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There's nothing worse than landing after a long flight, heading to baggage claim, waiting and watching the last few unclaimed, battered bags endlessly circle around, only to realize that your luggage didn't make the trip. Not the best start to “European girls' summer,” is it?
With the July heatwave and mid-summer jitters already on the way, the promise of European travel is the last hope for many city-dwellers. Eager travelers look ahead to their August vacation plans, counting down the days as they imagine lounging on the beach along the French Riviera and sitting seaside for dinner. However, fantasies are often met with pre-trip nerves, thinking something could go wrong on the trip, one of the biggest being lost luggage.
Whether you’re holidaying on the Amalfi Coast or exploring cities in Spain, or anywhere else in Europe, the threat of lost luggage is considerable. According to the European Tourism Commission’s “Trends and Outlook for European Tourism” report, tourism in the region increased by 7.2 percent in the first three months of 2024, up from 120 million travelers in 2019. In June, the European Tourism Commission predicted that summer 2024 would see record numbers for international arrivals in the region, especially considering that Paris will be the host city for the Olympic Games from July 26 to August 11.
Increased international travel, overbooked flights and crowded airports are all raising concerns for passengers with checked luggage. The 2024 SITA Baggage IT Insights report recorded a 10 per cent increase in the number of lost bags in 2023. That same year, 77 per cent of lost bags were delayed and 18 per cent were damaged or tampered with. Reasons for bag delays range from mislabelling to weight restrictions, but under-loading is the biggest culprit – and a terror for all travellers.
So if the airline can't guarantee that your checked bag will arrive at the airport when you do, what's the solution? Hope it doesn't happen to you? No. Minimize the risk and only carry on luggage. While there's no guarantee that your luggage will be safe in the overhead bin above your seat, carrying a carry-on is still a better option.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “It’s summer for European girls, how am I supposed to fit all my clothing options into one measly suitcase for a two to three week trip?” Compromise, patience, and my proposed packing plan.
For style aficionados and overpackers, here's a guide to packing all your fashion needs in a carry-on for your European getaway. (Don't worry, you'll still have room to shop.)
Four funds
Every item of clothing you carry in your bag should have more than one function. This doesn't mean that the item can't be unique, but you should be able to wear it more than once, something I know is difficult for those who pride themselves on their collection of unique items.
My rule is that you can't bring more than four bottoms (skirts, pants, and shorts included). You can bring less than that and save the space to add to another category of clothing, like tops or dresses, or vice versa, but you really shouldn't need more than four.
Of course, the choice will depend on your preferences. However, you should wear a mix of casual and smart clothes, or choose items that can be both. For example, it's worth bringing white linen trousers – the item of clothing that features on every wardrobe checklist with “European summer” codes. You're not “basic” if you wear them. Even in high temperatures, linen trousers are the ideal item of clothing for the beach: comfortable, cool and beautiful (just like the Covergirl ad). On the other hand, they cover completely. So when the wind picks up in the evening while you're sitting on the water's edge, you'll be thankful you packed long, breathable trousers. Flip-flops, silver pointed-toe shoes or cork wedges – any shoe works with them too.
Four tapas
Tops can be tricky, especially when you only have four. The list can seem too small with T-shirts, tank tops, blouses, vests, and button-downs to choose from. How do you narrow down your list? Again, you'll find versatile options that can be worn for both day and night, and you can accessorize with accessories. The good thing, though, is that tops are easy to wear and usually lightweight. So if you're the type of person who sleeps in big T-shirts, you can pack one or two and not include them on your formal list of four.
A classic white T-shirt can be mundane yet modern. In ribbed or plain cotton, a tank top can be worn with a skirt, heels and a chain necklace (the perfect look). Golf club Summer club outfit for girls). It can also be worn under a light linen blazer for a dinner date or over a swimsuit top and jean shorts for the beach.
“Functional yet fashionable” is the motto I keep in mind when making my top selection. Is the top functional? Can I make it fashionable? Or is the top fashionable? And can I make it functional? Sheer or mesh tops work great as a basic, chic option. My favorite find from the summer before my 10-day European getaway was the Belle the Label Paris top. The cream-colored fabric is adorned with a multi-tiered petal neckline, a delicate and mature silhouette that will easily pair with long denim shorts or satin pants.
Four swimsuits
Unless you plan on wearing a new swimsuit every day, you only need to change out four. Sure, swimsuits can easily be rolled up and thrown into a bag, but that space can also be used for other non-waterproof undergarments. For my fellow clean freaks, if you bring a few packets of laundry detergent with you, you can wash your suits in the sink and let them dry in the sun (and live the European lifestyle).
Three dresses
Say it with me: “Morning, day and night.” The dresses you choose should suit everyone. A long white summer dress with a V-neck, a chic halterneck slip, and a nylon or linen number with short puffed sleeves are all safe bets. Any neutral or achromatic piece with a juicy shape will work as long as it’s comfortable. If a dress is only good for a single outing and you can’t imagine wearing it again on the trip, toss it aside.
Three shoes
Depending on the type of trip, beach or city, your footwear needs will be different. My go-to airplane footwear has always been my vintage Stella McCartney sandals, and for a trip to the beach, they are perfect. On the plane, I can slip them on and off (with a sock on because not wearing socks on a plane is a questionable decision). Plus, sandals are a practical option for sand, too. If you're exploring multiple cities, you bring your sneakers on the plane. Regardless, sensible footwear should be worn and not packed.
The other shoe slots can be slingback heels, trendy flats, wedges or loafers. While you're usually told to wear your heaviest shoes when travelling to save space in your suitcase, realistically, you're not going to be wearing a pair of wedges to get on the train, plane or car that will take you to your destination. Taking a cue from the mesh phase, I've been loving Mango's ballet flats this summer as someone who can't stand in heels for too long.
Two bags
In addition to your suitcase and your “personal item” for the plane, you should bring at most two fun bags. A small shoulder bag and a handbag or fanny pack will not let you down. Choose one handbag, fanny pack or shoulder bag that is modern and unconventional, and the other that is austere. Bags can be muted in color but delightfully odd in shape, like the Belle the Label Mimi Maxi.
Additional Tips
Even if the outfit you're packing is less colorful than you'd originally planned, you can always add expression and dimension with chunky, costume-style jewelry. I typically keep my jewelry along with my toiletries, books, and gadgets in my underseat carry-on bag to leave room in my suitcase for any purchases I make. And if I'm ever worried that the flight will be too full and I'll be forced to check my bag at the gate, I also pack an extra swimsuit, underwear, tank top, and shorts in that suitcase. I also recommend purchasing an Apple Airtag to keep in your suitcase in case you're forced to check your carry-on at the last minute.
