HOW TO PACK LIGHT FOR A THREE WEEK EUROPE TRIP!
My husband and I went to Italy in August for almost 3 weeks for our honeymoon, and I packed all of my stuff in ONE carry-on bag ( a duffel bag). I must admit I even shocked myself with these newly discovered packing skills. My husband kept bugging me to only bring one bag on our honeymoon, so that is what inspired (or forced) me to learn how to pack light. It took a lot of trial and error, many practice runs, but I did it. A girl who was used to over packing, bringing way to much stuff, and carrying way more than physically enjoyable, is now able to pack light, still have amazing outfit options and overall have a more enjoyable traveling experience since learning tricks to packing light. Now I want to help you do the same.
Here are my tips and tricks for packing light when you travel. It really does make for a less stressful trip through the airport, and if you are married, your spouse will be so dang proud, I know my husband was! It was his request, but I'm not so sure he thought I would actually pull it off. Men HATE it when we pack a lot (when we have one checked bag for only our shoes)! But like I said, I pulled it off, proved him wrong and took only one bag with us on our honeymoon.
Disclaimer: Trust me, I promise I love shoes as much as the next girl, but ask yourself... when traveling, do you really need ALL of that stuff??
NOTE: SOME OF THESE TIPS ONLY APPLY TO WARM DESTINATIONS AND SUMMER WEATHER PACKING
Tip 1:
ROLL YOUR ITEMS!
For jeans, do not roll them, they will end up taking up more space a feel more bulky if you roll them. So simply fold your jeans and capris. But for shirts, pj's, shorts, skirts, dresses, etc rolling may be a better option. When you roll things, especially tops, you can fit them into small places. ** I will roll clothes and stick them inside shoes! And overall it just takes up less space.
Make sure to roll things tight to create more space.
Tip 2:
Pack less bottoms and more tops!
Jeans, capris, skirts, and shorts tend to take up a lot more space than a silk top or a cotton shirt. When putting together outfits to wear on a summer trip. Take max 3 pairs of pants. I think 2 pants is enough. When you mix and match the bottoms and tops, it does not seem like you are re-wearing any outfits. I think 2 pairs of shorts is more than enough. And maybe 1 skirt. If it is a short trip (1 week or shorter), then pack only 1 of each type of bottom. Make sure to pick bottoms that match with multiple tops. I love bringing a dark wash skinny jean because it looks good with just about any top!
Tip 3:
Dresses, dresses, dresses!
Now, if you are not a dress kind of girl, or if you're a man reading this, obviously this tip is not for you! But, if you are like me and love summer dresses, take advantage of it! Dresses do not take up a lot of space while packing! AND they are something you can throw on over your swim suite at the beach or you can dress it up with accessories and heels!
Tip 4:
No toiletry overload!
I believe it is important to remember that at most destinations, you can purchase shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, etc. while you are there! If you are staying at a resort or a hotel, they supply most toiletries for you. Obviously if you are picky about specific brands and such, then pack your own in travel size containers. But if you are not, I would suggest not packing them and just purchasing them when you arrive. For example: When we were in Rome, there was a market right near our hotel that had any toiletry we would need. Less toiletries= smaller bag!
Read my blog post on travel size toiletries to discover the best toiletries to bring.
Side note: do not forget to pack medications that you need. That is too important to ditch for bag space.
And TA-DAA!!!! One Duffle bag for a 3 week Italy vacation!!!
** Comment below with YOUR packing tips and tricks!! **
I recently came back to Europe (including Italy) and this time we came for an entire month! Here is an updated video to help you pack light for a long trip.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:
