How to Pack for 2 Weeks in a Carry On | 11 Tips on Packing Light

11 travel tips on how to pack for 2 weeks in a carry-on. Packing light will not only save you a lot of hassle but money as well!

How to pack light and carry on...the golden question. Seasoned travelers know what a pain it is to drag oversized suitcases to and from hotels and train stations.

Not to mention the hefty baggage fees airlines love to dole out. 

Learning to pack light and carry on also means you avoid the worry of airlines losing your luggage and saves you precious time by skipping the baggage claim.

My rule of thumb is that any trip of 2 weeks or less should require no more than a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. It took me some time to get used to this new way of thinking and packing.

Now that it’s become second nature, it’s a breeze! I'm often able to carry on for trips over 4 weeks. I will never return to how I used to pack...checking a bag for a week-long trip. Seriously, what was I thinking, and more importantly, what was I packing that took up so much space?

If you’ve decided now is the time to tackle the question of how to pack for 2 weeks in a carry-on, this is the post for you. I’ll take you through the most important packing tips on how to travel light and carry on. Stuff that giant suitcase back in the attic where it belongs and put that carry-on to good use!

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1. Wash your clothes

One of my biggest ah-ha moments for learning to pack light was when I started washing my clothes while traveling. We Americans are so used to our washing machines and dryers that the thought of washing clothes in the bathroom sink (or finding a laundry mat) is quite foreign.

If you work out while traveling, this is even more important. I found it beyond annoying to pack multiple sets of workout clothes to wear for a total of 1 hour, and then lug those dirty workout clothes with me for the rest of my trip.

Now I bring one set of workout clothes for every 3 workouts since I wash and reuse. If you’re planning on working out 9 times, 3 sets of workout clothes is much more manageable than 9.

You don’t have to wash everything while you’re traveling. Focus on the items that dry quickly and are easy to wash (something to keep in mind when choosing what to pack). The items I always wash are my workout clothes, underwear, socks, and maybe a few lightweight shirts if I’m traveling in the summer. 

AWA Tip #1: bring a few packets of travel laundry detergent or purchase some Laundry Detergent Sheets (tear the sheets in halves or quarters for sink laundry).

AWA Tip #2: if my trip is longer than 2 weeks, I'll usually find a laundry mat to wash a full load. Keep in mind that some laundry mats don't have dryers, and if they do, it's very expensive. You usually pay by the minute or for every 5 minutes. I'll usually take my damp clothes back to the hotel and hang dry them.

2. Pack for outfits, not days - Wear your clothes 3 to 4 times

The biggest mistake I made when checking a bag instead of packing light was wearing my outfits once. Rookie mistake. There is no way you will be able to go on a 2 week trip with a carry-on if this is how you travel.

Plan to wear every outfit at least 3 or 4 times. I pack scarves and jewelry to change my look so my outfit appears different in pictures. 

Pack neutral items that go well with everything and are classic pieces. No one will notice that you’ve already worn that black t-shirt 3 times.

AWA Tip: most places outside of the US are more casual than you think. Now, I don't mean casual as in wearing workout clothes and leggings (please don't do that)...I just mean simple and practical. 

This is particularly true for Europe (unless you're going to some super posh destination like St. Tropez).

Locals are more focused on practicality than being "high fashion". Nice tennis shoes are the norm. People look put together, but they aren't sporting "fancy attire".

I find it a bit comical when people pack never-ending trendy outfits for their Europe trip—fancy dresses, heels, etc. I actually find outfits like this make you stand out as an American. 

See my packing tips on YouTube: Winter Packing Tips (not carrying on)/How to pack for 2 weeks in a carry-on

3. Shoe talk

Shoes take up the most space and are the biggest nuisance when packing for 2 weeks in a carry-on. In order to pack light for a 2 week trip you need to:

1. Bring only 3 pairs (4 max if we're talking flat sandals).

2. Pack shoes that are light and can be compressed.

By "compressed," I mean knit or cloth shoes that can be flattened, sandals with leather straps that can be pressed together, and generally flexible shoes. 

High heels/wedges are not flexible and not compressible. Plus, I’d like to hear anyone say they had a pleasant experience walking the cobblestones of Rome in high heels.

I usually bring 1 pair of tennis shoes that can also function as a running shoe. Workout shoes, like APL or similar, look good enough that you can pair them with jeans and get away with it.

I'll also bring another comfortable walking shoe that is a bit sleeker than a tennis shoe. My long-standing favorites (just check out my Instagram photos for proof) are the Cole Haan Zerogrand Wingtip Oxfords.

Then, depending on the season, I’ll bring a comfortable bootie, a simple flat, or two flat sandals.

Whichever shoe takes up the most space is the one I will wear on the airplane.

4. Minimize your beauty bag/toiletry kit

This packing tip is essential when figuring out how to pack for 2 weeks in a carry-on. I actually wrote an entire blog post on sizing down your beauty bag.

Just like shoes, you can’t get away with a carry-on for a long trip if your beauty bag is the size of a large shoebox. To size down your beauty bag, you need to make sure EVERYTHING is sample or travel size.

The ONLY thing I don’t buy sample/travel size is my mascara because the travel size ones dry out so quickly. 

Buy multipurpose products. Instead of bringing makeup remover and face wash, buy a face wash that is a makeup remover and cleanser in one.

Skip the 3.4-ounce travel bottles. These bottles are way too big. I brought a 2-ounce travel bottle of face wash for a 3-week trip, and still had some leftover. If you need 3.4 ounces, you are either using too much or you need to buy a more concentrated product. 

Simplify your routine to pack less and travel light. Layering 3 night creams each evening is a luxury, not a necessity. Bring one lotion to use at night.

Do you layer a BB cream with foundation and powder? Try to find a 3-in-1 product so you can get by with just one product.

Consider this question for all your skincare and makeup products. Really think about what is an absolute must that you cannot live without, and leave the rest at home.

See my favorite travel beauty items on Like to Know it

5. Compression packing cubes

Compression packing cubes are a game-changer when packing light and carrying on. Not only do you save space by compacting your clothes, but cubes keep everything organized and make moving between hotels a breeze.

I actually keep my clothes in my packing cubes the entire trip and just transfer the entire cube into drawers and closets. My packing cubes are organized by category.

All my workout clothes go into a small cube, pants and shirts go in a medium/large cube, dresses, bulkier clothing, and other miscellaneous clothes go into another medium/large cube, and all my underwear, socks, bras, and accessories like hair scarves, jewelry, etc., go into a small cube.

The packing cubes pictured above are by far my favorite. I've had them for 7+ years. They've held up well, are extremely lightweight, and offer the perfect amount of compression without overdoing it.

Other options I like are:

• Tripped Packing Cubes
• Well Traveled Packing Cubes
• Outdoor Products Packing Cubes

6. Backpack game

This DB backpack is a game-changer. It's large enough that you could actually call it a weekend bag. It fits under the airplane seat, so even if the gate agent questions a roll-away plus this backpack, I can argue that the backpack fits under my seat (which has happened multiple times in Europe, where they're more strict).

Since this backpack is too big for daily use, I'll pack my nylon Tumi backpack (smaller option) at the bottom of my suitcase.

A nylon backpack is a must as it takes up no space and lies flat.

The suitcase pictured above is the Bigger Carry-On Flex by Away. Because it's a larger carry-on, I've had to check it two or three times when taking low-cost European airlines. Brands like RyanAir are very strict on carry-on size. The cost to check is fairly low as long as you do so BEFORE check-in or choose a ticket that includes a small checked bag.

AWA Tip: I always pack a Longchamp shoulder bag to use as a "handbag" when I don't want to wear my backpack. The medium size (make sure to get the one with the large handles) is perfect for traveling. It folds up into a little square and fits all the essentials (my camera, a water bottle, a small wallet, etc.). 

Similar to Tumi, it's not cheap. Priced at $155. But it's SO worth it. I've had my Longchamp for 11 years, and it still looks new even though I've taken it on every single international trip.

7. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane

Before I put everything into my packing cubes and then my suitcase, I look at everything laid out and take out the items that are the bulkiest to wear on the plane. That usually means I’m wearing my booties or workout shoes, jacket, and bulkiest top(s).

8. Don’t pack for the what if

One of the biggest mistakes that prevents people from being able to carry on for a 2 week trip (or longer) is packing for the “what if”. What if we decide to go to a nice dinner, and I need a dress and heels? What if the weather turns, and it ends up being cold and I don’t have a warm enough jacket?

90% of the time, the “what if” never happens and you just lugged around clothing you never wore. Unless you're going to the middle of the Sahara, you’ll be able to buy the “what if” clothing items if you really end up needing them.

Everything I packed for a 2 week trip (two separate trips). Lay everything out so you can visualize how much you're packing and what items are the bulkiest

9. Ditch bulky clothing

I love a good oversized cozy sweater, but I rarely pack items like this for long trips (unless I wear it on the plane). Think of how much space 5 bulky sweaters can take up.

Then picture 5 long sleeve tops paired with a compactable down jacket (that you'll wear on the plane). The difference is considerable, and you aren’t sacrificing warmth or comfort.

If you must pack bulky clothing, buy these vacuum compression packing bags (no vacuum required...you roll and push the air out).

10. Rethink those comfort items for the long flight

Long overnight flights in economy just aren’t fun. There's nothing around it, and no travel pillow is going to make it comfortable.

I’ve seen people bring bulky pillows and blankets on flights, and I can guarantee they checked a bag to bring them.

Do those items make your 10-hour flight a little more bearable? Yes. But is it worth lugging those items around for 2 weeks for 20 hours of flight time? No.

At the very least, if you must have a travel pillow, make sure to buy one that has a loop or snap (like this one) so you can attach it to the handle of your backpack instead of having to use precious packing space.

AWA tip: if you're traveling during winter, stuff a small pillowcase (think couch-sized square) and stuff that with your bulky sweaters. 

I've never done this myself, but I've heard of people getting away with having a carry-on suitcase, backpack, AND their small "pillow".

Just keep in mind that this probably won't fly with budget airlines, as they are very strict on one personal item and one carry-on.

11. Make do with less of the non-essentials

When thinking through how to pack light for 2 weeks, you really need to reevaluate the items you’re bringing that you don’t actually wear. I’m talking about that travel steamer, two curling irons, travel hair dryer, thick novel (ditch it and get a Kindle), etc.

Don’t get me wrong, these items would be nice to have along, but do they really add enough value and daily use for the hassle of having to check your bag? Probably not. 

In summary

I hope these 11 tips on how to pack light and carry-on for 2 weeks gave you some ideas for your next adventure. Once you realize you can get by with a lot less and experience the freedom of packing lightly, you will never turn back.

Book yourself an extra tour or splurge on a few meals with all the money you saved by skipping the baggage fees and being able to walk/use public transportation vs. getting a taxi because your luggage is weighing you down. Literally. 

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How to Pack Light for 2 Weeks | Carry On Only

Additional travel tips and tricks

Are you a pro at packing light? Share your tips on how to pack for 2 weeks in a carry on in the comments below!