Start with the bulkiest outfit
We wear the largest shoes, jacket and, when needed, the thickest jumper during the journey. This is not a trick to bypass airline rules; it is simply more logical than filling a small bag with items you can comfortably wear in transit.
Limit tops, not outfit combinations
Three or four well-chosen tops can be enough for a week when the colours work together. The aim is to create several combinations from a small number of pieces rather than pack a completely different outfit for every day.
Two bottoms are often enough
One pair of trousers worn during travel and one second bottom in the bag covers many situations. In summer, shorts or a skirt can take very little space. In cooler weather we prefer two pieces that can genuinely be worn repeatedly rather than a third item used once.
Underwear and socks: plan one wash
The real space saving often comes from accepting one laundry cycle during the trip. Four sets can be enough if your accommodation makes washing and drying practical. Packing seven or eight sets purely to avoid washing can take a disproportionate share of a small bag.
Toiletries: reduce the container before the contents
Liquid sizes and bulky packaging take more room than expected. A flat wash bag, quantities matched to the trip length and removing duplicates often save more space than buying an elaborate new organiser system.
Electronics: take what you will use every day
Phone, charger, headphones and perhaps a power bank cover many short trips. A laptop, camera or several lenses changes the calculation completely. If an electronic item has no concrete planned use, it is worth questioning before departure.
Leave some empty space
A bag packed to 100% from day one is annoying to close, harder to fit under a seat and leaves no room for a small purchase. We prefer starting with a little unused capacity rather than adding one more outfit at the cost of an overstuffed bag all week.
Our basic packing list
For a simple week: three or four tops, one second bottom, four sets of underwear and socks, light sleepwear, a small wash bag, essential cables, a small personal medicine kit and required documents. Everything else depends on climate, activities and access to laundry.
Adapt to weather, not just trip length
Seven days in the Mediterranean and seven days in Scotland do not need the same volume. Cold weather, rain and extra footwear affect bag size more than the exact number of nights. Check realistic weather and planned activities before cutting the list further.
Check dimensions when the bag is packed
The final check needs to happen with the bag in its real travel configuration. A soft 40 × 30 × 20 cm bag when empty can become deeper once the outer pockets are full. Measure or compare the loaded bag with your target dimensions, especially on low-cost airlines.
How we work
We verify information, cite sources where relevant and date our updates. Prices, availability and rules that may change should always be checked again with the relevant source or service.
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