I don't know about you, but that struck terror in my heart. Twenty-one days with only a carry-on? Are you kidding me?

 

I'm able to laugh about it now because I've successfully done it. Not only that, but I won't travel with a huge suitcase ever again. It's so much easier not having to haul all that extra stuff around. 

 

Rick Steves has so many handy lists on his website... 

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light/ricks-packing-list

 

The key is to pack lightweight clothes and dress in layers.

 

I used a carry-on suitcase that fit the standards of the airline we were flying, and a large-ish backpack with lots of compartments.

 

In my suitcase, I took advantage of packing cubes; toiletries, electronics, shoes, and undergarments all had their own compartments. We took advantage of the handy Rick Steves super stretchy clothesline too... 

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/travel-clothesline and did laundry while we were on our trip, eliminating the necessity to bring extra stuff.  

 

In addition to my backpack, I also brought a smaller purse/backpack that fit inside of it for day trips. It was big enough to hold a lightweight coverup, my umbrella, a water bottle, phone charger, my hat (folded up) and some sunscreen. 

 

And don't forget a comfy neck pillow for back support while traveling and for sleeping on the plane. I liked this grey one because it was flat on the back. I also found a handy eye cover that had a strap to attach to the seat headrest which prevented my head from bobbing forward when I was asleep on the plane.

 

So, with a little careful thought and planning, packing light can be done. It might make you crazy trying to figure out how you're going to get enough stuff packed into your carry-on, but believe me, you'll thank yourself later when you aren't dragging a heavy suitcase up the many lovely old staircases you're likely to encounter in Europe. Plus, as an added bonus, it's always an adventure shopping abroad. If you happen to forget something, you get to go shopping... so just relax and know it will all be ok!

 

But what about souvenirs???! We sent all our laundry home as a checked bag, reserving our carry-on for the precious treasures we collected along the way so it all worked just fine.