How to Pack for a Two-Week Trip With Only Carry-On Luggage

Have you ever wondered if you can stretch a carry-on to fulfill all your needs for a two week trip abroad? It’s certainly possible for one week – but two? It’s possible, yes! We’ve done it, and you can, too, if you’re looking to avoid that dreaded wait time around the luggage carousel in your new city when you’re eager to just hop in an Uber and go. 

The thing is… you’ll have to use all your discernment skills and forego a few little luxuries. We’d like to say, “Don’t worry. You can always buy it over there.” But, you probably want to stick to some type of budget. So, we’ll try to avoid that suggestion (except when we get to the toiletries portion of the puzzle). Buckle up! It’s possible to be light on your feet and ready to go. So, let’s go! 

Check Your Airline’s Restrictions

First, check to see what you’re working with. Carry-on sizes actually vary by airline and by domestic vs. international flights. A safe range – or standard – size is 22” x 14” x 9”. This includes the wheels and the handle when you’re measuring. 

Still, play it safe and check the airline’s website before you get to work. It would be a crying shame to go through all the steps we’re about to take only to be ordered to check your bag during the moment of truth. 

Make a List

Second, make a list. This seems like overkill, but consider it more of a battleplan. Map out your outfit for each day. Plan to bring the minimum number of toiletries and — if you can budget it — purchase the rest when you land. 

When you write down each of your outfits for the day, you’ll be able to tackle one of the ensuing suggestions: wear clothes that mix and match well together. It’ll also help you take out your pen and do something very gratifying: cross out things that aren’t necessary. 

Use Compression Cubes for Clothes

General packing cubes are quite handy, especially in the large suitcases we check in. Compression cubes are a nice variation of packing cubes and can work wonders when we’re trying to squeeze everything into one, organized carry-on. 

This begs the question: will it wrinkle my clothes? And the answer is yes, unfortunately. So, now, our clothes have to not only be mixable and matchable, but also rewearable, and able to be layered throughout the days and nights. 

Pack Coordinating Neutral Tones

So, here we are at the main point of the plan. If you really want to pack for two weeks in just a carry-on bag, then you can’t plan to dress like one of the superstars from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. We’re talking neutral tones, sturdy fabrics, and items that can hold up to a rewear.

Wearing black and other neutral tones will hardly put you out of place in the big cities like Paris, anyway. You’ll find it’s considered to be quite chic to keep it simple. You’re better off purchasing one item of fine quality than several pieces of fast fashion that will wither away after a wash or two. Also, you can spice up these basic tones with a colorful scarf or handbag.