Best Tips! How To Pack A Carry-On & What To Bring For A 2 Week Trip
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Interested in learning the easiest way to pack a carry-on for a 2-week trip? It takes some thought and planning but you feel so carefree losing that excess baggage when strolling through airports and train stations!
I can confidently say that I’m a great packer and I think that some of it comes from the years and years of selling on-line! Anyone remember the heydays of eBay in the late 90’s? I was there and sold and shipped thousands of (mostly vintage) items and then later was on to my own website. You figure out how to fit something large into a small box and have it arrive safely. But for now I’d like to help if you’re planning a spring or summer trip and think that you need to take a barrage of bags because honestly….YOU DO NOT! Just pack a carry-on!
My husband and I just returned from a wonderful 2 week trip to Europe that revolved around a river tour visiting four countries. Since I took lots of photos on my iPhone to share, I haven’t had a chance to download them for the blog but I promise to share more soon! We are experienced European travelers and set out our vacations generally in April or early May and sometimes in October. These times aren’t quite as busy to travel in with children still in school, but increasingly the world seems to be more and more and more crowded.
The above is a shot of Zurich, Switzerland where we took a train from Basel and spent an afternoon. If you’re interested in seeing more of Switzerland, check out this post that I shared a few years back.
Best Way To Dress & What To Pack When Traveling For Two Weeks!
Be sure to check out my post on our Viking Rhine River Cruise Trip HERE!
Bring pieces to layer…I look like the Michelin man below with several layers myself, but it was COLD in Europe! The vest below was on pretty much always, unless we weren’t going out. It’s spring and the weather in many places can change quickly, so layering is the best way to be prepared. Even in the summer I find it prudent to pack a carry-on with layers, including light jackets like blazers, sweaters and rain gear.
Now I know that not everyone dresses this way, but I generally wear black and white even when I’m home. It makes my wardrobe much easier to put together and is the base of a great capsule wardrobe. Add color with scarves and blazers, texture with jewelry and you’re good to go for any occasion!
Here’s a generalized packing list for a two-week trip, divided into carry-on suitcase essentials and personal item essentials. I’ll link the actual items I purchased to pack a carry-on with below this list.
Packing List For A Carry-On Suitcase:
- Clothing:
- 7-10 tops (t-shirts, blouses, or shirts)
- 3-5 bottoms (pants, skirts, or shorts)
- 1-2 dresses (casual or dressy, depending on your itinerary)
- 1-2 sweaters, hoodies or cardigans
- 1-2 jackets or outerwear (depending on the climate)
- 1-2 pairs of comfortable shoes (sneakers, flats, or sandals)
- 1 pair of dressier shoes (if needed)
- Undergarments and socks for 14 days
- Sleepwear for 2 nights
Pack In Your Personal Item (e.g., Backpack, Tote Bag):
- Toiletries:
- Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Skincare products (moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup remover)
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair ties and accessories
- Personal hygiene products
- Accessories:
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Anti theft travel crossbody bag
- Jewelry (keep it minimal to avoid tangling)
- Scarf or shawl
- Belt
- Watch
- Travel-sized umbrella
- Miscellaneous:
- Laundry detergent sheets (for washing underwear/lightweight sleepwear in the sink). Clothespins for hanging hand washables in the shower to dry
- Travel adapter and chargers for electronics
- Portable power bank
- Travel-sized first aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, etc.)
- Travel documents (passport, tickets, itinerary)
- Travel wallet or pouch for money and cards
- Foldable reusable tote bag (for shopping, dirty laundry or extra storage)
- Electronics:
- Laptop or tablet (if needed)
- E-reader or book
- Headphones or earbuds
- Snacks and water bottle (empty until you pass security)
- Personal Care:
- Travel-sized hand sanitizer
- Facial wipes or cleansing cloths
- Lip balm
- Hand cream
- Travel-sized perfume or body spray
- Additional Items:
- Travel pillow
- Eye mask and earplugs
- Any essential medications
- Snacks for the journey
Feel free to adjust this list according to your specific needs and destination and download a FREE PDF version of this LIST HERE.
Genius Way To Pack A Carry-On Suitcase!
This is the holy grail to pack a carry-on suitcase with and it took me through two weeks on my recent trip to Europe!
You may have seen these carry-on suitcases that have a built-in closet or shelving system inside. Genius idea to pack a carry-on, but I didn’t want to commit to their suitcase and found this portable shelving system or “closet” to pack a carry-on that will fit into your existing suitcase! Plus it has the added benefit of having straps that compress the entire unit after packing and save on space! Once you’re at your destination you simply unclip the straps and hang the system in the hotel room’s closet. We stayed in two different hotels and the ship and it was so nice not to have to live out of the suitcase or packing cubes. Incredible really!
Above was my rolling garment rack the day before we left. I had everything on it to pack a carry-on plus my traveling clothing for the day. Another tip is to wear as much as you comfortably can on the plane to keep your suitcase light. I was going into cool weather in Switzerland so wore black leggings, a thin t-shirt, hoodie and a down vest then carried my rain jacket.
It was time for a lightweight carry-on upgrade, so I purchased this lightweight polycarbonate suitcase that was reasonably priced at under $150. I got the cobalt blue so it wouldn’t show dirt but stand out from the black suitcase crowd!
All compressed and packed and ready to go! I also purchased this small luggage scale for under $10, which really comes in handy if you have a weight limit on your airline to pack a carry-on.
For my second carry-on, I purchased this travel weekender bag with a handy bottom compartment for shoes. The quilted version is no longer available but it is still sold in black and is a wonderful roomy bag that if not overstuffed should fit under the seat in front of you on the plane. I used the top compartment for all of my additional items. For a shorter trip I usually take this backpack (under $30) along with my carry-on suitcase and it’s plenty roomy as well! In the image of me in France above, I’m wearing my anti-theft crossbody handbag that I’ve had for a few years now (currently on sale!) and always travel with.
Here’s a list of some other handy items to pack a carry-on that I purchased:
- This Backpack that I purchased for my husband this year and he loves!
- Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
- High Speed Powerful Charging Bank For iPhone, etc.
- LED Pocket Makeup Mirror – carry in my purse!
- Laundry Detergent Strips – for washing delicates in the sink when traveling
- 3 In One Charging Station – for Apple iphone, watch, iPods
- 4 Pack Apple AirTags
- Travel Power Adapters For Europe
- Two Prong Adapters For Europe (the other kind you’ll need)
- Travel Packs Collagen Supplements
- Cute Pink Daily Pill Organizer – used this for my vitamins
- 5 Pack TSA Approved Travel Bottles
- Make Up Remover – single use packets
- Travel Size Dry Shampoo
- My favorite hairspray – travel size
- Poo Pourri – bathroom before spray
Fashion Choices That Are Practical For Travel
- Rain Jacket – I love this jacket and wore it daily in Europe
- Leggings I Love
- Classic V-Neck Short Sleeve T Shirt
- Compression Socks For Plane Travel
- Microfiber Lace Edge Panties – lightweight & easy to sink wash
- Lightweight Puffer Sleeveless Vest – Wore this most days
- Hoka Bondi Sneakers – I swear by these for my daily walks!
- 2 Pack Fingerless Gloves– lightweight and practical for phone use
I hope that this helps! Let us know if there is anything left out and where are you traveling to this spring or summer!
Great ideas! After travelling to Europe several times with a BIG suitcase, we planned a vacation that took us (lugging suitcases onto and off trains in a hurry!) between many countries over a month and my husband insisted I take only a medium suitcase. Very challenging since Germany is freezing at Christmas, but the “mix and match” idea really worked. It also saves time since I only had a very few choices each morning! I wore the bulkiest clothes and boots on the plane so they didn’t have to be packed. And don’t forget coat pockets! Held most of my toiletries.
Remember that most apartments/hotels have laundry service. A travel agent/rental agent can answer that before the trip.
Layers are essential for travel, especially when it’s cold. Surprisingly we did have some pretty cold weather for May…especially in the Alps at 12,000 feet!
Your tote link is to the suitcase. Can you please send me the link for the tote!
Hi Esther…it’s been fixed in the blog post now and I’m sorry for the inconvenience!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m going on a week trip and I was anxious if I’m gonna make it with just a carry on.
Great post! Thanks for all the very useful tips .
Glad that you found the post helpful Elaine!
Me too! Me too! Leaving for Paris on Tuesday! I am taking a suitcase so that I have room for things I find on the return. I too, follow each one of your tips with the exception of shoes since I have a problem and finding a shoe that would fit on vacation would be impossible. I generally put the pair I can’t live without in my carry on and one each in my husband’s bag and one in my own.
I traveled for business extensively and always preplanned outfits as well as a basic color scheme. It was either black and white or navy blue and white but for a while navy was impossible to find. My coworkers could never believe that I could pack everything in a small bag that also could house my laptop. It’s fun to see all your tips. One other thing that I always do when traveling with my husband is to put our things in both suitcases. That way, if one should be lost, we each still have some of our things. Finally, I agree with the black slacks and white blouse – I can’t really think of anywhere this outfit doesn’t work.
Hope you enjoy your upcoming trip!
Some great tips Margo and I hope that you’re enjoying Paris as we speak! I’m not checking my bag on this trip and staying in an apt that has a washer/dryer which will surely help.
Never mind for European travel, this is great for domestic. I have a hard time with carry on, lifting and storing on over head bins. So not sure about that, but definitely for packing anywhere.
So true Lisa, travel everywhere can be challenging these days! I was surprised that the polycarbonate suitcases (such as the one I purchased) are so lightweight and yet hold so much. I’m happy to have made the change this year!
I’m having a problem trying to print your 2 week packing list. Can you please send me a link that works? I can see the list but when I go to print it is blank and if says something g about box.com.
Thanks
It sounds like it’s a setting with your printer Sandy, as there have been many downloads. We store our PDFs on Box and you don’t need an account to print. If you’re on Chrome you should be able to go to “file” up at the top of your computer and the option to print will come up. Let us know if you still have a problem
I will never understand how people pack so much. After underwear and PJs and slippers, I couldn’t possibly squeeze all that in, much less lift it to an overhead bin. We went to Italy for 7 weeks. I brought 3 long tops/dresses and 1 pair of black leggings. Of course I was wearing clothes and a long sweater. One extra pair of shoes to switch out. I make sure at least some of the airbnbs have a washer.
I need to find a video of people packing. When I travel to my hometown or with others, it does really boring being in the same clothes all the time. I love my luggage scale and like see how light can I go.
I did pack that much and since the “closet” device that I show on my site is a compression way to pack, it all squeezes down and fits in a standard carry-on (as shown).
Did you wear the raincoat every day as you coat as well or would it be warm enough. Didn’t notice a zip in liner for warmth.
I wore the raincoat every single day! The liner isn’t a zip-in but it is a lining and I layered my clothing underneath. That raincoat is one of the best Amazon purchases I’ve ever made in fashion!
We’re planning a cruise around the British Isles next year and the information you provided was fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
So glad that you found it helpful Anne Marie and your trip sounds like it will be so much fun!
Thank you. I found your 2 week trip packing list very helpful.
I’m happy to hear that Kathleen!
WOW! Thank you for this , although I am not going on a trip at this moment, but it may come in handy over this coming summer months.
@tisonlyme143
Great ideas! I purchased that raincoat upon your suggestion a few years ago and love it! Someone else on my trip even complemented me on my “Burberry” jacket, haha! Yes, I corrected her. You showed two different carry-on bags: one with the shelves and the other a blue hard-sided one. You didn’t take both to Germany? I was a bit confused on that point. Perhaps the blue carry-on was a separate purchase for other trips. Thanks!
Thanks Donna and you really can have designer looks for less! The shelving system isn’t a bag in itself. It fit in my blue hard sided carry on once I pulled the compression straps to tighten! Once you are at your hotel (cruise cabin in this case) you remove the shelving cube, release the straps and hang it in the closet. It’s truly one of the best travel pieces that I’ve ever purchased!