How to Pack a Carry On for 3 weeks in Europe

Last updated: July 30th 2025

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking on one of the affiliate links. I only recommend products I’ve personally used and liked. All opinions are my own.

Ever feel like you need to bring your entire closet just to look decent on a trip?

I thought the same until I spent three weeks in Spain with nothing but a carry-on.

From drizzly mornings in the Basque Country to sun-drenched afternoons in Andalusia, I rotated the same few pieces day after day and still felt like my most stylish, confident self.

There was something unexpectedly freeing about knowing every item in my bag had a purpose. No stress. No overthinking. Just outfits that worked.

If you’re a woman planning a spring or summer trip across Europe and you’re staring down your suitcase wondering how on earth to fit it all, then you’re in the right place.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to pack a carry-on for 3 weeks in Europe without sacrificing style or comfort. You’ll get my personal packing list, product recommendations I’ve tested and loved, and the real reason I think minimalist packing is the best decision you’ll make for your trip.

Ready to ditch the suitcase anxiety and travel lighter (and better)? Let’s pack.

Should You Bring a Roller Carry-On or a Backpack for 3 Weeks in Europe?

This decision shapes your entire travel experience. And it’s not just about convenience; it’s about how you want to feel while you travel.

I’ve done both. I’ve rolled a suitcase across cobblestone streets in Seville, and I’ve hauled a backpack for a day while touring the Vatican in Rome. 

And here’s what I’ve learned:

Choose a roller if you prefer ease at the airport, want to keep your clothes wrinkle-free, or just don’t love having 20 lbs strapped to your shoulders. I personally swear by my Samsonite carry-on I used for 10 years before the wheels finally gave up.

It fit everything I need, the wheels glide like butter (seriously), and it held up beautifully after years of travel. If you’re moving between cities by train or plane, the shell keeps everything protected and you won’t arrive looking rumpled. 

Choose a backpack if you’re going to be staying in walk-up buildings, taking lots of public transport, or want something that can mold to your body. I used a Swissgear backpack all through university and I’ve travelled with it all across Europe. The chest strap made it surprisingly comfortable and the waterproof compartments gave me peace of mind in sudden rainstorms.

My advice? Ask yourself what matters more to you: gliding through stations without breaking a sweat, or having your hands free and your belongings on your back. There’s no wrong answer; only what’s right for your style of travel.

But whichever you choose, the key is to pack intentionally. What you bring matters just as much as what you bring it in.

My Carry-On Packing List for 3 Weeks in Europe

Don’t want to scroll? Here’s everything I packed in my carry-on for 3 weeks in Europe. I list the exact (or closest) products I used and loved.

These are all pieces I wore multiple times across cities, climates, and vibes without ever feeling underdressed or overpacked.

• 4 Versatile Tops – I packed light layers that I could dress up or down. I love soft, breathable basics like this dressy top, this short sleeve cotton tee, and a chunky knit sweater that kept me warm in rainy San Sebastián.
  
• 2 Bottoms – One pair of go-with-everything jeans like these high-rise jeggings from GAP, and one pair of flowy, linen pants that were a lifesaver in hot southern cities.
  
• 1 Flowy Dress – A breezy, feminine piece you’ll wear on repeat. I packed one from Pact, but the Styleworld maxi dress on Amazon is breathable, flattering, and folds up tiny.
  
• 1 Lightweight Waterproof Jacket – Europe in spring means rainy surprises. I brought this Eddie Bauer packable rain jacket that tucks into itself. Stylish enough for photos, but practical enough for a downpour.
  
• 1 Pair of Walking Sandals – These Mephisto sandals have cushioned arch support. I’ve worn them for 8-hour walking days and never felt sore.
  
• 1 Pair of Sneakers – For chillier days or more rugged terrain. I swear by Allrounder Naira sneakers. They’re lightweight, grippy, and clean-looking enough for city wear.
  
• Accessories (x2-3) – I kept it simple: a delicate watch and a pair of sparkly studs. Try Olivia Burton watches for elegance without flash.
  
• Toiletry Kit + Makeup – I kept skincare minimal and relied on multi-use makeup. My go-to’s are in this travel toiletry guide.
  
• Laundry Bags – Essential for keeping clean and worn clothes separate. I like these mesh zippered ones that take up zero space.

This list got me through cities, countryside, cold mornings, and hot afternoons without feeling like I was missing anything.

Mix-and-Match Magic: How I Rotated Just 6 Pieces for 3 Weeks

Let’s get one thing out of the way: no one in Europe cares if you wear the same outfit twice. You shouldn’t either.

I packed 4 tops and 2 bottoms and I didn’t feel like I was repeating. I felt intentional.

Here’s what worked:

My Tops:

• An elegant top for dressier dinners (mine’s sold out, but this one is similar and folds up tiny)
  
• Two cotton short sleeve shirts in neutral colors (these are my go-to for comfort and polish)
  
• One chunky knit sweater for chilly mornings and rainy days (this one is cozy but structured enough to feel “dressed”)
  

My Bottoms:

• One pair of straight-leg jeans (GAP jeggings are comfy and flattering, even on travel bloat days)
  
• One pair of flowy linen pants (these were a godsend in Córdoba when the sun felt like it was sitting on my head)
  

Every top went with every bottom. I didn’t have to think about what to wear?; I could just get dressed and go explore.

I also gave myself full permission to repeat outfits. And honestly? The only person who noticed was me. And I got over it by week one.

Are you worried about your look looking dull? Add a colourful scarf or bold lipstick. It elevates your whole look without adding bulk to your bag.

Why You Need a Flowy Dress in Your Carry-On

There’s something about putting on a dress while traveling. It feels effortless, feminine, and a little romantic.

I brought one loose, flowy dress that I wore at least seven times. It worked for beachside lunches, museum strolls, and even an elegant night for drinks with a view overlooking Granada. I never felt underdressed and I never felt sweaty or restricted either.

The one I brought was from Pact (and I still love it), but if you want something easy to grab on Amazon, this Styleworld maxi dress is the closest match I’ve found. It comes in tons of colours, folds up beautifully, and doesn’t wrinkle like you’d expect. The elastic waist and fluttery skirt flatter most body types too.

The beauty of a dress? It’s a whole outfit. No coordination needed.

Plus, when you’ve been rotating the same jeans and top combo, slipping into a dress feels like a reset. Like you’re treating yourself without packing anything extra.

Trust me: bring one dress you love. You’ll thank yourself when the sun’s setting in Córdoba and you want to feel a little more like you.

The One Jacket I’ll Never Travel Without

April in Europe is moody. One day you’re sunbathing in Granada, the next you’re caught in a sideways rainstorm in Paris. That’s why a lightweight, waterproof jacket is non-negotiable.

I brought one and wore it almost every day up north.

A good rain jacket needs to do three things:

1. Keep you dry without making you sweat
   
2. Fold up small enough to stuff in a tote
   
3. Still look chic enough that you feel good in photos
   

Mine was from Eddie Bauer, and it checked all three boxes. It’s sadly no longer available, but this Eddie Bauer packable rain jacket is the closest copy I’ve found. It’s featherlight, has a hood, and rolls into itself like magic.

If you want something with a little more polish, the Calvin Klein belted raincoat is a beautiful option. It’s structured like a trench, has a removable hood, and gives every outfit a bit more elegance, while still being functional when the skies open up.

You don’t need a heavy coat. Just something smart, breathable, and stylish. Because soggy and frumpy is not the vibe, even when it’s raining.

The Only Two Pairs of Shoes I Needed for 3 Weeks in Europe

Let’s be real: shoes make or break your trip. You’ll be walking a lot on cobblestones, up castle steps, through parks, down metro stairs. And if your feet hurt, nothing else feels good.

I brought just two pairs: one sandal, one sneaker. That’s it. And I never wished for more.

1. The Sandals That Carried Me Through Europe

I wore my Mephisto walking sandals almost daily. They’re not flashy, but they are magic. The cushioned soles, secure straps, and arch support that made 20,000-step days feel like nothing.

I’ve walked all over Rome and hiked through Macau in these. The comfort is unreal, and they look nice enough for dinner. If you want something with a bit more polish, the Mephisto Lissia wedge gives you that same comfort with a small heel that elevates your look (literally and style-wise).

2. The Sneakers I Swore By in the Cold

For cooler days or uneven terrain, I relied on my Allrounder Naira sneakers. They’re like the grown-up cousin of a running shoe. They’re sleek, lightweight, and super grippy.

When it was 5°C in Barcelona, I was warm and stable, not slipping around in sandals like a tourist cliché.

My tip? Don’t pack just-in-case shoes. Bring what you’ll actually wear and what makes you feel good while wearing it. These two pairs gave me everything I needed: comfort, style, and zero blisters.

Small Accessories, Big Style (Without the Bulk)

When you’re living out of a carry-on, every item has to earn its space. Accessories are where you can add personality without adding weight and make your outfits feel fresh even when you’re rotating the same pieces.

I packed just a few:

1. A Simple, Elegant Watch

I never travel without a watch. A good watch keeps me grounded when I don’t want to rely on my phone, especially in places where I’m trying to be more present.

I love Olivia Burton watches for their delicate, feminine designs. They’re subtle enough for a museum and pretty enough for dinner. 

2. One Pair of Statement Earrings

One pair was all I needed. I packed a set of amethyst studs that added just the right amount of put together to my outfits. They’re lightweight and
low-maintenance, but they made me feel like I’d made an effort even on days when I hadn’t.

3. A Crossbody Bag That Did It All

My crossbody doubled as a day bag and evening clutch. I chose one that was small, structured, and neutral, so it went with every outfit, and didn’t scream tourist. Look for something with a secure zip and a wide strap to protect your shoulders on long walking days.

Skip anything flashy or expensive-looking. You don’t want to attract attention in tourist-heavy areas. Go for pieces that feel elevated but understated. 

A few intentional accessories means endless outfit mileage.

You Don’t Need More to Have More

Packing light isn’t about restriction; it’s about intention.

When you strip it down to the pieces that make you feel good, that move with you, that fit your trip (literally and emotionally), you’re not losing anything. You’re gaining ease and flexibility. And lots of confidence.

I’ve walked through three regions of Spain in the same pair of linen pants and felt more like myself than I ever did lugging around a bursting suitcase.

You don’t need hundreds of outfits to feel stylish. You just need the right 6.

So trust yourself. Say yes to the minimalist packing list. And say no to that last-minute panic over what if I need more?

Start with one thing: grab the shoes, the jacket, the dress you’ll love wearing. Everything I used and loved is linked above because this isn’t theory. It’s tested and it works.

You’ve got the plan. Now pack with purpose and get ready to enjoy every moment of your trip.

Stuck on where to travel to for 3 weeks? Check out my 3-week guide to Spain to plan your ideal adventure. Don’t forget to sign up for my email list and get my FREE travel planner to plan out your trip!