Packing a carry-on for a five-day city break

Cabin baggage rules vary by airline and by fare. Some fares include a wheeled cabin bag; others include only a small under-seat bag, with the larger bag as a paid extra. Check your booking for the exact size and weight limits for both, and measure your bag including wheels and handles.

Do this before you pack, not at the airport. It decides everything else.

A wheeled cabin case is easiest through airports and on smooth pavements. A soft backpack is better on cobbles, stairs and older city centres where pavements are uneven, and it is often easier to squeeze into a sizer frame.

Whichever you pick, look for a lightweight shell so the bag itself does not use up much of your weight allowance, and a separate quick-access pocket for your passport, phone and liquids bag.

Packing cubes are worth having for a trip like this. They keep outfits together and make it easier to find things without unpacking the whole bag in a hotel room.

Five days out of one bag works best around a small colour palette, so everything goes with everything. A typical plan:

• Two pairs of trousers, or one pair and a skirt or shorts depending on the season.
• Four or five tops, at least one smart enough for dinner.
• One warm layer, such as a knit or a fleece.
• One light waterproof jacket that packs small.
• Underwear and socks for each day, plus something to sleep in.

Wear your bulkiest items, usually your jacket and heaviest shoes, on the plane.

City breaks involve far more walking than most people expect. Take one pair of comfortable shoes you have already walked in for a full day, and at most one lighter pair for evenings.

Then pack for the destination and the month. For Edinburgh or Copenhagen, which our travel catalogue suggests for the summer months, bring layers and a waterproof all the same. For Seville in spring or autumn, think breathable fabrics and sun protection for the middle of the day. For a food-led trip to Bologna, leave a little room in the bag for anything you want to bring home, and check what you are allowed to carry back.

Liquids. Rules on liquids in hand luggage are changing as airports install new security scanners, and they can differ between your outbound and return airports. Check the current rules for both before you pack. Solid toiletries, such as shampoo bars and solid deodorant, sidestep the question and save space.

Tech. A phone, one multi-port charger, a travel adaptor and a small power bank cover most trips. Power banks usually have to travel in the cabin rather than in checked bags, so this is one area where carry-on only makes life easier.

Documents. Passport, boarding passes, travel insurance details and accommodation addresses. Keep digital copies on your phone and a paper copy somewhere separate. Check the entry requirements for your destination well before you travel.

If you have the bag but not the destination, Flairmingo's Travel page ranks cities and regions by your travel taste: how much you care about culture, food, relaxation, adventure, wellness and nature. Each destination lists its best months, so you can see when a trip suits your plans before you start packing.