How a professional travel writer packs for three-day trips with only a backpack.

Enter:the packing cube, the higher powers saving grace to compact travel.

This leaves you with just two days to pack for.

Person travelling along in big city with backpack

Credit:Getty Images

That means three pairs of undergarments and three pairs of socks.

Many of these items can be repurposed, too.

I also stick with a clear ziplock bag over a cute toiletry bag, which expedites things at security.

Compartment bags for weekend trip displayed and the backpack fully packed

Vicki Denig/Travel + Leisure

I also have two mini-sized perfumes in here.

Start with your packing cube of clothes and place that in first.

Next, add the toiletry bag, wire bag, and miscellaneous bag on top of the clothing cube.

Clothing for short trip in one packing cube

Vicki Denig/Travel + Leisure

Place your laptop/tablet and reading material in the back zipper pocket.

Traveler’s backpack contents displayed neatly on the floor

Vicki Denig/Travel + Leisure