I’ll admit it—I used to be a chronic overpacker. My first trip to Europe in 2019 involved a massive checked bag that cost me $70 each way, a strained shoulder from dragging it across cobblestones, and the nagging feeling that I’d worn maybe half of what I brought.
Fast forward to summer 2026, and I just returned from three weeks bouncing between Portugal, Spain, and France with nothing but a carry-on backpack. Not only did I save about $180 in baggage fees (airlines are charging $90 per checked bag these days), but I also moved through airports like a breeze and never worried about lost luggage. Here’s exactly how I did it.
The Right Bag Makes All the Difference
This entire strategy hinges on choosing the right bag. I invested $245 in the Osprey Farpoint 40L travel backpack, and it’s been worth every penny. It fits in every overhead compartment I’ve encountered, has a laptop sleeve, and—crucially—opens like a suitcase rather than from the top.
I tested it with a full packing load at home, wearing it around for 20 minutes. If your bag feels uncomfortable empty, it’ll be unbearable when you’re rushing to catch a train in Barcelona. The Farpoint distributes weight beautifully across my hips, which saved me during a last-minute sprint through Lisbon’s airport when my Uber got stuck in traffic.
Before committing to this bag, I also checked the carry-on dimensions for every airline I’d be flying. In 2026, most European carriers allow bags up to 55cm x 40cm x 23cm, and the Farpoint fits comfortably within those limits. I booked my flights through a mix of direct airline sites and Google Flights, which saved me about $320 compared to using a single platform.
The Capsule Wardrobe Formula That Actually Works
Here’s my exact packing list that got me through three weeks: five t-shirts, two long-sleeve shirts, two pairs of pants (one jeans, one quick-dry travel pants), one pair of shorts, seven pairs of underwear, seven pairs of socks, one light jacket, one swimsuit, and two pairs of shoes (sneakers I wore on the plane and sandals in my bag).
The key is choosing items that all work together. I stuck to a navy, gray, and olive color palette, which meant I could mix and match everything without thinking too hard. Every shirt worked with every pair of pants. Boring? Maybe. Practical? Absolutely.
I did laundry twice during my trip—once in Porto at a self-service laundromat ($8 for wash and dry) and once at my Airbnb in San Sebastián. Those quick-dry travel pants from REI ($89) were a game-changer; I could hand-wash them in a sink and they’d be dry by morning.
The one splurge I recommend: merino wool t-shirts. I brought three from Unbound Merino ($98 each), and they never got smelly even after multiple wears. That sounds expensive until you realize you can wear them three times before washing, which dramatically reduces your laundry needs.
Toiletries and the 3-1-1 Rule
The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule hasn’t changed: liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, all fitting in a single quart-sized bag. I’ve watched travelers argue with security about this for seven years now—don’t be that person.
I bought a set of GoToob bottles ($16 for three) and filled them with my preferred shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Here’s the thing nobody tells you: you can refill these at your accommodations. Every hotel and most Airbnbs have full-size products you can use to top off your travel bottles.
My complete toiletries kit weighed less than 2 pounds and included: toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen (the European sun is no joke), a small first-aid kit, prescription medications in their original bottles, and a microfiber towel that I used exactly once when my Airbnb in Toulouse didn’t provide beach towels.
I skipped the hairdryer and straightener—every place I stayed had a hairdryer, and I just embraced my hair’s natural texture. Liberating, honestly.
Tech and Entertainment Without the Weight
My electronics bag contained my iPhone 15, iPad Mini, Kindle, noise-canceling headphones, charging cables, a universal adapter ($28 on Amazon), and a portable battery pack. Total weight: about 3 pounds.
The iPad Mini replaced my laptop. I could handle emails, book accommodations on Booking.com (where I found apartments ranging from $75-$135 per night), and even do some light work. The Kindle was essential for 16 hours of flight time and beach days in the Algarve.
One mistake I made: I brought my nice camera and used it maybe four times. My iPhone 15 took incredible photos, and I didn’t have to worry about the extra weight or protecting expensive equipment. If I could do it again, I’d leave the camera at home and save those 1.5 pounds for an extra pair of pants.
Smart Booking Strategies That Saved Me Money
I booked all my accommodations through Booking.com, which has gotten even better in 2026 with their flexible cancellation policies. I filtered for places with washing machines and full kitchens, which saved me probably $400 in restaurant meals and laundry services.
For activities, I used Viator to book a food tour in Lisbon ($89), a wine tasting in Douro Valley ($145), and a cooking class in Barcelona ($125). Booking in advance saved me about 15% compared to walk-up prices, plus I never had to worry about things being sold out.
I rented a car for four days in Portugal through Discover Cars, which aggregates prices from multiple rental companies. I paid $280 total for a compact car, which was cheaper than taking trains to the smaller towns I wanted to visit. The key was picking up and dropping off at the same location—one-way rentals add about $90 in fees.
For travel insurance, I used SafetyWing at $47 per month. I didn’t need to use it, but the peace of mind was worth it, especially since it covered up to $250,000 in medical expenses and trip cancellations.
Bottom Line
Packing light for a three-week trip isn’t about deprivation—it’s about intentionality. My carry-on-only approach saved me $180 in baggage fees, eliminated the stress of checking bags, and gave me incredible freedom to move quickly between cities. The initial investment in quality gear (about $450 total for the bag and merino wool shirts) paid for itself in saved baggage fees after just three trips.
The real lesson? You need far less than you think. Every item I packed served a purpose, and I still only wore about 80% of what I brought. Next time, I’m going even lighter. If you’re planning a trip in 2026 or beyond, I challenge you to try the carry-on-only approach—your back and your wallet will thank you.