Efficient Minimalist Packing List: 4 Days in Madrid

Last Updated on January 15, 2021 by Nina Ahmedow

So I haven’t been traveling in a minute, but I’m finally off on another trip tomorrow. I’m going back to Madrid which is one of my favorite cities in the world. And since I haven’t posted a minimalist packing list yet I thought I’d take this opportunity to show you what I’ll pack for four nights in Madrid. (Check out my vegan guide to Madrid!)

I always try to fly with a carry-on only. First, it’s cheaper. Nowadays, even regular airlines charge you more or less depending on the number of bags you take with you. Secondly, the heavier a plane is the more fuel it needs to use so if we all fly with fewer bags we can help to reduce fuel usage. And finally, it’s so much easier to travel with less luggage. Who wants to drag a huge suitcase through the airport and to their hotel?

Of course, if you only fly with hand luggage you have to take into consideration the restrictions on liquids. But the Airbnb we are going to stay at has soap and shampoo so I won’t be bringing those.

So, what am I going to pack?

Well, Madrid seems to be quite a bit colder than Athens right now, so I will wear a pair of jeans which means I won’t have to pack skirts or anything like that. I’ll also make sure to pack an umbrella as there are some showers in the forecast.

With regards to tops, I have opted for a sweater and two long-sleeved shirts. I’ll wear a t-shirt and cardigan tomorrow. It’s always a good idea to layer your clothes on flights.

Of course, I will need socks and underwear, but I won’t pack an extra pair of shoes. I never understood why some people pack more than one pair of shoes for a short trip, but hey, to each their own.

I’ll also take a pair of pants, a long-sleeved top, and a thick pair of socks to sleep in. I need to feel cozy at night.

Then there are the essentials, such as a toothbrush, contact lens solution, deodorant, moisturizer, etc., but these usually don’t take up a lot of space. In terms of makeup, I’ll keep it quite simple with powder, blush, an eyebrow pencil, mascara, and lipstick.

As far as electronics go, my camera and my phone along with their chargers are all I need. Personally, I wouldn’t touch my laptop on such a short trip anyway.

All of the above (minus the camera which has its own bag) fit in a carry-on very easily. But ever since I have started using packing cubes my suitcase is also a lot less messy. I can find things more easily and quickly which is definitely a plus in terms of minimalist packing.

The Final Minimalist Packing List

Clothes

• 1 sweater
• 2 long-sleeved tops
• 4 pairs of socks (+1 extra for sleeping)
• 4 underwear
• 1 sleepwear

Personal Care

• toothbrush
• contact lens solution
• deodorant
• moisturizer
• face serum
• face mask
• eye mask
• 2 brushes
• body lotion

Makeup

• powder
• blush
• mascara
• eyebrow pencil
• lipstick
• pencil sharpener
• makeup brushes

Electronics

• camera
• phone
• camera charger
• phone charger

Accessories

• 1 umbrella

That’s it! As I said, I made sure to layer the clothes I wore so I had to pack less.

What do you think of this minimalist packing list? Would you feel the need to bring more stuff on a trip?