How I Packed For 3 Days in 15 Minutes!

After studying abroad in Madrid for four months and visiting ten different countries, I feel confident when I say I am pretty much an expert when it comes to weekend travel packing. Weekend travel is probably the most enticing and exciting part of studying abroad for many students, however, packing and putting outfits together maybe not so much.

When you're traveling from country to country or city to city, you have very limited time to see the beauty and history that every destination has to offer. The last thing you want to do is waste time at the conveyor belt waiting for your luggage, so hey, here's a tip: NEVER CHECK A BAG!

On my birthday, the summer before my semester abroad, my sister gifted me the ultimate essential for weekend traveling. It was the Amazon Expandable Travel Backpack. It fits more than you can imagine if you pack it right, so I never had to worry about rolling around my carry-on suitcase through the metro and cobblestoned streets of Europe.

On the metro on our way to the airport!

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But anyway, I have gotten too excited about my backpack and lost track of the real purpose of this post. During the week, I worked and attended class, so finding time to pack was sometimes difficult. I'm here to share with you my secret to packing for 3 days in 15 minutes on a Thursday afternoon after class.

Thursday rolled around, and that was the end of the week, which meant it was time to prepare for a new weekend getaway. My last class ended at 12:30, so I would quickly make the walk home after to pack and catch the 3:30 PM flights I booked, even though I always found myself running through the airport to make it on time for boarding. On my walk, I would make a quick stop at the cafe around the corner of my homestay to pick up two empanadas for lunch. When I made it home, the madness would start and I had about 15 minutes before catching the next metro to the airport.

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Packing Tips that Will Save You Time

Here’s how I mastered the art of packing for weekend getaways in no time:

1. Toiletries were Never Unpacked

   Always keep your toiletry bag packed with travel-sized products ready to be thrown into your backpack.

2. Pack the Essentials

   Roll up the essentials you know you need that require no further planning

   - pajamas

   - socks

   - underwear

   - bras

   
   

3. Leave the Laptop

   Laptop stays at home! Let's be honest: you will not be doing homework while you explore the wonders of the country you're visiting, so save yourself the extra weight.

   
   

Now, moving on to the stressors of all packing - the outfits! Just remember you're going for three days, not ten, so pack basic pieces that you can make multiple outfits out of. Depending on the weather of the country you'll be visiting maybe you'll have to pack bulkier items like jackets or sweaters.

4. Planning Outfits

   Warm Countries

   1- long dress or skirt

   2 - tanks

   1- cute blouse

   1- pair of pants or jeans

   1 - pair of shorts

   1- short dress or skirt set for a night out

   1- comfortable pair of sneakers (wear on the plane)

   1 - pair of sandals

   2 - swimsuits

   1 - beach cover-up

   
   

   Colder Countries

   1 - jacket or coat

   2 - sweaters

   1 - pair of leggings

   2 - jeans or pants (wear one on plane)

   2 - long sleeves

   1 - skirt with tights

   1 - pair of sneakers

   1 - pair of boots (wear one on plane)

   1- scarf

   1 - beanie or hat

   
   

5. Wear Bulky Items on the Plane

   My most brilliant travel hack came during my Thanksgiving trip to Rome. I stuffed two sweaters and my knee-high boots into my coat, carrying it all with me through the airport and onto the flight. And just like that, you save space in your backpack and get to pack even more!

   - boots

   - jackets

   - coats

   - sweaters

   - jeans

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And there you have it! My backpack was zipped, and I was out the door in 15 minutes. So, next time you’re invited to a last-minute adventure, say YES, and just look back at these helpful tips.