AVOID THESE CARRY ON PACKING MISTAKES IN EUROPE | How to Pack Carry-On Only (and What NOT to Do!)

[@HappytoWander]

*Hey everyone!* I hope you enjoy this roundup of carry-on packing mistakes to avoid for Europe! If you have any recent experiences, please share them in the comments because it feels like things are changing really quickly these days and the more info we have, the better haha. And a huge thanks again to @UnboundMerino for sponsoring this week’s video! I’ve been testing their products for a few months now and can’t get over how many times you can rewear their stuff before it starts smelling! Such a game changer for carry-on packing. You can browse Unbound Merino’s full collection here: shrsl.com/4fsez {affiliate link}

[@brendakrause5639]

I bring a small scale and clothing measuring tape with me. I always make sure all compartments outside have dual zippers. Small zip ties to secure openings especially on busses and trains.i make sure to have nailclipper in pocket outside locked ones to cut the zipties.

[@HandiMelhi]

I have both real bags and high quality fakes and not gona lie... you cannot tell the difference. i think even rich ladies are just sick of these chanel prices. *gtdupe*

[@tray2811]

Be aware, especially with low cost carriers, personal items can sometimes be the only thing included in the base fare so just be sure to check what’s actually included

[@HappytoWander]

Yes! Most of them make you pay extra for full carry on bags now which is such a bummer :(

[@claudiakarl7888]

Ryanair charges you extra for everything beyond your personal item bag. Bu f you bring more than carry on luggage plus personal item bag (40x2x20, 7 kg) it gets really expensive

[@IrishAnnie]

Yes. Frontier roasted some poor people coming home from Disney. Their back packs were too big, so they were charged $500. The man behind me waiting to board, threw his backpack in the trash after stuffing as much as he could in his wife’s large purse. Always know what the baggage fees are in detail. 😊

[@marixa5678]

Seems like it’s the same with EasyJet 👍🏼

[@JonnHam-01]

Exactly what I have been thinking about 👌

[@gwenlumppio1753]

My husband & I took a 50 day trip through Europe last year & only had carry on . We always had a hotel room with a sink & many hotel rooms have heated towel racks. When your on the move & have stairs to deal with you want to be as light as possible! thanks for spreading the word!

[@marieborchardt2910]

Even when I check my bag, I make sure I can easily carry it myself, especially while maneuvering stairs. Best to be prepared!

[@threadfix]

Any tips of what to take and not what to take

[@bonniea8189]

I'm about to do this, but during winter

[@sylly654]

I am so glad you are starting off with size and weight restrictions of carry ons. We went to France last summer on Lufthansa (out of SFO). We had flown United a few years earlier to France, so I planned on using the same carry on and personal items bags from that trip. Good thing I double checked the Lufthansa website for size and weight restrictions. NONE of my many rolling carry on suitcases, nor my many personal item travel bags where in compliance with Lufthansa’s rules. So I ended up buying all new bags. And I also bought a luggage scale. Once I started packing my new rolling carry on suitcase I realized I could only fill it 2/3’s of the way before it reached max weight capacity. Yikes! And that was just normal summer clothes, nothing really heavy. Just skirts, shorts, tops, a pair of sandals and a curling iron. And sure enough, they weighed it at the check in counter. Luckily I was within the limit since I had weighed to beforehand. But YES, the new rules are strict and enforced 😮

[@HappytoWander]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience!! I’ve only had my carry on weighed at the check in desk once and now I avoid checking in in-person whenever possible haha. Sad to hear it’s becoming so common to weigh bags but high five to you for doing your homework and making sure you were within your limits!!! 🖐️ I’m sure many others on your flight weren’t so prudent haha

[@milenaaleksic3009]

Just wondering🤔 , how can you have that big backpack , when, all you can have is 7 kg !!! ( carryon + hand bag ) combine 😐

[@jojoin514]

@@milenaaleksic3009 the airlines I have flown on specify a certain weight for you carry-on suitcase, not your personal bag. As long as your handbag, laptop bag or whatever is your personal item fits in the baggage sizer, it's alright. Just check baggage allowance on the website of the airline you are flying with or on their app once you have booked your flights.

[@drewrichardson8789]

@@jojoin514some have weight restrictions on personal items. Veuling air last year was4 kg, and they weighed at check in.

[@JonnHam-01]

@@milenaaleksic3009 i was about to ask same 😶

[@ChristieAustin]

I am in my late 60's and have been travelling internationally for years and lived in Europe for 10 years. I am a heavy packer. Your video was inspiring but I'm not sure I could make the switch. I always check a bag for a trip a week or more. Yes sometimes (rarely and the last one was my fault not the airline's) there is a hiccup but overall it is so much easier for me. I do also bring a carryon or personal item on board to keep valuables and a change of clothes in case luggage is lost. I do find that with everyone going carryon now it takes longer to board the plane and there are often scuffles among passengers trying to stuff their items in the overhead.

[@lseward21]

Well done! Here’s a tip for study abroad students: countries/university facilities may vary. For example, I taught students in Cherbourg, France where we had nice rooms - but only two washing machines. In Rome clothes had to be taken to commercial cleaners- who sometimes shrunk clothes by using too much heat. I also met a student who had gone to a program in rural Australia where no washers were available. She couldn’t believe the problems w hand washing and air drying jeans. I mention this because I noticed a pair of jeans in the video. Fine for a short trip (although they are heavy!) but not good for longer stays where you need to wash your clothes in a small sink. I highly recommend taking clothes that can be easily washed by hand and that dry overnight when you hang them on a hanger. (If you doubt jeans would be problematic to wash by hand and air dry, try it at home!)

[@nadli2008]

I always carry extra underwear clothes(1pair,socks), medication, electronics in my carry on,in case of baggage being lost, or some accident on airplane like food spillage

[@IrishAnnie]

Frontier failed to load about 30 peoples luggage on the non stop flight. We had to go to a baptism the next day so they paid for our clothes, health and beauty items. I had to hem my husbands pants. Since it was in February when there was hardly any selection for me in the stores, I had to buy a hideously ugly dress at Kohls. All in $300. They paid for it all.

[@HappytoWander]

Yes that’s a great practice!! A lot of people forget to bring the essentials/emergency extras with them on board so I’m happy to hear you do that :) always good to be prepared.

[@HappytoWander]

Ahhh no. Sorry to hear that happened!! At least they ended up paying for it haha

[@nightlily3855]

@@IrishAnnie that is great! But it won't work if one is headed hiking or some remote retreat right after arrival where there is no shopping! My nightmare.

[@OGLewbaby]

For the clothing princesses who think that they can't get away with 2 or 3 bottoms and 3 to 5 tops because "people will know" they are wearing the same things..... No they really won't and they don't care. LOL!! I thought I was going to wear 4 bottoms in Spain, and I only wore 2 over 2 weeks. Could have saved so much space! Also, rubbing alcohol in a small spray bottle (I know... no more liquids!!) but if you spray the "smelly" bits of your wardrobe with it - it kills the bacteria and keeps them fresher longer!

[@HappytoWander]

Exactly!!! You get it 🫶 and wow great tip about rubbing alcohol - I haven’t tried that. Will definitely give it a go sometime.

[@JonnHam-01]

👏❣️

[@kathybrookman7011]

Hanging clothes outside works great, to refresh them. Just don't leave in direct sun, for a long time.

[@AriannaAyers]

Rubbing alcohol or perfume can cause watermark - like stains, especially on natural fibers, or dryclean only items. Silks and their non - colorfast colors will run together.

[@ameliaclark5792]

When you get to your hotel unpack and hang any smelly or wrinkled items in the bathroom and turn the shower on hot! Leave it to steam clean for 10 to 15 minutes. Even better have a shower so you don’t waste water :) 💋🇨🇦

[@robc3653]

Airlines should make sure overhead space is reserved for the seat.

[@Jane-he4xx]

You're SO right to highlight the size and weight of carry on... especially the weight as tbh the new weights are so low, a big bag is useless as you can only half fill anyway! Also before packing I always lay out my outfits for every day! I used to think that was OTT but you don't have to wear THAT outfit on THAT day.. it just focuses the mind! I was terrible at packing far more outfits than there were days to wear them!!

[@HappytoWander]

Yes! Packing based on outfits is so smart. I’m glad you found a way to curb the overpacking haha it can be so tough at first!

[@belindamohar]

You can fit more in the packing cube if you fold the clothes to fit the cube vs rolling, I packed a weeks worth of of clothes in one medium packing cube

[@IrishAnnie]

WE just got some for a trip to Italy. Cannot wait to use them.

[@HappytoWander]

Ooh interesting! I prefer rolling because it’s quicker for me somehow but to be honest, I’ve never compared the two space-wise. May be fun to test it side by side sometime!

[@nailekara]

I Agree with you . Folding won"t take that much time and saves more space and you have less wrinkles. I fold clothes using a simplified mary kondo style and store them like books spine side up .This means I don´t need to take everything away to find what´s in the bottom . and maximizes the squared space of the cube . No need to compress because there´s almost no air, just a tight block ... and then , I store every cube vertically( again like books spine side up) in my 1 sided soft suitcase ( I prefer this kind because if I´m just one or 2 nights in one place I don´t need to take everything out . Just pull the correct cube and put it back in it´s place with no fuss .

[@susie9893]

​@@nailekaraI find I get less wrinkles when I roll. This is my primary reason for rolling. And once you get used to it you can get pretty darn quick at rolling. Then again, I'm not reliant on travel cubes

[@Reed-2big]

Having an air tag can be pretty entertaining when you arrive home and your luggage doesn’t. Our 2 bags were to be sent to an airport near home. For a while there was a tight loop of 2 airports that were playing ping pong with the bags. Of course, their tours through other countries was definitely entertaining.

[@HappytoWander]

Hahah that’s hilarious. I’m glad you were able to find humour in the situation!

[@Reed-2big]

@@HappytoWander as long as we knew where the bags were and we were home it could be funny. For what it is worth, the bags could me more broadly be traced by the tracking number from the lost bag report, just not as much, like changing terminals!

[@ellensandor741]

Overheads also become full bc people put their small carry ons in the overhead. KEEP THEM UNDER THE SEATS, PEOPLE, so that everyone's carry on will fit!!

[@susie9893]

Also, you should be packing your waterbottles+electronics+other valuables (eg medications) in your personal item, and why *wouldn't* you want to keep that with you at all times?

[@Matobit]

That really annoys me like ain't no way my bags going to the cargo hold when I paid for it to go in the cabin lol

[@SharonPerson-hm9ds]

@ellensandor741 - I arrived in Alaska in the middle of the night with nothing but my shoulder bag because they forced us to gate check our carry-ons (which held my toiletries, a nightshirt, & a change of clothes), due to lack of overhead space. We departed Hartford/Springfield and arrived on time in Philadelphia. When the woman in front of us stood up to get her bag in the overhead, our friend's husband helped her get it down. But when the entitled woman pointed to another bag overhead and said 'that's mine, too' I saw absolute red!! My bag didn't go in the overhead because she selfishly didn't put her large personal bag under the seat as required. Rules apparently didn't apply to her. We had lightning on the tarmac in Philadelphia, shutting everything down past our original departure time, delaying our arrival in Anchorage, which caused us to miss our scheduled connection to Fairbanks. They re-ticketed us to the last flight of the day, we ran to the new gate, and boarded the plane. Of course our luggage didn't make that flight, and didn't get to Fairbanks until the following day. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Sophie Station in Fairbanks for providing me with a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and a comb at 2:00 in the morning.

[@eteldias5176]

Well....seats are already so narrow and close together that at times putting something under the seat where our feet are suppose to go, will force us to have our knees pressed against our chest.🤬

[@kristencobb230]

⁠@@eteldias5176then you need to bring a smaller personal item so as to be considerate to other people. One item goes in the overhead.

[@lalalaura747]

I wish my sister watched your channel before our trip to Asia last year. Yea, her luggage was a disaster. That was her first big trip.

[@HappytoWander]

Hahah well the good thing about disasters is they make excellent learning opportunities. I hope packing goes better for her next one!

[@greencrane]

I'm a really experienced traveller, but I learned so much from this video.

[@HappytoWander]

So happy to hear that!! Thanks for watching! :)

[@NoraDunn]

Great tips, Christina! I think in 2024, being prepared for your carry-on to get gate-checked is a very good plan. I'm also a huge fan of Unbound Merino (I recognize that cardigan!) :-)

[@HappytoWander]

Totally!! Can’t count on those suitcases making it on the plane anymore 😫 but yessss twins 👯‍♀️ I practically live in this cardigan haha

[@mariebrown9415]

I agree about sharing some things nut not toothpaste. Returned from 14 day Paris / Provence. Hygiene products were very expensive like dental ,floss picks etc. I bring my own and enough of any unique hair and face products in TSA bag . Paid 10 eur for floss picks in paris that are $ 1 in USA. I need 100 spf sunblock - only saw 50 SPF I’m Paris at 30 euro . Glad I brought my own 2 spray in checked bag. Mail polish and removal high also / bring own. Cut bar soap in half and bring own , Electric toothbrush 30 euro in Paris - bring own. Almost any USA name brand is very expensive in Europe.

[@yukiaedogawa]

Idk if they still have it but Unbound Merino used to have a capsule wardrobe which pretty much covered everything for most every occasion. They're expensive but if you're a frequent traveler, they're worth it.

[@HappytoWander]

Ooh! That sounds great. They definitely still do some bundles with multiple items for one lower price - is that what you’re referring to?

[@nightlily3855]

If they weigh your carry on and it is over the limit just take a heavy garment out and wear it. Those limits make no sense since the same amount of weight goes on the plane and those overhead bins are made to hold way way more than we think (check the signs for weight on them)

[@danscheid6031]

we changed up to compression packing cubes . made a big difference

[@HappytoWander]

Yes! Those can save SO much space - I love them for light but puffy items like down vests or jackets in the winter. I will say though to be careful with compression cubes these days since airlines are starting to weigh bags more, and compression cubes make it all too easy to pack more stuff which can often tip you over the allowance. I’ve definitely had to become more mindful with my usage haha

[@gingereaves4097]

@@HappytoWander Good information. I began weighing my bags several years ago and make sure I am at least 2-3 pounds under so I won't have any surprises at the airport!

[@truepeacenik]

@@HappytoWander one reason to use compression is so that personal item that might be on the edge of the size limit (like a 30L) will squish/have room for souvenirs. No, it’s not to get more, it’s to shr8 k the footprint in the bag…just in case.

[@susie9893]

Your idea of packing light varies quite a bit from mine but I subscribed anyway bcos your other travel tips tend to be quite good. Also, you explain things very well. FYI, merino items often vary in quality, price and accessibility; so bamboo may be a viable alternative for many of your viewers. My travel wardrobe is primarily comprised of merino or bamboo fabrics, at present

[@lindab5789]

Excellent video and recommendations!! So many packing videos gloss over the size and weight restrictions on European flights. I flew Lufthansa for the first time in 2018 from Charlotte to Munich. They weighed my carryon, and they have done so on every flight since then. Knowing the specific size and weight restrictions on every airline you will be flying is so critical. Also, your comments on carrying liquids through European airports are spot on. In some airports, I have had to repack my liquids into another plastic bag that airport security provided. TSA rules only apply in the U.S., so the 'TSA Approved' containers do not mean a whole lot in Europe. Also, just like in the U.S., airport security rules do not always seem consistent. So, something that worked in the past, may not work in the future, and vice-versa. Thanks for such an informative video!!

[@claudiakarl7888]

You could alternatively switch to solids. Soap, shower stuff, shampoo and even hand cream is available a bars. And toothpaste in form of tablets.

[@lindab5789]

Yes, always good advice! I definitely take all the solids that I can, and I decant others things into tiny containers. But, as a 'lady of a certain age', I need my stuff! 😜So, I still can fill up a quart bag on longer trips.@@claudiakarl7888

[@HappytoWander]

Thanks so much for watching and for sharing your experience :) I’m so surprised to hear Lufthansa has been weighing your carry on since 2018!! I used to fly with them regularly as I lived in Munich for a few years but never had mine weighed until last summer. Just goes to show how inconsistent things can be even with the same airline!

[@HappytoWander]

Yes! I’ve been wanting to experiment with those but haven’t gotten a chance yet. Do you have any brands you recommend?

[@selenaphillips6971]

That is why I am so glad I purchased an under the seat luggage because I don't want to deal with issues regarding the overhead bin.

[@asinsodojrn]

I can attest that merino wool socks are good for a whole week. I own 3 pair of socks... 2 that I rotate 1 week at a time, and put on a clean pair when it's time to do laundry. The 3rd pair is because I own Darn Tough socks, so they have a lifetime warranty. I have a spare pair so if I get a hole, I can send in the damaged pair and be comfortable awaiting my replacement pair. Also, is nice to be able to be hard on my socks knowing they are guaranteed for life! For under $100, I never need to pay for socks again!

[@truepeacenik]

Same here. I have four pair of Darn Toughs. Because I somehow get them wet every storm.

[@noelenehazell8454]

I had my carry-on weighed for the first time ever just today. It was over-weight. I removed one toiletry bag to put in my personal item, and I didn’t have to check it. Phew 😅 Lesson learned, and I learned a lot more in your video. Thank you! 🤩

[@jennideans]

Some airlines count your personal item as included in 7kg weight

[@noelenehazell8454]

@@jennideans thankfully this time that wasn't the situation. However that doesn't surprise me.

[@AnneMarieMitchell-om3gr]

Great tips! I love that you included weight of bag and the fact that handles and wheels are part of the bag dimensions. BTW, your multicolor skirt is fabulous! But sadly, I didn’t see it in your links.

[@HappytoWander]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed the video :) re: the skirt, sadly it’s quite an old skirt so I can’t find a current link for it but it was from H&M - officially called a “colour block pleated crepe midi skirt” so maybe if you searched those terms you could find a similar one :) I love it though haha it goes well with so many tops!

[@CaliforniaBear619]

A jacket with many pockets

[@MsLexKnows]

Great point about not needing to pack so many liquids! They really do add weight and stress when you can typically get whatever you need at your destination. Thank you! ☺️

[@DianeLuthi]

Yes, I'd like link to skirt also

[@HappytoWander]

Ahh it’s quite an old skirt unfortunately so I can’t find a current link for it but it was from H&M - officially called a “colour block pleated crepe midi skirt” so maybe if you searched those terms you could find a similar one :) I love it though haha it goes well with so many tops!

[@lockardco.4605]

We travel to Europe frequently so Pro-tip we’ve never had a problem flying there with weight or liquids but on the way back we drop our carry on with our liquids to avoid places like Heathrow 😂 we are careful to weight our bags before departure from our hotel on the way back to evenly distribute the weight amongst our carry on and personal item.

[@sr9802]

We are going to Heathrow soon from the us - direct flight. I’ve heard a little about liquid limitations . Do you have any advice flying into Heathrow? We are flying back to us from Paris , not Heathrow. Thank you!

[@lockardco.4605]

@@sr9802unfortunately Paris is equally as bad as Heathrow🤦🏻‍♀️ if possible my best advice is to drop any and all liquid items when you check in to avoid the headache. It may also to be helpful to throw a quart size bag into your luggage before leaving so you can put your in flight essential liquids in it on the way home. There are very few clear bags on Amazon that will clear these airports so using a quart bag is your best bet. Good luck and safe travels 😊

[@sr9802]

@@lockardco.4605 thank you very much. What do you exactly mean when you said you drop your liquids? I have only flown in the US and can take any amount of liquids under 3.4 ounces . In Europe do they not let you take liquids that are under that? Should I just check all of my liquids? Thank you very much!

[@lockardco.4605]

@@sr9802on my way there I don’t worry so much about my liquids (the 3.4oz apply overseas it’s the bag size they are in that is the problem) on the way home to avoid any of these problems I check most if not all my liquids and only keep in flight essential liquids

[@kelleyiswriting]

Not the guy who put his passport in this carry-on :') my anxiety just shot up! Thanks for another great video

[@HappytoWander]

I know!! I was sooo nervous on his behalf but I’m sure it worked out in the end. Honestly don’t worry too much - if it gets checked, the worst thing is you’ll have to wait a while to get it on the other side. Usually bags won’t get lost this way since they put them straight on the plane. Just make sure you have all your absolute essentials in your personal item and you’ll be fine. Safe travels!! Hope you have an amazing time in Italy 🫶

[@IrishAnnie]

Always keep your passport, meds, money in a messenger bag that locks. Never pack that.

[@roseharvey2664]

​@HappytoWander you obviously should always keep your passport on your person, along with wallet and credit cards and phone. Way too risky to put into bags that may not be by your side at all times.

[@gingereaves4097]

@@IrishAnnie I agree. I travel with a CPAP bag that is clearly labeled as a medical device with my contact information and my prescription inside. I also pack my medications including insulin with frozen water bottle and doctor's prescriptions inside. I carry my passport and money in a neck pouch that I put into my personal item that locks when going through security and put back on as soon as it is screened. Fortunately, I have not had any problems with security. I also carry a change of clothing in my personal item incase carryon is delayed or lost.

[@sarahm.a.9064]

​@gingereaves4097 does the cpap count as one of the carry ons or are you able to take that as extra? heading to germany/italy/greece in a couple weeks and my dad has a cpap and we are curious about this. thanks!

[@kanehi3275]

Great advices. I don't place any fragile items on a carry-on such as laptops and tablets in case it does get checked in. Electronics and cameras goes with my personal items in a back pack

[@mrkenwu1]

I often bring just three sets of clothes and wash one set nightly in my hotel room and hang dry the articles. It's easier for guys, and yes, my travel photos all have the same shirts. LOL!

[@brendakrause5639]

I use the laundry papers and a flat sink/tub stopper.

[@joesantamaria5874]

Smart.

[@newgabe09]

I travel a lot in Europe often for months at a time and have some alternative suggestions. In my experience, carry on size (or any bags really )should not have 4 sticking out wheels. They are terrible for travelling in Europe where you are likely to encounter cobblestones, lots of stairs, trains and bus storage. Two sunken wheels that don't snag or break off and are much better for stairs are much better. And no, don't pack your passport in your 'personal item' Have it next to your body at all times! And agreed, 'toiletries' are a waste of space and weight. I only carry a tiny bottle of washing up liquid that I can use to wash my (very few ) clothes in hotel. It rinses out very easily. A length of thin rope and a few lightweight pegs can save bringing extra clothes. I also use it for the rare times I need to wash my hair with anything but hot water. (haven't used shampoo for decades, but sometimes get oil on from a massage or sticky from pool/sea water).

[@gingereaves4097]

Thanks for the information about wheeled luggage. I "need" a few toiletries for skin and hair care but I have switched to solid bar options for some.

[@llkoolbean4935]

😮

[@evelynmead598]

If you have multi cities to visit don’t weight your luggage base of point of origin, weight your clothes and luggage measurement from handle to wheels base on your connecting flights if you are traveling more countries or cities. In between your flights their luggage restrictions is mandatory. No if and but’s if you want to have a good vacation. And on your way back to your country then you can buy another suitcase for your presents if you are a shopper, I myself getting better traveling light now and still learning just bring only what I need and choose the clothing materials you pack including your undies in my own opinion. Don’t forget to bring your clothes line it really works

[@Stephwagn]

My oncle always say’s, when you forget something,you can rebuy it on the destination when you need it.

[@SharonPerson-hm9ds]

@Stephwagn - Your uncle never arrived in Fairbanks, Alaska at 2:00 in the morning with no carry-on because they forced us to gate check it at our original departure point. With delayed and re-ticketed flights, no bags at all arrived in Fairbanks.😡 At least I had my id, passport, wallet, phone, and a shawl for warmth in my personal bag. Nothing at the airport was open, and the hotel, Sophie Station. had no store. What they did have was wonderfully kind and understanding employees, who gave me an emergency toiletry kit, so I had a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a comb. The room had shampoo, conditioner and lotion. Thankfully, our bags arrived the day before our pre-cruise tour began and we then had a fabulous rest of our trip.😊

[@melissamariee710]

I wish I went to s korea only to find the clothes didn’t fit and the makeup didn’t work for my skin type etc

[@emilymarshall4962]

Thanks for a really informative video. I have the same carry on as you! I love my delsey chatelet set! I would also love to buy from unbound merino, but sadly they are not size inclusive. Please encourage them to add larger sizes! I love to support Canadian companies and love merino clothing.

[@HappytoWander]

Thanks for watching!! 🫶 re: sizing there have actually been a few commenters who have shared similar concerns so I’ll pass your feedback onto the team.

[@lillianliber1798]

Agreed! I checked out their site but they only make small sizes 😢

[@trisha3338]

I get so stressed when it comes to the amount of toiletries to bring and what actually counts as a liquid. I agree that you can purchase most items at your destination, but you also need to buy them in smaller/travel size containers, so you can bring them back, since you probably won't use up the entire product while away. This also applies to any OTC medicines, as well.

[@HappytoWander]

I feel you! It can definitely be stressful. If you haven’t purchased any reusable toiletry bottles yet, I can highly recommend doing that! Lots of places have them for less than $15 and you can fill them as needed for your trip. Definitely saves me a ton of headache in terms of toiletries.

[@AnnikenAllis]

With European airline, Norwegian, they'll weigh ALL your carry on luggage, suitcase + personal item, together & limit is 10kg. Luckily I found out at check in & my checked bag was underweight so I repacked a few things.

[@nightlily3855]

LOL, we can always wear a bunch of stuff! Thankfully they are not weghing passengers or telling us how to dress (yet)!

[@AnnikenAllis]

@nightlily3855 its too hot though 😂

[@elnamayberry]

I had my carry on bag weighed in Split, Croatia flying with Lot, and I think it's getting more common.

[@blaqfish]

This was so helpful! I had never heard of the tags but I stopped the video to order mine and I feel much better with a backup in place. Thank you. I also never heard anyone before say pack tops and how many in one cube and bottoms in another and how many and underwear for a week unless I use Merino. Loved this too 😊 😊😊😊

[@HappytoWander]

Glad you enjoyed the video and welcome to the bag tracking family hahah. It brings SO much peace of mind - you won’t regret it!!

[@susie9893]

Just make sure you don't put it thru the wash. I know that sounds strange but tags or tiles are turning up increasingly, in the bottom of our communal washers, for some reason. I guess people just forget to check the pockets of bags as much as clothes?

[@Boonrugsa]

Dress in layers + all the uniqlo airism & heat tech (depends on where i am heading) are the game changer for me. I can get away with just 1 packing cube for 3wks clothing 🕶

[@robinmuchow]

Always use a soft side carry on- put lingerie, socks, bathing suit in that outside pocket. Saves a ton of space inside. If you can’t decide to roll or fold, pack your bag both ways and see for yourself.

[@nailekara]

The ONE thing you forgot to mention.... INVEST on a Scale !!! Those 15 bucks are GOLD when you are travelling !!!!

[@ktcee803]

It's shown in the first few minutes, someone using a hand scale.

[@АтанасСтояновЕнчев]

Your idea of packing light varies quite a bit from mine but I subscribed anyway bcos your other travel tips tend to be quite good. Also, you explain things very well.

[@AnnikenAllis]

Ryanair haven't weighed carry ons for years, in my experience. They're much more easygoing re carry on now than they used to be if you purchase a priority boarding ticket.

[@vickiamundsen2933]

recently went shopping for a carry-on bag, found all kinds of amazing sales. Ah, but those were the old model bags -- the ones that no longer meet the new size requirements! But the sellers still referred to them as "carry ons". :-/

[@HappytoWander]

Oh no! That’s so tricky of them. Glad you spotted that though - would have been much worse to figure that out after you bought one.

[@mandygriffin5241]

Just discovered compression packing cubes. They save so much space. Not the ones you suck the air from, these use zips

[@dawnsanford2300]

Would like to see a video focusing solely on liquids. How to pack carryon to include all your liquids and how/what to convert to non liquids like laundry detergent strips, etc.. + show an actual sample packing of your final plan you implemented. Thx!

[@IrishAnnie]

Always wear dark colors. A poor woman in white spilled a whole cup of coffee on herself. Dark colors are smarter to take.

[@HappytoWander]

Yes!! That’s so true 🙌 I’m a clumsy spiller so I gravitate towards dark colours anyway haha

[@oonarhu4681]

Great tips! We had two weeks in London last year, and you're spot on with the warnings and suggestions. Do you have a favorite bag tracker to recommend? Wish we'd had them last year. Thanks!

[@OkieTLB]

We have used Apple AirTags for a few years now and they have worked wonderfully.

[@Babyvic-qp5ij]

Nice Travel Ideas😍Compression Bags are also best recommended to pack your clothes esp down jackets🤩

[@vickiamundsen2933]

my upper body strength has waned over the years, so traveling light (size AND weight) is the way to go now. I'm going to London for a week and have got my total baggage down to 19 pounds - one underseat (8 pounds) and one carryon. Dress in layers, only take multiples of things that actually *need* washing (tee-shirts, undies, socks).

[@nightlily3855]

what do you do for shopping? You can't really bring anything back sadly

[@vickiamundsen2933]

@@nightlily3855 i rarely shop when i'm traveling, if that's what you meant?

[@kryssygee4814]

Good presentation! You speak beautifully!! ❤ I love this -> So light!! Under 5lbs::: Soft side (still padded) 😉Samsonite Ultra Lite!!! 🎉 But I still try to use an underseater instead!!! And yes to lots of airtags!!! 😊

[@NANCYMARUYA]

I am on the smaller side, but I found your video so helpful! It was informative and really entertaining! I have never travelled to Europe so I am grateful for all your hints!

[@marilynsue4273]

Your personal item should have what you need in case your bag becomes lost or delayed.

[@carolinacadabra8278]

I always pack a clean shirt and a change of underwear in my personal item as well as carrying my liquids and electronics there.

[@HappytoWander]

Yes!! I always carry essentials and an emergency outfit in there for this exact reason. So many airlines are making you check your carry on suitcase these days that it’s definitely better safe than sorry :)

[@truepeacenik]

Or travel personal item only. One bag (with a tote in case I need to gate check on small planes).

[@HRHDMKYT]

Excellent tips, thank you! I found great packing cubes at Dollarama for less than $5 a piece. Highly recommend!

[@davidhughes6048]

Thanks for that! Was looking on Amazon but don’t want to spend $30 on something I normally use a shopping bag for!

[@raquilio6985]

I flew United Milan Malpensa to Newark at the end of January. They have done away with taking liquid bag out for screening. I had been so stressed about it and then it was a non-issue!

[@HappytoWander]

Nice!! A lot of airports are getting these fancy new scanners that don’t require you to take liquids out but I’ve noticed it’s a slow roll-out haha. One airport I went to recently had the old scanners in one line and the new scanners in another which made the conflicting instructions they were shouting really confusing!! It might have even been Newark lol I can’t remember now. Anyways, hopefully these new scanners become the norm across the board! 🤞

[@carolhunt2023]

You might want to also take an extra top and underwear in your personal item bag in case they make you check your bag abd it gets lost.

[@karenwendt5514]

I plan to sort my clothing that I most want to keep with me in one packing cube so if they make me check my backpack, I can pull that one cube out and stick it in a collapsible “personal item” bag.

[@MarkoMihailovic-x3g]

Hi Christina, it's Marko Mihailovic again.. 😊❤.. Your guess is spot on.. I am Serbian.. ❤

[@HappytoWander]

Haha I knew it! 💪

[@IrishAnnie]

I saw a KZbinr talk about compression cubes. Put items in then you use a second zipper to “compress” them. You have more room.

[@HappytoWander]

Yes! I have a few of those I use for items like socks and underwear. They used to be very handy back before I worried about weight restrictions but these days with more airlines weighing bags, I’m warier of stuffing my packing cubes with more stuff. They can be great for lightweight but puffy things though like down jackets/vests!

[@susie9893]

If you pack travel cubes properly you create compression any way

[@shelleyneuhalfen9840]

You are so thorough and helpful ❤!

[@hrw3mom103]

Every flight my personal item contents are the same because you never know when there may be an emergency. You could be forced to check your carry on and you could end up being diverted, delayed, etc on even the shortest flight. 1 extra outfit (pants, underwear, top). Electronics with chargers and portable battery (iPad with downloaded movies/books, phone, and noise cancelling headphones) Passport, IDs, credit cards, money. Print out of itinerary, reservations/confirmations. (You never know when you’re phone may die, get broken, stolen, etc) Air Tag (in both personal item and carry on bag) Chapstick Water bottle Basic toiletries/brush Snacks Medication I will be fine if I get stuck anywhere for a day or two.

[@wilkowanders]

Such valuable tips! 🎒✈ Packing for Europe can be tricky, but your advice on avoiding common carry-on mistakes is spot on. And thanks for the heads up about @UnboundMerino - sounds like a game changer for packing light!

[@HappytoWander]

Aw thank you so much for the kind words!! Glad you enjoyed the video 🫶

[@laura_and_shanman]

Hi Christina! I love your channel!!!!

[@HappytoWander]

Aw thank you so much!!! I appreciate you being here 🫶🫶🫶

[@debbyfoodiewife303]

I’d love a link to that personal item bag that you showed. It looked Great!

[@jojoin514]

Herschel Canada

[@HappytoWander]

It’s the Herschel Retreat Backpack! Mine is a few years old so they don’t have my colour anymore (black and grey) but they have lots of other colour combos on their website :) Just double check the sizing works for your airlines’ allowance before you order because they have a few different ones that look similar. I could only find a link on Canadian Amazon for some reason but if you are in Canada, here it is :) (affiliate link) amzn.to/3Pa8kwK

[@stephanieroberts4474]

Something else that helps with not having to carry as many liquids and also with the weight of the bag, anything 'dry' that can be taken is best. Shampoo bar, solid makeups. I haven't tried toothpaste tablets or powder toothpaste yet but some do take it. Anything that can help with weight is always a plus: and it's not always about going minimally but just smart.

[@jennifermoore8605]

Thank you for this video. Excellent information that I will use. Especially testing the clothes selection and the Merino clothes.

[@kzjdhgn]

You mentioned Morocco. Where is your Morocco video? We’ll be there in a week and love your vids.

[@pandastamps]

Love the tips. I have yet to find a merino wool shop that carries plus sizes, other than XL, which nowadays is basically a size 14/16. Anyone larger than that is stuck with crappy polyester fabrics. Also, re: buying while on the trip, again, that doesn’t work for plus size people, especially in Asia. My checked bags were delayed four days in Stockholm, and I could not find even basics like undies. That’s when I started doing more carryon only.

[@HappytoWander]

Glad you enjoyed the video!! Re: sizing, there’s actually a few commenters who have shared similar concerns so I’ll pass your feedback onto the team 🫶

[@vickiamundsen2933]

I get nice, soft cotton tees from Woman Within. Also love their 7-Day knit pants and fineline stretch jeans.

[@lorettabull993]

I just got a beautiful merino jacket and long sleeve top in aus size 22-24 from merino country in Brisbane Australia. Silky and warm, they fit and are flattering.❤

[@yaowsers77]

great video! really helpful and i've decided that about half way through, i'm going to spend a little time on a sunday morning to do laundry. i figure i could use a bit of a downtime by then! 😁

[@HappytoWander]

Laundry days can be a nice way to unwind for sure!! Safe travels 🫶

[@yaowsers77]

@@HappytoWander thanks!

[@DeeDarby_UK]

UK here. Tip, if you're travelling on strict Ryanair or Easyjet, tap a small waterproof baggie with cottonwool/microfibre cloths soaked in your favourite skin tonic and pack in your hand luggage. These do not count towards a 100mL liquid allowance and are useful to refresh during your flight.

[@Moumita1988_]

I have flown qatar airways for years. Many time they weight personal items and together that need to be under 7 kg

[@GurRosen]

What‏‪ kind of personal item bag are you using? It looks great. Can you put a link to it?

[@georgiec2607]

When flying from Australia the weight of your carry-on & personal item combined has to be under 7kg so filling your personal item bag doesn't help. 7kg is almost nothing which is really annoying.

[@angelrosee73]

Interesting - I just flew to and from Australia on Quantas & American Airlines and never had my bag weighed (or saw it enforced for anyone else either), but good to know in case they do one day.

[@anavelaeshomestead]

🇦🇺Yes, I've been pulled up for having my carry on bag, and personal hand bag weighed together with the 7kg limits. That's a bit harsh. I've even seen the airline staff pulling out scales for a larger than average person, that's really embarrassing for this person. Then they made the guy buy an extra seat. I think it's all about CO2 emissions targets the government's approach. Heavier planes use more fuel, costing the airline more and higher CO2 emissions.

[@georgiec2607]

@@anavelaeshomestead Yes Jetstar staff bring rolling scales to the gate & weigh peoples' bags (both carry on & personal item together) & we saw people have to pay an extra fee on the spot. Luckily we had weighed our bags downstairs, saw we were over & checked our carry ons. Otherwise we would have been charged another $50 each at the gate!

[@anavelaeshomestead]

I won't fly Jetstar, not ever again. LOL

[@georgiec2607]

@@anavelaeshomestead Yeah I feel the same way & yet for some routes there is literally no alternative 🤷

[@ciaraofcourse1]

The toiletries is hard when being black in certain places 😢 finding things that work for my skin is super difficult in many places

[@IrishAnnie]

Can you put them in smaller containers? I am going to have to put my Clinique in small bottles. The jars are too big. Make your skin care a priority. I hate using other products that aren’t right for my skin. (Also, I ALWAYS take my electric toothbrush. The one time I didn’t, my teeth didn’t feel as clean.) I found a great bar shampoo that I put in a small case instead of a bottle. I take a bath gel sponge that I discard before leaving. No bath gel bottles. I can find some sample sizes for other things…

[@TheDazzDiva]

Totally understand! So I always recommend finding solid products in place of liquids or creams where I can. Like bar body and face soaps, body moisturizer, and toothpaste. And yes, I second sample size products as well - puncturing the little pouches with a sewing needle versus tearing it at the corner helps stretch the amount of product and keeps it fresh.

[@ciaraofcourse1]

@@TheDazzDiva ooo that’s a great idea!

[@HappytoWander]

Ah, I feel you! Finding the right products abroad can be tough. In that case (as others have mentioned), I’d recommend trying to find solid products that work for you but also buying reusable toiletry bottles that you can fill with your own products! Best of luck 🫶

[@SharonPerson-hm9ds]

I don't use hotel or cruise ship provided toiletries, so instead of the 3 oz travel toiletry bottles, I bought four very small silicone salad dressing containers at, of all places, Dollar Tree. I was able to decant my shower gel, body lotion, and salon shampoo & condioner into the tiny containers, then put those into a zip lock quart size bag. If you're worried they'll leak, put a piece of saran wrap on the opening, then screw the cap on. I tested them at home first to see how many days I'd get from each bottle. Then I tried them in my small bag on a car trip, and finally, packed them in my carryon and used them on a 7 day hotel and cruise trip. For longer trips I can use two of each, but they still pack easier because they're flexible, especially when they're almost empty on your way home. If more than one traveler traveling you can buy them with different color caps (red, blue or grey). I did buy laundry sheets for washing dirty clothes in the cruise ship sink. They're similar to dryer sheets - very lightweight and best of all for TSA. non-liquid.

[@colleen2b]

Can you recommend an air tag please? 😊 thank you for your videos ❤

[@susanwillis6125]

My upcoming flight to Europe on TAP limits a personal item to 16x 12x 5”, with a weight limit of 4.4 lbs.

[@hyooon9504]

re: weight limitation; When I was younger, travelling with very restricted budget, I passed baggage check, then placed all heavy items including several heavy bottles of liquid and cosmetics in my pocket prior to boarding. My pocket was deadly heavy but at least no one checked my bodyweight or pockets, so I could sit at my seat uneventfully and I quietly and secretly returned all items into my bag. haha...when you said it is better to wear heavier items, I suddenly could remember that moment and could not stop laughing. Anyway, I still wear heaviest items to avoid extra cost, as well as, to keep myself warm during freezing cold flight

[@kathygann7632]

Try a Scottevest or jacket. Game changer!

[@hoovergrant]

I really liked the trial run idea!

[@susie9893]

Although if you're heading into a totally different climate it's just not doable

[@sabrinalavdisarnold825]

I've noticed Delta made us check our carryon, stating there wasnt enough overhead bin space. There was plenty. They just wanted to leave on time--a noble cause but a fib nonetheless. Medicine and documents always stay in my backpack.

[@SharlzG]

Just an fyi, some airlines count your personal item towards your carry-on weight, so you really need to be concious of the weight of both items and there combined weight - I've been caught out and had to weigh both, plus my jacket, book (that I'd just bought in the terminal), and water bottle (that I had just filled at the gate), and had to pay because the combined weight of all of those was over.

[@HappytoWander]

Wow, your book and water bottle too? That’s wild. Can you remember which airline this was?? I’ve never heard of any that did this until now!

[@SharlzG]

@@HappytoWander yes, it was Jetstar in Australia. They are the budget airline affiliated with Qantas. From memory I had to pay over $200 to them at the gate.

[@joane24]

A jacket😮. That's insane 😵‍💫. What's next, will they be weighting all the clothes?😑 To be honest, I find it so annoying and unfair, being a petite woman myself of less than 50kg, that they mind an additional 1-2 kg in pockets or stuffed pillow but don't mind when the other person weights twice as much.😑

[@susie9893]

No, I'm not sure who you were flying with, but as far as I know they can't do that. This is why it's not only important to be familiar with the baggage policy of the airline you're flying but to have a screenshot on you to confront them with, if they try to con you. As far as I'm aware, no carrier is allowed to charge you extra for carrying a waterbottle (or an umbrella, or any outerwear)

[@SharlzG]

@@susie9893 Jetstar. I did look at the website before I booked (I always do, but made sure to this time as I normally only fly Virgin or Qantas). I tried to challenge them but they told me that I had to comply or they would not let me on the flight, and since it was the last departure and I needed to fly to be on time for an event, I had to comply. I lodged a complaint online and got no response. Clearly Jetstar make up their own rules. They are now I the bottom of my choice of flights list, and I'm an ardant detractor of them to any of my international friend's coming to visit here.

[@EvaGiannina1]

Winter running under wear , socks are made of merino wool so I believe you

[@JM-gc8fn]

Lovely videos. Especially the merino wool tip. Have you made a video on EuroRail. I’m going to Europe June 5 landing in Frankfurt and leaving from London on June 19. I wanna see Frankfurt, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris and France. Any tips?

[@kathyholland8275]

Definitely take all meds in your personal item.

[@gingereaves4097]

Absolutely, I also take meds for a few extra days incase of any delays. I have only had a 2-day delay once and was happy to have extra meds with me.

[@asheirahs_nook]

On my flight to Helsinki with Finnair, it stated that both carry on and personal item could be 8kg combined, and with the new flight types it’s even less, so best doublecheck allowances before you leave in case there’s changes (like with my flight)

[@carmenroxas5404]

Traveled through Heathrow in Jan 2024 and they no longer have you transfer your liquids to their provided liquid bags anymore

[@trisha3338]

So happy to hear this! I will be traveling to Europe later this year and have always worried about Heathrow's rules!!

[@HappytoWander]

Do you remember which terminal you were in? I think only some terminals (and even only some lanes within terminals) have gotten the new scanners that don’t need liquids to be separated… but maybe they’ve all gotten them since the last time I was there (in September).

[@HappytoWander]

Yes some terminals have the new fancy scanners that don’t require you to separate liquids anymore but I don’t think all of them have this yet so just be mindful of this when you’re packing :)

[@carmenroxas5404]

@@HappytoWander Heathrow Terminal 3. They did still ask us to take out our liquids bag but no longer transfer to their provided bags

[@susie9893]

I've heard this varies on the day. But I think that might apply to many airports. I was doing a lot of flying last Christmas and was chronically jetlagged - ended up not separating my liquids a couple of times and wasn't called on it (although I don't carry a lot of liquids)

[@SolanaDevon]

I would LOVE to be able to buy something from Unbound Merino but they don’t sell plus sized clothes.Hopefully buy the time I go on my Scotland trip I’ll be able to do so since I will have my knee replacements in time to hopefully get the weight back off.

[@janellimarie]

Love your advice! Except for rewearing socks without washing them! 😅 NO NO NO 🤣

[@carrieh2409]

hi folks! I pack my carry-on size bag for international flights, but then I check it upon arrival at my departure site.I want the small size for carrying, rolling, and lifting etc. at my destination, but I just can’t be bothered any more with people fighting for overhead bin space, luggage rules being unequally enforced both at check in and on the planes…I hate paying the fee but I hate stress more. I’m careful to keep my personal item as small as possible and packed with the bare minimum of a change of outfit, toiletries, and meds just in case.

[@HappytoWander]

I’m so glad you’ve found a system that works for you! Honestly, there’s no one solution that works for everyone (you need to always compromise somewhere whether that’s price, time, or stress) so it’s good that you’ve decided what your priorities are - that’s often the trickiest part!

[@keawarren]

Absolutely. I can’t do two weeks in Europe under 7 kg. I have the same Delsey bag as this program’s host and picked up a thick clear plastic cover on Amazon for less than $15. I slip it on when I check the bag to avoid scratches and scuffs.

[@msjaejontelle]

Toiletries for black women is NOT common abroad or severely overpriced. Hell its still hard getting products for us in the US. I observed that when traveling to places like that have a decent African population. That is a mistake I will not make again.

[@Mary_305]

Great content ! Thanks for sharing🌏✈🥰

[@HappytoWander]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@mrc6182]

Note on carry-on sizes: they're smaller in Europe than U.S., BUT ... these days, many airlines, especially BUDGET airlines, are using carry-on fines as "revenue enhancers" and some airlines are rumored to be offering employees significant bonuses for levying fines on oversize or overweight carry-ons. I personally witnessed a U.S. "cheapie carrier" nailing a passenger for $120 for an "out-of-spec" bag. I've since trashed my trusty 22" Samsonite for a 20" Monos...

[@BuddhaBeanie]

People need to STOP putting their personal item bag and coats/ jackets in the overhead space. That is for CARRY ON BAGS ONLY.

[@HappytoWander]

Totally agree! This is a huge pet peeve of mine!

[@J_LOVES_ME]

I agree with merino wool... it's amazing!! Also, is it just me, but it seems to me the packing cubes take up more space? Nice if they have to open the bag though.

[@HappytoWander]

Ooh interesting! I don’t feel like they take up more space - in fact for bulkier items like sweaters they can actually help compress and save space, but I guess that comes down to technique! Some commenters say that folding vs rolling takes less space so maybe you could try that?

[@allanalton47]

Oooh, I see what you did theree with the “Don’t“😂

[@shinnam]

Great advice on the toiletries. Don't carry hair appliances go natural on holiday. See so many people changing climates, wearing a puffy coat and winter boots to a tropical climate. 🥵Went from Sweden to Singapore in January, saw so many people wearing coats and heavy sweaters on the plane. A 30 liter backpacks meet all but the strictest carry on limit. I traveled 5 weeks in Malaysia and Thailand with just a 30 litre bag. Airlines are less likely to weigh a backpack, especially if a woman is carrying it.

[@jojoin514]

Yes and no, I would definitely NOT travel in winter without appropriate wear. A few years back, we were on our way to Turks and Caicos from YUL and the flight was diverted to LGA because of a nor'Easter snow storm. We were able to leave the airport for a few hours, because we had our coats (we wear Columbia packable down coats that once folded fits in its included pouch that is the size of a ziploc baggie, so no problem and as she says, merino is indeed a winter traveller's friend) Those who boarded with no coat got stuck in the airport for almost 14 hours. Imagine had the flight been cancelled and you are stuck going somewhere with no coat on in the dead of winter. And this does happen often when you are flying from Canada and the US. My husband and I fly frequently in the winter and flights often to get diverted because of weather. Also, we just got back from Italy and my carryone was weighed and measured at the gate and last time I checked, I am still a woman. We always check in online but at the gate, the flight was full and so they literally were checking everyone.

[@BeDoHave-so8nr]

Prescription medications deserve special mention - they must be with you at all times, either in pockets or the personal item.

[@irenediego7260]

I went to Italy in April and TAP airlines weighed everything including the coat I was carrying, but I put it on and that was ok 🤷

[@jsumusicmom8244]

Air France has a carry on and personal item weight limit. The personal item plus the carry on (“hand baggage”) combined cannot weigh over 26.4 pounds.