Summer Travel in Europe - Carry-On Only
Sipping an Aperol Spritz in Positano and catching a breath-taking sunset in Santorini are just a few to-dos on the ultimate European summer bucket list.
Close country proximity, an incredible train system, and cheap flights makes a summer in Europe a multi-destination affair. With travel being a thing of ease, don’t let your luggage be the one thing that holds you back.
A bulky suitcase along cobblestone streets and missing trains due to luggage stuck in turnstiles is a thing of the past. Pack for your summer in Europe in a carry-on only!
Packing For a Multi-Destination Trip
DITCH THE FEES
Checking a bag during a multi-destination trip means that you are paying for your checked bag for every leg of your trip. The fees will begin to rack up quickly!
Going carry-on only doesn’t only take out the fee for your initial leg to Europe, but will cut down on the smaller flights between countries as well. Trust us, Ryanair does not skimp on baggage fees.
MORE PERKS OF PACKING LIGHT
EASIER TRAVEL
Skipping the baggage line at the airport cuts down on time in lines and making your connection is that much easier.
LIGHTER HAUL
Trust us, suitcase wheels and cobblestone streets do not mix well. The lighter you can make your luggage, the easier of a time you will have managing the streets of Europe.
ALL. OF. THE. STAIRS
Picture this: you find the ultimate AirBnb in Europe. You arrive with your 50lb suitcase and realize that the room is located in the fourth floor of a Parisian walkup… no elevator in sight.
Having smaller luggage will help you remember the views over the struggle up the stairs.
Worried about being able to fit everything into a carry-on? Follow the the Tripped Packing System below to go from overpacked to packing like a pro.
Pack like a Pro in 3 Steps
PULL
PUSH
PACK
Easier said than done?
1. Pull Clothes
Begin by pulling from your closet and drawers everything you’ll need for your
Favorite day of the trip
Most important day of the trip
Travel day
Even though you’ll be traveling to different countries around Europe, still focus on just one day for each of these steps of the pull process.
1a. Pull Favorite Day
Your favorite day of your trip is also known as your “dream day”. Your Favorite Day will be your ultimate day in any destination from start to finish. Think of anything you might need throughout the “dream day” of your trip.
EX. FAVORITE DAY OF YOUR EUROPEANS SUMMER TRIP
We’ll use an example of a day in Santorini.
This day may look something like:
Breakfast at the Hotel - A light lounge set and some sandals are a great option to hit the hotel breakfast in.
Relaxing at the Beach Club - Grab a bathing suit, cover up, and some sandals to enjoy the free beach clubs on the black sand beaches.
Trip to the Market - A pair of linen pants and a top are a great option to change into to grab fresh fruit and a 1.5 liter of pour-it-yourself wine at the market. (Yes, you heard that right)
Cliff Jumping in Ammoudi Bay - Do you need a different bathing suit for this? Can you use the same outfit you wore to the beach club?
Dinner and Cocktails - Head over to the South side of the island for a bite to eat. White looks great for photos in Greece. Do you have a specific outfit you see yourself in for this part of the day?
Off to Bed! - Do your pajamas you woke up in work? Do you want to add another pair?
A beautiful day in Santorini! Now that you’ve packed for your favorite day, it is time to move on to the next items you’ll pull.
TIP: While you pull for day, don’t forget to pull shoes, accessories, and specific toiletries as well!
1b. Pull M.I.D (Most Important Day)
There might be a specific reason for your summer in Europe. Maybe this is a certain event you’re traveling for or maybe it’s visiting historical site that you’ve been dying to visit.
Whatever your reason may be, begin to pull for that Most Important Day.
EX. VISITING THE ŠKOJAN CAVES IN SLOVENIA
Starting Out - Do you want another pair of pajamas? Or can you use what you pulled prior.
The morning may be chilly. Start out with athletic, moisture-wicking clothing, a light jacket, and hiking shoes or sneakers.
Post-Adventure - You worked up an appetite! Grab an extra pair of clothes to toss into your Tripped Travel Gear Daypack and stop for lunch on the way back to your accommodations.
Do you need a different pair of shoes?
LAYERS LAYERS LAYERS
Summer weather in Europe can throw you for a loop. Chilly mornings into scorching hot days with limited air conditioning. Our biggest tip to staying comfortable no matter where you are in Europe is to pack layers.
Tops
Basic base layers like light T-shirts and tanks tops are a must. A nice linen top is great for covering from the chill and for being sure you are properly clothed to visit cultural or religious centers that require more coverage.
Bottoms
Layering bottoms can be a bit more difficult. Try lightweight pants like linens to stay covered while keeping it light. Knee-length skirts or longer shorts are other great options for keep comfortable throughout the day.
Accessories
Scarfs are a great way to add extra layers while also adding an accessory. Hats can work similarly to protect your head from the elements while also adding to an outfit.
STILL BRING WHAT YOU NEED
Packing light doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice items that you might need while traveling.
Going carry-on only means packing smarter to ensure you have everything you’ll need but nothing that you won’t use while traveling.
1c. Pull Travel Day
Going to multiple destinations means that you’re going to have multiple travel days. Be in plane, train, or motorbike, you’ll need a great travel outfit to keep your comfortable.
REMEMBER
Although you might have multiple travel days during your trip, only one outfit is needed.
Tip: Think about items are you already planning to pack such as a light jacket or your sneakers to wear during your travel day to keep from overpacking.
Travel Outfit
Hiking or adventure items from what you’ve previously pulled are great items to reuse for your travel day. Leggings, a basic T-shirt, and a light jacket make for an easy and comfortable travel day outfit.
Personal Item
Pack your travel day items into a personal item that you will use again throughout your trip. Your beach bag from your day in Santorini or your daypack from your cave adventures in Slovenia are great options to double as your personal item.
Important Travel Items
Keeping everything organized during your multiple travel days is key. Don’t forget to have appropriate adaptors for every country you’ll be visiting to be able to charge electronics. Be sure you have a safe space for your passport and all of your itineraries as well.
Our favorite way to store these important travel items in is the Tripped Travel Gear Travel Pouch.
2. Push Through Panic
You might be looking at your items laid out in front of you and have a rush of panic. Push past that fear of not packing everything you own and remember that you have already packed enough for the most important days of your trip.
REMEMBER
The beautiful thing about traveling? Nobody cares if you’re an outfit repeater! Especially with a multi-destination trip, it’s okay to rewear the same pants and top multiple times.
Tip: Packing a capsule wardrobe will allow you to make multiple more outfits out of the items you have packed. Pack simply, but still bring items that you love.
2a: PULL WHAT-IFS
Europe’s weather can change on a day-to-day basis. Some of the worry you’re facing could be weather related! It’s okay to toss in some of these “what if” items to help ease the panic.
Items like an umbrella or an extra pair of warm socks are great items for those “what if” moments.
REMEMBER
In almost every place you visit in Europe, you’ll be able to purchase essentials similar to what you would have back home. Unless it is a very self-specific item like a medication, you’re likely going to be able to find a similar European version during your travels!
3. Prepare to Pack
You have everything pulled to pack and everything pushed away that didn’t make the cut. Now that you have all you need, it’s time to pack! To begin to pack, lay out your items like so:
Informal to Formal - Starting left to right, lay out your clothes from informal to formal in a row.
Top to Bottom - Lay your tops in a row from informal to formal at the top of your space. Your bottoms will go underneath your tops also laid now left to right, informal to formal.
Shoes - Lay out the coordinating shoes also from least formal to formal at the very bottom of your space.
TIP: This organizational system will allow you to see everything you’re bringing clearly. You can see gaps in your items where you might need another formal top or a pair of sandals you may have forgotten.
3A. USING COMPRESSION CUBES
THE CARRY-ON SET
A perfect fit for your carry-on bag!
Compression cubes not only save you space, they’re also a great way to organize your carry-on for less rummaging. Organize by activity or by type of clothing!
Large Cubes
Perfect for your larger items like your pants or dresses. Double-zipper compression helps to compact your bulkier items.
Small Cubes
These cubes can fit smaller items like your tops or are a great cube to pack an outfit change into to toss into your daypack.
Tube Cube
This cube is great for accessories, bathing suits, or socks and underwear. All of your clothes already packed? Use the tube cube for hair brushes or hot tools!
Laundry Bag
The roll-top and clip design of the laundry bag allows you to stash the stink during your travels. Also double as a great way to store towels and bathing suits on the go.
4. PACKING TOILETRIES IN A CARRY-ON
Traveling with toiletries in Europe may be different from what you’re used to. Be sure to adhere to their rules when traveling with liquids as well as look to see if there are any country-specific rules on what is allowed.
Generally, when traveling with liquids in Europe:
Liquids must fit in one 1-liter transparent bag.
No containers larger that 100ml.
Containers larger than 100ml must be put into checked baggage.
Countries like Greece and the United Kingdom are known for being very strict with liquid and toiletry regulations. Be sure to comply before you fly!
A SUMMER IN EUROPE AWAITS!
Using the Tripped Packing System will ensure you less luggage fees and more possibilities. Enjoy your summer in Europe with luggage being the least of your worries.
See the Tripped Packing System in use as The Lovers Passport pack for their multi-destination summer in Europe!
For a guide to the right way to pack:
