How to Pack for 3 Weeks With Just a Carry-On
Europe’s charm has captured the hearts of Americans for generations. From Italy’s ancient wonders to Ireland’s rich culture, it’s the trip of a lifetime. But there’s one thing that hasn’t changed—hauling an oversized suitcase through Europe’s cobblestone streets and up endless stairs will turn that dream trip into a nightmare.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to pack for a summer vacation in Europe (or wherever your travel takes you) — where everything fits in a carry-on and a backpack. Let’s pack smarter, so you leave your vacation with memories, not a pulled muscle!
Start With the Right Questions
Before packing, ask yourself:
- What type of trip am I taking?
- Where will I go?
- What will the weather be like?
- What clothes make me feel amazing?
That’s the key to creating a capsule wardrobe you’ll love wearing. I’m not a fashionista—I stick to classic, comfortable, casual pieces—but if you love color, include it! Just make sure everything can mix and match. I recommend 1 dress, 4 bottoms and 6 tops, this will give you ~28 outfit combinations.
What to Wear on the Plane
Your travel outfit sets the tone for your trip and your suitcase space:
- Black joggers (or jeans if you prefer) — stretchy and comfortable
- Black t-shirt — breathable layer
- White button-down shirt — doubles as a light jacket
- Black sneakers — wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane
Layers help you adjust to changing temperatures in transit.
What to Pack in Your Backpack
Your backpack should hold essentials that you need immediate access to:
- Tech gear + battery pack (mine replaces all my cords with one plug)
- Multi-country adapter
- Water bottle
- Journal + pen
- Allergy meds, EpiPen, lipstick, chapstick, eyeglasses
- Wallet + passport (keep these in a secure/secret compartment)
Toiletries That Work
- Decant curly hair products and skincare—you don’t want to waste time hunting for these abroad
- Bring mini toiletries to get through the first nights (soap, toothpaste, deodorant). Restock at your destination if needed
- Perfume tip: Collect mini fragrance bottles or ask for store samples of your signature scent
Smart Accessories
- Packable tote — perfect for beach days or markets
- Black scarf — doubles as a shawl for places of worship or a chic head wrap
- 1 lightweight packable jacket — for cool nights or rain
Capsule Wardrobe
Here’s what I packed:
- 1 little black dress — dress up or down
- 1 pair black cotton pants
- 1 multi-color linen skirt
- 1 pair green belted linen shorts
- 2 white linen tank tops
- 1 black lace tank — easy to dress up
- 2 t-shirts — black crew neck + white v-neck (can double as pajama tops)
Undergarments and Shoes
- 3 bras (one worn, two packed)
- 4 underwear (one worn, four packed)
- 4 black socks (one worn, four packed)
- 1 swimsuit + cover-up
- 1 pair black sandals (gives your outfits a dressy feel)
- 1 pair water shoes (for beach + hotel showers)
Packing Method
I use packing cubes to stay organized—underwear, toiletries and clothes each get their own. I fold my clothes (no rolling) to stay wrinkle-free, leaving extra space for souvenirs or shifting items from my backpack to lessen the weight. If I needed anything, no problem – it’s a carry on, I can just unzip and grab.
Jewelry
Less is more, I wear this onto the plane, so no packing needed:
- 1 pair earrings
- 1 necklace
- 1 bracelet
- 1 ring per hand
- 1 watch
Avoid bringing heirlooms or sentimental pieces—losing them isn’t worth the heartache.
Final Tips
✅ Use packing cubes for easy access, it really helps you to stay organized
✅ Wear your bulkiest items on the plane
✅ Leave space for souvenirs
✅ Focus on versatile pieces that work together, the beauty of a capsule
Your trip is about enjoying the journey, not struggling with your luggage!
Watch My Full Packing Tutorial: Watch on YouTube
Remember, our story is far from over — so keep Enjoying the Journey.
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