How to Pack for a 10-Day Europe Trip with Just a Cabin Bag
Posted by Isabela Evangelista on
You’ve booked your flights, you’ve mapped out your cities, and now you’re staring at your open suitcase wondering how on earth everything will fit. Ten days in Europe with only a cabin bag? It sounds like a magic trick.
But here’s the truth: once you try it, you’ll never go back. Travelling light changes the entire experience. You move freely through airports, skip the baggage carousel, and never worry about lost luggage. You’re simply… lighter.
The secret isn’t in what you bring, but in how you think about packing.
Start with the right bag
Every great trip begins with the right suitcase. If you want to make it through ten days and multiple cities, your cabin bag needs to work as hard as you do.
Look for one that fits airline standards around 55 x 40 x 20 cm, weighing no more than 7 to 10 kg once packed. Softside cabin bags, like the VersaPack®+ Compact Expandable Cabin Spinner and the Crew™ Classic Compact Expandable Cabin Spinner, are perfect for travellers who like flexibility. They stretch a little, have handy front pockets and make it easy to grab what you need on the go.
If you’re more of an organised packer, the Travelpro Maxlite® Air V2 Cabin Hard Shell Spinner might be your match. It’s sleek, structured and protects fragile items beautifully.
Whatever your style, make sure your bag glides effortlessly and has compartments that keep your things in order. You’ll thank yourself later.
Dress smart, not more
The golden rule of light packing? Pack outfits, not options. You don’t need a new look for every day, just clever combinations that work together.
Choose a simple colour palette, think black, navy, beige or white, so you can mix and match easily. A few quality pieces can go a very long way.
For a ten-day trip, try something like this:
- 3 tops that work with anything
- 2 pairs of trousers or jeans
- 1 dress or smart outfit
- 1 jumper or cardigan
- 1 lightweight jacket (wear it on the plane)
- 2 pairs of shoes: one comfortable, one for evenings
- Sleepwear and essentials
Roll, don’t fold. It saves space and keeps things smooth. And if you haven’t tried packing cubes yet, they’ll change the way you travel.
Keep toiletries tiny and tech simple
Toiletries are where most people go wrong. They take up half your bag before you’ve even packed your clothes. The fix? Travel-sized everything.
Europe’s airport rules only allow liquids up to 100 ml in a clear plastic bag, so decant what you can. Even better, switch to solid shampoo and soap bars. No leaks, no fuss.
When it comes to tech, be ruthless. A smartphone, charger, travel adaptor and a small power bank are usually enough. If you’re bringing a laptop or camera, keep it in your personal item, a small backpack or tote that most airlines allow in addition to your cabin bag.
Plan for laundry, not for “just in case”
Ten days doesn’t mean ten different outfits. Most European hotels and rentals have laundry options, or you can hand wash a few items mid-trip. Bring a small pouch of detergent or even a couple of laundry sheets.
Doing a bit of laundry halfway through your trip can cut your packing in half. Plus, it keeps your clothes feeling fresh, which matters more than an extra pair of jeans you’ll never wear.
Learn to love less
Travelling light isn’t just about space, it’s about freedom. You move faster, think less, and focus more on the experience rather than your belongings.
With a single cabin bag, you can hop on trains, climb hotel stairs, and stroll through cobblestone streets without dragging your life behind you. It’s a small change that transforms the way you travel.
A well-packed Travelpro cabin bag gives you that perfect balance between comfort and practicality, built for travellers who value movement and simplicity.
A few last-minute tips from frequent travellers
- Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes on travel days.
- Keep valuables, medication and documents in your personal item.
- Leave a little space for souvenirs, you’ll need it.
- Check the weather before you go so you can pack what’s truly necessary.
Once you master it, packing light becomes addictive. You’ll realise you don’t need more luggage, you just need smarter luggage.
So next time you plan your European adventure, challenge yourself to take only a cabin bag. Your shoulders, your wallet and your sense of freedom will thank you.
Frequently asked questions about packing for a 10-day Europe trip
Can you really travel for 10 days with just a cabin bag?
Absolutely. With smart outfit planning and minimalist packing, ten days is completely doable, many travellers find it liberating.
What size cabin bag do European airlines allow?
Most airlines accept cabin bags up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm and weighing between 7 and 10 kg. Always check before flying, as rules vary slightly.
How can I save the most space?
Roll your clothes, use packing cubes, and wear bulky items on travel days. Choose lightweight fabrics that dry quickly.
Should I bring travel toiletries or buy them there?
Travel-size containers are convenient, but buying toiletries once you land can save space too. The key is to keep liquids minimal.
Which is better for cabin travel, a softside or hardside bag?
It depends on your style. Softside bags are flexible and great for quick access, while hardside bags protect delicate items. Both options from Travelpro are designed for international cabin limits.
