How to Go to Europe for 10 Days With Just a Carry-On

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

Man or woman packing suitcase full of clothes or carry-on luggage bag
Iurii Stepanov / Shutterstock.com

I stopped checking bags long before airlines started insulting their passengers by charging for it.

The first time I went to Europe, more than 40 years ago, I took only a backpack that fit in the overhead. I’ve taken something similar to South America, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and back to Europe multiple times.

Here’s why I’ve avoided checked bags for decades:

  • I’ve had luggage lost on more than one occasion. Think business trips are stressful? Try meeting an important prospect in the clothes you were wearing yesterday.
  • Claiming luggage adds to the stress of travel. It takes time and requires fighting a crowd. I’d rather be heading for the rental car counter while my fellow passengers are elbowing each other at the carousel.
  • The more luggage you have, the more hassle and expense you have. Hassle because you have to drag it around and expense because when you check into a hotel, you have to tip the people who drag it around for you.

I’m not saying I never check a bag. When you travel to shoot a TV news story — something I’ve done quite a bit — there’s so much stuff you need, you almost have to check a bag. If I’m going on a long business trip requiring a variety of business suits — something I rarely do anymore — it’s tough with just a carry-on.

But I can honestly say I’ve checked very few bags over the past several decades. Here is how to travel without checking a bag.

1. Get the biggest possible carry-on

Airline passengers with carry-on bags
Chaay_Tee / Shutterstock.com

There’s no reason to pack lighter than necessary. When you’re shopping for luggage, go for the max: 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches deep. Those can vary a bit, but overall dimensions (those three added together) can’t exceed 45 inches.

Also make sure the “personal item” you also are allowed to carry on is roomy. When traveling long-distance, my wife puts her purse in a small backpack, and my computer bag is roomy enough to carry a few things in addition to my computer.

2. Start early

man packing carry-on luggage
LightField Studios / Shutterstock.com

What many people do is pack at the last minute, cramming in everything “just in case,” then sorting it out when they get there. I get my carry-on out a day or two in advance and start carefully considering what I’ll need. Rule of thumb: If you think you might want it, leave it. If you know you’re going to need it, pack it.

I also keep a checklist on my phone so I know what to pack and don’t forget anything.

3. Sweat the small stuff

A TSA agent inspects carry-on bag luggage
Carolina K. Smith MD / Shutterstock.com

What’s the difference between a full-sized deodorant and a travel-sized version? Not much, and, depending on the kind you use, a full-sized one may not make it past airport security. The TSA limits the amount of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes (yes, including toothpaste) that you can carry onto a plane to containers of 3.4 ounces or less — and no more of those than you can fit into a quart-sized resealable bag.

I use travel sizes of everything I bring, and I don’t always bring everything I have. For example, when it comes to stuff like shampoo, if the hotel is likely to have it, I leave mine at home.

4. Sweat the big stuff

Partially packed suitcase
imnoom / Shutterstock.com

The two categories of clothing that require the most room are coats and shoes. That’s why I keep them to a minimum.

If I’m going somewhere cold I wear a leather jacket onto the plane. When I arrive, I layer. Warm? T-shirt or short-sleeve shirt. Getting chilly? Undershirt underneath. Cold? Undershirt with long-sleeve shirt. Freezing? Add the leather coat. Granted, this system won’t keep me toasty if the trip involves lots of outdoor activities, like skiing. But for most trips, it works.

As for shoes, I try to take one pair, maybe two if I’m going to need both casual and formal. And I make sure all clothing fits with whatever color shoes I bring. Which brings us to my next point.

5. Think about what you’re packing

Woman unpacking her suitcase in a hotel room
JLco Julia Amaral / Shutterstock.com

Every shirt I pack will work with every pair of pants, and it will all work with whatever shoes and belt I bring. This is one reason why I like jeans and khakis: You really can’t go wrong. Casual clothing takes up a lot less space than suits, is more relaxing to wear and easier to mix and match.

I used to go to New York City periodically for TV appearances, as well as meetings with partner websites. In the old days, both would have required a suit. These days, having a collar on your shirt is formal. I’ve done network interviews in jeans.

When you get home and unpack, take note of anything you didn’t use. Remove it from your list and don’t bring it next time.

6. Think about how to pack

Smart clever brilliant thinking genius with a great idea
Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock.com

My mother was a roller — she liked to roll up shirts and pants, claiming they took up less space and were less likely to get wrinkled. I fold some things and roll others. I can fit a rolled-up pair of boxer shorts in a shirt pocket.

Find a system that works for you and stick to it. This is another reason to start early: Try different packing methods and see how compressed you can make your clothes.

7. Do laundry

Woman at a laundromat in France
Maximillian cabinet / Shutterstock.com

Pop quiz: You’re going to Europe for 10 days. How many days of clothes do you need? Answer: Five. That’s because halfway through your trip, you’re going to do laundry.

When you’re at home, washing your clothes is a hassle. When you’re in Europe, it’s an adventure. Of course, you could just turn it over to the hotel and have them do it, or turn your sink into a washing machine. But wherever you are, I’d encourage you to ask around and do what the locals do. It’s challenging, interesting, will provide a unique experience, and you never know who you might meet.

What about women?

old pretty woman with mouth and eyes wide open and hand on chin, feeling unpleasantly shocked, saying what or wow
Kues / Shutterstock.com

It’s a safe bet that a lot of females reading this article are thinking, “Sure, easy for you to say. But from make-up to shoes, women simply require more stuff.”

I won’t argue the point. But I can say I’ve traveled internationally for trips of 10 days or more with women who brought only a carry-on. And if you do a search for “traveling with only a carry-on,” you’ll find articles written by women who routinely do it as well.

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.