I Traveled Europe for Two Weeks With Just a Carry-On—15 Things I Packed

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

If you're the kind of person with a forever-overweight suitcase, we probably have a lot in common. I almost never go to the airport without dragging less than 60 pounds up to the check-in desk. But last summer when I heard that everyone was losing their checked bags during their Europe travels, I knew I had to just pack a carry-on.

My trip started in London, where I got to explore the city I once studied abroad in, and then I headed to Positano. I wanted the full "summer in Europe" experience, and I most definitely got it. Afterward, I ended up in Lisbon and Sintra for a friend's wedding, which was beautiful, and then immediately flew to my hometown for another wedding that I just couldn't miss. This trip required quite a wardrobe, and it was a struggle to pack.

As someone who brings a checked bag for a two- or three-day trip, how would I accomplish bringing 20+ outfits to four different destinations? The secret packing tips lie below. If you're planning a long trip this year, shop my packing essentials that will allow you to go weeks off of a minuscule wardrobe.

The Essentials

Scrolling through social media leading up to my travels, I saw the vacuum-sealed-bag trend, and after some back and forth, I decided to try it myself. This is the only way I was able to pack so much for a long trip and an absolute life changer. For each country that I visited, I had a separate bag packed of clothes that I was able to seal in an airtight bag. What would've once been a large checked bag and a carry-on now was minimized into one thing.

Shop my life hack:

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Beauty

When traveling with just a carry-on, there's no room for products that I won't be getting any use out of during my travels. Also, most of my full-sized items had to stay behind. Below are a few items from my massive collection that I brought along with me.

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Fashion

The trip that I spent most of this article talking about was filled with statement dresses that required minimal accessories and styling pieces. For a trip that isn't just an endless party, I'm very conscious about dressing around the same color palette and packing staples I can wear in multiple ways. Below, find the fashion pieces that are worth squeezing into your packing cubes.

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Up Next: Fashion People in New York and Paris Are Wearing Jeans With These 8 Things

Associate Editor

Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, trying the latest fitness craze in New York City, or exploring luxury vintage boutiques.