5 day city trip. What do you pack?

[OverReflectiveMum]

I'm a chronic over-packer and am trying to mend my ways so I booked only hand luggage. As the date is looming, I'm panicking slightly! And wondering if I need to add a suitcase onto my booking...
5 days, 4 nights, end of the month, according to travel info the weather should be similar to London. What would you take?

I would:

Wear one pair of jeans (probably black) and pack a blue pair.
Pack a couple of Breton tops and a couple of plain (one long sleeved, the rest t-shirts)
Add 2 dresses, rolled for space
Add one spare bra
Wear some ankle boots, pack some trainers (Converse or something, not bulky ones).
Wear jacket - choosing one closer to the time. If not wet, I'd take my leather one.
Chuck in a small toiletry bag and a curling iron with one pair of PJs.

But it very much depends on your style.

plus swimsuit, socks and knickers

I only ever take an under- seat case, we both do and can manage a week no bother

For us city breaks are sightseeing and early suppers - we dont do fine dining/fancy restaurants or clubs so we dont need anything dressy

For me its pair of jeans on, pair packed and a pair of trousers. Wear my walking shoes and take a pair of shoes for evenings that will be ok for everything .One skirt. one pair of tights if in colder months. Then its a selection of tops vests,skinny rib jumpers,a heavier one and a blouse or two. I roll everything, its amazing how small you can make clothes and how much you can fit in. Stuff socks and knickers and bras into shoes. I wear a fleece type jacket and take a lightweight fold up waterproof with hood as I cant be worrying about umbrellas. Yes I possibly nick a bit of DH's case space as he just wears polos and takes just one pair of clean jeans and just the one shirt, and one jumper - along with said Polos and underwear.

Off to Krakow end of the month and the only thing Ill take different is a warmer jacket, not so much for there but it will be bloody cold here when we get back :)

Wear jeans, t shirt, cardigan trainers and thin coat going out

Pack
Jumper,

Oh god sorry....

Wear to travel jeans, t shirt, cardigan trainers and thin coat going out

Pack
Jumper
Long sleeved T-shirt x 2
2x regular t shirt
Vest top
Joggers
Jeans
Thin nightie
Something easy to put in shoes for breakfast (i hated putting trainer son for breakfast and missed flip flops!

This is for Prague last year the end of October last year

It was really mild and wore t shirt jeans and a thin coat.

Ok. So it should be feasible...

Definitely feasible!

I too could do it in a personal item. You'll be fine.

I can do it with a proper size carry on (e.g.BA) but would struggle otherwise.
agree 2 pairs of shoes are a must.

What you pack for a weekend is basically what you need for a week.
You'll need more knickers, t-shirts and socks. If it's a city break, chances are you'll see some shops, so if you need something you can buy it there.

Necessity is the mother of invention so take mix-and-match tops and bottoms.

Pack a few light cotton scarves to wear with your jacket. Your photos won't look all samey.

When I was away for a fortnight trip to Barcelona about 9 years ago I was told wrongly by DB that they (it was with his in-laws and his DW) that no they wouldn’t eat out at night…. So once I knew better and I got there I went to H&M to get 2 passable dresses, Pull and Bear or similar to get glam junk jewellery. I picked up a pair of high heels and another glam outfit in Uterque. Luckily a lot of places including Zara had sales and the exchange rate wasn’t too bad either. I got a lovely floral print short sleeve top in a vintage shop as we were staying near the trendy “Universitat” (university) area. I had to get needle and thread from the big department store El Corte Ingles as I had to see on a button loop at the back neck of the top. I even got some makeup from a Sephora nearby and I regret but getting something from Adolfo Domingues (does fab leather bags as well as clothes). There were lots of vintage shops there which I love.

So I wouldn’t panic as you have options to get things you want/need.

Agree with mix and match tops and bottoms.

I travel a lot and always use a carry on bag. For a city break in Autumn I would do this

Wear Jeans / tshirt or blouse ; cardigan/ coat(whatever suits the weather) and nice comfortable trainer (your most stylish)

Pack
change of T-shirt or top for every day
1 change of cardigan or jumper
underwear
socks
tshirt / shorts for bed - can be pjs or nightdress either

1 other jeans/trousers

I never take a dress or dressy top for dinner - everywhere in Europe is casual now and I have never had to ‘dress for dinner’ in the past 4 years. Don’t waste your space with “evening wear’!

I never take a second pair of shoes -a carry on bag is not that big if it is an under seat one. I walk miles on city breaks and have never felt I needed more shoes.

Enjoy!

I usually do something like take a nice white t-shirt, nice navy t-shirt, and a navy and white pattern slip skirt. The skirt takes next to no space but looks OK for going out. If you air the top a bit you can wear it again.
Polyester is your friend.

The 2nd pair of shoes is usually flip flops.

@Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain

But if she's only booked a small bag, how is she going to get a pile of new dresses home again ?

I have a rucksack Cabin Max cabin bag from Amazon which does Easyjet and BA allowance.

Usually wear DM boots, smart coated jeans/ leather jeans ( easy to wipe plane spills), vest top with long sleeved baggy top. Jacket. Big cashmere scarf.

Take trainers or converse. Couple of t shirts, dark jersey maxi dress, jeans. Pants. socks, swimwear and nightie.