Curated by JLS

Before kids, my husband and I took two unforgettable 10-day trips—one through Germany in July and one through Italy. Different destinations, different vibes, but one packing strategy that worked beautifully both times: carry-on only.

No checked bags. No overpacking. Just the essentials, packed with intention.

🇩🇪 Germany by Train (and Boat!): Frankfurt → Munich → Nuremberg → Rothenburg → Burg Eltz → Rhine River

Our Germany trip was a mix of high-speed trains, storybook towns, and scenic river views. We started in Frankfurt, zipped to Munich by rail (with a food tour we still dream about), took a private WWII tour in Nuremberg, wandered the cobblestones of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, hiked up to the fairytale-like Burg Eltz Castle, and ended with a peaceful Rhine River cruise past castles and vineyards.

We each carried a backpacking-style travel pack instead of rolling luggage, and it was a game-changer for trains, stairs, and cobblestones. But the same packing strategy could easily be done in a standard carry-on suitcase too. The point wasn’t the bag itself—it was traveling light, intentional, and flexible.

Highlights & Lessons from Germany

• Trains are efficient but tough on luggage. Be on time, and pack light—you’ll thank yourself when you’re sprinting for a platform.
• Pretzels aren’t freebies. They’re on the table, but expect a small charge. Worth every bite.
• Lockers at train stations were lifesavers during day trips—stash your bag, explore hands-free.
• Small towns feel like storybooks. Rothenburg’s timbered houses were straight out of a fairytale.
• Food is hearty and delicious. Schnitzel, späetzle, and beer gardens never disappointed.

Tours & Experiences That Made the Trip

• Munich Food Tour – sampling pretzels, sausages, and beer in local spots gave us a true taste of Bavarian culture.
• Private WWII Tour in Nuremberg – deeply moving, historically rich, and worth every step. [Affiliate link]
• Day Trip to Burg Eltz Castle – straight out of a fantasy novel. We took a train + local shuttle (guided tours make this even easier). [Affiliate link]
• Rhine River Cruise – calm waters, vineyards, and castles dotting the hillsides. Pro tip: check the sun angles before you grab your seat—our side had shade at first, then turned into a perfect view the rest of the ride. [Affiliate link]

👟 Pro Tip: Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable in Germany. Between cobblestones, castle stairs, and city exploring, your feet will thank you.

🇮🇹 Italy by Heart: Rome → Pompeii → Amalfi → Mirabello Campobasso → Venice → Rome

Italy had a completely different rhythm—sun-drenched coastlines, winding alleys, and espresso-fueled mornings. Our route took us from Rome’s ruins to a day in Pompeii, then on to the Amalfi Coast, through the quiet charm of Mirabello Campobasso, up to the canals of Venice, and finally back to Rome to close the loop.

Just like in Germany, we traveled with backpacking packs instead of rolling luggage. Navigating trains, small hotel rooms, and cobblestones was so much easier without wheels. But everything we packed could just as easily fit into a standard carry-on suitcase. The key was keeping things minimal, versatile, and easy to grab on the go.

A Few Things That Made Our Italy Trip Smoother & More Memorable

• Rome’s ruins set the tone. Exploring the Colosseum and Forum early grounded us in history.
• Skip-the-line Vatican tour – worth the 6 AM wake-up. We entered through the back into the Sistine Chapel, which meant quiet, uncrowded views before the tour groups poured in.
• Pompeii was unforgettable. A guided tour brought the ancient city to life—worth the heat and crowds. (Easy day trip from Rome or Sorrento; Viator has great options.)
• The Amalfi Coast is full of stairs. We based ourselves in Sorrento, which was walkable, charming, and well-connected. Capri by boat was magic—the Blue Grotto was a highlight.
• Mirabello Campobasso offered quiet charm. Slower days here balanced the bustle of Rome and Venice.
• Venice was best after dark. Staying overnight meant peaceful canals once the day-trippers cleared out.
• Food + drink tours are our favorite way to explore. Our Venice tasting tour took us into neighborhoods we’d never have found alone.
• Laundry access is underrated. An Airbnb with a washer meant we could pack light and stay fresh.

A Personal Travel Story ✨

One of my favorite memories from Italy has nothing to do with packing tips or logistics. At the very top of the Vatican, my husband told me he was writing a postcard to his parents. I didn’t think twice about it—just another travel keepsake.

Months later, when the mail caught up to us back home, I realized it wasn’t to his parents at all. He had written a marriage proposal to me on that postcard and mailed it without me knowing. 🥹

It’s still one of the sweetest surprises of my life—and a reminder that travel memories aren’t just about where you go, but the little moments that stay with you forever.

What We Actually Packed (Backpack or Carry-On)

We each traveled with a single backpacking-style pack, but the same list would fit in a standard carry-on suitcase. The goal wasn’t the bag itself—it was packing light, versatile, and functional.

Hers

• 3 tops – breathable linen, cotton, and one dressy option
• 2 bottoms – jeans + flowy pants that worked day-to-night
• 1 midi dress – reworn multiple times, always felt put-together
• 2 layers – lightweight cardigan + packable rain jacket
• Crossbody bag – hands-free + safe for city exploring
• Packable tote – folded down flat, perfect for day trips & souvenirs
• Comfortable walking shoes – Italy & Germany’s cobblestones demand it
• Toiletry pouch – TSA-friendly & compact
• 2-in-1 flat iron & curling wand – dual voltage, travel-ready

His

• 4 tops – 2 button-downs + 2 tees (layered well, reworn often)
• 2 bottoms – jeans + joggers
• 1 lightweight jacket – versatile for evenings
• Sneakers + flip-flops – all he needed for 10 dayse
• Compact toiletry kit – still in use years later [Affiliate link]

🌍 What We Learned

Europe has its quirks—and we love them. But they definitely shaped how we pack:

• So many steps. Train stations, hotel lobbies, and historic sites rarely come with elevators.
• Cobblestone streets. Beautiful, yes—but brutal on wheels. Backpacks or small carry-ons are smarter.
• Tight spaces. Cars, trains, and hotel rooms are smaller than in the U.S.—bulky luggage quickly becomes a burden.
• Packing cubes = magic. They kept everything organized and compressed.
• Adapters are essential. We forgot one in Germany and paid triple in Munich.
• Layers > bulk. Weather shifted constantly, especially in Rome and Munich.
• Leave room for souvenirs. Rothenberg ob der Tauber’s Christmas shops and Venice’s glass boutiques were irresistible.

💡 These lessons are exactly what inspired me to create my 10-Day Europe Packing List printable—so you can skip the trial-and-error and pack light with confidence.

Despite the logistics, the charm is unmatched. The history, the beauty, the rhythm of daily life—it keeps us coming back.

And if you’re curious about the exact products we used (and still love), check out the affiliate links above. I only recommend what’s been tested in real life—no fluff, just function.

Let’s Swap Travel Stories
Have you traveled through Europe with just a carry-on? What worked for you—and what would you do differently next time? I’d love to hear your favorite packing tips, go-to travel products, or even the destinations that stole your heart.

Drop your thoughts in the comments below, or tag me @CuratedByJLS on Pinterest or Instagram. Your insights might just inspire someone else’s next adventure.