During the visit with my aunt and uncle last week, they told me how they are going to Portland in May to visit their grandson. My aunt lamented the additional cost they were going to incur by checking their bags on Continental. Immediately my packing instinct (which I definitely was not born with, see this post) went into overdrive. “You don’t have to check your bags for a four day trip! You can each take a carry-on suitcase and a backpack and be good to go,” I said, then gave her a list of what to pack. This works for business trips and personal trips, just bring the correct type of clothes (i.e. slacks instead of jeans).
Want more help? Download the Road Warriorette Business Trip Packing Checklist!
What to pack for a four day trip:
In your suitcase
Note: try this one from Travelpro or this one from Briggs & Riley
- Two bottoms, one comfortable for travel, one suitable for dinner (i.e. slacks, jeans, shorts, a skirt)
- Four tops that coordinate with both of your bottoms
- At least one light jacket or sweater (unless you need a heavier jacket)
- No more than three pairs of shoes, including a pair of flip flops
- Enough undergarments, including socks/hose
- Something to sleep in
- Something to work out in
- Toiletries (see my toiletry list here)
- Chargers (phone, laptop, etc)
Note: choose your travel outfits from these clothes as well.
In your personal item
- Phone, wallet, lipstick, keys, etc.
- Boarding pass
- Laptop (if needed)
- Liquids bag
- Scarf/pashmina
- Kindle
- Travel umbrella
And with that you should be good to go! Carrying-on for a four day trip is pretty easy.
My packing list for the last four-day trip I took:
- Black slacks, gray pinstripe slacks
- Red cardigan, pink 3/4 sleeve cardigan, gray tunic sweater, teal short sleeved sweater (with coordinating camisoles)
- Red winter coat, scarf, hat, gloves
- Blue flats, gray boots, flip flops
- Yoga pants and tank for sleeping and yoga
- Toiletries
- Curling iron
In my purse:
- Normal purse stuff (wallet, phone, lipstick, etc)
- Laptop
- Kindle
- Knitting
- Pashmina
- Travel umbrella
- Chargers
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Just read all the recent postings. This warriorette is brilliant. Informative and winsome. Thanks.
Love your list – my downfall to packing is running shoes – what can I say I am addicted?
Found you through Corporette – LOVE that knitting is in your purse. Are you on Ravelry?
Hi Kate
I think that flip flops don’t have to count as a pair of shoes since they are so small, and that makes room for your running shoes. It’s packing a pair of shoes for each outfit that gets you into trouble!
Yes I am on ravelry. Knitting keeps me sane! It’s like yoga for your hands.
and btw, I love Corporette 🙂
2 pair of pants: I assume that means wear one, pack one?
Um no don’t think so, I’m going to dc and walking around all day for four days, you’ve GOTTA bring 4 or 5 pairs of almost EVERYTHING, and you can’t forget condoms 🙂
Helpful. Thnx. This made me more sure of myself.
love your list it helped a lot tnx xoxo
thx lol
As a fellow Texas based Road Warriorette I add one oversized scarf and leave out one necklace. The scarf can function as an accessory, wrap, blanket, or pillow when needed without a lot of space. But, my biggest hassle when packing – the company laptop. Forces the issue of a purse (small cross body that goes into the backpack) plus requires me to scrunch my feet around it since it goes underneath. Advice on this is always welcome.
your list is good
What about a bathing suits, bras ( for girls obviously), hair products , goggles ( if needed for swimming), pads or tampons), deodorant,
Stumbled upon this while looking for advice on what to pack for a 4 day trip and I must say this is one of the most interesting and useful blogs I’ve read in a long time. Thank you and keep it up! More power to you!
Great list! We travel everywhere in our Motorhome, so I’ve become used to taking ALL THE THINGS. Had to get on a plane last week and it was a shock to pack lightly! 🙂