I traveled through Europe with just a backpack for 5 weeks. Here are my 7 best packing tips.

Before I even think about the outfits I want to pack for a vacation, I do preliminary destination research on my computer.

The first thing I check is the weather. I browse the average temperature, along with the season's highs and lows, to make sure I bring suitable clothes for every potential situation.

I also consider the activities on my itinerary before I lay out any clothes.

For example, I'd bring swimsuits and coverups to a laid-back beach town and I'd reach for my cocktail dresses and heels if I was heading to a cosmopolitan city.

As soon as I have a grasp on which items and outfits I need for my trip, I pick out my clothes.

One of my favorite ways to pack is to put together a mini capsule wardrobe, choosing garments that can be worn in several different ways. I usually seek out neutral pieces since they're easy to mix and match.

This method has worked well for me. Because I was intentional about each piece I brought on my five-week Europe trip, there were enough clothes in my backpack to create 27 different outfits.

Not only do I pack my own items in one backpack, but also I do the same for each of my three kids. One of the best ways I figure out what is and isn't worth bringing in our backpacks is a pre-departure fashion show.

Having my daughters try on the clothes I plan on packing beforehand is a good way to make sure that the outfits are comfortable and kid-approved.

The last thing I want is to arrive at the destination and realize that my kids refuse to wear the clothes in their bags.

After some trial and error, I found that rolling my clothes as tightly as I can is the best way to save space in my backpack.

Plus, it seems to produce fewer wrinkles in my clothes compared to other techniques I've tried.

I have no idea how I traveled before I started using packing cubes. They create so much extra room in my backpack that I feel like I can bring twice as many clothes as I used to.

First, I roll each garment and zip the packing cube halfway. Then, I start pushing more rolled-up items into the backpack. You'll be amazed how much you can fit inside.

When I tell people that I travel with just a backpack, many ask if I worry about leaving behind a specific item that I might need.

If there's only a tiny chance that I'll need something, I don't bring it with me. If necessary, I can buy it on the go, which is better than carrying it around and never using it.

Throughout my family's travels, which have included a five-week European backpacking trip, we've always been able to find a last-minute item in our destination, regardless of our location.

I save a lot of space in my toiletries bag by using the cosmetic samples that I collect in stores.

I keep the small containers of shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion since they come in handy when I pack.

And if I have a product in a regular-sized bottle, I transfer it to a smaller container before putting it in my bag.

You'd be hard-pressed to find me at the airport in anything besides a hoodie, sweater, or jacket. My travel outfit usually also includes a pair of jeans and sneakers.

Not only are these clothing items comfortable, but they take up the most space in my bag.

Wearing them on the plane means that I can bring them with me on the trip without sacrificing significant room in my backpack.