Another Europe packing post - how to over pack while still only using a carry on!

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I know I already posted my practice packing run for Europe, and even though I am almost 100% on what I am taking, I'm probably going to wait until after we get back before I go over it. I know you're on the edge of your seat.

However, Megan asked me / I bullied her into letting me help her plan what she should pack for her trip and I gladly agreed. Megan is going to Ireland, Amsterdam, Brussels & Cologne. Even though it's technically Summer there, it's a lot cooler than our Summer so she had to pack accordingly. Temperatures ranged from about high 50s to high 60s. Like me, she gets cold easily. So we'll call it Spring, shall we?

I think a lot of us are 'over packers' meaning that we just want to be prepared for everything and look different each day. I mean, you could bring a pair of jeans, leggings and a few tshirts and they'd easily last you a week or more with handwashing and alternating. But where is the fun in that? My kind of packing is when you can still 'over pack' and not have to reuse things over if you don't have to, thus looking different enough each day but still fitting it all into a carry on. It's the best of both worlds, isn't it? That's what we tried to do for Megan's trip.

Here's what she decided on packing:

// Grey tunic // Striped top // Black Tunic // White long sleeve //

// Black top // Pink tee // Polka dot top // Sleeveless floral blouse //

// Blue jeans // Leggings // Polka dot leggings // Floral dress //

// Black cardigan // Denim hoodie // Black coat // Beige coat //

// Black scarf // Red scarf // Floral scarf // Polka dot scarf // USA scarf // USA headband //

// Black boots // Grey boots //

Note: Most items were old or from JustFab so similar options shown. She also brought 2 tees and sneakers for travelling only. I also think she might have nixed the black cardigan. Oh, and she's going to a USA soccer game in case you're wondering. 

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She's there for 10 days (not including travel days) so we came up with 10 outfits. Some have different jackets options depending on weather / activities. 

Meanwhile how adorable is that sleeveless floral blouse? I'm totally borrowing it.

She packed everything into her carry on - a small suitcase and a large backpack. Then she changed her mind and got a slightly bigger carry on, so she'd have more room for toiletries and shopping. Not pictured below is the usual - underwear, toiletries etc but she included the outfits she's wearing on the plane so it evens out. She also didn't use any packing cubes or anything fancy. She also has an adorable striped backpack in there that she's going to use as her purse that I'm also very tempted to borrow.

So there you have it, another packing post - this time it's more about getting the most out of that carry on that you can! Megan was pretty set against only using a carry on, I didn't want to push her because each to their own right? Her and her husband are probably going to check a bag between them. But I at least wanted to show her that it can be done even with a bit of over packing - don't you agree? 

Anyway - make sure you follow Megan's instagram, hopefully she'll post some pictures of her adventures so we can all be jealous!