How to Pack for a Two Week Trip Abroad in a Carry-On

Nov 8

There are as many ways to pack a suitcase as there are stamps in your passport. And every person will think there idea is the best. I don’t pretend to be an expect; I know what works for the two of us, and some tips that we have learned along the way that have served us well. For our international trip to Ireland, here’s some suggestions that we hope will provide suggestions when you head over the pond.

Season dictate clothing choice, but the key element to keeping warm, layers. Don’t forget to put a paper copy of your passport inside your checked luggage, carry-on, and personal items. Don’t ever solely rely on your phone for all your documents; we learned this the hard way.

Take these suggestions and make a list that fits your lifestyle. You can find links to many of our items here.

Check airline requirements.
Before you start packing, make sure you have an international approved carry-on that meets airline requirements. Each airline might be different, so check with your specific carrier. Our choice, TUMI International Carry-On. Our preferred airline is Delta, and with a Reserve card, we can check two bags (and that also gets un into the Sky Club and Centurion Lounges). However, we never check bags unless we do so on the way home; if our luggage heads toward a different destination, we are home and it’s not a big deal.
Never say never. We each checked luggage this trip. No issues (always place an Airtag inside) at all. It was waiting for us at the other end. But I will say, our older 28-inch luggage is not as roller-friendly as the Tumi we have invested in. We’ll be looking for a larger size piece for the upcoming trips. Have a favorite? Leave your suggestion in the comments!
What’s on the agenda?
What is on your itinerary? Anything special that would require dressy items? If not, that saves lots of space. And then, make a list. Clothing. Toiletries. Essentials. Medication. Vitamins. Electronics.
This family trip takes us to Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Irish saying of weather in Ireland is “four rainy seasons and a sunny day” is more than true. Hope for the sunshine but plan for the hail. I always pack a rain coat when I visit Ireland.
Layer clothing and choose neutrals.
Choose a color scheme, preferably a neutral one with clothing that can mix and match. Pack items that can be worn in different combinations. T-shirts are my salvation (whites/blacks/gray), and these will layer with everything. Cold weather requires items like LL Bean’s silk base layers which take up no space in the luggage and can be washed easily and worn repeatedly.
For this cold weather trip, here are the essentials:
- 4 pairs of pants (2, jeans)
- long sleeve t-shirts (white, cream, taupe) + underwear, socks, PJs and all those things that no one sees!
- boots (wear on the plane)
- slip-ons (Rothy’s) and loafers (Vivaia, my new comfortable walking shoe)
- puffer jacket (Lands End that can shrink into its pocket)
- scarf, gloves, over sweater
- toiletries (in one bag, plus zip-lock bags just in case) ; a second bag to stash in your carry-on IF you’re checking luggage that contains medicine and other essentials.
- compression cubes IF you are a fan; I still think rolling clothes is the best option
And with that, roll clothing.
This saves space and avoid wrinkles. Packing cubes or compression bags help to organize space as well. And I have tried both, and if I don’t go full-on compression bags, I put my underwear, PJ pants, sleeping shirts, bras inside a small one. I still swear by rolling!
Bring only toiletries you need.
Remember, hotels will supply most essentials, so unless you can’t live without your special shampoo or conditioner, leave them at home. Travel-size items are necessary especially for carry-ons. If not, choose travel packing items like Cadence which comes in different sizes that will hold everything from vitamins to face creams. And yes, they come in pink!
If we stay in a hotel at the beginning of the trip, I confiscate all the travel-size items and use later in the trip. This trip, London’s Elemis (the BEST skincare on the planet) is a staple during the end of the trip. Our first trip to Northern Ireland took us to Bushmills Inn, and there is where I discovered the luxury of Elemis products. They have remained a constant in my routine since.
Three (pairs of shoes) is enough.
You only need three pairs of shoes at the most. Wear the most bulky pair on the plane, and cram the others inside the suitcase. Even consider putting a pair of slip-ons in a backpack that can make a change mid-air easier. After all, who needs boots in St. Maarten?
But if Ireland is the destination, wear your boots on the plane and prepare for the cool weather upon landing.
Limit electronics.
Pack all your chargers (telephone, watch, etc.) in an organized pouch. We’ve got a great list for you here. Take only the essentials. We use a small packing cube and place everything electronic inside. I carry a small organized rolling strap in my purse with earbuds and chargers to use on the plane.
Don’t forget international adapters. An extension cord is also invaluable especially when staying in older properties. Find the one piece adapter in our Amazon list.
Len is the master electronic guru, and minimalizing is hard for him. He prepares for everything especially when travel includes working. Along with our external hard drive which includes all my projects, we carry a thumb-drive for dumping photos for quick delivery. Visit our Amazon favorites here.
Place travel documents in backpack or purse.
Keep your passport, tickets and all important document in a safe and secure location (the Bagsmart backpack has the ideal compartment). Make sure you can access them easily and return them to the space without hassle. Put in backpack or purse, not in carry-on luggage.
Also, currency exchange. It’s not cheap, and this time, we decided to exchange before boarding the plane in Atlanta. Not sure that was a good idea, but that’s what we did. We needed 630 £ for our cottage rental; it totaled over $800 to simply convert dollars to the necessary pounds. Plan on this added expense when budgeting for the trip.
Wear your coat or sweater on the plane.
As much as I hate struggling with coats or sweaters, the space they save me in my luggage is worth the trouble. More than likely, you will need warmth at your final destination. If you’re a hat girl, wear your hat but have an option to allow you to be hands-free. The Hat Holder by Lindsay Albanese is strong and takes care of your hat when not on your head.
Here’s the exception: the Land’s End packable puffer coat. Fold into envelope size and I stuff it into my suitcase. We both have these coats and have been stuffing for over a decade. Durable, too.
Backpack or large bag.
You’ll get two carry-ons. One is your luggage (Tumi International 19), the second should be a backpack or large bag. If you have a small purse, you can throw it inside the larger item during boarding and then pull it out later. I’ve recently discovered the backpack by BAGSMART, a bag that is the epitome of organization that provides a pocket for everything.
Consider a Just in Case tote or backpack by Tumi to put in your suitcase for added convenience. It goes with me everywhere.
We’re in the midst of this trip currently, and being well within our #babyboomer years, I do believe I’m a roller girl all the way. I checked my luggage this trip and carried a backpack and personal item on board. Although we checked luggage this trip, we traveled to Italy last year with a carry-on and a backpack, so it is possible.
I believe a small roller luggage would be the ideal carry-on rather than a backpack; I’m going to find the best and get back to you. Save your back! I’ll keep up with my luggage via my AirTag, and if it happens to get lost, I’ll go shopping. With that in mind, I NEVER put anything irreplaceable or necessary in my checked luggage (i.e. camera, medicine, etc.)