Preparation is the key to packing successfully for a short city break. There’s nothing worse than checking in to your hotel room, opening your bag, and realising you’ve forgotten to pack your favourite pair of jeans, or you didn’t think about picking up a portable power bank.

Keep your destination in mind when it comes to choosing items for your suitcase. From an educational trip around a historic city to a weekend of retail therapy in the top shopping cities in the UK, we’ve put together this guide to get you ready no matter what break you’re taking!

A weekend of romance

Escape the 9-5 with your special someone and take in a new culture together. This type of city break is perfect for recharging your batteries, as well as getting some all-important together time with your significant other.

No doubt your couple’s break will involve sampling some tasty local delicacies in an a la carte restaurant, and you’ll be dressing to impress. So, the high priorities for packing are:

• Your favourite going-out outfit, whether it’s a glitzy dress or a sleek pair of high waisted jeans and a nice top
• Make-up (if you wear it!)
  • Face: Moisturiser, primer, foundation, concealer, translucent powder, highlighter, contour, bronzer, blush.
  • Eyes: Eyeshadow primer, eyeshadow palette, mascara, eyelash curlers, fake lashes.
  • Brows: Tweezers, eyebrow pencil, eyebrow brush, eyebrow pomade.
  • Lips: Sugar-scrub, lip pencil, lip balm, lipstick or gloss.
  • Misc: Perfume, mirror, setting spray, make-up wipes, brushes.
• Chargers

A new city life

An adventure to a new city can spark a lot of inspiration, while also being the perfect opportunity to make memories with friends. Embrace a change of scenery the right way and pack accordingly:

• Comfy walking shoes
• A coat or hoodie in case it gets chilly!
• An umbrella
• Power bank for your phone (so you always have your phone GPS with you)
• Chargers
• Emergency money
  • Especially if you’re travelling to a city on your own, you should have some emergency funds tucked away from your wallet or purse. There’s a number of ways you can do this: you can invest in a money belt or security belt that has a hidden compartment or use a scarf with a secret pocket. A cheap crafty way is to take an old lipstick or lip balm tube, empty it and wash it, then roll up a note or two in there and pop it in your pocket!

If you’ve got some late-night dinners planned, simply add in a few of the items from our romantic city break list too, and you will be sorted- ladies, you just can’t go wrong with some classic womens straight jeans!

Hit the spa

Wellness has never been trendier, and a spa weekend is the perfect way to experience the phenomena while getting some vital self-care scheduled in. And let’s face it, any trend that encourages us to slow down, take a breath and just relax is a trend we can get behind!

Get clued up on spa etiquette to help you to relax and enjoy some time to yourself. You’ll you’re your comfiest clothes only — comfort over style here.

• Two swimming costumes; one to keep dry for treatments, and one for swimming in
• Flip-flops, for hygiene reasons
• A bathrobe (the spa might provide one, but if you have your own favourite, take it!)
• Towels (better to be safe than sorry)
• Hair ties and/or clips
• A good book — definitely time for a digital detox here

Gigs and conventions

Whether you are letting your inner geek escape, or you are enjoying a live set from your favourite band, conventions and gigs are the perfect excuse to pencil in a short holiday. Make sure you pack the right way to get the most out of these events! Other than your tickets, ID, and spending money, be sure to take:

• Comfy shoes, as you’ll be on your feet a lot
• An outfit that tells the world what you’re a fan of! Whether it’s your favourite band shirt for a gig, or a geeky reference on a hoodie, this is the place to show it off
• Deodorant, and a mini-deodorant for when you’re actually at the venue. These places can heat up fast with the amount of people packed in to the hall, so you’ll need a top-up
• A portable charger for all those photos and videos!

Stay clear of any suitcase faux-pas with this handy guide! Follow our checklist next time to ensure you have the vital components to a great weekend away.