THE CARRY-ON PHILOSOPHY
Checked luggage is a tax on indecision. Every item in a checked bag is something you decided to bring but weren't sure about. The discipline of carry-on forces better decisions: you bring what you'll use, you leave what you won't, and you move through airports and train stations as a free person rather than a luggage mule.
Two weeks fits in a carry-on. This is a fact, not an aspiration. Here's the proof.
THE CLOTHING FORMULA
The formula: 5-4-3-2-1
- 5 tops — 3 casual t-shirts, 1 button-down or blouse, 1 workout/active top
- 4 bottoms — 2 pants/shorts, 1 jeans or trousers, 1 shorts or skirt
- 3 layers — 1 light jacket, 1 sweater or fleece, 1 rain layer
- 2 shoes — 1 walking shoe/sneaker, 1 sandal or dress shoe
- 1 nicer outfit — one thing you could wear to a good restaurant
Add 7 pairs of underwear and socks. Wear the heaviest items on travel days. Do laundry once mid-trip at a laundromat or hostel.
THE PACKING LIST
| Category | Items | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Documents | Passport, travel insurance card, one backup card | Scan passport, email to yourself |
| Electronics | Phone, charger, power bank, adapter, earbuds | One charging cable to rule them all |
| Toiletries | Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, SPF, shampoo bar | All fits in a quart bag. Buy shampoo locally if needed. |
| Health | Any prescriptions + 5 extra days, ibuprofen, antidiarrheal, bandaids | Don't try to buy your prescription abroad |
| Money | Debit card (no foreign fees), credit card (no foreign fees), €100–200 cash | Tell your bank you're traveling |
| Comfort | Neck pillow (inflatable), sleep mask, earplugs | Overnight trains and budget flights need these |
WHAT TO LEAVE BEHIND
- More than 2 pairs of shoes. You will wear one pair 90% of the time.
- Full-size toiletries. Every destination has a pharmacy.
- A hairdryer. Hotels have them. Hostels have them. Pack the space instead.
- The "just in case" items. You know which ones. Leave them.
- Books (more than one). Buy locally, trade at hostels, use your phone.
- Your entire jewelry collection. One piece you care about. Leave the rest at home.
THE PACKING METHOD
Roll, don't fold. Rolling reduces wrinkles and uses space more efficiently. Every clothing item, rolled tightly, placed in a packing cube. Heavy items at the bottom of the bag near your back. Electronics and documents in the top flap or a separate padded section. Shoes in a bag at the bottom.
"You will use approximately half of what you pack. Pack half of what you think you need, and you'll be approximately right."