How We Packed for 10 Days in Europe with a Toddler — in One Carry-On Each
Yes, it's possible. No, we didn't sacrifice diapers. Here's exactly what made the cut.
When we told people we were doing 10 days in Portugal and Spain with Edison using only carry-ons, they looked at us like we'd lost our minds. We hadn't. We'd just gotten ruthless.
The one-bag rule
Each adult gets one 40L carry-on. Edison gets a small daypack. Everything else stays home. This forces you to think in outfits, not items.
What we actually packed for Edison
5 outfits (mix-and-match), 1 sleep sack, portable white noise machine, 3 days of diapers (buy the rest there), wipes, sunscreen, and his beloved stuffed elephant.
The laundry strategy
Every 3–4 days, we used a laundromat or booked an Airbnb with a washer. It adds maybe 2 hours to your trip and saves you from checking a bag.
Edison's pro tip: pack one 'fancy' outfit for nice dinners. Everything else should be machine-washable and quick-dry.
Edison
Chief adventure officer, Edison Explores. Toddler. World traveler. Snack enthusiast.
