How to Pack a carry-On for two weeks in Europe

Our family spent nearly two weeks in Europe this summer and we did it with carry-ons and backpacks only. I am so thankful that we did it this way, particularly because we had flight delays and got moved to a different flight on our way to Europe. Had we checked bags, we likely would have lost them or gotten them late.

Here’s how we did it:

Pack light: This is obvious, but you have to make the sometimes hard choice to pack light. Pairing down what you want to bring will ensure you can get everything in your carry-on suitcase. Traveling in summer makes it easier for sure (no winter coats and thick sweaters)!

Limit your shoes: We limited everyone’s shoes to a pair on our feet and one extra pair. This was harder for Adeline and me, but totally worth it. Seeing Versailles in good enough shoes didn’t change the experience at all – ha! 🙂 These Ecco white leather sneakers are my go to shoe for travel. They are comfortable and cute with anything — from pants to dresses.

Pair down your toiletries: Buy travel sized toiletry containers and limit what products you bring. This pack of various sizes allows you to fill the containers with products you use and love from home. This toiletry bag is my absolute favorite. It holds so much and zips so nicely. It’s also great in backpacks filled with things to do like cards, art supplies and/or snacks. These $3 clear pencil pouches are also a really great way to keep your toiletries organized and be able to see what you’ve packed.

Use packing cubes: Packing cubes are a game-changer for getting more in your suitcases. Bagail packing cubes are my favorite and so affordable on Amazon. (Bagail has two great sets — one that is just cubes and one that has cubes + other cases. Both are awesome and under $20). I definitely recommend getting a set in a different color for each family member.

Use expandable carry on suitcases: You want to use the biggest carry on suitcase possible. With an expandable suitcase, you can increase your suitcase by about 15%, which makes a big difference. If you don’t like expandable hard suitcases, soft suitcases have some extra stretch that helps too. I love Samsonite suitcases!

Carry big backpacks: For our second carry-on, everyone had a big backpack. That gave us extra room for souvenirs and things that wouldn’t fit in our suitcases. This travel backpack has great reviews on Amazon and is very affordable. I have the Nordace Sienna backpack and it is the best travel backpack I’ve ever used!

I recently found this great travel backpack at Target. If you’re looking for a backpack that’s the same size as a carry-on, this is a great option. It has two main pockets, with the front pocket opening like a traditional backpack. The back, main section opens and lays flat like a suitcase, with tons of pockets for storage. It also has side clasps that you can use to tighten/compress the backpack and a chest belt for extra support. 

Stay in an AirBNB with a washer/dryer: We were able to rewear clothes on our trip because we had a washer and dryer in the AirBNB. Packing light helps! We stayed at an AirBNB in France and then a hotel in Ireland, so we went to Ireland with suitcases full of clean clothes.

Packing with only carry-ons is I think the best way to travel overseas. It gives you so much freedom and you aren’t overwhelmed by too much luggage (and you don’t have to worry about losing it!). I hope this post is helpful as you plan your next trip.