One bag. That's it.

The carry-on-only rule isn't a challenge — it's a philosophy. The moment you commit to a single bag, your entire trip changes. You move faster, think lighter, and arrive with energy instead of back pain.

Budget airlines across Europe — Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling — charge anywhere from $30 to $80 each way for checked bags. On a two-week trip with a few internal flights, that's money better spent on a glass of Chianti overlooking the Arno.

The smart solo traveler packs once, checks nothing, and walks straight from the gate to the cobblestones.

What every smart solo traveler packs

Below is the definitive JARO packing list for a 7-day solo Europe trip. Every item earns its place. Nothing is filler.

Documents & Security

• Passport — RFID protected, always
• Travel insurance confirmation printed & saved offline
• Boarding passes downloaded before you leave the hotel
• Hotel confirmations with addresses in local language

Tech Essentials

• Magnetic power bank — fully charged before departure
• European travel adapter (Type C covers most of the continent)
• USB-C cables × 2 — one is never enough

Sleep & Comfort

• Contoured sleep mask — because the window seat always gets the sunrise
• Foam earplugs or noise-cancelling earbuds
• Memory foam neck pillow — compact, worth every centimeter of space
• Compression socks for flights over 5 hours

Clothing (7 days)

• 4 tops — neutral tones that mix and match without thought
• 2 bottoms — one casual, one smart enough for dinner
• 1 dress or polished outfit for the evenings worth dressing up for
• Comfortable walking shoes — your feet will thank you by day three
• Lightweight jacket — evenings in Lisbon still get cool in June

Pro tip: roll everything. It compresses better than folding and makes a carry-on feel like a tardis.

Beauty & Grooming

• Travel-size skincare routine — SPF is non-negotiable in Southern Europe
• Solid shampoo bar — no liquid restrictions, no plastic waste
• Compact LED travel mirror for early mornings in dark hotel rooms