Start with five categories: documents and payment, clothing, charging and internet access, toiletries, and carry-on essentials. Gather the essentials first, then adjust your clothing for the length of your trip. This makes it easier to check everything than packing items as they come to mind. For a three-day or five-day trip, the main difference is usually the amount of clothing you need; documents, charging cables and everyday essentials do not need to increase with the number of days.
Keep documents and booking details in your carry-on bag
Tick off these items first:
- The passport or appropriate travel document you will use for this trip.
- Any visas, entry information or other documents required by your destination and transit locations.
- Flight and accommodation confirmations, plus your accommodation’s address and contact details.
- Payment cards and local cash suited to your plans.
- Your phone and any emergency contact information you need.
Before departure, check that the name on your travel document matches your bookings, and check its validity against the requirements of your destination and transit locations. Download booking confirmations and accommodation addresses to your phone so you can find them even before you have internet access on arrival. Keep documents containing personal information somewhere secure.
How much clothing should you bring for three or five days?
The examples below are for a typical city trip with no laundry planned. They include the clothes you wear on departure day, so subtract that outfit when packing your bag. These are suggested quantities; adjust them for the weather, activities and how often you are comfortable wearing items again.
Choose bottoms that are easy to match and suitable for wearing again. Bring extra tops for hot weather, long outdoor days or activities that make you sweat; pack fewer if you plan to do laundry. Add winter layers, swimwear or clothes for formal occasions according to your itinerary, rather than taking them on every trip.
Separate clothing by type and bring another bag for worn items. Pack shoes and liquids separately to protect clean clothing. You can also keep a spare outfit in your carry-on bag for a change when needed.
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Charging, internet access and toiletries: pack what you will use
Check your phone, charging cable, charger, a plug adapter suitable for your destination, and your internet arrangements. If you use an eSIM, confirm that your phone supports it and check the activation arrangements in advance. If you use a physical SIM, bring a SIM ejector tool if needed. Add the relevant cables when taking a camera or laptop, rather than packing every charger you own.
Power banks belong in your carry-on bag, not in checked baggage. Check the operating airline’s requirements for capacity, quantity, use and storage on board. You can refer to Cathay’s battery and power bank guidance, while checking the rules for the airline operating your own flights.
Choose toiletries according to what your accommodation provides: toothbrush, toothpaste, hair and body care, skincare and your usual personal items. Take enough for the trip and wrap bottles that may leak. If you use contact lenses or need personal medication, give those items their own checklist entry. Check your destination’s requirements for carrying medication ahead of departure so you have any necessary information ready.
Pack cabin liquids correctly and check your booked baggage allowance
For departures from Hong Kong, liquids, gels and aerosols in cabin baggage generally need to be in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 ml, all placed in one transparent resealable plastic bag of no more than one litre per passenger. A container larger than 100 ml is not accepted even if it holds only a small amount. The bag must close completely. Exemptions for items such as medication and baby food are subject to verification; see the Civil Aviation Department’s packing tips for details.
Keep documents, payment cards and your phone in your carry-on bag for easy access. Other electronics are also best kept securely with you. Clothing and other permitted items can go in checked baggage as appropriate for your trip. Once you have sorted your bags, check the weight, number of pieces and dimensions allowed by your ticket. A suitcase labelled “cabin size” does not automatically meet your booking’s requirements.
Your final check before leaving
Before closing your suitcase, check your documents and bookings again, confirm your phone is charged and your internet arrangements are ready, then weigh your luggage. If you plan to shop, leave some space and weight allowance for the return journey. Keep frequently used items easy to reach so you can head out without unpacking to find them.
Earn miles from monthly rent for your next trip
When planning a trip, consider including your monthly rent in your miles-earning plan. By paying rent with a credit card through RentSmart, using a card that earns Asia Miles or rewards convertible to Asia Miles, eligible rent transactions may earn miles. Your regular rent payments can help you gradually build up miles for your next trip.
