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.

When I set out on my first solo international trip — a two-week journey through Ireland, the UK, and Iceland, along with pit stops in New York and Chicago — I was plagued by one question: What should I pack?

Since I was only bringing a carry-on suitcase and a backpack, every item had to earn its place.

By the time I got home, I made plenty of memories — and came to a much clearer sense of what I’d pack again, and what I’d leave behind.

Here are four items I was glad I brought, and three I could’ve gone without.