When I first told my friends I was planning a trip through three different countries with just one carry-on bag, they laughed. “You’ll never pull that off,” one of them said. Another asked, “What about souvenirs? What about shoes?” Truth be told, even I wasn’t sure if I could make it work. But I wanted the freedom of hopping from place to place without being weighed down by bulky luggage. So I challenged myself: one bag, three countries, zero regrets.
Spoiler alert: it wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it. Here’s my story of what I learned, what worked, and what I’ll do differently next time.
Why I Chose Carry-On Only
The decision came after a nightmare trip a few years earlier where my checked bag didn’t make it onto my connecting flight. I had to survive two days in a foreign city with just the clothes on my back. That experience stuck with me, and I promised myself I’d learn to travel lighter.
So when I planned this three-country adventure, I knew I didn’t want to waste time waiting at baggage carousels, risk lost luggage, or drag a heavy suitcase down cobblestone streets. Going carry-on only felt like freedom.
Country One: The Learning Curve
My first stop was Italy. And oh boy, the learning curve hit fast. Packing light sounded great in theory, but when I opened my carry-on the first night, it felt like a puzzle. Everything was crammed together. Shirts were wrinkled, and I couldn’t even find my phone charger without unpacking half the bag.
That’s when I realized organization is everything.
👉 If I could go back, I would’ve started the trip with packing cubes. They turn chaos into neat, easy-to-grab sections. A great set is the BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes. They’re durable, lightweight, and make it easy to separate clothes, underwear, and even laundry.
After Italy, I reorganized mid-trip and promised myself I’d be smarter about what went where.
Country Two: Mastering the System
By the time I got to Spain, I had found my rhythm. I packed only versatile outfits: a few neutral t-shirts, two pairs of pants, one light jacket, and a couple of pairs of shoes. The trick was choosing clothes I could mix and match so I never felt like I was repeating the same outfit, even though technically I was.
Another thing I learned: laundry isn’t scary. Instead of bringing ten days’ worth of clothes, I did laundry halfway through and saved myself so much space.
And let’s talk about shoes. I only brought two pairs: sneakers for walking and loafers that worked for dinners and casual nights out. Shoes can make or break your packing strategy. Keeping them clean and separate was a must.
👉 A shoe bag is something I’ll never skip again. The YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags are lightweight and perfect for keeping dirt away from clothes.
Country Three: The True Test
By the time I landed in France, I felt like a pro. Everything had its place, I knew exactly what I had with me, and best of all, I didn’t miss a single thing I left behind.
The only real challenge was souvenirs. I wanted to bring home a few things, but my bag was already full. That’s where a little trick came in handy: a foldable daypack.
👉 I now always carry the ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack. It folds into a tiny pouch when you’re not using it, but opens into a full-sized backpack when you need extra space. It saved me when I wanted to carry snacks, a water bottle, and some small gifts home.
My One-Bag Packing List
Here’s what I actually fit into my carry-on for three countries:
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4 t-shirts
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2 pairs of pants
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1 light jacket
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1 sweater
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1 pair of sneakers
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1 pair of loafers
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1 set of swimwear
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5 days of underwear and socks (laundry halfway through)
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Toiletries in refillable bottles
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A compact power bank and universal adapter
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A foldable backpack
Honestly, it shocked me how little I needed once I hit the road.
👉 For toiletries, I highly recommend the Gemice Travel Bottles Set. They’re leakproof, TSA-approved, and way better than hauling around full-sized bottles.
👉 For power, the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter is a must-have. It works in over 150 countries, which made switching between Italian, Spanish, and French outlets hassle-free.
The Benefits of Carry-On Only
Looking back, the benefits of my carry-on adventure were endless:
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No baggage fees – I saved money every single flight.
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No lost luggage – everything I owned was always with me.
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More mobility – I could jump on trains, buses, and even walk long distances without being slowed down.
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Less stress – the simplicity of knowing exactly what I had brought peace of mind.
Sure, it took some discipline and smart planning, but the freedom it gave me was priceless.
What I’d Do Differently
If I were to do it again, I’d invest in an even better carry-on. My bag held up, but I realized that lightweight, durable luggage makes a huge difference.
👉 For travelers looking to invest, the Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Carry-On is a solid choice. It’s tough, roomy enough for smart packers, and fits in most airline overhead bins.
I’d also pack fewer “just in case” items. I brought a dress shirt I wore once and a gadget I didn’t touch. Less really is more.
Final Thoughts
Traveling through three countries with just one carry-on wasn’t just a challenge — it was liberating. I didn’t waste time waiting for bags, I didn’t stress over lost luggage, and I learned that living with less lets you focus on more important things, like the adventures waiting outside the airport doors.
If you’ve been hesitant to try carry-on only, I’d encourage you to go for it. Start small, pack light, and give yourself the freedom of moving through airports and cities without baggage slowing you down. You’ll be surprised at how little you actually need and how much easier it makes your travels.