The Ultimate Carry-On-Only Packing List

Everything I brought on a 10-day trip to Europe

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Hi Am I OK? readers,

Last week, I wrote about how I packed for a 10-day work trip to Europe in just a backpack and a carry-on suitcase. Many of you let me know that you ordered the Biaggi Carry Cube Backpack (yay, you’re going to love it!) and are on your way to becoming carry-on queens yourselves. 😊

If you haven’t read last week’s newsletter, I encourage you to go back and take a skim; it’s chock-full of tips for maximizing space in your luggage, packing functional pieces that can transition from day to night, and remembering to be extra thoughtful about what you pack.

Now, I’m not saying you won’t have luggage bursting at the seams, or you won’t look like a nerd running through the airport with a giant backpack, but we need to take the wins where we can (and in this case, the win comes in the form of skipping the baggage claim).

Last week, I focused on strategy — this week, I’m getting into the specifics. Here’s exactly what I packed.

(And yes, I swear I brought all of this with me!)

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For Days 1-4 (The first half of my trip included business attire for general sessions and networking receptions.)

• One black blazer

• One neutral sweater/cardigan

• Two nice tank tops in solid colors (I opted for one white, one black) to wear underneath either the blazer/cardigan

• Two sets of work slacks (I love these from Amazon – they feel like sweatpants but look professional with pleats in the front)

• Comfortable loafers in a neutral color

• Black-heeled booties

• A black sweater dress

• Translucent pantyhose

• One silk midi skirt

• One jumpsuit

• One black belt

• A black laptop tote bag for general sessions (rolled, packed in the shoe compartment of my backpack)

• A small black purse for evening events

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For Days 5-10 (The second half of my trip was a river cruise sailing through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia.)

• Two pairs of jeans (one blue denim, one black denim)

• Two short-sleeved sweater tops (one black, one purple)

• A long-sleeved black thermal top for layering under my coat during port stops

• 2 long-sleeve sweaters (including this V-neck cashmere sweater that I absolutely love from Quince)

• 6 pairs of socks

• 14 pairs of underwear (Pro tip: Always bring extra. Just… do it.)

• Two bras

• A small fanny pack for walking around

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Casual Wear and Workout Lewks

• Two sets of PJs – one long-sleeve/long pants set (my favorite is this set from Nordstrom), and one T-shirt and shorts set

• 1 pair of slipper socks

• Two workout tanks with built-in sports bras

• Two pairs of workout leggings

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Outerwear

• A taupe peacoat

• Scarf

• Hat/gloves

• Suede jacket

• Rain jacket

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Hair/makeup

• The Wavy Talk Thermal Brush (my new hair tool obsession for blow-out-type looks)

• A small travel comb

• Two metal scrunchies (I love these for an elevated ponytail look)

• Makeup (including my Subtl Beauty stack)

• Lipstick/lip gloss

• Mascara

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Toiletries

• Electric toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Floss

• Facewash

• Moisturizer

• Sunscreen

• A reusable washcloth for removing makeup

• Medicine

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Electronics (Pack in the Backpack)

• Bluetooth headphones for the plane

• My podcast microphone + stand

• My Osmo gimbal (perfect for taking steady video while traveling)

• External charging bank

• European power adapter

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Misc. Work items

• Business cards

• Laptop + charger

• Notebook and a pen

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Other:

• Passport

• Credit/debit cards

• Jewelry

• Neck pillow for the flight (my favorite is from Cabeau)

And there you have it! Did I miss anything? What’s your go-to travel essential? Let me know in the comments.

Wishing you a wonderful rest of your week.

Best,

Emma Stern

P.S. Sharing a bonus pic of Michaela and me in Europe last week <3