Just in case this is of interest. My husband and I were in Budapest from March 31 to April 8. Originally this was to be a solo trip for me with a carry-on and handbag. With the addition of my husband (with some specific packing needs) and a fancy dinner ressie, it turned into a carry-on for each, a string bag for him, handbag for me, and a carry-on sized checked bag. To protect his privacy, I'm only reporting for myself.
What threw a kink into the plan, the weather was unseasonably warm and 1 day before we left, the apt. owner told us the washer was broken. Pivot!
Handbag:
- Tablet
- Phone
- Fuel rod
- Adaptor
- 1 charger
- Paperwork folder (slim manila file)
- Small packing cube with measuring tape, luggage scale, playing cards, pass the pigs (fun game) and pen
- Snacks
- tiny crossbody purse
Carry-on 7.8 kg
Small packing cube:
- 2 short sleeve t-shirts (added at last minute)
- bathing suit
- shirt, skirt, tights for fancy dinner (added at last minute)
Small packing cube:
- 6 prs unders
- 1 bra
- 6 prs socks
Small packing cube:
- 3 32 degree l/s base layers
- 2 1/4 zip l/s shirts
Medium packing cube:
- 4 prs leggings
- Jammie pants
Other carry-on items:
3-1-1 bag, make up, my "pharmacy" in a ziploc, puffy vest
My items in the checked bag:
- Shoes for fancy dinner
- Flip flops
- Scarf
- Pashmina
Wore on the plane
- Leggings
- Compression socks
- Keen hiking boots (great support, walked everywhere with no pain)
- Sport bra
- Base layer l/s
- Flannel
- carried my raincoat
Verdict:
- Dinner was at a Michelin starred restaurant, so I needed a nice outfit. If the trip was solo, I wouldn't have needed the outfit or extra shoes.
- Didn't need the scarf or pashmina due to unseasonably warm weather
- Sadly, did not use the bathing suit or flipflops because we didn't get to the baths due to some GI complications
- I could have worn the puffy vest on the plane and skipped the flannel shirt
- Since our weather and Budapest weather are similar this time of year, we packed for it and were a little surprised.
- Overall, I think I could have left a pair of leggings and a l/s base layer at home
- Glad I had the raincoat - we had some showers
Silver lining to having a checked bag for hubby
We were able to easily bring back souvenirs for the kids and my mom!
Time to look for a new carry-on though - the top handle on mine has almost completely worn through the leather straps holding it on! I salute you, ugly burnt-orange, cheap bag!