Traveling through Europe in the summer can certainly be a dream. Think cobblestone streets, open-air cafés, and endless culture, delicious food, and scenic views. But if you ask us, dragging a bulky suitcase over those cobblestones or waiting at baggage claim can quickly kill the vibe. Our pro tip/solution? Master the art of packing light and making the most out of a carry-on.
Why Go Carry-On Only?
- Save Time: bypass those pesky check-in lines (by checking in online in advance) and baggage claim lines.
- Avoid Lost Luggage: your bag – in most cases – will stay with you, which means you don’t need to worry about it going missing in transit. We always recommend throwing an Apple AirTag into your luggage though, as some airlines may ask you to gate-check your bag in economy, especially on smaller planes.
- Stay Mobile: carry-ons are much easier to manage on public transport, in taxis (especially with bigger groups), and most importantly, on those beautifully uneven European cobblestone streets.
- Save Money: some airlines will charge for checked bags, and within Europe, some will even charge you for your carry-on in addition to your checked luggage. All the more reason to travel lightly! Especially if you’re traveling within Europe and flying on budget airlines, flying carry-on only can cut costs.
Packing Strategy for a Two-Week Summer Trip to Europe
Start with the right bag: we recommend a lightweight, expandable carry-on suitcase or a travel backpack that meets most European airlines’ size restrictions (note: these are usually around 55x40x20cm, but can vary). Consider one with organised compartments for easy access, or, better yet, using compression packing cubes to further organise your things.
Next, consider creating a capsule wardrobe. Think versatile pieces in a similar/matching colour palette – things you can easily mix-and-match. Some things we would consider including:
- 4 tops (look for linen, cotton, or performance fabric)
- 2 bottoms (1 pair of shorts/skirt, and 1 pair of pants
- 1 sundress or casual evening outfit
- 1 workout outfit/activewear set (depending on planned activities)
- 1 lightweight jacket or sweater (depending on weather)
- 1 swimsuit (again, depending on location/planned activities)
- 1 set of sleepwear
- 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
- 1 pair of sandals
- Enough underwear and socks
- As a separate item, you could bring a backpack and/or a small crossbody bag for everyday wear during your excursions
Next up: packing your items. We swear by rolling your clothes rather than folding them – it’s not a myth, you’ll save space and minimize wrinkles. As mentioned above, we highly recommend using packing cubes to stay organised and compress clothes for more space. Make sure you keep your liquids under 100ml each, and remember, most accommodations provide all the basics you’ll need, like soap, shampoo, conditioner, and more!
Another golden tip: check the weather forecast and resist packing extra items “just in case.” Chances are, you won’t need them. And if the weather ends up changing drastically, and you need a few unexpected items, Europe has shops everywhere to stock up on anything you might need/have forgotten.
Our Final Tips
Worried about making everything fit? Why not do a ‘trial’ pack a few days before your departure? This way, you have time to re-assess if not everything fits in the bag you’re hoping to make work, without feeling stressed. Another great ‘hack’ is to wear your bulkiest items on the plane, for example, a sweatshirt or sweater, jacket (if needed), and those bulky sneakers that take up the most space in your carry-on. And lastly, do make sure you remember to leave a little space for souvenirs – you never know what you might find!
Packing in a carry-on doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or comfort, not to mention you’re traveling smarter! With a little planning, you’ll still have everything you need for a fabulous, stress-free European summer!
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