Ever wondered how to pack a carry on for 3 weeks in Europe? Or even if it’s possible?
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I travelled across Spain for 3 weeks with only a carry-on in 2019. It. was. exhilarating! I’ll tell you how I managed to travel from central Spain, to the northern Basque region, then all the way down to Andalusia with only a few outfits.
My carry-on packing list tells you exactly the minimal number of items to bring for a fun, but efficient, and stress-free trip.
My carry on packing list for 3 weeks in Europe (mostly Spain!)
Here’s a quick list of all the carry-on essentials I packed for 3 weeks in Spain. But this packing itinerary could work for other European cities you might be visiting:
- 4 tops
- 2 Bottoms
- 1 waterproof jacket
- underwear and socks
- 1 -2 accessories
- laundry bags to separate clean and dirty clothes
- toiletry bag (your makeup bag will do some heavy-lifting! See my post on travel-friendly toiletries I never leave home without!)
Pack versatile tops and bottoms
The trick to packing light is to bring tops and bottoms you can mix and match. I brought 4 tops: 1 halter, 2 short sleeves, 1 thicker long-sleeved sweater.
Northern Spain (with places like San Sebastian or Bilbao) was cold and rainy in April. Make sure to have 1 thicker, long-sleeved top to keep you warm. Then make sure you have some short-sleeves or summer tops for when you fly down to hotter places, like Granada, in the Andalucia region.
I brought 2 pairs of pants for my 3 week trip: 1 pair of sturdy jeans and 1 pair of flowy, loose pants. European cities get hot, hot, hot in the summertime. You’ll want outfits that keep you cool, but also looking good at the same time.
Simply mix and match your tops and bottoms to create different looks every day of your trip. And if you end up wearing the same combo several times? Who cares!
Bring flow dresses
Pack a light, loose, flowy dress. It’ll keep you cool and you’ll look stylish while exploring the towns. And you’ll get a break from rotating outfits in your tops and bottoms.
I love Pact Clothing dresses for their style and breathability. The closest I could find available on Amazon were Styleworld maxi dresses that come in a million different colours. There are lots of choices! Pick one that you can pack in your carry-on for 3 weeks to Spain.
Pack a light, water-proof jacket
A light jacket is a must! It can get rainy in European cities in April. A good rain jacket keeps you dry and warm as you go exploring. I’m a fan of packable Eddie Bauer rain jackets. They’re lightweight, can be rolled into a ball, and stuffed into a carry-on with limited real estate.
Other alternatives include Calvin Klein double breasted rain jackets. This was the closest look I could find on Amazon to the one I own. It’s also got a removable hood. The trench coat style also elevates your outfits and works for many looks.
Accessorize with some small jewellery
Never wear jewellery that screams opulence; you don’t wanna be a target for pickpockets! I insist on wearing a watch when I travel though. I love Olivia Burton’s watches. They come in a variety of elegant designs that you get from the museum to dinner. They’re gorgeous, but also understated.
I like a good Movado watch too as a lux alternative. Their designs are simple, and clean, and completely understated too. They’re also perfect for sightseeing during the day to going to fine-dining at night.
Wear walkable shoes
You’ll be exploring on foot a lot, so invest in some good Mephisto walking sandals for when you’re in scorching weather. Mephisto shoes are the best walking shoes I’ve owned. I’ve clocked hundreds of kilometres on these sandals walking all over Rome and all through Macau.
The cushion is a life-saver and feels like you’re walking on air. I like a good strap on my sandals to make sure I don’t slip out of them, but there are tons of options on Amazon that could suit your taste more.
If you’re looking for something more elegant, I’d opt for Mephisto Lissia wedge sandals. They have the same built-in comfort, but the heel elevates your whole look for dinner. This could be a good pair to bring if you’ve got the room.
And don’t forget to bring at least a pair of closed-toe shoes! I don’t leave home without the Allrounder Naira sneakers. It’s perfect for hiking or for long days of walking in colder weather. When it’s 5 degrees celsius in Barcelona, you’ll want something warm on your feet.
Invest a sturdy carry-on cabin luggage
Monos is, without a doubt, the makers of the best carry-on luggage there is. I say regardless of the brand, the most important thing is to focus on how durable the wheels are.
You can tape your suitcase together if the zipper breaks, but if the wheels go while you’re travelling, then you’re going to have to toss it out and get a new one.
I also have a Samsonite that’s lasted me 10 years! It’s been dragged all over cobblestone roads in European cities. The wheels finally broke during our trip to Italy last year after 10 amazing years of travel! The Samsonite carry-on is roomy and has good compartments for keeping things organized for 3 weeks in Spain!
Are you a backpacker instead?
Then I suggest Swissgear Carry-on backpack with waterproof compartments. I’ve used this sturdy workhorse of a bag for years now. It’s been with me all through university and all over the world.
The shoulder straps are sturdy and the strap across the chest means the bag doesn’t slip off my shoulders. All the compartments are solid and there are lots of them. The laptop compartment is spacious and waterproof; perfect for digital nomads.
Travelling across Spain for 3 weeks with only a carry-on is absolutely possible! And with my guide on how to pack a carry on for 3 weeks in Europe means you’ll be prepared for your European extravaganza.
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