I have never done an
ABD, but we travel to Europe generally twice a year for 12-14 days at at time. We travel on our own, not any kind of organized tour. I do check a bag, that is a 25" eBags rolling suitcase by no means a huge suitcase) and my carryon is a rolling tote..it would probably fit under my seat if I need it too, but always put it in the overhead compartment. In that bag, I generally keep a smaller bag and my iPad and a scarf that I use during the flight. When we depart from our home airport, my bag is always in the 39-41 pound range for reference.
Anyway, I like to have choices when I pack. I also like to feel "put together" as wearing the same things over and over on vacation does not sound like a vacation to me. As a matter of fact, I always find myself buying a few new things for every trip that then become part of my daily wardrobe. For the record, we almost NEVER do any kind of laundry on vacation, either. Here are a few of my tips:
1. I pack according to my general style. For example, for a fall or a spring trip, I generally back 5 pairs of jeans and a pair of leggings and 12 or so knit tops, some that are short sleeve t-shirts (not graphic), some a bit dressier, three quarter sleeve or long sleeve knit tops etc. However, all are relatively thin and do not wrinkle. I can fit all my tops packed tightly in one medium eBags packing cube. I then pack a fleece or jacket, sometimes 2 if it is colder (in that case one goes on my carryon), probably a cardigan and a couple of scarves to dress up my look. All the tops generally match all the bottoms. I usually bring 4 pairs of shoes total (wear one of course). Usually a leather flat, a pair or two of low profile sneakers (not running shoes or clunky white leather shoes) and maybe a leather bootie in cooler weather, or a second pair of flats or some type of sandal in warmer weather.
2. I have learned over the years that in spite of all of our good intentions, we never change our clothes for dinner. This alone saves a ton of space and planning. Our normal clothes, while not dressy, are generally very appropriate and fine for almost any dining venue, unless you are going to something extremely fancy. So, I stick to packing day time clothes and some pajamas. I have also learned to really only pack pajama bottoms as one of my solid color t-shirts from early in the trip, can be worn as a top for the evening and sleeping..
3. I have also become very efficient in packing just what I need for toiletries, as this is where I find I lose the most space and weight. Also, any longer every hotel in Europe seems to provide a hairdryer so people are not blowing fuses. Because of this, I no longer travel with my European voltage dryer, which also saves space.
4. We also try to limit the number of extra things we bring. For example, I travel with my iPad, not a full laptop. I can access what I need through the Microsoft Office 365 portal for work if I choose to look at anything and I have access to email. I load books on the kindle app. I have stopped bringing lots of maps and atlases and use the navigation on my iphone instead. (we always rent an unlimited wi-fi hot spot). I have a duffle bag that folks up into a small pouch should we need another bag on the way home for souvenirs or anything like that. We have also used it as a beach bag on some trips.
That is all I can think of for now, but I am sure I will think of more.