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.
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Why choose Carry On Travel in Europe
I started packing carry-on only after my trip
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
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
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.
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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
Shoes
- 1 Pair of flip flops
- 1 Pair of Merrel hiking shoes
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
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
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.
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!
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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26 Comments
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!
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.
3 weeks and only a carry on can be seriously challenging for me but with these great lists I think I can do it!! 😀
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.
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!
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! 🙂
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.
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!
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
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!
Harbio gummies are my favorite! I’ve been to their huge store in Bonn! 🙂
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.
Awesome! Good luck with your packing! It’s all about trial and error 🙂
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 🙂
It’s not much different than packing for two weeks! You just have to be comfortable doing laundry or re-wearing some things!
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.
Oh yeah! You can’t get all that stuff in a small bag!
” 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!
Heck yes!! *High-fives*
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
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 😉
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! : )
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 🙂
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.
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? 😉
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 😛