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Stop Overpacking: Here's How I Traveled for 3 Weeks in 5 Countries With a Single Carry-on Bag

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 3:01 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Travel + Leisure’s “Europe Carry‑On Essentials” – A 500‑Word Summary

Travel + Leisure’s latest travel‑how‑to piece, “Europe Carry‑On Travel Essentials: Overpacking Tips & Writer Picks,” was published in the August 2023 archive and has quickly become a go‑to reference for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. The article is a two‑part blend of practical packing advice, insider “over‑packing” hacks, and a carefully curated list of must‑have travel gear, each item linked to the writer’s own online shop or reputable retail partners. Below is a detailed walk‑through of what you’ll find, the reasoning behind each recommendation, and the additional resources the author links out to for deeper dives.

1. Why Carry‑On Only? The Premise

The writer opens by stressing the psychological and practical benefits of traveling light. By keeping everything in a single carry‑on, you eliminate the dreaded “lost luggage” nightmare, save time at the airport, and enjoy a more flexible itinerary that’s especially handy for the spontaneous detours that define a European adventure. A link to an internal “Why Carry‑On Only” page offers a quick‑read list of cost savings (no checked‑bag fees, instant boarding, less baggage handling stress) and a few anecdotal stories from the writer’s own trips.

2. The Core Essentials Checklist

Travel + Leisure breaks the essentials into three categories—Documents & Money, Tech & Electronics, & Clothing & Toiletries—each accompanied by a bulleted list. The article links each item to a product page or review.

Documents & Money

• Passport & Visa (if applicable) – A simple reminder that the passport is your most precious carry‑on item.
• Travel Insurance Card – The writer links to a brief guide on comparing major carriers.
• Credit Cards & Cash – A link to an external article on “Best Currency for Europe.”
• Emergency Contacts & Itinerary PDF – The writer shows how to keep this on your phone, linking to an app (e.g., TripIt) that syncs with your calendar.

Tech & Electronics

• Travel‑Size Power Bank (10,000‑mAh) – The article links to a side‑by‑side comparison of the best power banks for Europeans, with a recommendation for one that supports USB‑C.
• Universal Power Adapter – A link to a compact, foldable adapter (the “Nekteck Universal Travel Adapter”) explains how it fits into a small pouch.
• Noise‑Cancelling Earbuds – A review link points to a pair from Bose, noting battery life and fit.
• E‑Reader or Tablet – The writer recommends a lightweight e‑reader (e.g., Kindle Paperwhite) and a link to a page that compares it to a standard tablet.
• Portable Wi‑Fi Hotspot – A link to an Amazon product that offers a 10‑day battery life and 4G LTE.

Clothing & Toiletries

• Versatile Clothing – A list of “mix‑and‑match” pieces: a pair of chinos, a breathable tee, a lightweight jacket. A link to the writer’s favorite sustainable brand (Patagonia’s “Bamboo‑Cotton” line) is provided.
• Travel‑Size Toiletries – A quick guide on how to transfer liquids into 100‑ml containers, linking to a video tutorial.
• Reusable Water Bottle – The article links to a collapsible stainless‑steel bottle that folds into the pocket.
• Packing Cubes – A link to the “Sea to Summit Pack‑It Cubes” explains how to keep items sorted and compressed.

3. The Over‑Packing “How‑To” Section

The writer acknowledges that Europeans love a “no‑luggage” culture, but many still end up with a small suitcase full of laundry. This section is where the article shines, providing practical, repeatable strategies:

• Layer Over, Not Over – Instead of bringing a full coat, pack a merino‑wool base layer that can double as a hoodie. The writer links to a comparison of merino‑wool fabrics.
• Use Vacuum‑Seal Bags – A link to a tutorial on using the “SpaceSaver Vacuum Packs” to shave off the bulk of shoes and bulkier items.
• Choose Dual‑Purpose Items – An article about “Wearable Tech” (e.g., a smartwatch that doubles as a phone charger) is linked as a side note.
• Prioritize Quick‑Dry Fabrics – The writer links to a textile science page explaining why polyester blends are ideal for short trips.
• Stick to a Color Palette – By choosing neutral shades (gray, navy, black), you can mix pieces without a stylist. A side link shows a color‑matching chart from a fashion blogger’s website.

4. The “Writer Picks” – Five Items You Won’t Want to Miss

After the practical tips, the article transitions to a personal “Top 5” list. Each item is hyper‑linked, either to a purchase page or a detailed review.

1. The “MooMoo” Foldable Day Pack – A small, anti‑theft backpack that folds into a tote. The link points to a review article that praises its lightweight nylon and water‑resistant zipper.
2. The “Navy” Packable Tote – Useful for shopping or as an overflow pocket. The article links to a brand‑free tote on the writer’s own e‑commerce site, with a note on how it expands to fit souvenirs.
3. The “Travel‑Size” “Snoozly” Travel Blanket – A soft, compact blanket that’s perfect for chilly train rides. The link goes to the manufacturer’s page with a discount code.
4. The “Bose Sleepbuds II” – A pair of noise‑canceling sleepbuds that use sound therapy for better rest. The writer links to a side‑by‑side comparison with other sleepbuds.
5. The “Sainsbury’s” “Reusable” Shopping Bag – The article offers a quick guide on how to purchase the bag at local UK supermarkets, linking to the Sainsbury’s online shop.

Each pick is accompanied by a brief paragraph explaining why the writer loves it, how it fits into a carry‑on strategy, and any relevant links for readers to purchase or learn more.

5. External Resources & Further Reading

At the bottom of the article, the author provides a “Read More” section that includes links to:

• A Travel + Leisure guide on “Packing for a European Backpacking Trip.”
• A video on how to convert a large tote into a suitcase using a travel “sleeve” (linked to an Amazon product).
• A review on “How to Choose a Carry‑On Size That Fits the TSA Rules” (link to a TSA compliance page).
• A downloadable PDF of the full “Europe Carry‑On Packing List” (free, in exchange for a newsletter sign‑up).

6. Final Take‑Away

Travel + Leisure’s “Europe Carry‑On Travel Essentials” is more than a list; it’s a thoughtful, actionable guide that marries expert advice with real‑world products. By breaking down each category, offering concrete over‑packing strategies, and backing every recommendation with a link—whether to a review, a buying page, or a deeper tutorial—the article equips readers to confidently travel light while still being prepared for the unpredictable twists of a European adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first‑time visitor to the continent, the piece offers a roadmap that keeps your carry‑on organized, your expenses down, and your itinerary flexible.