Traveling to a new city is an exciting adventure, but packing for the trip can be a bit overwhelming. With so many things to consider, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of figuring out what to bring. To help ease the process, I’ve compiled a list of what I typically pack for my own city trips. This list is designed to fit into a small suitcase or a cabin-sized backpack, making it ideal for short trips.

You might notice some items on the list that don’t seem perfect for everyone—like packing a towel every two days instead of daily—but packing light often requires making compromises. Remember, this checklist is designed with a man in mind, but feel free to tweak it to suit your personal preferences and needs.

Planning ahead is crucial for a smooth trip. Consider whether you’ll be checking in luggage, carrying a small backpack, or staying in a hotel or hostel. These factors will help determine what and how much to pack.

Clothing Essentials for a City Trip

First things first—clothes! While it might seem obvious, they’re crucial for your comfort and well-being. And let’s face it, no one wants to get arrested for walking around in the buff. Plus, clothing can reflect your personality, which makes it all the more fun.

Pro Tip: Try to avoid looking too much like a tourist. Steer clear of tacky souvenir T-shirts or anything with the name of the city plastered across it.

Packing Tip: Organize your clothes with packing cubes. These handy little organizers help keep everything neat and compact. They’re affordable and a total game-changer.

Here’s what I recommend bringing:

• Fresh underwear for each day, plus one or two extras in case of emergencies.
• Socks (because, yes, you’ll need them).
• One pair of longer pants. If it’s a quick trip, the ones you’re wearing will do just fine.
• A pair of shorts if you’re headed to a warmer climate.
• A T-shirt or top for each day (and a spare or two for the middle of the trip).
• A sweater, especially if the weather might be chilly.
• A raincoat or jacket just in case the weather takes a turn.
• A nice outfit for evenings out—whether you’re dining at a fine restaurant or hitting up a trendy bar.
• A hat, if you’re into them.
• Sunglasses if you’re heading somewhere sunny.

As for shoes, make sure they’re comfortable—especially if you plan to walk around a lot. You may not need extra pairs, but it depends on your personal style.

And don’t forget: extra pants are a good idea in case of spills, but if you’re like me, it’s a perfect excuse to go shopping in your destination city.

Hygiene Items

Unless you’re fine with looking and smelling like you’ve been on the road for weeks, hygiene essentials are a must. Staying clean is particularly important if you’re staying in a hostel, where cleanliness can be questionable.

Don’t forget to pack travel-sized versions of your toiletries—no need to lug around full-size bottles.

Here’s what you’ll want to bring:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant and perfume
• Hair styling products (wax or gel)
• A comb or brush
• Shampoo and body wash (hotels often provide these, but not always in hostels)
• A towel for every two days (again, hotels often provide towels, but hostels may not)
• Contact lenses and glasses, if needed
• A razor (if it’s not going in your carry-on)

Sharing hygiene items like toothpaste or shampoo with a travel buddy is usually fine, just not the toothbrush!

Health and Safety Essentials

When traveling, it’s important to take basic health precautions. Pack a small first aid kit with essentials, and bring any medications you need. And while it’s not something everyone thinks about, bringing a few condoms is always a good idea.

Here’s what I bring to stay safe and healthy:

• Painkillers and basic medications
• Prescription drugs, if applicable
• Bandages or antiseptic wipes
• Sun protection (or buy it when you get there)
• Condoms, just in case
• Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated

Important Documents

When traveling, your documents are your lifeline. Make sure you have the important ones, even if most of them can be accessed digitally. Store them in a safe place and make sure you know where they are.

These are the documents to bring:

• ID card or passport
• Health and travel insurance info
• Credit cards (and a backup)
• Travel tickets (train, plane, hotel, etc.)
• Any other reservation details
• Bank info to unlock your cards if needed
• Driver’s license, if you plan on renting a car

Capturing Your Trip Memories

Whether you’re a budding photographer or just want to capture a few great moments, don’t forget to bring equipment to document your trip. The memories you create are often the best part of the journey!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A camera or a phone with a good camera
• Appropriate chargers and plenty of memory cards
• Extra batteries and lenses if necessary
• A power bank
• A notebook for jotting down experiences
• A money belt or pouch to keep everything safe and secure

Getting Your Smartphone Ready

Your smartphone is likely going to be your best friend during the trip. Make sure to back it up, clear out old photos, and prepare it for travel.

• Clear space by erasing old photos
• Download offline music playlists
• Install a VPN for extra privacy and security while traveling

Extra Items to Consider

Sometimes you need a few extras to make your trip more comfortable or fun:

• A book or magazine (though you might not have time to read)
• A Kindle or e-reader for easy access to books
• A laptop, if you can’t wait to upload those photos
• A travel adapter for international plugs
• Headphones for listening to music or podcasts during your journey

And if you’re a freelancer, pack some business cards—you never know who you’ll meet!

By keeping this checklist in mind and adjusting it for your own needs, you can pack efficiently and focus more on enjoying your city adventure. Happy travels!