Best Travel Tips for How to Pack for 4 Weeks in Carryon

On our last trip to France, we stayed 4 weeks in Paris and then traveled for two weeks to different locations throughout France and Belgium.  So, our total stay was 6 weeks which can be very difficult to pack as the weather changed a great deal in that time.  As a result, I have created these travel tips for how to pack for 4 weeks in one carry-on bag.

When we first arrived, it was cold and raining most days.  That gave way to a beautiful Spring with so many wonderful flowers and blossoms.  Because the weather changed a lot during our stay I had to pack for the cold (coats, gloves, scarf, etc) as well as the warmer days. Below is the packing list I used for traveling for the 4 plus weeks in one carry on. I also take one under the seat bag with things that i need during the flight.

Once I laid out all my clothes on the bed, I started to take away a few items at a time.  While I used all my clothing, I only used 2 pair of the 4 pair of shoes I brought.  This travel tip saved me a lot of space, I did not take liquids! I bought everything once we landed at a nearby pharmacy (more on French Pharmacy later).  Create a travel checklist, or use the one below.

Carry-on

Packing carry on

Carry on suitcase

Here is the Checklist I used for best tips for packing 4 weeks in one carry-on

Documents: Passport; ID; Credit Card(s); cash; vaccine card (check location), Airline

Hotel, transport; event & attraction tickets

Pants: 4 plus wear one

Tops: 2-tank, 4-short sleeve, 2-long

Underwear

Bras

Leggings: one pair only

Skirt/dress (opt): I did not bring this trip because then I need shoes to go

Jacket; Lightweight/rain jacket: I brought 3 jackets but really only wore one.  Unfortunately, none were really waterproof, only water resistant, so I did get soaked when it rained heavily one day

Puffer vest/vest for layering: I did not bring this but wished I had instead of the two jackets I didn’t wear

Sweater: I had one short sleeve sweater it was cute but not practical

PJ’s

Hooded shirt (plane):  I like this so I can cover my head and go to sleep on the plane

Shoes: tennis, boots(walking/waterproof); sandals; I brought 1 pair of trainers & 2 boots

Crossbody purse

Reusable shopping bag

Packable duffle: I will only check a bag on the way home if I need space for souvenirs.  I carry on the souvenirs and check a bag full of clothes

Glasses (prescription and/or sunglasses)

Prescriptions: I bring meclizine in case I get airsick and ibuprofen for aches/pain

Chargers, cords, batteries, earbuds

Cell phone & Sim (E-Sim) We used Orange e-sim in France

Adapters, converter: Europe 220 Voltz, while US is 100, so you may need both depending on your appliance

Hand sanitizer; masks; gloves; wipes: I still bring a small supply of these in case

Laundry detergent

Hat/beanie: I had a stocking cap and a bucket hat

Scarf; Gloves: definitely needed these in the cold weather at the beginning of the trip

Towel

Belt

Toothbrush; paste, floss

Razor

Hairbrush, comb, Hair ties & clips

Face cleanser

SPF Sunscreen:  ALWAYS!!!!

Moisturizer, tinted sunscreen

Mascara/brow gel

Shampoo/conditioner and hair frizz control

Mirror

Body wash

Lip gloss/chap stick SPF

Bandaid/moleskin: for blisters, of course I got two after the first day!

Travel pictures

Washing:  If we are traveling for more than 2 weeks, we usually try to find at least one of our stays with a washer/dryer.  At the end of week 3 or the beginning of week 4 we like to wash our clothes for the rest of the trip.  In between, we will wash light items in the tub or sink and hang dry.  I hang dry all my clothes; however, my husband likes his all dried.  The drying can be an issue as the washer/dryer combo machines that we have experienced usually don’t dry so well.