Travelling Carry-On Only - It can be done!
Jul 09, 2026
As someone who once travelled with 3 suitcases and a duffle bag for a week away... attempting to travel to Europe for 12 days in carry on only felt like a daunting task. But I was up for the challenge.
Here I'll share the why's behind it all, my past beliefs, and the tips and tricks and tools I used to get it done! Spoiler alert, I did it, and there were even things I brought home from the trip that I didn't wear.
The fact that everything I needed for 12 days is in these 2 bags, blows me away. So many people travel carry on only all the time and I’ve always been in awe. For real. This girl, when she was 13, took 3 suitcases and a duffle bag for a week at dance camp. She also typically takes these two bags, plus a giant suitcase for 5 days away in the summer.
The ‘what if’ runs deep in this girl. What if I forget something. What if I miss that. What if, what if, what if.
And as I was doing this… I realized that is a lot about trusting yourself. About knowing you will be ok no matter what. That you’re safe. You’ve got your own back and you can trust.
It’s been a powerful process.
I always felt like ‘why can’t I just do that? So many people can. Why can’t it be ‘easy’ for me?’ But through this process I learned it’s not at all about the suitcase. Or lack of one. It’s about knowing I’ll be ok no matter what, that I can trust my choices and myself!! That’s it! It’s about so much more than ‘carry on only’ for me.’ And I feel proud. I’ve grown. And witnessed a lot of fears come up through this. And I know next time it will be even easier.
The crazy thing is, you never know what will be the most powerful ‘personal growth’ experience. Maybe, it’s hiding in your suitcase, waiting for you to uncover it
Now, there were some things that I learned along the way, that helped me to do this.
1. Sudoku packing method (I did not do this... but it gave me the belief that you could definitely travel with a few items, and create many outfits from them.). I tried, but took way more than the 9 items.
2. Packing cubes!
These were a game changer. I was able to put like items in a packing cube, and then compress them. The compression cubes are wonderful! One thing I did as well, is write down on a list as I was packing so I would know what was in each cube. I think often, worrying that you've forgotten something is why we tend to overpack.
3. Bar Shampoo and Conditioner
These were so helpful, and then allowed for more space in the 'liquids, gels & aerosols' bag.
4. Vacuum sealing bags.
New to me, one of my girlfriends used these on our trip, and I immediately bought some when I got home for my next trip. I got the clear ones, and they're so helpful becuase you can see what's in the bag. And it's incredible just how much you can pack down into them.
5. Simple colour palette.
I went with beige, black, brown, blue, and white. And mixed and matched within that. I took linen pants (black and beige) a coupel fo pairs of jeans, and skirts, and then lots of neutral tops that could be layered. Black and white tank tops are the best thing ever. And a couple of light cardigans, and a jean jacket. (which surprisingly was one of the things I didn't wear this trip!) But I take it EVERY trip I go on. Always.
6 Comfy shoes that were cute with anything. I have a favourite pair of Allbirds white sneakers. They looked cute with skirts, pants, everytthing. Walking in Europe is no joke on all the cobblestones. Comfy sneakers were a must. I also took one pair of wedge sandals for when I needed to be a bit more dressy.
7. Belief in myself that I could indeed do this. I'm not kidding when I say I was a chronic overpacker. I have taken my big suitcase and a carry on and a backpack for a weekend away. Even recently. This proved to me that I could do what I never thought I could.
8. A packable bag.
I found a super cute one on Amazon, that I had with me for days out on the boat, or when we took a bus tour (to throw things in) and I was able to have that extra space for the way home, after I bought things. I mean... it's Europe, and it was my first time. This packing bag was super small on the way there in my suitcase and gave me the piece of mind knowing I had space to bring things home. I loved it so much!
I'll share links here for all of the things. Or if you want them all, just shoot me an email, and I'll send them right off to you!
You can do this. If you found this blog, and are thinking your're not sure you can pack carry on only. trust me... you can!
Here's to the best trips ever! With only the things you need.
xo, Niki
To learn more about the Essential Oils I use, and how they have impacted our lives in many ways... you can click right here.
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