Have you ever considered traveling through Europe with a carry-on, leaving behind the hassle of checked baggage? It’s a growing trend, especially in Europe, where low-cost airlines often charge extra for hold luggage. But beyond saving money, exploring Europe with a carry-on gives you the freedom to dive straight into your adventure as soon as you step off the plane, bypassing the baggage carousel entirely. Tempting, right?
Traveling light is an art—and a joy when done right. With less luggage, you’ll have more energy to explore, discover, and savor every moment. So why not try exploring Europe with a carry-on on your next trip with Air Transat? Relish the freedom of bringing just the essentials and enjoy your journey to the fullest!
Measure your bag before you buy it
Let’s start with the basics: not all airlines have the same size and weight requirements for carry-on luggage. To avoid any surprises, it’s a good idea to check the dimensions allowed by Air Transat here. Keep in mind that low-cost airlines often have stricter restrictions. So if you’re planning to fly within Europe on one of these airlines, it’s best to check to avoid potentially hefty surcharges. On the other hand, if you’re travelling by train or hiring a car, you don’t need to worry about these details!
You have several options when it comes to hand luggage: a rucksack, a trolley or even a duffel bag. Make sure you measure your bag before you buy, as the measurements given online can sometimes be inaccurate. And think about how you’re going to move around once you arrive: lifts are not always available in Europe. In this case, a rucksack may be your best ally in navigating the charming cobbled streets and staircases.
Check what you can take on board
Travelling with just a carry-on bag means making smart choices about what to pack. Say goodbye to full-size shampoo bottles, Swiss Army knives and all those items you usually toss into your suitcase without a second thought. Remember that all liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less and in a 1 litre clear plastic bag. To prepare, grab a few travel-size bottles and decant your favourite products before you go. And if your hotel provides toiletries such as shower gel or conditioner, leave yours at home to lighten your load.
Each country has its own rules about what’s allowed on board, so it’s best to check before you leave. For travellers departing from Canada, the CATSA regulations can be found here. Also remember that you won’t be able to take liquids such as a bottle of wine or olive oil in your hand luggage when you return. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy them while you’re there!
Sort out the essentials before you go
It’s obvious: a cabin bag is much smaller than a checked-in suitcase. But that’s part of the charm – travelling light means learning to pack only the essentials.
If you’re going away for a week, it shouldn’t be too difficult to decide what goes in your bag. But if you’re planning a longer trip or visiting places with different climates (you’ll need a fleece for the Alps, even in summer!), packing may require a bit more thought.
Be proactive: start packing a few days before you leave so you don’t have to make hasty decisions. Try to fit everything into your bag and adjust by removing or substituting items as necessary. To maximise the space available, compression bags or packing cubes can be very useful.
