How to Pack Light for 2 Weeks in Carry-On Only

I am the queen of packing light for two weeks. My husband and I have traveled to almost every continent and I always pack in carry-on only. We’re often on trips to Europe where we experience varying climates making it a real challenge to pack for 2 weeks in a carry on. For me, It’s not about packing, it’s about planning!

I love planning outfits for trips and of course want to wear cute looks for photos. However, over the last decade of travel, I’ve developed strategies to pack light and wear cute outfits at the same time! 

The first and only time I checked a bag was our first international trip with our daughter. I had to pack for two and regretted it during our trip when the small airlines in Europe charged us extra baggage fees – every. single. time. Not to mention, I easily went over the 50lb limit with all the space a larger checked suitcase offers.

I quickly learned my lesson and am back to my old ways. I’ve had to get even better about using my own advice when packing for myself and a toddler in just our carry-on and personal item. Kids fly free under 2, but sadly that doesn’t mean you get any extra bag allowances!

That’s why I’m here to help you with all of my top travel hacks on how to pack light for 2 weeks in a carry on whether you are headed to Europe or a tropical island!

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1. Plan Your Outfits in Advance and Be Selective

Rule number one is that you have to PLAN if you want to pack for 2 weeks in carry on! Look at the average weather forecast, your scheduled activities, and plan your outfits accordingly. 

Knowing what you plan to wear each day not only makes packing light more effective, but it will be easier to get ready during your trip! It’s so nice not to rummage through my suitcase or wasting time deciding what to wear.

I use a literal notepad (or the Notes app in my phone) and write down each day of my trip, then what the high and low is expected to be, and what we will be doing whether tours or dinner reservations. Then I look at my closet. I try things on and write down what I want to wear. If you really want to take it to the next level, snap a mirror pic and save into your iphone notes! 

As we get within the 10 day forecast, I dial down further to know if there’s an unexpected cold front or if I may need a coat, rain coat, etc. 

2. Limit Your Shoes to Pack Light for Two Weeks

Shoes are a real pain when you are trying to pack light for 2 weeks. They can make or break your ability to pack less, but are an important piece of having a good trip. You absolutely MUST have comfortable shoes when traveling. I’ve walked all around cities in Europe and it’s a non-negotiable with the historic and cobblestoned streets. 

I try to pack no more than 3 pairs of shoes per trip – one of which I wear on the plane. You should be able to get away with one pair of sneakers, one pair of sandals, and one pair of boots/flats (depending on season). 

I always wear my workout tennis shoes on the plane which are usually my white APL shoes. They slip on making it easy on the plane and are suitable for any hotel workout. They are sleek enough to wear with jeans, too!

Then, I always bring a pair of white sneakers that go with everything from dresses to shorts. These have been my go-to travel shoe for the last 8 years and they are so comfy! 

I need an actual workout shoe when I travel, so I admit I’m probably not the most practical here bringing double sneakers. 

Depending on my destination, I’ll bring a sandal that can work for dinners or the beach. I like to bring one with an ankle strap vs a flip flop because it offers more comfort if I do find myself walking more than planned. I got these for our trip to Greece last summer and they were perfect for both of these needs!

You can bring a 4th shoe if you really need a heel for a formal event. I do keep this to a low, block heel because you never know what the terrain might be like! Plus, a low heeled sandal is easier to pack. Oftentimes, I will bring a heel and then never wear it. 

3. Use Compression Packing Cubes and Roll Your Clothes to Create Extra Space

Packing cubes are a game changer for me. I don’t know how I ever survived before them! The compression ones really make a difference in squeezing the air out and making more space. I have these affordable ones from Amazon. 

In addition, I like to roll my clothes instead of folding. I’ve tried both ways and feel like rolling makes an impact. Plus, it does help keep wrinkles at bay for me. I can usually unpack things that might wrinkle and they will fall after a couple days or with the help of the steam while in the shower. However, I do bring this wrinkle release spray if I’m packing something that wrinkles badly.

I put my rolled clothes in the packing cubes according to categories. I use a small one for my undergarments and swimsuits, a medium one for tops, shorts and coverups. Then one or two large ones for jeans, sweaters, or dresses. 

4. Downsize Toiletries and Minimize Beauty Products

If you are a woman and want to learn how to travel light, you have to minimize the beauty products. They are taking up more space than you realize.

I don’t know about you, but I have a stash of sample products that always come free with my Sephora purchases. Recently, I started using travel as a time to take advantage of these small sized toiletries! I love that they are usually a true mini-size and not the standard 3oz bottles – that’s still way more than I need for one trip. 1.5 to 2oz is plenty for two weeks. 

You have to look at your routine and see what you can skip for two weeks. For me, I don’t take my fancy Vitamin-C because it comes in a glass bottle and is expensive. For how little I use at a time, I can’t justify the full bottle. So, I bring a sample size of another brand instead. 

I’ll usually bring my own shampoo poured into a cheap bottle like this, then use the hotel’s conditioner and body soap. Body soap is the one thing I would run out of easily anyways.

For face wash, I do bring the travel size at 1.5oz of my go to brightening face wash poured into these silicone travel tubes. But, I also can’t live without these makeup remover wipes that are amazing for removing make up! I often use just these at night because they actually take off my mascara without having to scrub. 

I also love products that are two-in-one. My Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint serves as my foundation and SPF in one! It’s practically skin care in a bottle with hyaluronic acid, squalene, and niacinamide! I use it year round, but it’s amazing and lightweight for summertime or beach days. It saves me from having to bring a special face sunscreen.

I throw away any used up products at the end of my trip allowing room for souvenirs or any shopping I may do! My goal is to not go home with any of my toiletries. 

5. Do Laundry on Your 2 Week Trip

Any minimalist packer will tell you that they do laundry on their 2 week trips with a carry on.

If you don’t want to bother with washing yourself, pay the hotel to wash some necessities. It’s much cheaper than baggage fees and the time you’ll save skipping baggage claims.  

I always pack these laundry detergent sheets or these travel size pouches to wash some things in my hotel sink. I’ve definitely washed things like leggings or sports bras that aren’t really worth a full hotel wash. They dry quickly and allow me to bring less workout clothes!

Alternatively, try to book an accommodation with access to a washing machine. AirBNB or VRBO will tell you what you can expect so you can make plans. If staying in a house or apartment, there’s no reason not to do a quick cycle of a few things. 

Doing laundry is the real secret for how to pack for 2 weeks in a carry on.

6. Create a Capsule Wardrobe, Stick to the Color Palette and Rewear Items

When planning your outfits, don’t bring anything that you’ll only wear once. I always wear things multiple times. I love to wear a dress to dinner and then the next day wear it with sneakers for sightseeing or as a beach coverup. 

The only time I had to stray away from this was with a bridesmaid dress – it was a huge pain and don’t tell the bride, but I left the dress at the destination wedding in Greece! 

You will want to plan a capsule wardrobe where you can mix and match items to make multiple outfits. It usually looks like this:

• pick a color palette (neutrals are easiest)
• select 3-5 bottoms (shorts, skirts, dresses, jeans)
• 5-10 tops (tanks, blouses, light sweater)
• 3 shoes (sandals, sneakers, heel)
• 2 accessories (a belt, scarf, demin jacket)

Then, you make tons of different outfits using those pieces! Like wear a sweater over a dress to make it look like separates, mix and match the shorts and tops, add a scarf in your hair or around your neck, etc. 

If you need inspiration, there is a ton on Pinterest for this exact thing – it’s so helpful and usually you already own many of the pieces! It allows you to expand your own closet in unique ways.

Remember, the influencers you see wearing 3 different outfits per day of their trip are doing that because they get paid to! It’s not practical and is unnecessary for the rest of us. You will still look amazing in your photos in whatever you have on!

7. Buy Necessities in Your Destination

If there is something you really need, buy it when you get there. You can’t pack for all the possible things you MIGHT need. You have to let that mindset go if you want to pack light for two weeks of travel. 

I know we make things more difficult sometimes, but as a parent, I’ve learned you can buy literally anything anywhere. There are babies everywhere and you can buy diapers even on the most remote of islands (who knew? lol). 

If you need a full size shampoo, go pick one out at the local store when you get there. Worried you *might* need a raincoat or umbrella, just buy one there. 

I also lean on the hotel for many of these necessities like a hair dryer or steamer!

8. Pick the Right Luggage

It really is important to make sure you have the right luggage for several reasons.

For starters, if you want to carry-on only, you have to make sure you have the right size for even the smallest of European airlines if you want to pack light for Europe. They are much more strict and those expandable suitcases will land you with a checked bag. 

On the other hand, the expandable ones are amazing for adding extra space especially if you want to shop during your trip! 

It’s also good to have a suitcase with a compression pad and organizational pockets. I have this carry-on suitcase and the compression pad always allows me to squeeze in some extra things (sometimes my puffer coat!). I also love when they have pockets or built-in dirty laundry space or a pocket for wet items like when my swimsuit hasn’t fully dried. You can check it out here if interested!

Most importantly though, make sure you choose a lightweight suitcase. If you plan to carry-on, it needs to be light enough so you can move it around with ease. 

If you want to see more about my suitcase, I have a whole review about it here and a review of the hybrid suitcase here.

10. Wear Your Bulkiest Items on the Plane

Next, you need to plan to wear your bulkiest items on the plane to save space. 

It doesn’t matter if it’s 100 degrees when I leave home, you can bet that my puffer coat will be on my body to save space! 

The biggest items tend to be boots or sneakers, coats, jeans, sweaters, and maybe a sunhat if you’re going somewhere tropical. Try to wear what you can to save precious room in your suitcase. 

Other passengers definitely get it and probably won’t even notice you to be honest. 

11. Don’t Pack Bulky Sweaters & Pick One Coat

If you are going somewhere colder, this is for you! Do not pack more than one coat! Choose the warmest one you have and go with it. 

You also have to skip the big, cozy sweaters. I know, I hate it. I’m always cold and just looove a bulky sweater. They take up way too much space if you are trying to pack in a carry-on suitcase. Go with some thinner sweaters and wear your warm coat! 

This is what I did for our trip to both Mendoza and Patagonia and I was able to pack for the varying climates in carry-on only. 

I also try to remind myself this: if it’s that cold, I’m not really going to be outside for extended periods. 

12. After You Pack, Take Something Out

For my final tip, I give you this. Once you’ve packed your bags, take something out. 

I like to lay everything out on my bed to visualize first. Then, I load up the suitcase. If it closes, I breathe a sigh of relief. Then, I take something out. 

There is always something I pack that I know I won’t wear. I’ve usually packed it because I thought “well, I might need an extra dress or this cute denim coat or these wedges if we do this…”. Be realistic and stick to your planned packing list! 

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Sample Minimalist Carry-On Packing List for 2 Weeks 

Here is a quick list to reference when planning your own packing list for your next 2 week trip in a carry on.

Clothing:

• 5-7 bottoms and/or dresses
• 5-10 tops
• 2-3 sets of workout clothes(if applicable)
• 3 shoes
• 1-2 lightweight pajamas
• 1 coat
• 5-7 Socks for 2 Weeks
• Undergarments for 2 Weeks 
• 3-4 swimsuits (tropical)
• 2 coverups (tropical)

Toiletries:

• Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Skincare essentials (moisturizer, sunscreen, face wash, etc.)
• Hairbrush or comb
• Razor
• Deodorant
• Makeup (if applicable)
• Any necessary medications

Accessories:

• Sunglasses
• Small purse or crossbody bag for daily outings
• Phone charger

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The Wrap Up: How to Pack Light for 2 Weeks of Travel

I hope these tips on packing light for 2 weeks have helped you find some ways that you can pack lightly on your next trip. It’s definitely an art to travel light, but can be done while still wearing cute outfits! 

You will have to make sacrifices if you want to pack in carry-on luggage so decide what you are personally willing to trade-off. Whether it’s giving up your 10 step skincare routine, rewearing clothing, or doing laundry, these tips will help you travel hassle free and save money on baggage fees. 

If you need more packing tips for international travel, check out my posts for packing in specific destinations or my top travel essentials!

• European Packing List
• What to Wear in Costa Rica
• What to Wear on a Tropical Vacation
• What to Wear in Greece
• What to Wear in Copenhagen
• What to Wear in Patagonia
• What to Wear Wine Tasting
• What to Wear in the Amalfi Coast

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