15 essentials for your next city break

1 mins
31 Mar 2023
Ryan Gosling in car for Gucci travel campaign

Book that holiday, sweetie

image Instagram via @gucci

words Lucy O'Brien

Bank holiday szn is here, and for many people, that automatically translates into yet another opportunity to hop on a plane and go somewhere new. Good for you, babes. There’s certainly something therapeutic about getting away from your normal surroundings and daily routine, opting instead to get lost in new spaces and cultures. But with such little time and those pesky airline luggage allowances, the question is: what to pack for a short getaway?

We got you covered. Whether you’re venturing into sub-zero temperatures to chase the Northern Lights, or heading further south to get some much needed dose of Vitamin D in the more tropical regions of our planet, we thought of everything you need to pack for your next spontaneous city break so you don’t have to.

From eye masks to SPF and post-rave restoration treatments – with our help, your suitcase will be packed in no time. Safe travels!

THE EVERYTHING BAG

THE PUFFER BAG XL

THE PUFFER BAG XL

Pacific Gyre

£80.00

Perfect for the plane? Check. Large enough to fit in your impulse buys from the cute indie shops hidden in the city? Check. Stylish AF while doing so? Also check.

SPF, ALWAYS

SPF50 Sea & Sun Formula

SPF50 Sea & Sun Formula

Saltee

£32.00

No matter the weather, it’s so important to protect your skin from those damaging UVB rays. Stay safe out there, sun chasers!

THE TRENCH

Vintage Double Breasted Leather Trench Coat

Vintage Double Breasted Leather Trench Coat

SYLK

£85.00

The oversized trench is a city girl aesthetic staple. This vintage pre-loved leather one from SYLK will go with every fit and keep you warm on your urban adventures.

TRAVEL LIGHT

The Pouch' in Petrol Blue

The Pouch' in Petrol Blue

Junkbox Apparel

£18.00

If you don’t like to travel heavy and are efficient enough to manage to only pack the essentials (you hero), a simple crossover bag will be your new bestie. Big enough to fit the necessities – you know, phone, sunglasses, SPF – but small enough to not cause a fuss, Junbox Apparel’s pouch is always a reliable choice.

SHADES ON

SHADY BIGGIE SMALLS in SILVER MIRROR

SHADY BIGGIE SMALLS in SILVER MIRROR

CHRISTIANAHJONES

£20.00£75.00-73%

It could be sub-zero temperatures in the heart of Helsinki, and shades would still be on our must-pack list. They just make any outfit better.

FLIGHT MODE, ACTIVATED

Tuscan Kiss Silk Sleep Mask

Tuscan Kiss Silk Sleep Mask

Drowsy Sleep Co.

£69.00

If you’ve got a long haul flight ahead of you and are already dreading the inevitable insomnia that comes with trying to sleep on a plane, this silk sleep mask will be your salvation. This padded blackout mask allows you to drift off in complete darkness, while protecting your skin in the process.

STAY WARM

The Mohair Beanie

The Mohair Beanie

Arctic Fox & Co.

£35.00

Though warmer days are on the horizon here in the UK, most places are still pretty cold. Beanies, to the rescue!

THE EXPLORER

Explorer Grey Cargo Jean

Explorer Grey Cargo Jean

The Ragged Priest

£55.00

Need we say anymore? Pack this versatile wardrobe staple for your travels and you’ll be exploring your next city in style (and comfort, might I add).

THE ULTIMATE SKINCARE KIT

Travel-Size Skincare Bundle

Travel-Size Skincare Bundle

UpCircle Beauty

£69.99£87.90-20%

Perhaps the most annoying thing about going on a short and sweet city break is the need to pack a miniature version of all your skincare essentials. This set from UpCircle has stocked everything you need so you don’t have to. From facial scrub to body lotion, this really is ideal.

SELF-CARE EVENING

Farm to Face Manuka Honey Revitalising Sheet Face Mask

Farm to Face Manuka Honey Revitalising Sheet Face Mask

FOREO

£15.99

POV: After a day of exploring, you settle back in your hotel, complimentary bathrobe on, room service ordered. The only thing missing? Why a relaxing face mask, of course.

ON FOOT

City Montreal Trainers

City Montreal Trainers

HOFF

£99.00

For any keen city-breaker, a sturdy pair of trainers to keep you comfy and active as you trot from one tourist attraction to the next is an absolute must. This vibey sneaker from HOFF has a removable memory foam sole inside, so rest assured you can leave those blister plasters at home.

PARACHUTE SKIRT

Zip-Off Parachute Skirt

Zip-Off Parachute Skirt

The Ragged Priest

£55.00

An everyday essential that is a fun alternative to jeans or cargos. Plus, it’s perfect for both layering up or pairing with a simple crop top if you’re blessed with warm weather.

SEIZE THE DAY

icicle cooling eye balm

icicle cooling eye balm

Skin Proud

£14.95

Tired eyes? We don’t know her. We all know the feeling of having to battle jet-lag in order to make the most of having so much to explore in such little time. This cooling under eye balm will keep you feeling refreshed and hydrated, ready for the day ahead.

ALL CAPPED OUT

The Conscious Baseball Cap Wheat

The Conscious Baseball Cap Wheat

Conscious Citizen

£25.00

Beyond just being a skater-boy wardrobe essential, a cap can be a great way to shield your skin from those UVB rays and stay cool. If you’re headed for warmer weather on your next getaway, a well-made cap is simply a must.

RAVE ON

Post-rave wellness packs

Post-rave wellness packs

Happy Tuesdays

£18.99

Be you a festival-fanatic or travelling to Berlin to queue up for Berghain, your future self will be thanking you for packing these post-rave wellness packs. These supplements are full of nutrients that’ll keep you feeling refreshed and ready for the day, even if you did go feral the night before.

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