Traveling Soon? The 2-Week Carry-On Packing List You Need

As an American, travelling to Europe is nothing but a revelation. While you may marvel at New England buildings and landmarks dating back to the early 1600s, European architecture and history bring us to what makes us feel like another world. One way I predicted the difference when I was planning a two-week carry-on packing list for a trip to Paris and London last month? fashion.

I lived in Paris a year ago and was hoping for many of the outfit choices that would immediately bother me as an American. In Chicago, you can sport sweatsuits in a nearby coffee shop (some say stylishly), but European loungewear is reserved for your home.

However, recently I’ve entered my *Maximalist *Era, which has the best colours and patterns. Thankfully, with time for strategy, I knew exactly what to take and what to leave on a two-week trip on a carry-on.

Light layers, a monochromatic color palette – and most importantly, comfort prioritization. Because when you’re in Europe you’re going to walk. a lot.

Featured images from an interview with Janessa LeonéBy Teal Tomsen.

strategy

It had been seven years since I lived in Europe, so there were plenty of rides on this return trip. Do you connect with the busy, winding streets of the city, as you once had? Can you navigate the metro system easily and familiarly? Did it take too long to expect me to feel this at all? Of course, with great anticipation, I wanted it to be a source of comfort, inspiration and fun.

Because there is a truth about dressing in Europe. Neutral and dark colors may be a great help, but style is also a source of personal expression. Certainly there are navy, black and white seas, but within this template there is a specificity unique to the wearer himself. Pins decorated over the lapel, bright scarves tied around the bag, or glasses that make contact irrelevant.

After all, if you own yourself and your style reflects it, you fit right away. Why don’t sweat pants work in Europe? Because there is no intention behind the choice.

Packing parameters

In addition to exploring my style and adjusting it to suit the European landscape, there were several parameters that directed the packaging.

• I will travel between London and Paris for almost two weeks: March 13-26th.
• The forecast predicted that rain would fall, with temperatures expected to fall in their 40s/low 50s.
• Most of my trips are spent visiting museums, shopping, eating out, and of course walking 1 ton.

With these constraints in mind, these were my number one priority when planning my two-week carry-on list.

• Prioritize the often packed optical layers. I have chosen many silk tank tops, skirts and dresses. These were layered under sweaters during the day and could be worn with plastic wrap at dinner.
• Packs of shoes that can be worn in multiple contexts. I brought Chelsea style boots, sneakers and a comfortable pack.
• Minimize bulky items. It’s packed with a light puff that can be crushed in a suitcase, two sweaters and a cashmere wrap that doubles as a scarf.

Suitcase that changed my life

I’m someone who likes to move the light. Not only does it have to worry about additional package charges, it also makes it easier to travel from planes to trains and intra-city transport. And although the suitcases are praised by almost every corner of the internet, I’m here to check. My away suitcase I changed the way I traveled. I bought mine two years ago and it is Anywhere with me.

What’s great:

• On one side is the internal compression system. This is usually where you pack bulky items, such as jackets, shoes, etc. You can clip it down and tighten the strap to fit. more More than you could think.
• For longer trips, I always fill up mine. But no matter how much you pack it, the suitcase always feels lighter due to its uniform weight distribution.
• When you run through the airport to catch connected flights, you love the 360° wheels that never get stuck (and ever!). It took 10 minutes to cross Reykjavik airport and this was a clutch.

What’s not:

• Suitcases can fit in most airline overhead bins, but you may need to check them out on a small or full flight.

My 2-week carry-on packing list

Without further ado, I share 10 essentials in Europe that have made packing easier and streamlined for two weeks. Trust me, this is everything you need for the ultimate European spring vacancies.

Spacious tote (maximise your personal items!)

Kick things off with the van. No matter how much you prepare in advance, unexpected things can always occur. For me, it came in the form of having to board an ultra-filled flight from Chicago to London and check my bags. And then… proceed to lose it in that bag for three days. Thankfully, I was able to steal from my stylish best friend’s closet. But this is your signature to maximize your personal items. I’ve been going through several iterations, but I’ve been carrying a reliable black tote for years to fit my laptop, books, toiletries, additional outfits/pajamas, so that I can feel a bit Prepared in case of the worst case.

Travel Tips: I’ll maximize it, but I’d like to hold my bag on one shoulder to prevent myself from getting hurt. Keeps your excess outfit light and only packs the toiletries you need: toothbrush, hairbrush, cleanser, moisturizer, SPF. If you want to add a little makeup to your mix, streamline it This shining set and mascara.

Light puff

Many times while packing, I asked myself: Why didn’t I book my trip in late spring/early summer? That way I avoided the need to stuff a heavy layer like a coat. Well, these tickets had been booked for months so we never went back. And I knew there was something to keep me warm in the inevitable winds and dull days of London and Paris. Input: Lightweight puffs that pack into just a small portion of the size. I felt comfortable without feeling like I was preparing for the tundra.

Travel Tips: Whether I’m in Europe or in the state, I always choose black or navy outerwear. That way my toppers will always be paired perfectly, regardless of the outfit.

A versatile skirt

Washable silk was a moment of time and I couldn’t be happy. Not only does the silk piece look completely luxurious, it also takes up minimal space in your suitcase. Trust me, it’s my go-to fabric for transitional wear, as you take you seamlessly from winter to spring. This is a skirt I packed into my personal items and I couldn’t thank my visionary. I also love the drape midi skirt from the Bonito Love below. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and incredibly flattering.

Travel Tips: Pair with a silk cami, a simple white tee or an oversized button down. The costume was made.

Comfortable and flattering pants

Disclaimer: I’m not a girl in hard pants. You may be wearing jeans for 10 days of the year, but they are oversized mom jeans. The point is, when it comes to pants, comfort is important, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice or fit style. I won these pants (at elastic waist!) for $70 from a Vintage Store in Portland five years ago. And if we’ve hanging out at least twice, you could have seen me wearing them. No matter what cut is style, broad cropped pants can be found to be universally flattering.

Travel Tips: I’m a petite and I like to combine these pants with small heels, so they don’t overwhelm my frame. Whether you go to clogs, sandals, or boots, it’s important to add height.

Reusable bags (even Parisians are similar)

No matter what changing trends persuade us to wear, Baggu bags will stay in style forever. At home, I love using these to carry groceries, and I always keep at least one in my wallet in case something cute catches my eye. During my trip, I kept one of these bags in a fanny pack and carried layers that I needed to buy. And I won’t make you a child, my bag has received over 10 compliments from Parisians. That’s when it was clicked for me: Even if the French are often drawn to the dark colours of the city, there is no doubt a love and passion for colour. For proof, even Merci, a well-known department store, Collective love for brightness.

Travel Tips: If you are checking your bags, keep one or two of these on carry-on or personal items. That way, if your bag exceeds the weight limit, there is room for some things to pull out.

All cashmere wraps

As a Christmas present a few years ago, my mother gave me this cashmere wrap that has hardly taken off since. Although not style in America, many European women have added layers of scarves and shawls by draping them around their bodies. Often my Parisian travel companion and I had to run to book dinner. Without time to change, I simply took off my jacket and wrapped it in cashmere. It’s easy and very elegant.

Travel Tips: Use the wrap as a blanket to keep it warm on the plane.

Daytime dress

I wear a dress all year round. In winter, you can catch me with tights and a made flock layered under my cozy sweater. It looks feminine and stylish, but it’s undoubtedly comfortable. It’s just one of many ways I like to make my work from my job romantic. Like my silk skirts, these dresses weren’t packed with anything (so I didn’t have to make a tough decision about which favourite would remain). Of course, when planning layers ahead of time, it’s seamless and easy to see from day to night.

Travel Tips: Pair with tights, sweaters and dress down boots to give you a perfect daytime fit.

Structured blazer

A well-fitting blazer is timeless enough to get it. If you want something a little more elegant than a loose sweater, the black blazer is a simple layer that is functional and stylish. The goal here is to get a little bigger. That way, if you need to add layers below, everything is set.

Travel Tips: This will soon become one of the important pieces of your wardrobe, so you need something soft but structured. And while the price tag may be on the steeper side, it’s worth it if we’re talking about costs per clothing.

Silk Tank

Let’s count how I love this cami. Well, for insight, the skirt in the photo above is my friend, which concludes the second day of my journey’s suitcase-free start. But my black camis are ready so I was able to combine it with almost all of her closet. Whether it’s pants or skirts, silk tanks and Camis are universally elegant choices.

Travel Tips: Like everything on this list, we want comfort. Your cami should rival your softest and most beloved tees. If you’re not comfortable, it doesn’t belong to a suitcase. (Or closet, in that respect.)

Hands Free Bag

I originally bought this bag in the summer of 2020. Just in case, it was perfect for carrying a wallet, phone, sunglasses and another bugg. Since then, thanks to the ease of wear and the simple fact that I hate getting something while I’m out, it has become my everyday bag (except for the Berthillon ice cream cones, of course). Bonus: If you bring it to the museum, you will need to turn your backpack and wear it in front of your body, but this bag is already covered.

Travel Tips: I’ve learned the hard way that no matter what you do, this is not called a fanny pack in London. The “bag” or “satchel” works perfectly well. For insights, Read Merriam-Webster’s take.

This post was last updated on April 7, 2025 to include new insights.