One bag travel isn’t about suffering or wearing the same T-shirt for 10 days. It’s about carrying only what you’ll actually use – and still feeling put-together in photos.

This list assumes a small carry-on backpack and trips from 3–14 days in mild weather.

Clothes

  • 3–4 neutral tops that can be layered.
  • 2 bottoms (jeans, chinos, or trousers) + 1 more relaxed option.
  • 1 lightweight jacket or overshirt.
  • 5–7 pairs of underwear and socks.

Toiletries

  • Travel-size basics decanted into small bottles.
  • Solid shampoo/soap if you prefer less liquid fuss.
  • A tiny first-aid kit with painkillers and plasters.
Space-saving habit: Instead of adding “just in case” items, add “I can buy this there if I really need it” to your mindset. Most cities have shops.

Tech

  • Phone + charger + power adapter.
  • Earphones or headphones.
  • Optional: e-reader or small tablet instead of heavy books.

Once you experience breezing past baggage carousels and walking cobbled streets without dragging wheels behind you, it’s hard to go back to over-packing.