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How to Pack For Three Weeks in Europe (Carry On Only, in Spring)

March 3, 2018

Packing for a Europe trip can be a bit of a headache. With most itineraries stretching over several countries, odds are you won’t be encountering the same weather in every destination you visit. The same is true for Europe during the spring time. So when it comes to how to pack for three weeks in Europe, you’ll want to make sure you have some variety.

Now, keep in mind that I travel like an average person- Not some whacked out fashionista who packs exclusively for great Instagram shots. I pack for comfort, convenience, and practicality. If that’s not what you’re looking for, now is probably a good time to return to your google search. You won’t find designer brands here.

Packing for a Europe trip can be a bit of a headache. Here's how to pack for three weeks in Europe in springtime, with a carry-on only!

READ » Travel Gear I Use

Why choose Carry On Travel in Europe

I started packing carry-on only after my trip in Central America. I found it so much easier to just strap all my belongings onto my back in my carry-on sized backpack than trying to wheel around a big suitcase across cobblestone roads. In addition, packing carry-on only often saves you big dollars when flying, plus you don’t have to wait for your luggage upon arrival, and you severely reduce the risk of the airline losing your luggage!

READ » 13 Reasons Why Carry On Travel is the Bomb Diggity

Can I really fit 3 weeks of stuff into a carry on bag?

Heck yes you can! I even ended up with clothing items that never even got worn! How’s that for awesome? Here’s the catch though- you have to be willing to wear things more than once. Trust me, you’ll live. And in the springtime, odds are you won’t be sweating through everything you own, so that’s a bonus! You’ll also want to find some time in your schedule to do a round of sink-laundry. I suggest booking a private room for a night or two just for this purpose.

Packing for a Europe trip can be a bit of a headache. Here's how to pack for three weeks in Europe in springtime, with a carry-on only!

Check the Weather

First, you’ll want to check the forecasted weather for each of your destination cities. While I found that even these reports weren’t always accurate, they gave a good idea of the temperatures to expect. I visited the countries of Belgium, Italy, Germany, and Romania in the month of April. The interwebs informed me that Belgium and Germany would probably be in the mid- 50’s, Romania in the high 50’s, and Italy closer to mid 60’s. This was…fairly accurate. Belgium ended up being in the low 50’s, with mornings experiencing cold temps in the 40’s. Germany and Italy were pretty much spot on. I happened to visit Romania on a freak cold spell, and woke up some mornings to a light freezing rain, and temps in the high 30’s. So, with that being said, use the forecast as a mere projection of the temps, and be prepared for a good range.

READ » Packing for Iceland in Spring: One Week With Just a Personal Item

Do a Practice Round

Something I always do when packing carry-on only is to have a practice round or two. I gather everything I want to bring and pack it all up. If everything fits, nailed it! If not, then it’s time to rethink my needs. It’s best to do this a week or two before your departure, so you have some time to think and strategize.

Europe in three weeks packing list

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase one of these items, I will get an itty bitty (no, really…) commission at no cost to you! Thanks!


How to pack for three weeks in Europe

Here is everything I brought with me on my three week trip to Europe in the spring. Some things may not necessarily apply to you. For instance, if you’re a guy you probably don’t need to pack bras. Or if you don’t wear contacts, obvi you won’t need all that stuff. I share this list merely so you can see what I survived with on my trip, and hope that you can use it to decipher what you will be able to survive with as well.

Clothes for Europe

  • 1 Pair of Jeans
  • 1 Pair of fleece-lined Pants
  • 1 Pair of comfy Elephant Pants
  • 1 Pair of fleece-lined leggings*
  • 5 T-shirts*
  • 1 Longer sleeved, lightweight shirt
  • 2 Sports Bras*
  • 1 Regular bra
  • 10 Undies*
  • 8 Pairs of socks*
  • 1 Light, Packable Raincoat
  • 1 Light zip-up sweatshirt*

* Indicates an item in that category worn on the plane and not technically packed

clothes to pack for three weeks in Europe
All of my clothes fit into one full sized Eagle Creek packing cube!

Shoes

  • 1 Pair of flip flops
  • 1 Pair of Merrel hiking shoes
Packing for a Europe trip can be a bit of a headache. Here's how to pack for three weeks in Europe in springtime, with a carry-on only!

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Saline solution for contacts & case
  • Extra pair of contacts
  • Glasses
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Deodorant
  • Laundry soap
  • Cotton swabs
  • Hair ties
  • Travel sized kleenex packs (x3)

Don’t forget that all liquids must be in containers under 3 ounces!

Meds

  • Pepto Bismal
  • Advil
  • Immodium
  • Bonine
  • Prescription meds
Packing for a Europe trip can be a bit of a headache. Here's how to pack for three weeks in Europe in springtime, with a carry-on only!

Electronics

  • iPad Mini and charger
  • iPhone and charger
  • Nikon camera and charger
  • European plug adapter x2
  • Waterproof wrist watch
  • iXpand drive
  • External power bank x2
Packing for a Europe trip can be a bit of a headache. Here's how to pack for three weeks in Europe in springtime, with a carry-on only!

Other

  • 1- Large-sized Microfiber Towel
  • Small gift for my CouchSurfing host- Classy move, people
  • Backpack locks x2

In my Personal Item

Most airlines will allow you to bring a carry-on and a personal item. Usually, this is like a purse or a briefcase. My personal item is always my packable backpack. Here’s what I brought inside my backpack.

  • Motion-sickness wristbands – seriously envious of all you that don’t have to deal with this…
  • Gum
  • More pepto bismal
  • Passport/ID/Credit Cards/Student ID card
  • Plane tickets
  • Snacks
  • Chapstick
  • Ziplock bags
  • Empty water bottle
  • Earbuds
  • Travel journal and pen
  • Anti-theft purse
  • Sunglasses

READ » 16 Motion Sickness Tips for Travelers

All these items also fit inside my carry on luggage. This helps with inter-country travels, such as train rides. Or when you have to take your very first motorcycle ride on the back of a small bike with a stranger at 4 in the morning. There are times when it’s just best to have one small bag to deal with.

Packing for a Europe trip can be a bit of a headache. Here's how to pack for three weeks in Europe in springtime, with a carry-on only!

Items Purchased While Traveling

  • 1 Winter Hat. Bruges was way cold in the morning! And it ended up being my favorite souvenir of the trip!
Packing for a Europe trip can be a bit of a headache. Here's how to pack for three weeks in Europe in springtime, with a carry-on only!

Have any questions about how to pack for three weeks in Europe? Questions about packing carry-on only or how to narrow down your necessities? Leave me a comment below!

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Packing for a Europe trip can be a bit of a headache. Here's how to pack for three weeks in Europe in springtime, with a carry-on only! Includes a detailed packing list for Europe!
Packing for a Europe trip can be a bit of a headache. Here's how to pack for three weeks in Europe in springtime, with a carry-on only! Includes a detailed packing list for Europe!

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26 Comments


Amy @ Family Globetrotters
March 15, 2018 at 7:09 pm
Reply

This post could not be anymore timely! I am going to Europe in a couple of weeks in the spring. Unfortunately the winter has decided to stay and some cities are still snowing! Yikes! I am so disappointed… I really was hoping for some warmer weather. BUT….. it will still be amazing!



PossesstheWorld
March 15, 2018 at 8:56 pm
Reply

This is a great post about packing to travel, I always pack way to much and I think I could live for about 12 months on what you have there, I made it around Europe, Africa and Asia last year with 15kg of luggage so I can do it! I will try to follow your lead in future.



Val
March 16, 2018 at 8:50 am
Reply

3 weeks and only a carry on can be seriously challenging for me but with these great lists I think I can do it!! 😀



Jim Jones
March 16, 2018 at 10:02 am
Reply

Great list, and I love the detailed info you provided. I typically try to pack and travel light…had a trip recently where I didn’t, and it reminded me of why I typically DO do this! Carry on is definitely the way to go, especially when taking multiple flights to a destination.



Followingtherivera
March 16, 2018 at 11:31 am
Reply

I’m European, so this was an interesting read! Weather can massively differ in the continent, so you need to be prepared! Nice hat from Belgium too! A great post!



Travel Optician
March 16, 2018 at 2:43 pm
Reply

I always carry to much stuffs with me – girls! And I always have excuses like I need all of them. But this is useful for sure – I hope one day I will manage to travel like you do – with “only” one bag, not at least two like I always do! Thanks for sharing this! 🙂



Eric Gamble
March 16, 2018 at 4:45 pm
Reply

Great tips…wish I could get Darcee to do this though she & I both did great with our 3 weeks in India where we went from the southern tip where it was hot to the north where it was chilly.
I love my backpacker backpack when travelling though I dont know if it is carry on overhead size. Need to check that out.
I think another great tip is to remember that we arent heading to a desert island in the middle of the ocean thus we can always purchase things if need be like toiletries.



Medha
March 17, 2018 at 7:54 am
Reply

I cannot believe that you fit your packing for 3 weeks in a carry-on! That’s actually quite commendable and I’d love to be able to do that myself. I am not usually an over packer but I still cannot imagine fitting everything I need in 3 weeks in just 1 carry on. I do like to have some variety in my clothing, I am not a fan of wearing the same clothes on 2 days but you’re right, carrying a suitcase full of clothes is actually not as ideal as fitting everything in a backpack, that’s way more convenient, especially as a solo traveller. Thanks for all these tips, they’re super useful!



Becca Talbot
March 17, 2018 at 3:21 pm
Reply

Great tips here! I did 4 weeks in Colombia on carry on only, so I know how difficult it is to pack only the essentials and streamline everything down! x



Renata Green
March 17, 2018 at 5:10 pm
Reply

I agree that travelling ‘Europe’ in spring can be very diverse: while in one country you can walk around in a t-shirt, in another you still need a winter coat. Your list is very complete – but even if you forget something, you can buy everything you need in all of the European countries; and the Haribo Bears might be a re-import – Haribo are German sweets from Bonn, the former capital 😉 Happy travels – and welcome to Europe!



    Brianna
    March 18, 2018 at 10:59 am
    Reply

    Harbio gummies are my favorite! I’ve been to their huge store in Bonn! 🙂

Priya Florence Shah
April 26, 2018 at 6:22 pm
Reply

I love packing tips, especially when they tell me how to pack light and reduce weight. I will be travelling to Norway for a week and want to carry only cabin baggage with me to reduce the chance of losing my bags. These tips will help a lot.



    Brianna
    April 26, 2018 at 7:58 pm
    Reply

    Awesome! Good luck with your packing! It’s all about trial and error 🙂

Cristiane
April 27, 2018 at 3:31 pm
Reply

I’ve done 2 weeks in a carry on when I went to Rio, Brazil but 3 weeks is insane!!! I normally try to pack light and I think I can do a pretty good job. But I can tell you are pro! Great post. Next time I be traveling for 3 weeks I might give this a try 🙂



    Brianna
    April 27, 2018 at 7:22 pm
    Reply

    It’s not much different than packing for two weeks! You just have to be comfortable doing laundry or re-wearing some things!

Alexander Popkov
April 27, 2018 at 4:42 pm
Reply

Oh well, my packing is centered around my cameras. I carry a DSLR and several lenses. So, my packing list and way of packing is a bit different.



    Brianna
    April 27, 2018 at 7:23 pm
    Reply

    Oh yeah! You can’t get all that stuff in a small bag!

Milijana
April 28, 2018 at 9:46 am
Reply

” I pack for comfort, convenience, and practicality.” – well said !!

In my opinion, comfort, convenience and practicality are the most important not only on travels but in life in general.

Love your style and attitude!



    Brianna
    April 29, 2018 at 9:24 am
    Reply

    Heck yes!! *High-fives*

Becca Talbot
April 28, 2018 at 9:51 am
Reply

I have a question, which might be a bit personal, but I noticed you packed sports bras and one normal bra – did you do exercise while on your trip, or was there a reason behind the sports bras? Other than those, your packing list is pretty much the same as mine for whenever I go anywhere for a couple of weeks x



    Brianna
    April 29, 2018 at 9:16 am
    Reply

    I generally prefer sports bras when I travel, just for comfort reasons. I’m a bit…non-gifted…in that area, so I don’t really need the support of a cup and wire bra. Plus they pack better 😉

WhodoIdo
April 28, 2018 at 10:11 am
Reply

I’m amazed how you managed to pack it all in a carry on. I always have trouble packing light and seem to bring more clothes than I need! You even had room to pack your meds and electronics too. I do wash my clothes when I’m travelling so it should be do-able. I’ll be following your packing tips for my next hol! : )



Binny Marwaha
April 29, 2018 at 1:33 am
Reply

I love to travel light, especially if the journey involves several stops. I have one pack for my stuff and another for camera, lens, gopro and accessories 🙂



Followingtherivera
April 29, 2018 at 5:44 am
Reply

This is a lovely packing list for Europe. I’m European, and spend more time in the southern climate, so I’d add some sunscreen, and a few spring/summer items to the list too. Great packing tips for sure.



Jas
May 1, 2018 at 1:07 am
Reply

OMG I love Haribo gummy bears! Can’t believe you packed all this in such a small carry-on though. I thought I was good at packing hahahaa. And I totally wear the same thing more than once – sometimes a few too many times even. Not like anyone else will know, right? 😉



    Brianna
    May 1, 2018 at 10:12 am
    Reply

    Haha! Yes, I do that too. It’s usually no problem until I realize that every picture of me abroad is in the same outfit 😛

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  • I’m Brianna and I’m possibly the funniest person I know. I’m a total goofball who loves to travel. I fell in love with the world in 2007, when my family and I moved to Sydney, Australia. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to see the world. I'm an ordinary adventurer here to show you how the average person can travel the world.

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