A Month in Europe With Only a Carry-On
Packing for a month long trip to different countries with different climates in a carry-on? This may seem like a daunting task, but let me tell you, you can do it!!!
Take Only What You Need
The key is to take only the essentials that you know you will wear. This probably isn’t the time to take that fancy dress that you have never worn. You know, the one you might wear out to dinner.
It’s a good idea to stick to a fairly neutral color palette, so that you can mix and match your tops and bottoms.
What’s the Weather
Depending on the season you are traveling in will determine what you are going to pack. Obviously, if you are going to be traveling in the summer you will need some clothes to help keep you cool. The same is true if you plan to travel in the winter.
What I Pack
This is what I packed for 30 days in Europe with only a carry-on. We traveled from very hot parts of the continent to high altitudes and much cooler temperatures:
Outer Wear:
1 down puffy jacket (very packable and great for mild and also cold weather)
1 denim jacket (helps to make you feel “put together”)
Tops:
4 tank tops (neutral colors)
3 tee shirts
2 long sleeve tees
Bottoms:
2 pairs of pants (one light weight for travel days, and a light denim)
3 pairs of shorts (two athletic, one light weight)
1 pair exercise leggings
Dresses:
2 light weight easy dresses (good for day or night)
Misc:
2 swim suits
3 pair of socks
5 pair of undies
3 bras (2 for everyday, and one sports bra)
3 pairs of shoes (tennis shoes, flip flops, and a pair of water shoes)
What to do with Dirty Laundry
Since each of us (2 adults and 2 kids) only packed carry-ons for this trip we knew that we would need to do laundry along the way. We took a couple packets of this laundry detergent, and we washed clothes along the way. Many Airbnbs have washing machines, or we washed clothes in a sink.
Packing Cubes
We love using packing cubes. I used to not understand packing cubes, but after using them I will never travel without them again. They helped us stay so organized. I never had to unpack my entire bag looking for my socks. I like to organize mine by type of clothing; tops in one, bottoms in another etc.
Personal Bag
Along with our carry-ons we each had a personal bag. The kids had small backpacks, with their travel entertainment. Tyler carried a backpack with all the photography equipment and tech stuff. I chose to take a packable duffle bag that fit my purse and other personal belongings, it also doubled as a dirty clothes bag during the trip.
Good luck and happy packing! I love packing. It means I’m getting ready to go somewhere!
