7 Days Travel Guide

Packing list for 7 days with carry-on – what you actually need

Travelling with hand luggage can be both practical and challenging. Are you one of those people who finds it hard not to pack too much and always ends up stressed at the last minute? In this guide, we share our best tips on how to make the most of the space and put together the ultimate packing list for a 7-day trip, where you only use hand luggage.

Why travel with carry-on only?

There are several advantages to travelling with only carry-on. Avoiding checked-in luggage means:

No waiting at the baggage claim
Lower airline fees
Less risk of lost luggage
Easier transport between destinations
A more flexible and stress-free travel experience.

Always remember to check your airline’s hand luggage rules before departure, as dimensions and weight limits may vary.

How to make the most of the space in your carry-on

Travelling light is all about packing wisely. Plan your outfits in advance, choose the essentials you actually need, and leave the rest at home.

Our best packing tips

Choose clothes in natural colours

Choose a simple colour scheme featuring neutral shades that can be easily mixed and matched. That way, you can create more outfits with fewer items.

Roll your clothes instead of folding them

This saves space and helps reduce creases. Use packing cubes to keep your bag organised and make it easy to find what you need.

Travel in your bulkiest items

If you’re travelling in the autumn or winter and need warm outerwear, you’ll save valuable space in your luggage by wearing your trainers, jacket or a chunky jumper.

Use travel-sized toiletries

Choose toiletries in travel sizes, and remember that liquids in your hand luggage must usually be under 100 ml and stored in a transparent bag. Pack only what you need — or buy shampoo, shower gel and other essentials when you arrive.

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Travel bags

Kufferter 20"

Cosmetic bags

Travel accessories

A well-planned 7-day wardrobe

A simple way to avoid packing too much is to plan your outfits in advance. Choose styles in colours that can be easily combined, so you get more looks out of fewer items — and a more manageable packing. Here are some tips on how to think:

2 bottoms and 4 tops give you up to 8 different outfits
Add a more elegant look for the evening
Wear jackets and shoes several times during your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your clothes in advance, stick to the bare essentials, and make a clear packing list to help you keep track of everything.

The most common mistakes when traveling with only carry-on luggage are packing too many pairs of shoes, packing for every possible scenario, and waiting until the night before departure to pack.

Always check your airline’s carry-on policy before you travel, as dimensions and weight limits may vary. See also our measurement guide to find the bag that best suits your trip.