In my latest travel post I talked about how I prefer to only pack a carry on for literally any destination I ever travel to. This turned out to be pretty shocking to some people, and lots wondered how I do it! It was definitely a plan of mine to address this topic at some point on my blog, and so here we are. Once upon a time there was even a video of me packing a carry on for Europe for two weeks, but I had to let go and press the delete button because I had the wrong focus setting while filming. Don’t you love when that happens?
So, without the longest introduction ever, here is EXACTLY (exactly) how I planned my two weeks in Europe in a single Ricardo Beverly Hills 21 inch carry on.
1. I Only Took Travel Size Products
If you’re bringing a carry on most people know by now that you’re only allowed 3.4 oz of each liquid product anyway. So this is one you really have no choice with. Bring travel size everything. I even brought smaller cotton rounds than I normally do. You can find some amazing travel size products for skin, makeup, and hair in the stands at the Ulta checkout. Those little stands were my lifesaver! I was able to find travel size dry shampoo and high end shampoo and conditioner. Stock up on a few empty bottles from Target for 99 cents to empty products in to that you cannot find in a travel size.
2. I Booked an Airbnb
This one isn’t obvious, but the best way to avoid the bulk of a suitcase is getting an Airbnb where you already have amenities you don’t need to bring. I always make sure the Airbnb I book has a hair dryer available. Hair dryers are so huge and can take up a ton of room. Just ditching this one item gives you room for an extra pair of shoes. Lots of places will also provide body wash and other products. Of course, the biggest reason Airbnb is a great choice is for the laundry. This is an option most hotels just do not have and it will save you a TON of room in your carry on. I am partial to using Airbnb for the laundry, price, and overall experience.
3. I Took an Old Pair of Shoes
Okay this little tip I didn’t actually discover until my latest trip to Krakow and Prague. I inadvertently packed a pair of shoes that were probably on their last leg anyway. They were my favorite and (turns out) most comfortable pair of shoes while I was in Europe and I nearly wore them every day. While packing my carry on for the trip home I was having trouble fitting a new pair of sandals I purchased from Zara, so I decided, why not just chuck these old boots and give them a grand Czech burial? And so I did! Truth is, I probably would have tossed them back home anyway. They were demolished and I had gotten three good years out of them. So next time you pack a carry on, try taking a old pair of shoes to make room for the way back.
4. I Packed a Bag in a Bag
This is one of my favorites. I am never really scared the airline will lose my luggage on the way home. For some reason the thought of lost luggage beginning a two week stay abroad absolutely terrifies me. For me the carry on process is much more important on the first leg, so sometimes I check my bag on the way home depending on what I’ve bought (I love to shop). For this reason, I always pack a large fold-able bag in my carry on. That way I can check my carry on if need be, and then I can carry the other large bag as my carry on, most likely full of stuff I purchased. I am talking something like this that can be completely folded or rolled up. You don’t want anything leather or hard to fold. A bag within a bag will change your shopping life abroad!
5. I Chose Three Bottoms, No Matter What
Jeans can take up a lot of space and weigh a lot too, which is something else to also consider. I only brought three pairs of jeans to Europe for two weeks. I could have brought two pairs of jeans and a pair of shorts, or a pair of jeans, a pair of shorts, and a skirt depending on where I was traveling to. I was traveling in the colder months so I chose all jeans. If you chose an Airbnb you can wash your bottoms at any time so you won’t need any more than that. Still, you’ll be surprised after you stack three pairs of jeans how much room they take up.
6. I Brought Stuff I Loved, Not Stuff I Liked
You only have so much room, so you have to be selective. Before bringing that necklace or blouse, ask yourself “can I see myself wearing this and not getting sick of it?” If the answer is yes then it’s mostly likely something you love and you should bring it. Also ask yourself, “is this item versatile?” Can you wear it with more than one thing or more than one way? These are all things I thought of before I decided on items on I wanted to bring (specifically tops, accessories, and jewelry).
7. I Packed a Carry On Within a Carry On
Really. I did this too. I didn’t want my purse to be my carry on, because where the hell would I store my laptop that I would blog from? And what about my book that I wanted to read? No Kindle here. Also, I didn’t want to bring a large purse to lug around Europe, as they can be quite impractical. So I opted to take a tiny over-the-shoulder Fossil bag as my purse which I could fit in a large tote bag, which would then become my other carry on or ‘personal item’. Total in my large Tote Bag (like this) I was able to fit my computer, small purse, hardcover book, portable phone charger, umbrella (always be prepared kids), scarf, snacks, a bottle of water, passport wallet, sunglasses, regular glasses, a small cosmetic bag for freshening up, and my jacket if I needed to store it. And breathe…
8. I Had to Make the Difficult Shoe Choices
…one should never have to make. I could only fit two pairs of shoes in my carry on, and one pair I wore on the plane. I opted for a pair of trusty shoes I knew were comfortable, fashionable, and went with everything. Then I brought an Adidas Superstar and a more fashionable pair of boots. Nothing on this list had a high heel. It’s difficult, but you can find really cute shoes that are comfortable and don’t have a heel. I opted for a more fashionable sneaker as well. Never once did I feel like I looked like a tourist, and that was validated by the fact that people kept assuming I spoke Polish.
I know a lot of you ladies think that a carry on for two weeks in Europe is just not possible. I actually never would have thought it was either! As I age and continue to travel I am noticing myself valuing more things other than my clothes or my looks. I want experiences. You don’t need a large suitcase to have a great vacation. Maybe you just need a partner in crime, a little mascara, and a bag in a bag. #carryonlife
Was this helpful? Leave me a comment below and let me know!
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92 comments
These are excellent tips Emily! I’m also a staunch proponent of traveling with only a carry-on and have been doing it for years, yet you brought up some points and suggestions I hadn’t previously thought of. Thanks for such an informative post!
You’re welcome! Glad it was useful. I learned a few things myself on this last trip! Yay for carry ons. ๐
These tips are very helpful! Will remember these tips on my vacation in July. ๐
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Yay I’m so glad! Thanks Kathrine and enjoy your trip!
Lovely post dear, so helpful holidays this summer! Thanks for sharing!
Faye .x
New Blog Post: http://fayeisabella.co.uk/2016/06/london-collections-men.html
Welcome! Hope it helps!
I need to use your tips! i’m a terrible packer, I always over pack when traveling
Aren’t we all?! These tips will definitely help! Even if you just want to down size your items a bit.
I am always over packing on my trip. I will try to use some of your tips.
http://www.comfycozyup.com
Yay! I tend to over pack a little too. I think we all do!
These are great tips. Travel size beauty products can really save us much-needed space in a suitcase.
Nina
http://www.ninasstyleblog.com
Agreed! I love grabbing the higher end ones in Ulta. That way I don’t feel like I have to sacrifice anything from my normal routine.
Omg I love these tips!! I am such an overpacker so I need to remember these next time!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Glad you liked them Shannon! Thanks for stopping by.
Love these helpful tips. I always over packed.
http://doreensstylediary.com
Glad they were helpful!
This is seriously impressive! I am not terribly skilled when it comes to packing light…my case of beauty products is usually the culprit. Great point about booking an Airbnb so you can do laundry!
xo Mil
https://southbynorthwestblog.wordpress.com/
Thank you! I don’t think I’ll ever not use it anymore. Though there are the occasional beach vacations where I want to be pampered, so I usually book a nice resort then. ๐
I’m so impressed that you were able to figure out how to have a carry on for a couple weeks trip! Genius! I might try the choosing 3 bottoms only. I think that would definitely save some space!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thanks Rach! It’s definitely a lot easier if you have access to a washing machine. Give it a go next time!
I hope I can do this too the next time I travel. I’m not good in packing, not even in folding clothes ๐ I think I should start sorting out the pieces that I only need when I travel because I almost bring everything with me even if I end up not using it at all. ๐
xoxo,
SHAIRA // New post
The same thing used to happen to me. I would bring so much stuff just to have ‘options’ and I literally wouldn’t wear half of it! Hope these tips help you!
I think this is such a wise decision, traveling in Europe with a big bag is such a burden because you go everywhere and need to be as practical as possible!
Have a wonderful day, xx
My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com
I agree. I hate traveling with a huge bag. It’s especially hard when you arrive in a country and you’re trying to get your bearings!
Nice post, thank you for share your ideas here!
Great tips!! Thanks for sharing dear!!
Love,
Kisses and hugs from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
You’re welcome!
Love these tips, picking clothes that you love for travelling is so good! Then you won’t be out of options! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
My thoughts exactly!
Great advice! I will keep in mind in the future, and I am sure I can adjust to not wearing a different outfit every single day ๐
http://thewonderfashion.blogspot.com
It’s definitely nice to have a lot of options, but also so nice to just have to travel with a small bag. ๐
Ohh I love these tips! They’re so handy since I always overpack for vacay -_- Thanks for sharing! xo, Vivian
http://www.twoward.com
You’re welcome Vivian!
Great tips! I am a terrible over-packer, so I have to put out everything I want to take and then put half of it away! I love your tip to pack a carry-on in a carry-on and will definitely do that next time!
Julia xx
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
Thanks Julia! I try to do that one often. It can give you a lot of extra room.
Love this! Great post babe! x
http://www.fromluxewithlove.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/from-luxe-with-love-14590195
This seriously amazes me! I always pack too much. Such great tips!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks Amy!
Definitely some great travel tips! I always find myself overpacking for vacation and this definitely helps ๐
http://www.thebeautybeau.com/in-distress/
Yay, glad to help!
Great tips! I also don’t take heels with me when I travel unless I’m going to an event where I need them. Thanks for the advice!
Love, Lindsey
http://www.thenomisniche.com/
Thanks Lindsey! You are welcome!
Perfection!
XO,
Hadasah Love | http://www.styletolove.com
Cool tips Emily!
Thanks for sharing!
โฅโปโฅโปโฅ
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.com
Welcome!
I’m so impressed that you fit everything into just one carryon suitcase for 2 whole weeks! I love all of these great tips!
Characters & Carry-ons
Thanks Joyce! Glad you like them!
These tips are so great! I’m a terrible over-packer and need to learn that sometimes, less is more. Asking myself if I love an item versus, this top would look great but only with those bottoms, is something I also need to work on as I tend to pack outfits instead of quality versatile pieces that can be worn multiple different ways!
Allison / Joy and Ivy
Thanks Allison! Glad you enjoyed the tips! The art of packing is always a work in progress. ๐
OMG I could never do this! I’m such an overpacker. So impressive!
XO
Molly
http://www.trendychickadee.com
Haha you totally can! I believe in you! JK it’s not as easy as it looks, but hopefully some of these tips help. At the end of the day, we’ll always be over-packing girls!
i congratulate you on this feat!!! great tips!
Have a great day!
Animated Confessions
Thank you!
Not only I’m sharing this post, I am bookmarking it for my own future reference. I know these tips are mostly common sense but I have none when I am packing for traveling. I swear you have some of the best travelling tips!
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
Thank you Shireen! That is such a nice comment and means a lot to me! Traveling is one of my favorite things and I hate having to bring a huge bag. It’s definitely do-able! You just have to get crafty haha. Hope you have a great weekend!
I love your tips & I think we are travel twins! I just published a similar post because I also refuse to check a bag when traveling, and friends always seem so scandalized by it. Airbnb definitely made minimalist packing much easier, we did laundry twice on our trip!
Nice! I totally feel you on people being scandalized by it haha. But how nice is it to not lug around a huge bag? That’s the LAST thing I want to do in a foreign country. And with all those layovers, I get so nervous they will lose my bag. I’m definitely with you!! ๐
Checking out your post now!
You are a packing + traveling rockstar!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
These tips are very helpful because I have a habit of over packing; it’s a problem! Will certainly remember these tips on my next vacation. Thanks for sharing! x
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
You’re welcome! Glad they helped.
Wow, this is impressive, girl! I love the idea because I always get concerned with loss luggage, so having some ideas on how I could pack everything I need for a trip as long as two weeks and keep it all safe with me is amazing, thank you! I’ll have to definitely remember to book an Airbnb! I hope you’re having a great week so far and thanks again for sharing!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Thanks Jalisa! I love Airbnb. It can seriously be so cheap in Europe too, it’s crazy! I get so concerned and paranoid the airline will lose my luggage as well. I know people say it’s just ‘stuff’, but man, MY LIFE IS IN THERE. Haha! Hope you have a great weekend.
Thanks for the tips! Lovely photos!
much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
Welcome!
Narrowing down what footwear to take on a trip is what I find the hardest.
Red Reticule
Same here! It’s really hard to keep fashionable yet practical. I always try to go for a fashionable sneaker (usually 90’s or retro looking, and you can never go wrong with converse), and then a comfy pair of walking boots that are still super cute.
I am the world’s worst packer. I make a list ahead of time that includes outfits, shoes, toiletries, entertainment, and accessories… but I still fail so hard because I have NO discipline and it sounds like you have a lot. I always go, “what if?” Even nights I sleep at my BF’s place I bring 2 looks for the next day: very casual (like shorts and a tee) and a little nicer (like a sundress!) because he could surprise me and be like “let’s go here” and then I’m unprepared. Though, you do seem to have somewhat of a solution for “unprepared” on vacay… shopping and a way to bring it all home!!
Nice list!! Good ideas!!
โฅ
Amber
All the Cute
Today’s Post: Popover Dress
Thanks Amber! I totally get the ‘what if’ thing!! I think that’s usually the reason us women over pack. “What if I want to wear this and not that?” It happens. But that’s what shopping is for when you get there. ๐ #shopaholic
The tips here are really useful dear!
Bringing a foldaway carry on bag is a great idea, you never know when you will need more space
Definitely! It’s a great backup in case you end up just bringing back way too much stuff.
This is such a great post! I really like that you mentioned you only pack stuff you LOVE rather than stuff you just like. That makes a huge difference and you will enjoy your outfit choices more too. I try to pack carry-on luggage only whenever I can, but I have not mastered a 2 week trip on carry-on luggage alone. Great job!
Eden | Mint Notion
Thanks Eden! It’s hard but you definitely become an expert packer haha.
Oh my goodness, I salute you! I’m a horrible over-packer. I need to bookmark this post and study it! x
Kate Louise Blogs
Thanks Kate!
I totally agree with the carry-on, and also usually only bring travel-size toiletries. <3
Foodie Friday
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Thanks Margarida!
great post!! i don’t think i could just pack a carry on to go to europe for TWO WEEKS!! not even if it was one week lol i always pack different shoes for each outfit and they take up so much room haha, great post!!
http://www.carolinapinglo.com/
Yup, shoes usually take up the most room! I got determined when I realized that half the shoes I brought I wouldn’t wear. You should definitely try it sometime! It’s a great challenge. ๐
Great tips! I’m a huge fan of minimal packaging and this tricks will be really helpful for my next trip! x
Have a nice weekend,
Andreea
http://couturezilla.com/
Yay! Enjoy your next trip!
Lovely post and great tips dear, thanks for sharing!
Faye .x
http://www.fayeisabella.co.uk/2016/06/little-black-dress.html
Thank you!
This blows my mind! But, at the same time, I totally get your points! Don’t think I could ever do it but such an interesting read!!!!
Xox Dana Ivy // http://www.iadorewhatilove.com –> PS new posts on my blog everyday this week =)
Thank you Dana!
Iโm so impressed that you’ve been able to fit everything into just one suitcase for 2 whole weeks! I love all of these great tips and I love your way to advice and to live your journey!
Very well done…as always!
Elisa Negro Si occupa di consulenza d’immagine per donne
Thank you!!
I WISH I would have read this post prior to traveling for 2.5 weeks to France and Spain. I realized as soon as I was looking in my luggage during the trip that I brought so much unnecessary stuff, it was actually embarrassing-not to mention I even brought my blow dryer(stupid right)? Haha, but I def learned from my mistakes. I think the biggest challenge so far was packing to come to Europe and not knowing how long I would be staying here so I pretty much brought almost everything I owned….literally a girl’s packing nightmare lol, but anyway here we are! Great post love.
http://www.lacasabloga.com
Thank you Estrella! I only ever bring a carry on with me anywhere haha. It’s just soooo much easier and I’m always scared they will lose my luggage. It’s also kind of a fun challenge for yourself to see if you can fit everything. I feel like a lot of girls don’t think about the blow dryer, so totally not stupid. But that’s the first thing that always goes for me! I look up hair tutorials without a blow dryer before I leave, just in case I don’t have access to one. ๐