Packing is my personal nemesis. I’ve always been the over-packer, stuffing an extra pair of shoes “just in case” or packing that bulky sweater even though I knew the forecast was calling for sunshine. But when I planned a week-long trip to Europe, hopping between cities via trains and budget airlines, I faced a challenge I couldn’t ignore—flying with only a carry-on. No checked luggage. Just a small suitcase and a backpack. (Cue panicked thoughts of “but what if I need X, Y, and Z?”)
Spoiler alert, I did it. A whole week in Europe with just a carry-on… and you know what? It was mostly amazing. The freedom of traveling light was liberating, but I made a few rookie mistakes along the way. If you’re thinking of attempting a carry-on-only trip, learn from my experience! Here’s what I got right, what I’d do differently, and some tips I wish I knew before I boarded that plane.
Why Fly Carry-On Only?
Before we get into the dos and don’ts, it’s worth asking: why limit yourself to a carry-on in the first place? For me, it came down to three reasons:
- Save Money: Many European budget airlines charge hefty fees for checked baggage. By sticking to a smaller suitcase, I saved anywhere from $40-$70 per flight.
- Save Time: No waiting at baggage claim means you can hit the ground running when you land. (Plus, the risk of lost luggage? Zero.)
- Mobility: Europe’s cobblestone streets and cramped train stations are not suitcase-friendly. Hauling a lightweight bag made navigating these challenges so much easier.
I knew these benefits going in, but there were still some surprises along the way.
What I Packed (and What I Didn’t Need)
When you have one small suitcase and limited space, packing feels like a high-stakes Tetris game. You’re forced to be ultra-choosy about what makes the cut. Here’s a basic rundown of what I packed for my seven-day trip to three European cities:
Clothing:
- 4 tops (2 casual, 1 dressy, 1 for layering)
- 2 pairs of pants (1 jeans, 1 versatile black pair)
- 1 lightweight jacket
- 2 pairs of shoes (1 comfy pair for walking, 1 dressier option)
- 7 pairs of underwear and socks
- 1 scarf (dual-purpose as an accessory and layering piece)
Toiletries/Accessories:
- Travel-sized toiletries
- Refillable water bottle
- Portable charger
- Adapter for European outlets
What I Didn’t Pack:
- Pajamas (I wore oversized tees instead)
- Workout clothes (because, realistically, I wasn’t hitting the gym)
- Bulky sweaters (big mistake—I’ll get to that later)
At the time, my packing list felt solid. All the essentials were covered, right? Well, almost. Here’s where things went wrong:
- I Overpacked Clothes
Turns out, you wear way less than you think while traveling. By day three, I was already in a wash-and-rewear cycle, and two tops in my carry-on never even got used. A capsule wardrobe with mix-and-match pieces would’ve been more effective.
Fresh Tip Pack versatile clothing items that you can dress up or down. A plain black top, for instance, works for a casual sightseeing day or a nice dinner out.
I Didn’t Plan for Unexpected Weather
Europe is unpredictable. On day two, temperatures dropped suddenly, and I was shivering in my lightweight jacket. Lesson learned? Always pack one warm layer, even if the forecast promises sunny skies. A compact down jacket would’ve been life-changing.I Bought Too Many Souvenirs
Ah, good ol’ overconfidence. I thought I’d have space for a cute scarf and some chocolates, but by day six, my carry-on was bursting at the seams. Next time, I’ll leave a little extra room in my suitcase.
Pack less than you think you’ll need. You can always rewear outfits, but you can’t create more suitcase space mid-trip.
What I’d Do Differently on My Next Carry-On-Only Trip
Hindsight is 20/20, and looking back, there are several things I’d adjust if I were to do it all again. These changes aren’t huge, but they’d make a world of difference for convenience, comfort, and keeping my sanity.
1. Invest in Packing Cubes
If there’s one packing tip you take away from this article, make it this one! Packing cubes help compress items and keep your suitcase organized. I didn’t realize how much time I’d waste rummaging around for clean socks.
2. Maximize Personal-Item Space
Many airlines allow you to bring a personal item (like a backpack) in addition to your carry-on. I barely took advantage of this! Next time, I’ll dedicate more personal-item space for essentials I need easy access to, like snacks, maps, and my travel itinerary.
3. Simplify Shoes
Even though I only packed two pairs, one of them barely got worn. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, but skip the “maybe” footwear. If you’re not sure you'll wear it, leave it behind.
Fresh Tip Plan your outfits around your shoes. If you bring neutral, multi-purpose footwear, you’ll need fewer clothes to match them.
4. Prioritize Function Over Fashion
Look, I’m all for dressing cute in travel photos. But trust me, when you’re spending eight hours wandering cobblestone streets, your feet will curse you if you choose looks over comfort. I learned this the hard way when my stylish (but impractical) flats left me with blisters.
Fun Lessons I Learned
Travel is the ultimate teacher, and my carry-on-only adventure taught me some surprising lessons—not just about packing, but about travel in general.
1. Traveling Light Boosts Confidence
There’s something empowering about carrying everything you need on your back. You feel mobile, independent, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
2. Nobody Notices Outfits as Much as You Think
Seriously. I worried someone might point out that I wore the same jacket for five days. Guess what? Nobody cares.
3. Packing Light Encourages Spontaneity
When you’re not lugging around a massive suitcase, it’s easier to embrace last-minute changes, like hopping on an earlier train or walking to a new part of the city.
Final Thoughts
Flying carry-on only for a week in Europe isn’t impossible—in fact, it’s a travel hack I’d recommend to anyone. It’s lighter, cheaper, and much less stressful than managing bulky checked luggage. That said, it does take a bit of strategy and practice to get it just right.
By sticking to a minimalist packing approach, making room for flexibility, and learning from experiences like mine, you’ll be ready to enjoy Europe with nothing slowing you down.
On my next trip, I’ll be smarter, lighter, and much cozier (thanks, compact jacket). Whether you’re planning your first carry-on adventure or you’re a seasoned traveler looking to refine your approach, I hope these tips inspire you to pack light and move freely.
After all, the best part of travel isn’t what you carry with you; it’s the memories you make along the way.
