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Carry-on packing list for Europe summer travel. Learn what to pack in a carry on for Europe, including essentials, outfits, and space-saving tips. No checked bags!
One of my most popular posts on my blog is what to pack in a carry on. In that post, I specifically focused on what goes in the carry on bag that you store under the seat in front of you. Today, I am sharing capsule wardrobe with clothing list that I put in my carry on. I tested this out myself recently as we went on a Mediterranean cruise last Summer. We were gone for two weeks.
Here is my packing list, copied straight from my saved notes:
Europe packing list in a carry on:
You can shop my whole list easily here
1 pair linen pants – wear on plane **
1 white t-shirt – wear on plane**
**(OR you can wear a set, which is what I ended up doing last minute)
1 pair black workout shorts (can double as work out gear or can wear with an outfit)
1 pair Varley light blue shorts (comes in many colors – pick a color that you can wear with other outfits)
1 blue Varley short sweater (also comes in many colors, pick a color you can wear with other outfits)
Sézane dress (this is just a cotton dress that you can dress up or down, target version here)
White sports bra (can use for work out or wear under tanks, Varley sweater for sticky, hot days)
2 white tank tops
1 black tank top
Swimsuit
White tennis shoes – wear on plane
Sandals – a pair that can stand lots of walking and you can wear to dinner.
Lululemon jacket – wear on plane, this jacket I like because it also has a hood that rolls away and is lightweight.
Cotton sweater or long sleeved white linen shirt- wear on plane, I went with a white linen shirt but if you are going to cooler environments, I would bring a neutral cotton sweater
1 pair of Pajamas
8 underwear pairs – so you can wash 7 pairs and wear one
8 pairs of socks
Farm Rio skirt and top – I wore a similar set pictures, I could mix and match the skirt and top with my shorts or tank tops.
Hat – I chose a baseball hat, just choose one that is small and can pack away
Scarf – wear on plane
Purse – I put this in my smaller carry on, but you can always pack it here too. Most recently I brought this MZ Wallace metro scout cross body deluxe. It was great. I also would consider this micro sling bag, this larger sling bag, or this classic Longchamp tote.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
*The key to packing light is to bring the minimum number of shoes. Shoes are heavy and bulky. They take up lots of space. I recommend only two pairs of shoes. I don’t recommend only one pair, as it is nice to switch out your shoes as your feet get tired (or blisters, ouch!) after so much walking in the same pair all day.
*Check the weather the night before you leave at your destination. I ditched my jacket last minute as I saw it was going to be 80+ degrees every single day when we were gone. It was a good idea. I just wore my scarf and linen shirt in the cooler morning.
*Do not bring things “just in case.” For instance, you end up really needing an umbrella, buy one there. You can find cheapo tourists ones from street vendors.
*What luggage do I use? Well, it is expensive but I only use Tumi. I also adore this Tumi one they just released, if you want a hard shell. They are excellent, we have had them for years without any problems. I see many other people buy cheap luggage and then end up with broken wheels, etc. If Tumi is out of your budget, the next one I would consider buying is Away. That said, I have never used them so I cannot speak for the quality myself, but they have many positive reviews.
*You will need to do laundry. You will either need to do it a laundromat, through the hotel or or crusie, or in the sink. We pack these detergent sheets in a Ziplock and do laundry in the sink.
What do I carry in my smaller carry on that I stow under the seat?? CHECK OUT THIS POST HERE! I have updated it for 2026!
Shop my whole collection here.
