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21 Day Trip to Europe in A Carry On!

in Travel on 10/15/23

Packing for a vacation to Europe can be a bit stressful.  Packing for a last minute 21-day trip to Europe with just a carry-on bag?  That notches things up to a whole other level.  This kind of adventure requires some super strategic planning, some smart packing and maybe even a little bit of luck. Want to know a secret? It can be done.

This past summer a fun challenge was thrown in my lap.  A very, very lasting minute invitation to meet my daughter in Milan Italy and spend the next 3 or so weeks tripping through Europe with her. The only catch?  I had only 48 hours to find and book plane tickets, do a wee bit of shopping, get my work and family life in order AND pack up everything I would need for 21 days in JUST  a carry on!  Whew.  Spoiler alert: When there’s a will, there’s a way.

Do I wish I’d had a list to work from?  Yes, yes I do. So here’s a minimalist packing list to help you make the most out of limited space and yet pack everything you could ever need for a 21 day adventure in Europe.

Your Bags;

Tip 1. Know your airlines restrictions. I was flying Air Canada and was permitted one “carry on” and one “personal item”.  Believe me when I tell you I made the most of every inch of those two bags.  (plus I wore a travel safe purse that I could squeeze into my personal item if I needed to)

Tip 2: Make sure that carry on has great wheels!

Tip 3: Use packing cubes to help keep you organized.

Tip 4: Make sure your passport is still up to date!

Clothing:

  1. Five Tops:
    • Mix of short-sleeve, tank tops and 1 long-sleeve shirt.
  2. Five Bottoms:
    • 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of leggings, 2 skorts, 1 pari of shorts that can be easily mixed and matched.
  3. One Jacket& One Cozy Sweater:
    • A lightweight, versatile waterproof jacket or sweater that can be layered.
  4. Two-Three Dresses:
    • A versatile dress and a maxi skirt and top that can be dressed up or down.
  5. Underwear/Socks etc:
    • As many pairs of underwear as you can fit!  Two- three bras and at least 5 pairs of socks.  Bonus pair of socks could be a pair of compression socks. Also consider a pair of bike shorts for under your dresses. If you know, you know!
  6. Pajamas/Loungewear:
    • 2 Comfortable sets of sleepwear for relaxing in the evenings.  One that was warm and one cool!
  7. Swimsuit/coverup (plus flip lops if you have room)
  8. Pashmina Scarf or Shawl
  9. Shoes:
    • Comfortable walking shoes suitable for various terrains. (wear these on the plane)
    • Sandals or lightweight flats for warmer days.

Toiletries and Personal Care:

  1. Travel-sized Toiletries:
    • Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, razor, and other essentials.
    • Travel laundry sheets and a Shout Stick! (trust me, you will need this)
  2. Toothbrush and Dental Floss:
    • Toothbrush and a small container of dental floss.
  3. Haircare:
    • Hairbrush or comb, hair ties, or clips. Curling wand if you have room. ( I made room!)
  4. Skincare:
    • Moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm, travel size perfume and all the make-up!  I saved a ton of space here by packing travel size make-up and truly packing only the essentials.
  5. Basic First Aid Kit:
    • Band-aids, blister band-aids, pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, vitamins, and all necessary prescription medications.

Electronics and Accessories:

  1. Smartphone and Charger:
    • Portable charger/power bank is a bonus if you have space
  2. Adapter Plug:
    • Adapter for European outlets.
  3. Earphones/Earbuds:
    • A life saver on those train rides.

Travel Necessities :

  • Travel Wallet:
    • To secure your ID, passports, cards and cash as well as a copy of your itinerary and travel insurance
  • Lightweight Daypack or Foldable Tote Bag:
    • For daily outings. So important for those trips to the beach or grocery store runs!
    • Travel insurance documents
  • Money and Banking:
      • Credit/debit cards
      • Some local currency (Euros or the currency of the country you’re visiting)
  • Sunglasses and or hat: for sun protection
  • Wet wipes and hand sanitizers
  • Apple Air Tags: an extra layer of safety
  • Ear plugs: hotels can be noisy
  • Bounce Sheet (or laundry dryer sheet): slide one or two of these into your bags to help keep your laundry smelling fresh and clean

Optional If You Have Space:

      1. Snacks:  Protein bars, gum, candy.
      2. Book: Truly a must for me when I fly

Remember, you can always do laundry during your trip, so you don’t need to pack a fresh set of clothes for each day. Choose versatile, comfortable, and even moisture-wicking fabrics. Wear your bulkiest items (like your jacket and/or sweatshirt) on the plane to save space in your carry-on bag.  Happy packing and safe travels!

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    Comments

    1. Jacki says

      October 16, 2023 at 11:19 pm

      What a comprehensive list! I always wonder if I can do a carry on and relieve the “lost” luggage struggle. Thank you!

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