Packed only a backpack for Europe and never looked back

Patricia Palmer · 2026-03-07T19:10:37.820668+00:00

This change cut my baggage costs by $200 on my last trip.

How did you handle laundry? Two weeks with just a backpack is my biggest win. Felt so free.

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The real freedom is not having to unpack at all. I lived out of my backpack for a month, just pulling out what I needed. It forces you to pick clothes that all work together, so you're not even thinking about what to wear.

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riverp377mo ago

Saving $200 on baggage is such a win. I did a two-week trip with just a carry-on backpack once and it was a game changer. It wasn't just the money saved, it was breezing past everyone waiting at the baggage carousel. Struggling with a huge suitcase on cobblestone streets or tiny train aisles is the worst. Going light just makes the whole trip feel easier.

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