European low-cost carriers enforce strict carry-on dimensions — typically 55×40×20 cm including wheels and handles. Measure your bag before booking "Priority" upgrades you do not need. A soft-sided cabin bag flexes into overhead bins better than hard shells and weighs less, leaving room for a personal item under the seat.
Build a capsule wardrobe around two bottoms, three tops, one light layer, and one dress or shirt for evenings. Merino wool resists odour on multi-day trips; roll clothes instead of folding to save space. Wear bulkiest shoes on the plane and pack flip-flops or trainers flat inside.
Liquids stay in a 1-litre clear bag — 100 ml per container. Solid shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets skip the liquid limit entirely. Leave room for souvenirs: a foldable tote expands on the return leg, or post a small package home if you shop aggressively.
Carry-on-only travel pairs perfectly with weekend fares on SnagAFlight — skipping checked bags saves €30–60 per leg on Ryanair and easyJet, often more than the fare difference between two departure cities.
