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Ever flown Europe’s budget airlines? They have tighter baggage restrictions than the US. Find out how I managed to pack carryon only and how you can, too!
How to Pack for Europe’s Budget Airlines
Flying carry-on with Europe’s budget airlines is no ordinary experience. When they say 1 piece carry-on only they mean ONE item – no handbag, no suitcase, nada – so figuring out how to pack for Europe can be quite challenging especially in the winter months.
I recently traveled with RyanAir from England to Spain and instead of getting a reminder email telling me about my flight, their email was to reemphasize the RyanAir baggage policy and their rigid airline travel rules:
Whatever you bring onto the plane, it must fit into a single bag fitting dimensions smaller than the average airline: 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. (This post was written in early 2013 so please check with the airline to learn their up to date baggage info.)
Unlike other airlines that allow you one carry-on luggage and one personal item, they only allow one single bag including your purse, laptop or anything else you like to travel with.
Traveling carry on with other airlines is normally no big deal. With a good packing strategy and the aid of packing cubes you can easily fit all of your belongings in a carryon PLUS your one personal item – not with Ryan Air.
It was challenging to squeeze everything in but I did it in this Marmot 35 liter backpack. I opted against my usual Osprey Farpoint Backpack in fear that it would be a few centimeters too long and with the 60GBP fee looming over my head, I didn’t want to take any chances.
However, there were two major factors that heavily affected my packing choices:
- It’s freezing COLD
- I need business clothes
So how do you manage to pack a diverse set of winter plus business clothing into one carry-on bag – I’ll show you!
Traveling Carry-on in Europe
Activities: Business, Sightseeing, Nightlife, Dinners
Because my activities during this particular trip were going to be more diverse, when planning how to pack for Europe, I decided to bring an assortment of basics that I could mix and match according to my mood and my destination.
Versatility is key to a capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide!
Packing Strategy
I used my slim packing cubes along with the 12 Piece Classic Packing List inspired by the travel outfits from the Business Trip Packing List.
These proved to be quite generous, even with winter clothing! Most of my clothing was thin material and not specifically chosen for practicality – I packed 2 leather items plus jeans and still managed to fit all my clothing in just two cubes. I used the third cube for my undies, socks, thick tights, and scarves. You can really cram so much into these little cubes!
The thing with winter, if you want to diversify your travel wardrobe then it’s better to pack thinner clothing that you can layer instead of a few heavy bulky pieces – and layering I did!
Admittedly, packing light with only a dozen or so items for Winter travel isn’t ideal, but it is possible for those looking for minimalist packing options.
Using Packing Cubes to Pack
Please note: all my clothing is black because of my personal color preference, I’m not suggesting you pack the same color story if it’s not your style. Below you will see how I separated the clothing including what I packed inside the packing cubes and what I wore on travel days.
First Packing Cube
- 1 Leather Jacket
- 1 Short Sleeve Top
- 2 Sweaters
- 2 Long Sleeve Tops
Second Packing Cube
- 1 Leather Skirt
- 1 Jeans
- 1 Button Up Shirt
- 1 Blazer
Third Packing Cube
- 3 Socks
- 6 Undies
- 1 Bathing Suit
- 1 Tights
- 1 Scarf
Travel Outfit (for transportation days)
- 1 Travel Pants
- 1 Leggings
- 1 Short Sleeve Top
- 1 Long Sleeve Top
- 1 Tunic Hoodie
- 1 Coat
- 1 Scarf
Total Clothing: 8 Tops + 4 Bottoms + 3 Jackets = 15 Pieces of Clothing
I always pack a bathing suit because even if you don’t use it for swimming, you can always use it as a backup underwear/bra set. I opted against a dress and only brought one statement skirt I could dress up or down. I wore my combat boots on the plane and packed a pair of funky flats.
With a little careful planning, how to pack for Europe’s budget airlines isn’t an impossible task. Take that RyanAir and your super strict baggage policy!Â
What are your packing tips for traveling Europe’s budget airlines?
More Europe posts:
- Athens
- Amsterdam
- Budapest
- Copenhagen
- Cologne
- Dublin
- Edinburgh
- Italy
- London
- Lithuania
- Paris
- Rome
- Spain
- Zurich
Suggested Travel Resource:
- Lonely Planet Europe on a shoestring
- Travel Shoes for Europe
- The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe
- AmazonBasics 4-Piece Packing Cube Set
Please read our Ultimate Packing List for Europe!
This is such a helpful list, thank you!
what is a tunic hoodie? Will you recommend a few?
Just found your website yesterday and have been reading for 2 days solid. We’re planning a Deep South USA Road Trip in Nov-Dec so a lot of what you cover is SO helpful!!
Hi Katrinka, thank you for your comment, so happy to hear you have found the blog helpful for your trip!! Here are a few tunic hoodies for you to have a look at, this one comes in blue: http://bit.ly/2CSl5HU For one in a winey red color, have a look at this: http://bit.ly/2OZ6e5A Here is another option in black: http://bit.ly/2P2YBv4 There is also this one in green: http://bit.ly/2P2bKVf Hope you like one of them! Have a fabulous trip!! 🙂
Have you posted any actual pictures of how you pack/roll your garments into a slim packing cube I.e. 1 shirt 1 skirt, 1 jeans, 1 blazer in one And in another: leather jacket, 1 short sleeve shirt, 2 sweaters and 2 long sleeve shirts. I’ve been packing for a week and don’t know how to fit it all
Hi Gloria, take a look at this tfg video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lR5KpPikRM. Also have a look at this article about tips for packing: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/60-travel-packing-tips-from-the-experts/
Hope that helps 🙂
Ryanair now allow a small bag to fit under the seat in front of you 35x20x20. There’s a few available on ebay/amazon that are manufactured to these standards and you can actually fit a lot in if you pack smart! EasyJet are the ones to watch now with only one bag allowed. Last time I flew with them I was told to put my handbag inside my carry on and they measured everyone’s case! Flybe also measured my case last time I flew with them. Also watch out if you’re doing multiple trips on different airlines, Flybe’s case size is slightly smaller than the others.
Thanks for the update Sarah!
Just wanted to say keep up the great job!| Greetings from Idaho!
Thanks Rubie!
Great tips. I have a Scottevest trench coat that’s like a second carryon. It’s awesome!
My daughter lives in Spain and flies Ryan all the time. She bought a down jacket at a thrift shop and took out the filling in several sections so she can pack extra clothing.
That’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing Sharon! Talk about maximizing your packing!
Super helpful as I’m planning an 11 day trip on WOW Airlines coming up in September, except their luggage restrictions are even tighter. I know that they weigh each carry on, but what I wanted to know is if they also measure them. The free carry on is restricted to 10 kg and 42x32x25 cm. While I feel I can get under 10 kg, I’m struggling to even find a bag within those dimensions! Their “large carry on”, which includes a fee, allows up to 56x45x25 cm and 12 kg, and most carry-ons fit that size. While I have no problem finding the larger size bag, I’d really like to avoid paying that large carry on fee for the 3 legs flights I’m on. Any tips for that micro sized bag?
Ohhh tough one! There may be some options that fit those requirements here: https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-carry-on-suitcases-for-traveling-europe/ In my experience, not many airlines pay attention to if it is an inch or two larger. Safe Travels Whitney!
Hi Whitney,
I was wondering if you can update your post? Did you find a good carry on meeting WOW Airlines (free carry on)? Did they measure your bag? I will travel soon with this airline and I’m having the same issue as you.
Thanks!
Veronica
I have shared your website with my family members who were frustrated trying to figure out how to pack for Prague. They were thrilled!!
This makes me so happy Carolyn 🙂 Thanks for sharing it!
Wow! What a wealth of info, thanks so much! I wonder is it possible to travel both Europe and China for 2 months w just one carry on????! I didn’t think so but you’re an expert, love your advice thx!!!
Yes of course! Take a look: https://travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-guide-to-packing-for-different-climates/
This post (and your blog in general) are super helpful. I’m planning a trip to France with a long layover in Istanbul for October. I think your packing list will be a great foundation for me. The only thing that concerns me is packing gym clothes which can quickly take up a lot of space – with sports bras, sneakers and such.
Hi Bo, thanks for your comment! There are several factors to consider when packing workout clothing for travel:
1) How long is your trip? If it’s a long trip (over 2 weeks) then you may want to consider clothing that is versatile and you can wear to workout and to sightsee as well.
If it’s a short trip, can 1-2 sets of fitness wear suffice? Is it possible for you to switch between sets daily and hand wash each per use? Here are some tips on hand- washing when you’re traveling: https://travelfashiongirl.com/step-by-step-tutorial-how-to-hand-wash-clothing-when-travelling/
However, if you’re trip is going to be non-stop you then have to ask yourself this question:
2) Are you 100% planning to workout during your trip?
Some trips feel like a workout in themselves! I have travelers that email me with the exact predicament then later tell me they didn’t use their trainers or workout clothing because they felt that travel in itself was a workout.
You are non-stop and walk several miles in one day. You might find yourself exhausted after a day of sightseeing or swimming all day so you may skip your normal workout. You can purchase a pedometer or download an app on your smartphone that tracks your steps per day. This is an inexpensive and popular pedometer: http://amzn.to/1qU2sbt
3) If you are 100% sure you will workout the next thing to consider is the type of workout you’ll be doing:
If you are doing a low impact activity such as yoga, is it possible to re-wear the workout clothing (worst case scenario) for a second workout? You can get both travel clothes and fitness clothing with anti-bacterial properties. Clothing with moisture-wicking properties does not absorb as much sweat or odor.
Also, consider the minimum amount of clothing you need to participate in this activity. Determine if you can choose clothing that takes up less space such as thin leggings instead of bulky sweatpants or a small tank top instead of a large t-shirt.
4) Will you be running in a hotel gym indoors or on the street?
With the above in mind, consider that if you are doing a workout in public, the proper gear might be needed. However, if you are doing your workout in the privacy of your own hotel room, you may not need much clothing at all if any.
When I was on a 2.5 month promotional job touring across the US, I worked out daily to my favorite cardio kickboxing videos in my hotel room. Since nobody saw me, all I wore were small shorts, a sports bra, and trainers. All I had to hand wash quickly were my shorts and sports bra which dried in my hotel room or vehicle (if I was driving) over night.
5) Ultimately, your goal is the same as choosing clothing for travel: choose fabrics that are light and quick-dry making it easy for you to pack light whether you choose to pack 1 or more sets of fitness wear.
For shoes, there are so many featherlight shoes on the market it’s just about choosing the one that works for you. The Nike Free series is a popular choice for many women. They can use it to workout or dress it up to sightsee.
I ran into this kooky situation with EasyJet: I couldn’t bring my carry on bag and my small sling purse through their flight check-in process (I had to stash my purse inside my suitcase), but as soon as I passed by their flight security and got onto the plane, I could take out my purse and have two bags again.
It’s a very intimdating process
Ryan air has changed their policy and now allows two small bags. Peopl have resorted to giant apron style vests with giant pockets to stash extra clothes
Hi, thanks for the tip. 🙂
Ryan AIr has a new policy allowing for toe bags, albeit small. Some people wear giant apron style vest to carry more stuff on.
I think Ryan Air’s policy is so ridiculous! Your suitcase is no way, no how fitting under the seat in front of you. So what does it really matter if you also have a purse or laptop that can be placed under the seat in front of you? It’s not as though you’d be taking up extra overhead bin space.
yeah they’re pretty extreme – I wish I would’ve taken pictures of all their signs at the airport – it was ridiculous
I haven’t encountered that kind of policy yet (although Air Asia and Asian budget airlines have the one-bag rule), but this is why I wear a huge amount of clothes to the airport… my tank, short-sleeved shirt and sweater/long-sleeved shirt, two pairs of socks, two scarves, and of course all my winter gear if the weather requires! I sweat like crazy but it gives me more options in terms of what I can bring.
always a good plan t pile on the cold weather gear when you board the plane 🙂
yay! this is so helpful!! I am going study abroad in the fall!
I was wondering if you can something like what to take to study abroad in Europe during the fall!
Hi there thanks for your comment! An updated Europe packing list coming soon 🙂
Hi Alex,
Thank you for some great outfit ideas that are stylish and practical! I have really been over thinking what to pack, and your outfits look awesome! What do you suggest for shoes for a month Europe? I am torn between running shoes (but hate the look) or taking my reliable suede boots ( I know they won’t fare well in rain). Any ideas for me?
Look forward to browsing more on your site!
Tara
Hi Tara, thank you for reading! I’m glad you’ve found the posts helpful 🙂
Depending on the time of year you’re traveling, rain might not be an issue. Instead of trainers, how about Toms or some cute Puma flats? You could also get some (p)leather boots – it’s the perfect time of year for sales!
Alternatively, Joanna swears by her stylish Crocs flats in Europe which are also kinda perfect for the rain: https://travelfashiongirl.com/travel-shoes-nothing-gets-between-me-and-my-crocs/
Let me know what you decide 🙂
Thank you for posting this! I will be traveling around Europe for 6 weeks and have had such a hard time debating what to bring in one small suitcase.. this definitely helps me narrow it down!
That’s great! I’m glad I could help 🙂
Hi!
I nominated you for a Liebster Blog Award.
Good luck with your future travels!
Thank you for the nomination! 🙂
Thank you for your suggestion, Alex! I’m going away to Tenerife in October, do you think you could do a suggested packing list for there?
Hi Mollie No problem. I’ll see what I can find for Tenerife 🙂
Thank you!
Thanks, this was just perfect! Flying to Vienna from Helsinki via Riga on friday and I just started to think about what (and how) to pack in only one carry on bag…. yet 15 pieces feels a bit to much for only four days. I hope I manage with only 8-10 pieces.
HI Alexandra thanks for your comment! I also have this 8 piece Travel Essentials Packing List: https://travelfashiongirl.com/travel-essentials-packing-list/ that might be helpful. You’ll be fine with 8-10 pieces, just choose the right ones 😉 have fun!
I love the format of this post! So helpful, especially because I’m taking easyJet on Thursday to go to Amsterdam and it’s definitely going to be cold!
Great! I’m glad it helped 🙂 Have a great time!
Ahhh the perils of Ryanair… They always insist I put my suitcase into their little rack to see if it fits… which I swear is smaller than the dimensions they state! It always fits in, but getting it out is usually the problem 😉
Thanks for this post! I will seriously consider these packing cubes as I often fly with Ryanair and my packing skills suck -_- I can’t believe how much you managed to fit in!
The signs and suitcase racks everywhere were ridiculous. I had no idea it was my first time! It is a very intimidating situation I almost wanted to buy their carry on to avoid any trouble…
I stuff these poor little cubes like anything but this was the true test since I had “non’practical” travel items like my leather skirt and jacket. Mind you, their both items from H&M so kinda on the thin side but still. Incredible!
Thanks for commenting 🙂