Written by Menswear Style in Travel on the 22nd November 2021

Travelling and visiting other countries has always been engraved in our human nature. We seek the excitement of getting away from our usual surroundings into something new. Even if it is just for a few days, we like to take a short trip somewhere. Luckily, in this day and age travelling is much more accessible to everyone. The pandemic did take a toll on this activity, but we are phasing out of it. One of the best things when it comes to these short trips is that you do not have to worry about luggage too much. A short trip means that you do not have to pack a full suitcase to be ready for the trip. Of course, that does not mean that you can go completely empty-handed. Here are some of the things that you will need for your trip to make the best out of it.

Toiletries 

This is something that people often forget even when packing for a bigger trip. There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination and finding out that you forgot to pack everything you need. Luckily, some hotels do offer free toiletries, and in some cases, accommodation in Bournemouth can offer complimentary tea and coffee in your room. It is important to check beforehand if the hotel, Airbnb or B&B where you will be staying will offer this. If they do not offer it, you can buy some small packs of the essential things you will need. For example, you can find small shampoo packs that are made for one-time use. Or little deodorant bottles and small soap bars. Aesop offer a handy 'departure' travel kit for £45. Do not forget to pack a hand sanitiser as well, as this will always come in handy (pardon the pun). All of these things will not take up much space and are perfect if you are going somewhere for just a few days.

Trousers that can go with everything 

Wearing trousers that go with everything is the best way to ease up your burden. Have them cleaned before the trip so you can use them for the short trip knowing they're fresh. That way, you do not need to worry about packing more trousers to go with the rest of your clothing. The 24 'Hour Trouser' by L'Estrange London is a good option. Just wear the ones on yourself and pack a reserve pair just in case, more than that and it is just too much. If you are travelling with someone, you can always put an extra item in their luggage. That way you can feel extra safe if you think that you will need more items. 

One T-shirt for each day 

This is pretty simple, if you are going somewhere for two days, then pack two T-shirts. It is important that you make the right choices, as your T-shirts need to match the aforementioned trousers. So choose some simple ones that will go with the rest of your outfits. This rule does have exceptions if you know the weather forecast e.g. if it's cloudy with rain, then you do not need to pack a T-shirt for that day. It is always a good idea to check the weather ahead of time and prepare accordingly for it. If it gets colder, you can even get around with only one sweater. And, the jacket you will be wearing should be enough when it comes to outerwear.

Documentation 

This is also another thing besides toiletries that some people often forget about when they are in a rush to the airport. Even if you are going for just a small trip, that does not mean that you can leave your documents at home. It is important to have printed tickets close to you, including a copy of your passport and the original one. It is always good to have some backup cash for an emergency, so be sure to also pack that up safely with these documents. 

Formal attire 

If your short trip is not for pleasure but for business, you will need a small suitcase instead of a holdall. Packing formal clothing such as a nice linen shirt or a suit jacket is quite challenging. That is because you do not want them to wrinkle or get damaged. That is why if you are going on a business trip, it is better to pack in a small hard shell suitcase. Unfortunately, it is not such a good idea to wear your formalwear for the flight like the aforementioned trousers because you won't be comfortable and you may get them sweaty. Make sure that the suit and shirts are packed without any wrinkles. They will need to also be secured by other things in your suitcase so they do not move around. Pack your shoes in their dust covers with shoe trees to protect the leather from damage and wrinkling. 

A good book 

If you are a true book worm then you will probably want to pack a good book to read. Even if you are not, you should definitely give it a try. Reading while you are travelling is a splendid experience. It is also a very good feeling after a long day when you return to your room and have a book you can dig into. Just make sure that you are packing one with soft covers. Hardcover books are usually heavier and harder to pack. Alternatively, use a Kindle and download a few options to choose from. 

There are numerous other sources of information which will describe what you need for a short trip. As mentioned, many of the things that you need to pack will heavily depend on the situation. Many parameters can affect the decisions you make, one of the most important being the weather forecast. Other factors include the exact time and if it is for business or pleasure. These six items are usually the essentials that you need to look out for. They will serve as general guidelines on how to think when packing. It is important to think about and not let it be a last-minute decision. 

Toiletries, Trousers, T-Shirt, Documentation, Formalwear, and a Good Book are the 6 Things You Need to Pack For a Short Trip.