I traveled abroad for 2 weeks with only a carry-on and a personal item. Here's what worked — and what I wish I'd left behind.

I traveled to Ireland, the UK, and Iceland for two weeks with only a carry-on suitcase and a personal item. Rachel Bernstein, the traveler, brought an all-in-one worldwide adapter and wired headphones. She wished she had packed fewer shirts and left the fancy dress behind. The traveler faced the question of what to pack, given only a carry-on and a backpack.

By the end of the trip, she made memories and had a clearer idea of what to pack next time. She was glad she packed a light jacket that worked in various climates, even though she visited several places with different weather. She decided to bring local currency, even though she only used it occasionally, and felt it gave her peace of mind.

An all-in-one travel adapter was crucial, as it saved space and eliminated the need for multiple adapters. Wired headphones were a lifesaver during flights, offering in-flight entertainment without the need to buy them on the plane. She wished she had left her stylish shoes at home and opted for a more functional pair, concluding that functionality is more important than style when walking for long periods.

She packed more shirts than necessary, but realized she could have left one behind, as she was layering for most of the trip. Lastly, she packed a fancy dress that she didn't end up wearing, and in the future, she plans to leave the dress at home for more essentials.