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Carry-On Only: Packing Tips for Euro Summer

Ciao Gallivanters!

It’s that time of year when everyone starts planning their summer vacations.

If your timeline is anything like mine, there is one thing I’m hearing over and over: Euro Summer.

The architecture, the food, the conversion rate – what’s not to love?

That is, if you can get through TSA first.

So today, I’m sharing all the tips and tricks to have an amazing Euro Summer with only a carry-on item.

Why only a carry-on?

So why only take a carry on with you?

Besides the constant anxiety when luggage is out of sight, bringing luggage that will need checked is always a risky game.

More luggage, more problems.

Will it make it to my final destination? Is my AirTag dead without me knowing? Is my Euro Summer my hotel/airbnb only accessible by three separate stair cases (true story).

Plus, most European airlines have their own regulations for the sizes and weights allowed so it may be better to try to condense packing as much as possible.

Soft-sided vs. Hard Luggage

When it comes to what size your carry-on should be I’d recommend going directly to your preferred airlines website for their guide.

If you are using a hard luggage case, it can help stay within the size regulations, as cloth/soft-sided luggage often has more give when it comes to packing.

Both will get beat up and banged up during the journey, as soft-sided luggage is often cheaper but hard luggage may prove more durable.

I’d invest in a good luggage cover to protect whichever case you choose.

Packing Cubes

Alright, it’s time to get down to business.

Packing cubes have been a lifesaver when it comes to my personal carry-on only policy.

You can get them in an array of sizes to easily compress all your undergarments, everyday clothes and shoes.

These are great not only for organization, but for when TSA opens your bag and your unmentionables won’t go flying out (another true story).

5-1 Packing Method

Some of you may have already tuned out of this post because you already know the number of outfits does not equal carry on capacity.

I’m here to tell you that you’re overpacking – stay with me here.

If you’re going abroad, chances are you’ll be collecting all of the cool European clothing as souvenirs rather than fridge magnets.

You can also bring everything you’ll need using the 5-1 method.

This is everything you should pack:

Quick math for you, these 15 items can be combined in over 60 different ways to create 60+ unique outfits.

And to be honest, finding 5 tops I genuinely like would be a challenge, I may even switch that out for a dress for a more elevated look.

Au revoir! Arrivederci! αντίο!

-Allison

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