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Packing for Two Weeks in Europe in a Carry On

This is pretty close to what I brought with me to London, Bruges, and Copenhagen. I didn’t include my underthings or 1 pair PJ’s, but that’s all the clothing that was in my bag. I didn’t even go roller board suitcase, we opted for our backpacks, because after you go over about 5 cobblestone streets you’ll be SO GLAD you’re not rolling anything. (This is the bag I have and I LOVE IT!) Plus, three of these eBags packing cubes fit perfectly and carry everything we need!

I can honestly say I wasn’t sick of these clothes, which is amazing.

2 Weeks in Europe

 

5 Tops
These 5 tops vary in weight, color and warmth. Black tank and grey t shirt can be layers or worn alone. The three sweaters have varying sleeve lengths, different types of knit, etc.

2 Pants
I only ended up wearing the black jeans. For some reason once I pack those burgundy pants, I never want to wear them. Not packing them anymore! We were able to wash our clothes 1/2 way through the trip, so this wasn’t a problem.

2 Coats
This was really 1 coat, and 1 kind-of-jacket that’s more like a cardigan. It was more to change up my layers, as it wouldn’t keep you warm below 75* weather. I was a little sick of my 1 black coat, but it was keeping me very warm and dry, so I stopped being sick of it and was just thankful I brought it!

2 Shoes
1 everyday and 1 running shoe. Last year I brought 2 pairs of cute shoes to Italy and I never wore the 2nd pair. I decided to stick to one pair that would cover all sins – and it worked great! These have just enough of a heel that they looked dressed up with a nice necklace and my dress.

1 Black Dress

This dress is a favorite of mine over tights, and it worked for our few nice dinner nights. I could also layer sweaters over it for a casual daytime look.

2 Scarves
This is a milestone for me – i love bringing millions of scarves, but I stuck to 2! I kinda wish I brought 3, since it’s basically the only thing you see in our photos except my jacket, but I also thought I might buy one while we were there and thought i’d save my space. At the end of the day I love these two fun scarves and thought they were great choices.

1 Beanie/1 Gloves

Also, wish I would have brought 1 more beanie. I kind of brought it thinking I would use it 1 day, if even – but I wore it almost every day because of all the rain! My grey fingerless gloves were perfect for the whole trip. They’re from H&M and my favorite!

1 Set Workout Clothes
Biking in Copenhagen, going for a run in a park – glad I had a set.

2 Pairs Stockings

These were great for my dress and also to add a layer of warmth under jeans on a chilly day. You’d be surprised how warm tights can be!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a few outfits – unfortunately, you can’t see what’s under my jacket half the time. But with different hair styles, lipstick, and switching up scarves and beanies, you can get a few different looks without bringing your whole closet with you.
 
Two weeks carry on only in Europe in the COLD – you can do it!
Let me know if you need help, have questions or just think I’m crazy 🙂
xo

 

5 Comments on “Packing for Two Weeks in Europe in a Carry On

  1. Hi Liza! I'm so sorry I'm just seeing your comment, I was on a cruise with no internet!
    It won't be that cold just yet — I would go more light layers so you can add and take away, as a lot of places are still in the 80's during the day. Hope this helps!
    R

  2. We’ll be going to Europe (Spain, Amsterdam, Hungary and Greece) for 3 weeks in April 2018. I am allowed only 1 carry on luggage. What would you suggest I bring? Thanks

    1. Hi Sarah! I actually went to Amsterdam in early May last year – it was still pretty chilly and rainy. I created a packing list for that trip and it was pretty spot on – http://www.avecamourblog.com/amsterdam-packing-list/
      However, Spain and Greece will hopefully be a little more warm! I’d really suggest light layers – t shirts and tank tops that you can wear alone in warmer weather or under a sweater or lighter jacket with a scarf in the cooler weather. This Winter in Florida packing list might also be helpful – http://www.avecamourblog.com/packing-list-for-winter-in-florida/

      1. This is actually exactly what I’d bring – 1 pair of jeans & shorts. 1 lightweight scarf (like a pashmina – bonus points if it can double as a sarong/bathing suit cover up!). 1 camisole. 4-5 tanks or t-shirts that go with the jeans/shorts and can be worn on their own or layered with jackets/sweaters). 2 sweaters or light jackets (top layers- I would bring 1 chunky cardigan and the light green jacket I’m wearing above ). 1 rain jacket. 1 beanie. 1 pair of ankle booties OR black nikes (just depends on your style). 1 pair of cute sandals (that can look nice at dinner OR at the beach). 1 dress that could be worn over tights or bare legged. 1 bathing suit. 1 maxi dress. 1 pair of leggings (if you need to do something athletic or just need to be comfy traveling). Optional, if I had room: 1 cover up. a 2nd bathing suit. 1 extra long sleeve jacket or sweater. 2nd scarf.

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