If you’re packing for a spring city break in one bag, I’ve got all the tips and tricks for you!
In my past decade of travels, I’ve lived out everything from just a backpack for a few months to a couple of suitcases for several years.
This post covers the top packing tips I wish I knew for one bag city trips, but have since picked up after 70 countries across all seven continents.
I’ll also go over what I packed for a long, minimalist weekend in New Zealand.
Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Thank you to Unbound Merino for sponsoring this post!
Things to Consider When Planning a Minimalist Travel Capsule
I’ve done it all: from traveling around the Middle East with just a backpack to working on cruise ships and even living at the South Pole, Antarctica for a year with just a suitcase or two.
When traveling with as little as possible, there are a few important elements to keep in mind and think about before you start packing.
1. Location
Where are you going?
A simple question, yes, but the more specific you are, the better you can prepare.
For example, a conservative Asian city vs a more relaxed European city.
You might want to plan clothing that’s more modest for one over the other.
2. Weather
Get an idea of what the weather and climate will be during your stay.
This includes:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Rain/wind/sun
Remember that temperatures can feel vastly different depending on humidity.
3. Activities
What will you be doing on your spring weekend getaway in the city?
You might need clothing for a mix of activities such as:
- Walking/sightseeing
- Hiking
- Work event
- Nice meals
- Nightlife
Even though it might seem impossible to pack for multiple occasions in a single bag, it’s totally do-able!
You can see how I packed for a 7-day Caribbean cruise with carry-on only, which included outfits for day trips to the beach to formal evenings on the ship.
4. Function
My number one rule when it comes to minimalist travel packing is that every item of clothing must be able to be worn with more than one outfit (with the exception of pajamas).
Everything should be multifunctional to maximize your travel capsule.
This means if I want to bring a shirt but it only wears well with one bottom, I leave it at home.
5. Outfit Colors
Sticking to a color theme will simplify outfit coordination, because everything will (or should) work with each other.
Since I wear a lot of black, this makes things very easy.
However, on my last trip to the Middle East, because temperatures were blazing and I wanted lighter fabrics, my color palette for that trip ended up being white, beige, and rust.
6. Clothing Fabrics
Fabrics matter when traveling, especially when you might not have access to washing facilities (or just can’t be bothered with sink laundry).
Clothing made from Merino wool is perfect for long weekend getaways because you can wear them multiple times without washing due to the fabric’s natural anti-odor properties.
It also does a great job of temperature regulating, so it keeps you warm when you need it yet cool when it’s hot out.
What to Pack for a Spring City Break in One Bag
I recently moved to Christchurch, New Zealand at the end of Spring where I lived out of my work backpack for close to a week while I was in between accommodations.
The weather here is quite temperamental, so it can be super sunny and hot one hour then windy and cold the next.
This isn’t too different from my San Francisco trip, where I also spent two weeks out of the same bag.
I packed roughly the same things for both trips where I was able to re-wear my main clothing without washing for the entirety of my travels.
Main Clothing
Lightweight Jacket
Spring weather is always a bit unpredictable, so a lightweight jacket gives you options without weighing you down.
Long Sleeve Merino Wool Shirt
For colder days, a long sleeve merino wool shirt will keep you warm while also being breathable enough for warmer days as well.
I’ve had this shirt for about a year now and have worn it most weeks (not joking), multiple times– and it still looks as good as new since it doesn’t need to be washed as frequently as other shirts.
Short Sleeve Merino Wool Shirt
Younger me used to think wool was only for cold weather.
Little did I know, it’s great for warm days, too!
A merino wool short sleeve shirt is super lightweight and breathable, which will keep you cool and dry even when it’s hot out.
Merino Wool Mini Travel Dress
This mini dress is one of my favorite pieces in my minimalist travel capsule as it easily dresses up or down.
It’s super comfortable as well while making it look like I put a lot of effort into getting ready, even when I didn’t.
Perfect for everything from the beach to happy hour out on the town.
Lightweight Travel Pants
These pants are a game changer.
They’re flowy, can be dressed up or down, and best of all– five DEEP pockets, including a secure hidden pocket inside the right front pocket where you can zip up keys.
I’m a fan of jumpsuits, and pairing these pants with a top of the same color allows me to achieve the same effect.
Sneakers
I always bring a pair of shoes that are both comfortable to walk all day in (20k+ steps) and look nice enough to wear if going out.
These white shoes fit the bill for most of my city trips.
💡 TIP: Wear your bulkiest clothing when in transit so you have less to transport in your bag. On this trip, I only had to pack in my bag a top and the dress as I wore everything else.
Miscellaneous Clothing
Here are additional clothing items I packed for my trip:
- 1x Lightweight pajamas
- 4x Underwear
- 2x Bras
- 2x Merino wool socks
Accessories and Electronics
Other things I brought on my trip that also fit in my bag:
Toiletries
Remember, city trips mean you can buy toiletries if needed or forgotten.
My one bag travels always include:
- Travel sizes of skin care essentials
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Brush
- Hand sanitizer
Final Thoughts: Packing for a Spring Trip in One Bag
Packing for a weekend getaway doesn’t have to be complicated!
If you can pack clothing that can be reworn multiple times without washing and that you can mix and match for different activities, you’ll be set.
I hope my tips and tricks help; happy travels!
Read More of My Best Minimalist Travel Packing Tips
- Unbound Merino Review: Your One-Bag Travel Bestie
- How to Pack for a 7-Day Caribbean Cruise in a Carry On
- Essential Japan Winter Clothes: Your Ultimate Packing Guide
- What to Pack When Working on a Cruise Ship
- McMurdo Station Packing List for Working in Antarctica
- Moving To Japan: What To Bring To Teach English
