Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind weekend or a leisurely quick escape, a city break offers the perfect chance to unwind, explore, and dive into the heart of a country’s culture.
But there is an art to packing for a quick trip. Overpacking means lugging around unnecessary baggage while underpacking can leave you scrambling for missing essentials. Strike the perfect balance with our ‘How to Pack for a City Break’ guide.
Model wears Men's White Pensacola Polo Shirt, Men's Elephant Palace Blue Staniel Swim Shorts with the Globe-Trotter Safari Trolley Case
What Kind of Bag Do You Need for a City Break?
When the call of the city beckons it’s easy to get carried away (pun intended) and over-pack. Instead, embrace minimalist packing with a chic, carry-on companion. Our pick? The Globe-Trotter Safari 20” Trolley Case - stylish, a practical carry-on size and limited edition lined in our iconic Elephant Palace print.
Chinos: The City Break Staple
With your sleek case in hand, it’s time to fill it. Cotton chinos are the unsung heroes of city breaks. Whether you’re zigzagging through winding cobbled streets or out for an elegant dinner, a pair of Navy Lyford Cotton Chinos will compliment any outfit. The breathable 100% organic cotton fabric is perfect for all seasons.
Stroll in Style
Footwear can make or break your city experience. Travel in shoes you have worn in and are ready to rack up those city miles. But pack a pair of Espadrilles - they’re lightweight, comfortable and effortlessly chic to have to hand. A pair of espadrilles will compliment your chinos perfectly and are ideal for navigating bustling markets, sandy beaches, and quaint cafés. But resist the temptation to wear them if the weather is threatening wet conditions.
Catto Alpargatas - Palm Green Espadrilles
Shirts Perfect for City Exploration
A couple of classic cotton T-shirts are your failsafe for layering or going solo in changing temperatures. Opt for crisp white cotton shirts; much like your reliable chinos, they effortlessly pair with just about anything.
And no travel suitcase is complete without a casual shirt. A multi-tasking linen shirt is a city-break must. The breathable, lightweight 100% natural linen fabric makes linen shirts ideal for browsing bustling streets, and perusing museums and galleries. Whether you roll the sleeves up or down, they pair effortlessly with shorts and chinos, making them the ideal companions for your urban adventures.
Suns Out, Trunks Out
Whether for a refreshing dip in the hotel pool or strolling the city coastline, swimming shorts are non-negotiable. As they’re quick-drying, one pair of LOVE BRAND & Co. mens swim shorts is often enough - but where’s the fun in that? They’re super light-weight so toss in a second pair: a classic solid for understated cool and another in a lively pattern—to suit your mood. And if it’s a family trip, why not match with the kids?
Model wears Men's Palm Sugar Staniel Swim Shorts
100ml or Less
Checked bags on a short trip is a no-no - baggage reclaim halls must be avoided at all costs! You are going for a short time and need to maximise your hours in the markets and museums, not tediously waiting for your checked bags to finally arrive as the sun sets on your plans. So pack your bathroom essentials in mini carry-on sizes in our handy Elephant Palace wash bags, traditionally block-printed in Jaipur.
Beyond the aforementioned essentials, don’t forget to your phone, wallet, charger & adapter, sunglasses, underwear & socks and your passport! Then you're good to go.
And our final handy travel tip: upon arrival, unpack promptly and let bathroom steam work its magic on any travel-induced wrinkles.
