Complete guide for a stress-free beach holiday

Preparing an 8 or 10 kg carry-on might seem like an impossible task, but with the right combinations, a few smart techniques, and a bit of strategy, you can travel light without giving up anything.
Whether you’re heading to the Cyclades, the Dodecanese or the Ionian Islands, a well-organized carry-on is the first step towards a truly relaxing holiday.

This guide follows the practical style of our site and walks you through everything you absolutely need to pack, how to combine your clothes, which shoes to bring, and how to optimize every inch of your suitcase.

The golden rules for preparing the perfect carry-on

Before choosing what to bring, it’s essential to follow three rules:

1. Choose your color palette

Opt for 3 base colors (e.g. white – beige – navy blue).
Everything should match everything: this is the secret to creating 10 outfits with just a few pieces.

2. Light, wrinkle-free fabrics

Ideal for the beach:

• linen blend (wrinkles less)
• lightweight cotton
• viscose
• micro-light technical fabrics

3. Folding method

Roll your clothes:

• they take up less space
• they don’t crease
• they fit better into packing cubes

What you absolutely must pack in your carry-on (complete, reasoned list)

1. Essential clothing (beach edition)

Everything should be light, functional, and easy to mix and match.

Tops

• 3 neutral t-shirts (white, sand, light blue)
• 2 lightweight tops or tank tops
• 1 versatile linen shirt (open over your swimsuit, buttoned for the evening)

Bottoms

• 1 lightweight pair of trousers (linen, linen blend, or cotton)
• 1 neutral pair of shorts
• 1 lightweight skirt (optional but perfect for evening outfits)

Dresses

• 1 lightweight evening dress
• 1 soft day dress you can also wear to the beach

Swimwear

• 2 swimsuits: while one dries, the other is ready
• 1 multifunctional pareo (towel, cover-up, scarf)

Outer layers

• 1 light kimono or cardigan
• 1 ultralight packable jacket (perfect for island winds)

2. Shoes (only 2 pairs, always!)

1. Comfortable sandals

To use:
✔ at the beach
✔ for walking
✔ in the evening
✔ with dresses, trousers, shorts

Ideal: lightweight leather sandals or minimal technical sandals.

2. Lightweight sneakers

To use:
✔ for travel
✔ for excursions
✔ for windy evenings

Choose white or beige: they match everything.

Optional bonus (if you have space)

a pair of ultralight thin flip-flops (70–90 grams).

3. Smart beauty case

Your beauty case is what weighs the most: optimize it as much as possible.

What to bring

• 100 ml refillable bottles
• 2-in-1 shampoo + conditioner
• mini face cleanser
• travel-size face cream + body cream
• foldable toothbrush
• mini toothpaste
• hair ties
• mini brush
• small makeup kit: mascara, pencil, lip balm + 1 neutral lipstick

The 3 products you should NEVER forget

• SPF 50 sunscreen (you can buy it at duty free)
• mini after-sun
• anti-salt hair spray

4. Tech & documents (essentials)

• 10,000 mAh powerbank
• universal charger with multi-USB port
• phone + waterproof beach case
• ID document
• bookings + travel insurance (digital is fine)
• lightweight earphones
• sunglasses

How to create 10 different outfits with few clothes (practical guide)

Daytime beach outfits

• Swimsuit + pareo + linen shirt
• Swimsuit + t-shirt + shorts
• Soft dress + sandals

Afternoon / walk outfits

• Shorts + top + sandals
• Skirt + t-shirt + sneakers

Evening outfits

• Lightweight evening dress + sandals
• Linen trousers + top + kimono
• Shirt + shorts + elegant sandals

Windy weather / ferry outfits

• Lightweight leggings + shirt + sneakers
• Trousers + t-shirt + ultralight jacket

Everything matches, everything is light, everything fits into 8–10 kg.

The ultimate trick: the 3 pouches that change everything

For a perfect carry-on, use 3 packing cubes:

1. “Daytime” pouch

Swimsuits, pareo, t-shirts.

2. “Evening” pouch

Dresses, shirt, trousers, cardigan.

3. “Tech + beauty” pouch

Cables, mini beauty case, essentials.

This way:
✔ everything is visually tidy
✔ you avoid digging through heaps of clothes
✔ you won’t exceed 10 kg because everything stays compact

Extra tips for a flawless carry-on

Wear your heaviest items on the plane (sneakers + jacket).

• Put liquids in the outer pocket for faster checks.
• Bring an ultralight bag for dirty clothes.
• Roll delicate clothes inside the pareo to keep them perfect.
• Leave some space: you will buy something in Greece, guaranteed.

Preparing an 8–10 kg carry-on isn’t a limitation, but a way to experience your holiday with ease, comfort, and zero stress.

With just a few well-chosen pieces, a smart palette, and the right combinations, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy beaches, villages, sunsets, and dinners overlooking the Aegean without ever feeling like you’re “missing something.”