Packing for Two Weeks in Europe in Carry-On Luggage

I Listen to this. The government says that airlines collected $3.4 BILLION in baggage fees in 2010! $3.4 Billion! How many of you contributed to that ridiculous number? Jay and I definitely have – we even did on our short trip to Miami. Don’t judge us.

It’s just so difficult to pack smart especially with the 3.0 oz. liquid rule. How will I bring my sunscreen? I slather on tons of it because covering health news has made me paranoid about looking old and getting cancer.

Anyway — back to the baggage fees… It IS possible to travel for two-weeks – in Europe with only carry-on luggage. I know it’s possible because my good friend and fellow Hofstra University alum – has done it! It’s true! And she’s sharing all her secrets so we can all save money and time. Take notes…

Two Weeks in Europe With Carry-On Luggage

by Nicole Feldman

Not having to check a bag on all of the planes, trains, boats and trams we took during our two-week honeymoon in Greece saved us a total of eight hours! This took some serious planning, but we both left for the airport holding one shoulder bag and a 22″ wheelie suitcase- and that’s it.

BASIC RULES

1. Roll everything!
2. Wear your heaviest items on the plane.
3. Get a light, 22″ that rolls in any direction. This is the big investment that will save so much time, money and angst along the way. It’s also the largest size that can be stored overhead, according to regulations.
4. Use a very cute, light and spacious purse as your shoulder bag, since this will double as a travel tote during your sightseeing days.
5. “Space Bags” are a must – these clear, flat packing bags that are available at Bed, Bath & Beyond. After packing each bag, you’ll need to lay them flat on the ground, roll from one end to the other and watch as all of the air is compressed out of each bag.
6. Two extra, empty space bags are flat enough to slip in the front pocket of the suitcase and are good to have on hand for dirty clothes on the way home.

CLOTHES TO PACK

(in Space Bags)

• 2 Glamorous sundresses
• 10 Casual sundresses that can go from day to night
• 1 Pair of your sexiest jeans (these can double as a night outfit with heels and a hot shirt)
• 1 Glamorous, wrinkle-proof top
• 2 Bathing Suits that can be mixed and matched with each other
• 1 Basic tank top
• 1 Basic fitted tee
• 4 Pairs of socks
• 16 Pairs of underwear
• 4 Regular bras
• 2 Strapless bras
• 6 Satin nighties
• 2 Pashminas (white, beige)
• 1 Pair of killer heels
• 1 Pair of flat-supportive sandals
• 2 Pairs of comfortable flip flops (black, white or metallic)

TOILETRIES TO PACK

A Ziploc bag, filled with the basic essentials (you’ll run out and will need to pick-up more while you are away):

• Mini Shampoo
• Mini Conditioner
• Mini Toothpaste
• Mini Suntan Lotion
• Mini Shower Gel
• Mini Body Lotion
• Mini Hair Potion of your choice

A small travel case, filled with:

• Make-up
• Chapstick
• Tweezers
• Hair Ties
• A small comb or brush
• Mini Deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Mini Floss
• Razor
• Vitamins
• A small, mesh jewelry bag filled with your most versatile jewelry

TO WEAR ON THE PLANE

• Comfortable Jeans (These can double as a “way-home” pair of jeans)
• Basic Tank Top
• Neutral Cardigan (Can also be used as a jacket during the chilly European evenings)
• Light, rain-friendly jacket
• Sneakers

IN YOUR “OVER YOUR SHOULDER” BAG

(This will go under your seat so that it’s accessible during the long flight)

• A large, neutral wristlet that can be used throughout the trip as a small purse and can fit into your larger shoulder bag while still holding:
• Money
• Credit Cards
• Passport
• Lip Gloss
• A 2nd Chapstick
• Bandaids
• Charmin Wipes (you never know – it is Europe!)
• A miniature mirror
• Phone
• A small tube of Advil or Tylenol
• A miniature roll of Tums or Rolaids
• Gum
• Tide Stick
• House key (off of the keychain – for the way home)
• A book / magazine / Kindle / iPad
• Chargers (phone / Kindle / iPad)
• Glasses
• Headphones
• Eye Mask
• Ear Plugs
• The third (black) Pashmina (which can double as a plane blanket)
• A super-compact umbrella
• A Ziploc bag that holds:
• Eye Drops
• Mini Contact Solution
• Contact Case
• Face Moisturizer
• Hand Lotion
• Purell
• Disinfectant Wipes (because if you’re anything like me, those trays on the seat-backs gross you out)
• An extra pair of Contact Lenses
• Mini Evian Mister (the best way to fight facial dryness on a long flight)
• Mini Perfume Vial

As an Event Planner Extraordinaire, Nicole Feldman has learned that last-minute travel is par for the course in her industry. She has mastered the art of throwing together a suitcase filled with essentials in under an hour – all she needs is a great list (and a serious shoe collection)!

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