My husband and I recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Italy, and whether you’re heading to Italy or any other part of Europe, I’m here to share a game-changing discovery: you can pack for a two-week European adventure in just a carry-on. As a travel advisor, I know the ins and outs of travel logistics, and I’m excited to share my tips and tricks to help you travel light while still feeling prepared and stylish.
Why Should You Pack in a Carry On?
Packing light in a carry-on isn’t just about minimalism; it’s about maximizing your travel experience. Here’s why opting for a carry-on is a smart choice:
Avoid Lost Luggage Worries: There’s nothing worse than arriving in Europe only to find your luggage didn’t make it. With a carry-on, your belongings stay with you and will never be more than an arm's legnth away.
Effortless Mobility: European travel often involves navigating bustling train stations, fitting into smaller rental cars, and strolling through charming cobblestone streets. A carry-on makes it easier to move around with less hassle.
Save Time and Money: Skip the long waits at baggage claim and avoid extra fees for checked luggage. You’ll have more time to enjoy your trip and more cash to spend on experiences rather than luggage fees.
The Itinerary
Here’s a glimpse of our Italy itinerary:
4 Nights in the Chianti Region of Tuscany
3 Nights in Rome
3 Nights in Sorrento
1 Night back in Rome
This itinerary required a wardrobe that could easily transition from wine-tasting in Tuscany to exploring ancient ruins in Rome, and even a day trip to the Amalfi Coast. The key to success was packing versatile clothing that could be mixed, matched, and layered as needed.
Carry on Packing Tips
Through my experience and expertise as a travel advisor, I’ve learned that packing smart can make or break your travel experience. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind.
Be Intentional with Your Choices: When you’re limited to a carry-on, every item should earn its place in your suitcase. Opt for versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
Plan on Doing Laundry: When traveling for two weeks, doing laundry at least once can significantly reduce the amount of clothing you need to pack. Many European hotels offer laundry services, or you can pack detergent sheets for quick washes in your hotel sink.
Organize Your Liquids: Keep all liquids in one easy-to-access bag for smooth security checks. Storing them in your backpack makes them even more accessible when you’re on the go.
Check the Weather: A quick weather check 24 hours before departure allows you to make any last-minute adjustments to your wardrobe, ensuring you’re prepared for unexpected changes in climate.
Avoid Last-Minute Purchases: Resist the temptation to order anything from Amazon or other retailers within 24 hours of your departure. If you haven’t thought of it by then, you probably don’t need it—and your carry-on certainly doesn’t have room for it!
The Packing List
Using a Capsule Wardrobe to Pack for Europe
The secret to packing light is creating a capsule wardrobe—a collection of essential clothing items that can be easily mixed and matched to create different outfits. Here’s how I did it:
Colors: I stuck to a color palette of black, white, tan, and denim. By choosing neutral colors, I could easily pair any top with any bottom, maximizing outfit options without overpacking.
Shirts: I packed a variety of shirts to suit different activities and weather conditions, including a white sleeveless tank, a white v-neck t-shirt, a black sleeveless tank, a black long-sleeve shirt, and a black and white striped short-sleeve shirt. The sleeveless tops were perfect for layering.
Sweater: A black and ecru stripe sweater added warmth and style, easily pairing with any of the bottoms.
Pants: I brought four pairs of pants: white jeans, tan chinos, blue jeans, and a pair of black pants made of a soft, tailored material that looked polished but felt as comfortable as athletic wear.
Top Layers: For cooler days or evenings, I included a tan sweater, a denim jacket, and a lightweight puffy jacket.
Dress: A black cotton dress was a versatile piece that could be dressed up for dinner or worn casually during the day.
Nightwear and Undergarments: I kept it simple with one nightgown, seven pairs of underwear, and one extra bra.
Shoes: I chose two pairs of shoes—brown loafers and tennis shoes. I wore the tennis shoes on the filghts and packed the other. Both pair were equal parts comfort, cute, and functional.
Accessories: To add a pop of color and style, I packed a small crossbody brown leather bag, a small straw shoulder bag, and a patterned scarf. These accessories were lightweight and easy to pack, but they made a big impact on my outfits.
Toiletries and Personal Items
When it comes to toiletries, it’s all about packing the essentials and leaving behind anything that won’t be used daily. Here’s my streamlined list:
Hair Tools: A travel-sized curling iron that was lightweight and dual voltage was my go-to. It was perfect for maintaining my hair without taking up too much space.
Hair Care Basics: I packed shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and hold gel in travel-sized containers. These were all I needed to keep my hair looking great while on the road.
Face Care Basics: My skincare essentials included face wash, moisturizer, and a nightly anti-aging serum. These helped me maintain my skin routine without overpacking.
Make-Up: I limited my makeup to the basics: foundation, concealer, an eyeshadow palette, eyebrow pencil, blush, eyeliner pencil, all-day lipstick, mascara, setting powder, and a travel make-up brush holder with six brushes. This allowed me to create a basic daily look.
Perfume and Hygiene: I brought a perfume atomizer for a quick freshen-up, and of course, toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant, and a hairbrush were essentials. I also packed one ponytail holder and 5 bobby pins.
Laundry Supplies: Since laundry was part of my plan, I packed detergent sheets. These were perfect for quick washes in the hotel sink, helping me keep my clothes fresh and ready to wear.
Electronics
Traveling light doesn’t mean leaving your electronics behind, but it does mean being selective. Here’s what I packed:
Computer and Cord: As a travel advisor, my laptop is essential, so it had to come along with its charging cord.
Apple Watch and Charging Cord: The Apple Watch is great for keeping track of time, steps, and notifications, making it a must-have for my travels.
iPhone and Charging Cord: My iPhone served as my camera, map, and communication tool, so it was definitely in my bag.
Earbuds: These were essential for listening to music, podcasts, or making phone calls on the go.
Universal Travel Adapter: A universal travel adapter ensured I could charge all my electronics, no matter the plug type in Europe.
Power Bank: This power bank was a lifesaver for keeping my devices charged during long days of sightseeing.
What I Shouldn't Have Packed
Even with careful planning, there were a couple of items I ended up not using:
The Black Dress and Straw Bag: Although they were stylish, I wound up not wearing them, and I wouldn’t bring them again.
What I Chose Not to Pack
What not to pack when traveling to Europe is every bit as important as what you put in your carry on. Here are two items I decided not to bring:
Hair Dryer: I decided to roll the dice and not pack a hair dryer. Most hotels provided one, though some weren’t the best quality. Still, it was a risk I was willing to take to save space.
Neck Pillow: While some travelers swear by them, I find neck pillows cumbersome and unnecessary. They’re only useful on the plane, and I prefer to travel without one.
Packing for Europe in a carry-on is not only possible but also incredibly freeing. By focusing on a versatile capsule wardrobe, packing only the essentials, and being mindful of your itinerary, you can travel light and still have everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. And remember, as a travel advisor, I’m here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you need help planning your European vacation or have questions about packing, I’m just an email away. So next time you’re headed to Europe, embrace the carry-on lifestyle—you might just find it’s the only way you’ll want to travel!
Want to learn more about how to pack for Europe with only a carry on? Watch the video below.
*None of the items are affiliate links nor do I receive a commission. This blog is not sponsored in any way. Anything not linked is old or I couldn’t find it online.
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