Hi everyone! My last blog series, What I'd wear if I lived in, and today's post made me realize how much I need to go for a new adventure, get on a plane, and escape. Recently I posted a TikTok video showing you how I travel on a budget with a small bag for 4 days, and you loved it. So, I am writing an in-depth blog post to show you my tips and tricks, link everything I use, and inspire you for your next travel. 

Also, for the OG followers, this is another episode of the On a budget blog series. Do you remember it? I'll link the previous blog posts at the end of this one. 

So, as you can tell from the intro, I'm the biggest fan of traveling. I enjoy even the most minor car trip to the village next to Milan because it's a chance to escape, explore, and make new memories. But last year, I booked a trip to Wien with my best friend, and I traveled with a small bag, the one you put under the seat, for the entire weekend. And this year, I went to my parents for 4 days with the same small bag. 

I loved to travel so lightly for multiple reasons. Firstly, I didn't need to wait for my checked-in luggage and the other people to go down the airplane to grab my carry-on. Then, I've already the outfits planned, so I don't need to think of what to wear. Minimalism and a capsule wardrobe are essential for these trips, so I take clothes and accessories I can wear in different ways and with multiple combinations. Lastly, I spend so much less on my travels! I can save the money to check in a carry-on or a suitcase for another trip and see more places. 

Did I influence you? 

So, let's see my favorite products to travel on a budget with a small bag for 4 days. 

The bag

I have had this bag from Decathlon since 5 years ago. First, I used it as my gym bag, but now that I work out at home, it has become my travel bag. It folds into a small pocket, but it can carry 30 liters. It's also waterproof, so if it rains, my stuff is ok. But the thing I love the most is the handles. I can wear this bag as a backpack or shoulder bag, but it's also comfortable to carry it by hand. So, accordingly to the weight, I can grab it in three different ways. 

Do I mention that it's 5,99 €? So run, don't walk to Decathon! 

The organization stuff

My packing cube system is my other magic wand to travel on a budget with a small bag for 4 days. I purchased it in pink from Amazon, but they are game-changers. Thanks to them, I can fit so many clothes in my bag that I can take an extra outfit in my Decathlon bag. Also, I pack by category, and it's easier to unpack and build a look daily. I can file my underwear, trousers, and tops in minutes. I don't know why I waited for so long to buy them. 

Speaking of the organization stuff, I didn't buy only my beauty case because I'm using the pouches I got from Sephora and other beauty products. So, I collected a lot to buy something different than a beauty case. But, once I consumed all of them, I would love to get a proper vanity case for my beauty products and make-up. 

The vibe

The most important thing to traveling on a budget with a small bag for 4 days is to change the packing vibe. I love overpacking because I want options even when I travel. But, if I must choose between having options and traveling more, I pick the second one. So, I changed my packing vibe. I carefully plan my outfits and needs and try to imagine a realistic day. For example, I'm not the girl who returns to the hotel and changes for dinner. Instead, I explore from morning to evening, have a little dinner, and then return to the hotel for a lovely night of sleep. I'll need one outfit per day plus one, just in case. 

Then I select my accessories and try them with every planned outfit. If they are ok with everything, I'll pack them. Luckily, I have a lot of timeless pieces that I can mix and match with my wardrobe. 

The only thing I still overpack is my underwear because I need a lot of it in my bag. I don't know why, but it's a thing. The good thing is that lingerie is so tiny that it doesn't bore the overall packing process. 

Are you an overpacking girl, or do you like to travel light? Let me know in the comments below!

More from the On a budget series