I Visited 3 Countries in 5 Weeks With Only a Carry-On—7 Nonnegotiables I Packed

If there’s one thing about me, it’s that checked-baggage fees are the bane of my existence. Whenever I’m flying internationally or domestically, I try to avoid it at all cost, so most of the time, I’m flying with an oversize backpack and carry-on luggage that barely fits in the overhead compartment. I like to maximize my limited luggage space, but there’s only so much that packing cubes can do. Instead, I’ve learned to pack smart and, by extension, light. I can travel anywhere for two weeks without lugging along an oversize bag at this point, but when I realized that I would have to apply the same packing rules to my five-week Euro summer trip, I admittedly was a bit nervous.

Instead of stuffing a month’s worth of clothes into my tiny suitcase, I focused on building out a smart, versatile travel capsule wardrobe that checked all of my boxes. The items I was bringing had to already exist in my closet and be incredibly rewearable and, most of all, effortlessly chic. Now that I’m back home, I can confidently say it is possible.

Below, browse all of my traveling and packing tips for extended periods abroad, including all the essentials you should bring. The best part? Packing efficiently means you have more room in your suitcase to shop when you’re away! Bon voyage.

A Versatile Bag

When traveling light, the one rule I always abide by is packing half the number of handbags I think I’ll need. Although I’m a self-proclaimed handbag hoarder and often resort to bringing five or six bags on vacation, I have to admit something. I end up using the same two or three on rotation the entire trip. Instead of packing different bags for every occasion, aim to bring one or two that can be worn on with different types of outfits. A small, neutral-colored bag that goes from day to night easily would be my first pick to bring.

Breezy Summer Dresses

There’s nothing easier to pack than a simple, no-frills summer dress. When lugging items around several different countries, I’ve found it’s easier to pack one-piece outfits that I don’t have to think about. Go for a light, breathable dress when trekking around warmer climates that will make you look and feel good.

A Pared-Down Beauty Routine

If you’re traveling with just a carry-on, chances are that the amount of liquids and creams you can bring on board is quite limited. Instead of stuffing your entire makeup routine into plastic ziplock bags, it’s best to bring a skin-first routine to minimize the number of products you’re packing. Skip the heavy creams, contour palettes, and cakey foundations. Instead, opt for simple items like brow gel, cream blushes that double as bronzers and lip stains, and, of course, your SPF of choice.

Simple Tank Tops

Tank tops are my personal packing secret when it comes to looking good without a checked-bag fee. I packed four before jetting off to Europe this summer, each a different cut or color. They’re incredibly easy to wear with anything. Linen pants, denim shorts, breezy skirts, and straight-leg jeans are all perfect to pack alongside tanks in order to bring a versatile yet effortless capsule wardrobe with you wherever you go.

Capsule Jewelry Kit

While it’s tempting to bring your entire arsenal of chic, vintage-inspired jewelry or 18 rings, you should pack only a few pieces of jewelry when bringing only a carry-on. Things like simple hoops, delicate chain necklaces, and your go-to watch are incredibly versatile to wear with 99% of the items you’ll end up packing. Plus, that leaves more room for you to splurge on flea-market finds and handmade jewelry pieces from the country you’re visiting.

Minimalistic Swimwear

If you’re heading to a swoon-worthy seaside destination on your travels, skip the five statement bikinis that, while cute, are fully impractical. In the name of limited luggage space, pack a simple, no-frills swimsuit that’ll look equally as cute in the water as it does out of it. With just one minimalistic swimsuit, you’ll spend less time figuring out what accessories or shoes to wear in coordination with your look and instead focus on enjoying the sun, sea, and sand.

Chic Flat Shoes

If you’re reading this, don’t even think about bringing heels. No, seriously—not only do they take up a significant amount of space in a carry-on, but they’re also feet killers when you’re walking around on older cobblestone streets with a step count in the thousands. Instead, opt for cute, comfortable flat shoes. With ballet flats, sandals, sneakers, and more, the options are endless.