How to travel light: my hard-earned secrets for two weeks with just a carry-on

Expert tips for city breaks, Christmas markets, and winter adventures

Snow flurries outside Vienna’s Stephansplatz, the cinnamon scent of glühwein, a suitcase bulging at the seams… We’ve all seen that traveller, wrestling their overstuffed wheelie bag onto the tram, juggling scarves and souvenirs. But here’s the thing: you don’t need half your wardrobe to enjoy two weeks on the road—even over the festive season, with winter layers and all those tempting Christmas market treats.

I learned this the hard way, having once spent New Year’s Eve in Budapest frantically searching for lost luggage (yes, it’s as stressful as it sounds—see my guide to dealing with lost bags). Since then, I’ve whittled my packing down to only the essentials, no matter where I’m headed or how long I’m travelling. Packing light isn’t about deprivation; it’s about freedom. And yes, it’s entirely possible—even in December.

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Quick Facts

Save up to an hour at airports by skipping baggage drop and reclaim.
Packing cubes and a solid digital checklist are game changers for stress-free organisation.
eSIMs let you activate data in seconds—no need to queue at kiosks or hunt for Wi-Fi to get connected on arrival.
Travel insurance often favours carry-on only (lower risk of lost property claims).
Local laundry options (hotel, laundrette, or even a quick sink wash) mean you don’t need two weeks’ worth of clothes.

Why packing light is more than a space-saving trick

There’s something liberating about gliding off a flight, bag in hand, while others jostle at the carousel. For winter holidays, though, it takes a little more nous. Christmas markets mean extra layers, and New Year in the Alps? You’ll want warmth, but you don’t need your entire closet. The trick is in packing smart, not more.

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Why This Matters

Many European airports—especially during December—are packed to the rafters with holidaymakers. Navigating security queues and tight connections is infinitely easier with just a carry-on. Factor in train journeys (imagine rolling a massive suitcase through Prague’s cobbled Old Town!), and you’ll thank yourself for travelling light.

Getting online without the usual holiday headaches

I’ve spent many chilly evenings in German Weihnachtsmärkte, trying to look up tram timetables, only to discover my roaming package had run out. Last December in Salzburg, the crowds at the Christmas market meant public Wi-Fi was glacial, and my UK SIM’s rates were eye-watering: £6 for a single MB! That’s when I switched to eSIMs—and I’ve never looked back. Here’s the local reality: in cities like Vienna or Munich, network congestion can spike during peak festivities. Tourists all try to post, stream, and navigate at once. Traditional roaming often struggles; you can end up with slow speeds or data throttling, especially on UK or US SIMs piggybacking on local networks. Meanwhile, in smaller towns—think Hallstatt or Rothenburg ob der Tauber—coverage is good, but only if you’re on the right carrier. An eSIM (digital SIM) lets you switch instantly to a local provider, often at much better rates and with far more reliable connections. On my last trip to Prague, activating a Graba SIM eSIM took less than a minute. I monitored my data in real-time using their Data Pulse widget (a pro-tip: stick the widget on your lock screen for instant peace of mind). Graba SIM’s 24/7 chat support also came in handy at 2am when I realised I’d misread my data balance. No waiting in line, no fiddling with plastic SIM trays, and no worrying about whether your phone is still set to “roaming off.”

If you’re unsure about your device, use the compatibility checker before you travel. Most recent iPhones (from XS onward), Google Pixels, and newer Samsungs are covered. If you’re headed to a specific destination, check out country-specific plans for the best rates.

My step-by-step guide to two weeks with just a carry-on

Trying to fit everything into a 7kg or 10kg limit sounds daunting, but I promise it’s doable—even in December. Here’s how I approach it, honed after dozens of trips through snowy markets and humid Asian cities alike:

Plan your outfits before you pack.

Lay everything out on the bed. Stick to a colour palette—black, navy, grey, maybe a festive red scarf. This way, every top matches every bottom. For winter, aim for 2-3 merino wool tops (they dry fast, don’t smell, and double as thermals).

Embrace packing cubes.

I resisted these for ages—now I swear by them. Separate ‘daywear’, ‘nightwear’, and ‘just-in-case’ layers. It keeps things tidy, and you won’t have to upend your bag when hunting for gloves at the bottom.

Limit shoes to two pairs (maximum).

One pair on your feet (waterproof boots for winter, trainers otherwise), plus a pair of fold-up flats or sandals. That’s it. No one notices if you wear the same boots every day, especially when you’re traipsing through slushy Christmas markets.

Roll, don’t fold.

Rolling not only saves space but also keeps things less creased—especially useful when you’re living out of a small bag.

Travel-size toiletries only.

Decant into 100ml bottles. Most city hotels and even some Airbnbs supply basics (shampoo, soap), so check ahead. See my carry-on liquids and security guide for the latest airport rules.

Digitise your documents.

Save copies of your passport, insurance, and tickets on your phone/cloud drive. Less paper, less stress if anything goes missing.

Pack the right tech.

A universal adapter, USB-C cable, and a power bank. Don’t bother with hairdryers; every hotel I’ve stayed in since 2017 has had one. And yes, eSIMs mean you’ll never hunt for a local SIM card again.

Laundry is your friend.

Most cities have laundrettes or hotel laundry service. I usually wash socks/undies in the sink halfway through a trip. Bring a small bar of soap or a travel sachet.

Get Connected

Unlock local rates and data speeds with a digital SIM. Check your device, pick your plan, and travel lighter—one less thing to juggle at the airport.

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Festive travel in practice: what you really need—and what you don’t

Travelling during the holidays can be magical—think twinkling lights in Strasbourg, roasted chestnuts in Krakow, or spontaneous snowball fights outside the Hofburg. But it also means unpredictable weather and crowded streets. Here’s what I’ve learned after a decade of winter trips:

Layers trump bulk. A lightweight down jacket compresses to the size of a grapefruit. Add a merino jumper and a pair of gloves—job done.

Accessories make all the difference. A bright beanie or scarf livens up your photos and instantly changes your look (without taking up space).

Pack a foldable tote. Essential for market goodies or that extra bottle of spiced wine you can’t resist.

Leave the ‘just in case’ at home. I used to bring extra jumpers ‘just in case’. They never left my bag.

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Pro-tip: the Data Pulse widget

Graba SIM’s Data Pulse widget sits on your lock or home screen, showing real-time usage. No more guessing if you’ll run out streaming Christmas classics in your hotel room.

Real-world local tips for winter travel

Local Tips

In Vienna, trams get packed between 4-6pm during market season—keep your bag zipped and valuables close.

Berlin’s free city Wi-Fi often slows to a crawl in December; an eSIM can save your sanity.

In Budapest, use the laundrette near Astoria for quick, cheap washes (they take contactless payments).

Prague’s cobbles are notorious for rolling suitcases—choose a backpack or spinner with large wheels.

Tokyo’s airport security checks are thorough; keep your carry-on liquids in a transparent, resealable bag.

New York holiday crowds mean patchy mobile coverage in Central Park—switch to a local network via eSIM for smoother data.

eSIM vs. physical SIM vs. roaming: what actually works in 2025?

Comparison: eSIM vs. Physical SIM vs. Roaming
Feature	eSIM	Physical SIM	Traditional Roaming
Setup Time	<1 min (with Graba SIM)	5–10 min (find shop, swap)	Instant (but expensive)
Coverage	Access to local, regional, or global plans	Local only (unless multi-SIM)	Depends on your home carrier
Data Cost (avg.)	from £5/$7/€6 per week	£8–£16 per week	Often £30+ per week
Activation	Remote via app or QR code	Manual insert	Auto, but may require SMS
Support	24/7 live chat (Graba SIM)	Shop or call centre	Home provider (may have time zone delay)

Who should consider a digital SIM—and when?

Winter City Breaker

You’re hopping between Cologne, Strasbourg, and Basel for festive markets—switching eSIM plans is seamless, without queuing for local SIMs at each stop.

Remote Worker Abroad

Need reliable data for calls and maps in Tokyo? eSIM keeps you online with local rates—even if your Airbnb Wi-Fi drops out.

Family Traveller

Travelling with kids in the US? Monitor everyone’s data usage in-app to avoid surprise bills.

Spontaneous Backpacker

Got a last-minute deal to New Zealand for New Year’s? Activate your eSIM while boarding—no extra SIM cards to lose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Connected

Ready to ditch the queues and keep your holiday stress-free? See all digital SIM options by country, region, or global plan.

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Final Thoughts

Last Christmas, I zipped through six cities with just one backpack. I didn’t miss a single connection, never paid airport lost luggage fees, and stayed in touch with family throughout the festive rush—no SIM swapping or frantic Wi-Fi hunts. To me, that’s what modern travel is all about: less stuff, more experiences, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re always connected (and your bag’s right overhead). If you’re still on the fence, give it a try. You might just find you never want to check a bag again.

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How to travel light: my hard-earned secrets for two weeks with just a carry-on

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