21 Day Trip to Europe in A Carry On!

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. 1. 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!