Packing for Two Weeks in Europe in a Carry On

This is pretty close to what I brought with me to London, Bruges, and Copenhagen. I didn't include my underthings or 1 pair PJ's, but that's all the clothing that was in my bag. I didn't even go roller board suitcase, we opted for our backpacks, because after you go over about 5 cobblestone streets you'll be SO GLAD you're not rolling anything. (This is the bag I have and I LOVE IT!) Plus, three of these eBags packing cubes fit perfectly and carry everything we need!

I can honestly say I wasn't sick of these clothes, which is amazing.

2 Weeks in Europe by reneecutaia featuring sport pants

Alberta Ferretti long dress / Alexander Wang long sleeve top / Chicnova Fashion v neck top / H M marled sweater, $38 / T By Alexander Wang grey t shirt, $105 / City Chic scoop neck top / Field jacket / Alo Yoga sport pants, $115 / J Brand red jeans, $265 / Charlotte Russe black pantyhose / Avenue plus size stocking / River Island skinny jegging / H M activewear top, $45 / The North Face activewear top / Franco Sarto leather ankle boots / NIKE lace up shoes / MICHAEL Michael Kors satchel bag / Peach Couture accessory / Forever 21 scarve / Long fingerless glove, $45 / UGG Australia knit beanie

5 Tops
These 5 tops vary in weight, color and warmth. Black tank and grey t shirt can be layers or worn alone. The three sweaters have varying sleeve lengths, different types of knit, etc.

2 Pants
I only ended up wearing the black jeans. For some reason once I pack those burgundy pants, I never want to wear them. Not packing them anymore! We were able to wash our clothes 1/2 way through the trip, so this wasn't a problem.

2 Coats
This was really 1 coat, and 1 kind-of-jacket that's more like a cardigan. It was more to change up my layers, as it wouldn't keep you warm below 75* weather. I was a little sick of my 1 black coat, but it was keeping me very warm and dry, so I stopped being sick of it and was just thankful I brought it!

2 Shoes
1 everyday and 1 running shoe. Last year I brought 2 pairs of cute shoes to Italy and I never wore the 2nd pair. I decided to stick to one pair that would cover all sins - and it worked great! These have just enough of a heel that they looked dressed up with a nice necklace and my dress.

1 Black Dress
This dress is a favorite of mine over tights, and it worked for our few nice dinner nights. I could also layer sweaters over it for a casual daytime look.

2 Scarves
This is a milestone for me - i love bringing millions of scarves, but I stuck to 2! I kinda wish I brought 3, since it's basically the only thing you see in our photos except my jacket, but I also thought I might buy one while we were there and thought i'd save my space. At the end of the day I love these two fun scarves and thought they were great choices.

1 Beanie/1 Gloves
Also, wish I would have brought 1 more beanie. I kind of brought it thinking I would use it 1 day, if even - but I wore it almost every day because of all the rain! My grey fingerless gloves were perfect for the whole trip. They're from H&M and my favorite!

1 Set Workout Clothes
Biking in Copenhagen, going for a run in a park - glad I had a set.

2 Pairs Stockings
These were great for my dress and also to add a layer of warmth under jeans on a chilly day. You'd be surprised how warm tights can be!

Just a few outfits - unfortunately, you can't see what's under my jacket half the time. But with different hair styles, lipstick, and switching up scarves and beanies, you can get a few different looks without bringing your whole closet with you.

Two weeks carry on only in Europe in the COLD - you can do it!

Let me know if you need help, have questions or just think I'm crazy :)

xo

London Recap

If you didn't know this about me, I lived in London for 6 months after I graduated from college. I worked at Quiksilver, I lived in the tiniest room ever (which I shared), and I loved every poverty stricken minute :)

I had studied abroad the year before and fell in love with this amazing city. For many years I visited as often as I could, but after moving to Nashville and finally taking the time to explore other places, it turns out I haven't been since 2011 - which is insane! Finally, I was able to take Matt to the city that meant so much to me.

Anyway, we had a great time! It was rainy and grey, but isn't that part of its charm? ;)

Greenwich

Trafalgar Square/National Gallery

Regent's Park

Westminster Abbey

Big Ben/Parliment

The London Eye

We did a lot of fun stuff! I took Matt to all my old haunts, showed him where I worked and lived, and of course we just wandered and wandered. Here are a few highlights from the trip:

Southbank Christmas Market
If you're visiting London anytime in late November through the New Year, you're in luck because the city is DECKED OUT in true holiday fashion. The Southbank Centre is probably my favorite because it has everything festive you could ask for - mulled wine, string lights, fire pits, tons of evergreens, and cute little stalls to buy food & drink from. There was even a pop up skating rink! More info here.

Even if it's not Christmas, the South Bank is worth your time. The Thames Path or the "Queens Walk" has always been a favorite of mine when I visit (and lived there). For the most bang for your buck, start at the London Eye and walk East until you hit the Millennium Bridge (Tate Modern Museum and walks across to St Paul's Cathediral), or if you're feeling really up for it, go all the way to the Tower Bridge/Tower of London. There's nothing quite like it.

Emirates Air Line Cable Car
This was new since I last visited, and it was fun/terrifying :) I don't like hights, but I do like amazing views! Unfortunately it was quite misty the morning we went, but even if it was a little sunny, the views would have been amazing! This cable car takes you across the Thames just like a ski lift but over the city. You can use your Oyster card which is awesome. More info here. 

Greenwich/Prime Meridian
Something I'd never done all the times I've been in London is go down to Greenwich to see where the Prime Meridian is. If you like history at all, do this! Even if you just like adorable English towns, do this. Greenwich is what you *imagine* London would have looked like 100 years ago. It's still part of the Greater London Area, so it's only about 25 min on the Tube to get there. More info here.

We did a lot but those were some of my highlights! Other highlights included seeing old friends, wandering the pretty Christmas decorated streets, and visiting the markets!

I miss it so much already! It's my favorite city in the world! More details on London coming later :)
xo

This Week in Travel: Vol. 30

There are so many travel blogs & publications I read on a daily basis! Wanted to share some of my favorite links, articles, info graphics and tips from around the web this week.

• 20 of the world's most Instagramed places (also doubles as places you have to see before you die!)
• What $5 will get you around the world. 
• Crazy things that happened on airplanes this year. People be crazy! 
• A girl recreated her mom's study abroad photos from 30 years prior. So fun!
• I can vouch for 2,10,11 & 12 - these are the 14 best cities at Christmas!
• The ultimate packing list for kids. Now, if only they could pack their own suitcases, right? :)
• The busiest and least busy fly days of the year according to T&L
• This is SO HELPFUL - how to pack wine in your suitcase
• Tips for avoiding getting stressed out with holiday travel
• Almost every airline has banned hover boards from being carry on items.
• 5 holiday travel hacks 
• We're officially living in the future if SPACE TRAVEL is on the table!

Wow - where has the time gone? All of a sudden, the holidays are upon us again. I hope you've enjoyed your Thanksgiving & are ready for Santa to come. We extended our Thanksgiving and spent it abroad. London, Bruges, and Copenhagen to be exact. It was an awesome trip and I'll be sharing more here soon! Here are a few teaser photos while you wait :)

London

Bruges

Copenhagen