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Needing help on how to pack light for 2 weeks?

Don’t worry! I’ve got you! Before you even get to the Guinness Storehouse, Buckingham Palace, or Versailles, you’ll need to pack light for Europe as you don’t want to be dragging a heavy suitcase around with you! I’ve had to pack light for my trips to Europe as I brought only one suitcase and stayed in hostels. Some of you are carry-on bag people. That’s perfectly fine! But I’ve gone on trips from everything from 2 weeks to a month and love to have options (I’m also a big cosmetics/hair gal, so liquid limitations are not my friend). However, you can adapt this list for carry-on luggage should you wish to. Whether you need to learn how to pack light for 2 weeks in Europe in spring, summer, fall, or winter, this will help you. I promise!

paris louvre how to pack light for 2 weeks

Packing Lightly for Inclement Weather

First and foremost, you should check the weather before you go! Don’t rely on your cousin, who happens to be in Europe just a mere couple of weeks before you, for the weather report! Otherwise, you will wind up being cold in England like I was. Also, check the weather in all the locations you will be visiting. It will differ more than you think by country.

By my rant, you can probably tell I under packed for my trip. Luckily, the Oxford Street shopping district was there to save the day! Of course, I wouldn’t recommend spending your whole travel budget on shopping, so only do this for essentials you forgot.

Another top tip is to remember to waterproof your shoes! I live in California, so we don’t get a ton of rain. However, whenever I leave for a country that gets downpours, I waterproof whatever footwear I’m bringing to ensure my feet stay dry! Also, grab your rain jacket as it rains in the summer, especially in Paris and Vienna.

Kiwi Waterproof Spray

Of course, this isn’t all I packed on that fateful trip, but they are the items I missed when I was there. I only went with one pair of jeans (luckily black), a light jacket, a pair of sneakers and flats (I wore out both by the end of the trip), one long-sleeve shirt (that also got worn out), no-sleeve shirts, shorts, and a skirt. Some of the later items I didn’t even wind up wearing.

Must Haves for Packing Light on Rainy Days

Here’s a list of what I should have packed for rainy weather so you’ll avoid making the same mistake when creating your travel light packing list!

2 pairs of Jeans (different colors)
Boots (make sure to waterproof them)
Light sweater/cover-up/cardigan
Water-proof jacket
2 long sleeve shirts

Building Your Travel Light Packing List

The pieces I was happiest I brought were two pairs of heels (nude and black; yes, I wore both) and four dresses (2 of which I didn’t wear, but at least I had options). Stockings, nude and black, are a must if you are going to wear skirts, it’s too cold in London to go without!

Now that we’ve resolved the weather issue, you’ll need to select your essential outfits and best travel purse! For me, this isn’t such a daunting task until the final weeks. I’ll start a pile in my room months before of little things that I want to bring along.

Then, all I have to do is decide what I want to wear on my adventure!

Shoes for Traveling Around Europe

You should also think about what you will be doing there so you can correctly pick your outfits. If you’re the kind of person who plans on adventuring all day, then plan accordingly and get walking shoes (sneakers, good ones). Or if you plan on going out at night, bring dresses and heels. A warning: if it’s a Paris or Greece packing list you have in mind, please note they have cobblestones. They aren’t even fun in sneakers, so be careful! I’d also recommend insoles, as they help to support your feet.

Anne Boleyn at Tower of London
Travelon Women's Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag

Best Travel Purse for Europe

I’ll be honest. I used to bring a main bag (crossbody) and a side bag (clutch). Over the years, I’ve tossed the clutch to the side and stuck with the crossbody. The reason the crossbody is great is that it is very versatile. You can get one like the one in the photo of me with Anne Boylen, which is a black Steve Madden Crossbody bag. Or, you can go for security and get a slash-proof / anti-theft one like the Travelon Messenger Bag I’ve posted below. I’ve been using my Travelon Messenger Bag since 2021 when I went to Barcelona. Before I went, everyone had warned me about pickpockets, so I went in search of a bag I could rely on before my trip. I’ve used it for every trip since, and it hasn’t let me down yet!

Whichever you choose, I highly recommend a crossbody as they are the best travel purses for Europe because they are safer. It’s harder to steal if it’s across your chest. I’m also not a fanny pack kind of gal, so this was the perfect option for me.

I’ve been able to fit everything I need in a crossbody bag: passport, journal, money, travel guide, sunglasses, and the usual items. The Travelon one also has a nifty slot for a waterbottle as well.

Packing Cubes Tear-Resistant Luggage
travel light packing list

How to Fit More in Your Suitcase When Packing Light for 2 Weeks

I know the list below sounds like a lot, but I fit it all in one medium-sized suitcase. How did I pack this light for Europe, you ask? Well, I started by laying everything out and seeing it on my bed or floor. It’s easier to see what you do or don’t need this way. You’ll also be able to see what pieces match more easily than others. That patterned shirt you love so much but only matches with one pair of pants, chuck it! You want versatility here, not added weight!

Once you’ve paired your options down, if you have trouble fitting your clothes, you’ve either packed too much or packed them incorrectly. Try rolling your clothes; I did this for my dresses to get the least amount of wrinkles, and it really helped. This is not just a pack light Europe hack. It’s a pack light for traveling everywhere hack! You can also try packing cubes. I got a set of them at a travel conference and have been using them since. I think they save a bit of room, but more importantly for me, they also help me organize my wardrobe.

Sidenote: Make sure you can lift your luggage as well once you do get it closed. You don’t want to be dragging around a ton of weight, and the airline will charge you extra for that!

Complete How to Pack Light for 2 Weeks Guide

5 short or no sleeve tops
2 pairs of Jeans
2 pairs of shorts
2 long sleeve shirts
1 crossbody bag
1 Swimsuit
1 Water-proof jacket
1 pair of boots
1 pair of sneakers
Light sweater/cover-up/cardigan
Underwear for X of Days
1 Belt
1 pair of heels/formal shoes
1 Hat
2 dresses
2 Pairs of Stockings (in case they run)
1 Set of Pajamas
Socks for X of Days

I hope this helps you figure out what to pack for Italy, France, England, Ireland, Greece, or any other European travel destination you are planning! Comment below if you have any questions.

General Packing Tips: Top Tips for Packing The Right Way for Your Next Trip

Please note I get a commission off links in this post that help fund this blog. However, they are still my tried-and-tested favorites for packing light while traveling.

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Want to remember this? Post this How to Pack Light for 2 Weeks of Vacation article to your favorite Pinterest board!

how to pack light for 2 weeks how to pack light for 2 weeks

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Michelle is a nerdy wanderluster with a love of history. A thirty-something traveler and occasional female solo traveler who you’ll find road-tripping across the United States or hostel-hopping in Europe. Currently residing in Southern California with a day job in marketing.

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