How to Pack Three Weeks of Clothes into a Carry On

When I began travel writing, nearly two of my first three years were spent living in a tent. carry-on suitcase. I’ve solved nearly all the packing puzzles, from deciding what to wear for a camping trip in Australia that included my friend’s Gold Coast Wedding to navigating different climates while traveling from Italy to Maldives. 

I’ve learned that no matter where you’re heading—whether for one week or one month—there are two foolproof tricks to maximizing your suitcase space: compression packing cubes The best of the best packing list. To that end, I’ve rounded up my must-haves, based on a three-week trip I spent traversing Central Europe—specifically, the cities and remote wine regions in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic—followed by a rogue, sun-soaked jaunt to the Greek island of Zakynthos.

Travel accessories that will solve your packing problems silk skirts, button-downs. walking sneakers Here’s my list of essential items to travel with. fit into a carry-onYou can use it for as long as you like. 

My Must-pack Carry-on Essentials

Travel Accessories 

Thule Compression Cube Set

There’s only one item I wouldn’t travel without out of the dozens I’ve tried over the last few years: compression packing cubes. They have revolutionized my packing method, allowing me more clothing in my suitcase and keeping it organized.

You can also find out more about this by clicking here. two-piece set from Thule It has a compression zipper that is ultra-durable and easy to close, even when the cubes have been stuffed full. The ripstop fabric, which is semi-transparent and water-repellent, allows you to see the contents at a glance. The smaller cube (which is 10 x 7.25 x 1.25 inches when compressed) works well for delicates or swimsuits. Meanwhile, the medium cube (13.4×9.1×1.25 inches compressed) will fit tops, bottoms, dresses and even some lightweight sweaters.

Cadence Travel Containers

My secret for a clean home toiletry case? Cadence capsules. These leakproof magnetic travel containers have been my go-to since their launch in 2020. Their proven durability over the last few years makes them worth the investment. Before every trip, I refill mine with my go-to skincare You can also find out more about the following: haircare products—Sulwhasoo and Ouidad, respectively—which I tend to order in bulk for my apartment. 

These capsules are made from recycled materials, and I find them to be a stylish and more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bottles or travel-sized toiletries. They also make it easy to stay organized, with the labeled tiles which help me remember what product is inside.

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

You can also find out more about this by clicking here. memory foam neck pillow Has become my most trusted travel companion. It has accompanied me on flights to Tbilisi, Paris, train rides upstate New York and rental apartments when the pillows supplied didn’t cut it.

Over the past six months of near-weekly use, the Velcro has held up remarkably well, and the soft, modular pillow itself shows no signs of wear and tear—thanks largely to the handy carrying case I stash it in on the rare occasions it’s not in use. The case easily clips to the exterior of my personal itemThis will save space in your packing. 

Away 22-inch Carry-on Luggage

I have sworn to my beliefs Away Carry-on for five years now, and after nearly 100 flights—including several times when it’s been gate-checked—it’s still in excellent shape. The bag has some scratches and sometimes the telescoping handles sticks, but it is still in excellent condition.

The organizational features on the interior are very helpful. One side has a mesh zip-around closure with a large pocket. On the other, there is a removable compression padding with zippered compartments that help keep my belongings organized.

Hoxis Oversized PU leather Tote Bag

Traveling with children is always a good idea an empty toteI like bags that are chic, minimalist, and easy to wear in any season, such as this one. I like bags that are simple, chic and can be worn in any season. oversized vegan leather tote from Hoxis. I like that it has a secure button closure and comes in a variety of colors that can be easily mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe. This bag is the perfect mix of slouchy and structured. It can easily fit a laptop, a book, a wallet, as well as a spare layer to keep you warm on chilly nights.

Travel Clothing

Grapent Wide-leg Trousers 

I’m not much of a denim girl—instead, I find that drapey, high-waisted pants (like my favorite pair from EverlaneThese wallet-friendly, versatile travel accessories are a great option for all types of weather. These budget-friendly, wide-leg lookalikes from Amazon The pants are available in inseams of 28 and 30 inches, with an elasticated waistband to provide extra comfort.

Skrtimory Satin Mini Skirt

A silk or satin skirt Should be in your suitcase all the time, but especially in shoulder season. It’s hard to overstate just how versatile these are. I wore my with a casual tank top and sneakers while on a road trip between Austria, Hungary and Germany. Then I dressed it up the same evening with a vintage scarlet top and sandals at a winery for dinner. In the fall I wear them with sheer tights and black boots. A knit sweater is also layered on top.

I’ve traveled with an golden-hued midi from Souer For years, I have been getting tons of compliments about this chocolate brown number from Quince The items I added to my closet last year. If you want to get a similar look at a lower price, I recommend this silk maxi from AmazonThe sleeveless dress comes in 23 different colors with an adjustable drawstring.  

Big Dart Oversized Buttoned-down Shirt

I became a fan of the late in life. button-downsI don’t know how I survived a trip before I had one. Now, there are usually two in my suitcase at any given time—one breezy linen option that I bring as a beachy layer or swimsuit cover-up (like this one from Lacoste(), and a cotton everyday style that you can dress up or wear on a cold flight. 

I’m usually all fThe following are some examples of how to use neutral hues while traveling, but I’ve found adding a bit of color with my layers—like royal blue or olive green—can elevate an otherwise basic outfit. This might be my most versatile layer. On a recent vacation, I wore a vintage button-down nearly every day. Pairing it with jeans for a cold afternoon, and then with a mini-skirt with knee-high boots in a summer thunderstorm.

Gap-front Woven Maxi Dress

A white cotton dress Will never steer you incorrectly. I wore a similar version with sneakers to visit vineyards in Slovakia, and added a silk scarf with sunglasses for a walk around Zakynthos’ hot and hilly terrain. The front tie and straps can be adjusted for a perfect fit. I also love how easy it is to put on and take off the dress.

Staud Wells Midi Dress

I love it Staud dress It’s so good that I have it in four colors and two lengths. It is structured but swishy, and adds some polish without sacrificing any comfort. It’s a little heavy, so I wear it to save room in my luggage, but the amount of wear is worth it. Few dresses can transition as smoothly from day to night—in Athens, I wore this to visit the whimsical Alekos Fassianos Museum Straight to the vinyl-spinning, sultry restaurant for a solo meal Pharaoh.

Anrabess 2-piece Linen Jumpsuit 

Everyone knows what a is two-piece set The most reliable travel companion. This item is a must-have for any travel wardrobe. comfortable, casual set It comes in 17 colours, including neutrals such as black and tan plus the eye-catching red. I like that both the square neck tank and the pull-on trousers are easy to mix and combine with other pieces and take up little space in my luggage.

Cider Ruched Tank Top with Boat Neck

Boat necks are a timeless silhouette that can be mixed into any outfit—I love the feminine cut and flattering ruching of this top from CiderIt comes in eight vacation-ready colors. Although I prefer a tank top to a T-shirt, I would mix in a classic one (like the Madewell Short-sleeve Harley TeeIf that is more in line with your personal style, then go for it. 

Lands’ End Cotton Cardigan

Cotton cardigans will never be out of fashion. It’s the platonic ideal of a versatile layer—lightweight yet warm, cozy yet chic. Lands’ End is known for its quality clothing, and has been doing so for over 60 years. This fine-gauge sweater Silky, machine-washable and elegant, it’s a great alternative to a shirt when you need an extra layer for a special night out.

Baleaf High-waisted Biker Shorts

I almost live in my bike shorts. They add comfort to any outfit, whether I’m running, hiking, or simply layering under a dress. This pair is moisture wicking, stretchy and breathable. It helps me stay cool (and prevents chafing!) When exploring a city on foot. Best of all, there are three pockets—two deep side pockets, plus a hidden waistband pocket for discreetly stashing keys, cash, or earbuds. There are three different inseams: 3, 5 and 8.

Floerns Tie-back Strapless Bandana Tube Top

Silk scarves are the single most-used accessory in my suitcase—I’ve worn them as strapless tops, bandanas, bag charms, belts, and just about any other way you can imagine. The first thing I look for when vintage shopping is a large scarf that can be worn as a top. I also want to make sure it won’t set me back a fortune. You thrift lovers will be happy to hear that this is a great find. palm-printed pick Amazon charges only $20 for a 2-day delivery.

Suvimuga 2-piece Halter Swimsuit

I’m all for keeping it simple with a bikini—minimal silhouettes and classic colors are my go-tos. It’s much easier to wear it repeatedly this way, without attracting too much attention. I will layer mine with a chic t-shirt one day, and a gauzy beach sarong on the next. Monday Swimwear has been my favorite brand for years, and they’ve made me a lover of halters. with its ultra-flattering Hanalei top. For an affordable, yet durable, alternative I like this two-piece set Amazon.com

Chuangdi 2-piece Sarong Cover-up

If I’m going to a destination with warm weather, I will always pack a sarong I have it in my bag. Chiffon-style options like this duo can be worn in so many ways—around your waist, tied in the front as a top, Grace Kelly-style around your head, or as an accessory to help your beach bag stand out. This set is available in two colors.

Comfortable Shoes

Hoka Rincon 4 Sneakers

I wore them Hoka sneakers Every day I travel, whether it’s to explore 300 year old wine cellars in Slovakia or to navigate the hilly terrain of Zakynthos. I’ve had them for far longer than I should’ve at this point—I just passed the two-year mark, so I’m overdue for a new pair—but can confirm that they’ve held up remarkably well over the years, providing traction on city sidewalks and rocky hikes alike. Although they are great for all of my athletic pursuits, they also look stylish and can be worn with shorts or a tanktop and a black dress for long days sightseeing.

Minshluu Wedge Slides

Over the last few years I have worn two pairs of platform wedges. my favorite Steve Madden pair Over dozens of trips, these are drilled into the earth. These 90s-inspired lookalikes from Minshluu The stretchy fabric uppers make them easy to pack and they go with everything in my luggage.

Although these sandals don’t have much traction, they are comfortable enough to wear all day and then go out for dinner or dancing at night. 

Reef Water Willow Marina Sandals

As I would only be staying on the island for a small part of my vacation, I did not want to waste space on beach shoes. Enter: These flat, ultra-packable Reef sandalsThe sandals look classic at first glance, but they are designed to provide water-resistant grip. The textured outsole provides sufficient traction in slippery conditions, while the padded sole is comfortable for long walks at the beach or in the city. 

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