Packing Light Weekend Edition
Since I usually travel with my backpack whether I am on the road for five days or fifteen, I wondered if I could get it down even smaller the last time I went to London for the weekend.
I set myself the challenge of carrying just a small handbag. And guys! It was so easy!
I put together a layered outfit for the autumn/winter weather mix. Then I filled my purse and headed out the door.
The freedom of walking onto an airplane with nothing but a purse is glorious.
Here are a few of the things I found super handy about being in a big city with only a small handbag:
- Knowing that I would not need to figure out where to stash my backpack while I was in meetings or at a play.
- Not having to check my bag when visiting museums.
- Not having to go back to my hostel to collect my bag.
- Not bumping anyone on the tube with my backpack.
I can’t always manage traveling this light but for two nights away it was totally doable!
So here it is! The Packing Light Weekend Edition rundown of what was in my bag + what I was wearing:
In My Bag:
tissues
rolled up shopping bag
band-aid (I was breaking in new boots!)
head band (Buff)
one book
granola bars/tea bags/1 dried oatmeal
phone charger and headphones
underwear
pen/tiny notebook/headlamp
oyster card
pill bottle full of a cocktail of any meds I need (ibuprofen, allergy meds, vitamins)
weensie toiletries (in a ziplock bag ready for airplane security)
wallet
money belt (which I wear under my clothes with most of my cash/credit cards in it)
Wearing:
a pair of dark jeans + underpants (with leggings underneath because it was super cold!)
a cream long sleeved t-shirt + bra
a short-sleeved t-shirt on top
a long red cardigan
my winter coat (warm + waterproof)
a scarf (used around my neck when cold, tied up my hair with it when it was warmer)
wool socks and boots
(I used the leggings and short-sleeved t-shirt as pjs and then crammed them into my handbag the next morning instead of wearing them the second day.)
I’m super curious! Would you ever leave or have you ever left home for a weekend with only a handbag or purse??
I did once for a quick trip back to Arkansas over a weekend when I lived in San Antonio. You’re right! It is so freeing. I wasn’t heading off to museums or needing to check a bag anywhere since I was staying with friends (ie. Jerusalem) but it made the airport hustle SOOOOO much easier.
VERY FUN! Yes, when you’re staying with a friend/sister/mama, you can just borrow from their closet! 🙂
That is so impressive! The more I travel, the lighter I want to travel. I think I will try this next time I am out for a weekend, even if we rent a car or go somewhere where the extra luggage will not hinder. It will be good practice!
Go for it! Let me know how you get on. It makes me so happy to travel light!! 🙂 XO
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