenty of memory cards
  • Plenty of batteries
  • If needed, extra lenses
• A power bank
• Your chargers
• A notebook to write down your experiences
• A money belt or similar to keep everything safe on you.

Prepare your smartphone for the city trip

• Back up and erase old photos to make room
• Download some music playlists for offline use
• Install a VPN to protect your data while you travel

Extra’s to pack for your city trip

• A magazine or book to read, although you might not have time for that
  • Bringing a Kindle or e-reader is even better if you’re a big reader.
• A laptop, but only if you really can’t wait to share those photos.
• Bring a travel adapter (if you’re going intercontinental)
• Maybe headphones or earbuds to listen to the Slices of Time podcast on your flight or travel.
• Business cards: As a freelancer, you never know who you’ll meet.

Find this list useful? Please share it with your traveling partner!

Disclaimer: In this article are some affiliate links. This means that, if you buy or book something, I get a small percentage of the fee. This comes with no extra cost to you but helps me run this website.

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