Other than your summer holidays from studying or work, most of your trips while abroad will be for 5 days or less. The common method is to leave Thursday night, skip classes or work on Friday, travel for the long weekend, and then head back on Sunday night.
While I’ve written a number of posts in the past about prep and packing for travel, I’ve yet to cover what you should bring on these long-weekend adventures.
So, I decided to create the ultimate 3 day travel packing list.
Luggage:
Small travel suitcase/backpack.
Clothing*:
2 pairs of socks
3 pairs of underwear/boxers
3 undershirts (my personal habit)
2 or 3 t-shirts
1 pair of shorts in addition to the pair you’re wearing
1 button-down “dress shirt”*
1 pair of khakis or dark jeans
gym shorts/sleep wear
sweatshirt or rain jacket
sandals or boat shoes
good walking sneakers
Toiletries:
Toiletry Kit*
Soap & Shampoo/Conditioner (Some hotels may provide these, hostels usually don’t)
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Deodorant
Feminine Products
Brush or Comb
Razors and other shaving supplies (optional since you’ll only be gone for a few days)
Contact lenses and solution
Makeup
Over-the-counter medicines
Contraceptives
Tissues and/or toilet paper*
Extras:
Purse or wallet
Important documents (passport, visa, itinerary, plane tickets, etc.)
Sunglasses/extra eye glasses/contacts
Phone + charger
Tablet (optional)
Bath towel*
Enough prescription drugs for the length of your stay*
Bottles for toiletries (the maximum is usually 100ml)
Reusable water bottle
*Notes:
- Clothing – Clothing will be dependent on location, so adjust what I’ve written above for colder climates with things like pants and long-sleeve shirts, and don’t forget to pack things like a hat, gloves, and heavy socks.
- Button-down “dress shirt” and khakis or dark jeans – You don’t need to pack a shirt and tie, but a button down and dark jeans can pass for appropriate clothing if you’re having dinner at a more formal restaurant.
- Toiletry kit – I know it looks like I included a lot of items in the toiletries section, but if you keep everything organized in a toiletry kit or at least in some Ziploc bags, they actually take up very little space.
- Tissues and/or toilet paper – Always keep pocket packs of tissues with you, especially in Asian companies where toilet paper isn’t usually provided.
- Bath towel – There’s definitely no need to pack a towel as they’re provided at hotels and you can usually rent one at a hostel for a few pounds or euro, but if you have room in your bag and want to bring your own, check out the Sea to Summit DryLite Towel.
- Enough prescription drugs for the length of your stay – you should also make sure you’re allowed to bring them into the country you’re traveling in and that you have documentation, either the prescription or a doctor’s note.
One final note – don’t forget to write down the directions to your hotel or hostel (preferably in the language of the country that you’re visiting) and bring them with you so you’re not stuck at the airport or doing circles in a cab!
If you can think of anything that I forgot or have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below!
