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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to do a week in Rhodes with only underseat baggage?

130 replies

kitchenplans · 26/08/2025 11:27

Having a mild wobble. Going to Rhodes next week with DH and we only booked underseat cabin luggage. I'm pretty experienced at packing light and only hand luggage/underseat luggage, but I've just realised that previous underseat only trips were 4-5 day city breaks with no swimstuff needed and maybe I've been a bit over optimistic!

Holiday is a AI in Rhodes. We've done Rhodes before, so we're mostly planning on just some much needed R&R by the pool - but will likely also do a couple of days out (Lindos, Rhodes Town) plus will likely eat out often in the evenings as we love Greek Tavernas!

Rather helpfully, I'm really low maintenance. So I won't require make-up, skin care stuff, specialist hair care stuff or any kind of hair styling equipment. Soap, shampoo, hairbrush, toothbrush and deodorant pretty much covers my needs!

We also have specialist underseat storage bags which use every cm of space and compression packing cubes, plus we're travelling EasyJet who are slightly more generous on underseat space than RyanAir and some others.

So here's my plan - is it doable?

Stuff between DH and I (will need to fit in across the 2 x bags)
2 x suncream
1 x bar of olive oil soap
1 x shampoo/conditioner all in one.
Toothbrushes & toothpaste
Deodorant
Multway travel plug plus charging cables
Packaway rucksack.
Mosquito repellent
Passport/Travel Docs/Euros etc

My stuff:
3 x swimsuits/bikinis
1 x kaftan type coverup
1 x sarong
1 pair foldable beach socks
2 x hamman towels
1 x flipflops
2 x vest tops
3 x dresses
1 x shorts
7 x knickers (including some chub rub ones)
2 x bras
1 x disposable razor
1 x hairbrush with elastics round handle
1 x tablet with preloaded ebooks/audiobooks/films etc
1 x disposable razor
1 x phone in waterproof case on lanyard round my neck

I'm planning to travel in wide leg trousers/loose tshirt/cardi/comfy walking sandals, which I can re-use as necessary throughout the week.

Is this enough stuff for the week?

OP posts:
Mulledjuice · 26/08/2025 21:02

kitchenplans · 26/08/2025 11:39

I will check, but I'm not sure if they'll provide pool/beach towels? I expect there are bath towels for use in the bathroom. Hamman towels fold up super small anyway.

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I would be very surprised if they didnt provide pool towels.

Sidebeforeself · 26/08/2025 20:55

I admit although I’m cabin baggage only I must admit I take a pair of knickers for everyday . I will sacrifice an item of clothing for fresh knickers!

BankHolidayer · 26/08/2025 20:36

Good on you. I’d reduce to two swimwear items and one spare pair of knickers (wash through each day). Home Bargains sells the laundry sheets and a small tube of effective bite ease though I can’t remember its name. Safety pins can hold curtains together and come in handy for clothes if needed rather than pegs.

Miner4aHeartofGold · 26/08/2025 20:15

Be sure you have soap to wash out clothes with. Hand soap or shampoo can work but take laundry soap if you feel you need it.

IHaveRunOutOfIdeas · 26/08/2025 20:13

kitchenplans · 26/08/2025 19:41

It's this (in black, but pics easier to see in pink). Flying Easyjet, so can use it extended. We use compression packing cubes inside, so can fit loads in.

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Thank you!

OSTMusTisNT · 26/08/2025 19:55

Headphones
3 pegs (curtains might not meet in the middle)
I would only take 2 bikinis and wash them each day.

7 pairs of knickers is cutting it fine though, definitely increase to 8!
Medication
Nail clippers and nail file.
Socks for coming home?

Optional but I always packed one set of PJ's just in case I break my ankle and end up in hospital. Don't fancy my arse sticking out a hospital gown 🤣

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 26/08/2025 19:51

I think you'll be fine. But then I chronically underpack - flew to Australia for three weeks with only carry on luggage...

Onelifeonly · 26/08/2025 19:50

ChimneyPot · 26/08/2025 19:42

Totally not the point but do people not flight they have no legroom if they use those bags that fill the underseat space?
4+ hours is a long time to be cramped.

Just got back from a holiday involving 3 hour flights (Easyjet) and under seat bags were not a problem re leg room. (The new smaller size ones).

Onelifeonly · 26/08/2025 19:48

I haven't been on any holiday hotels in the last few years that haven't provided pool towels, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. I'd also only take two swimming costumes, 2 dresses, maybe one pair of shorts and 3 or 4 tops if I was doing AI and wanted tp take only one small piece of hand luggage if most of the time is to be spent lounging by the pool.

raffegiraffe · 26/08/2025 19:45

It's a perfect packing list, really good!!
Maybe don't need 3 swim suits but they are only small. Check your colour scheme to make sure everything goes. Packing is one of my favourite bits of the holiday haha

ChimneyPot · 26/08/2025 19:42

Totally not the point but do people not flight they have no legroom if they use those bags that fill the underseat space?
4+ hours is a long time to be cramped.

Original poster
kitchenplans · 26/08/2025 19:41

IHaveRunOutOfIdeas · 26/08/2025 19:23

What bags are they? We are using easyJet soon. We have booked hold cases but I don’t think we have enough for 3 of us!

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It's this (in black, but pics easier to see in pink). Flying Easyjet, so can use it extended. We use compression packing cubes inside, so can fit loads in.

AIBU to do a week in Rhodes with only underseat baggage?
OP posts:
VeryStressedMum · 26/08/2025 19:41

I couldn't do it with just underseat bag. I've just done a 5 night trip easyJet but had the large cabin bag as well as the underseat and it was fine.
We have exact sized underseat bag and they do hold a lot but definitely not everything because I like to bring clothes and stuff with me. When I'm on holiday a late part is my clothes and wearing what I want bit just something that fits in my case but not everyone is like me.
However even if I travelled extremely light it still would not all fit in the underseat bag.

MyElatedUmberFinch · 26/08/2025 19:27

Arsed · 26/08/2025 19:20

Easy! I did a month in south east Asia on hand luggage, and still didn’t wear all of it. Everywhere has laundrettes/washing services, and shops!

Underseat or cabin bag?

chunkybear · 26/08/2025 19:24

Not at all! I’ve brought 4 dresses, trousersx1 tee
shirtsx3 swim suits x2 and underwear and I could have fitted it in a small case and I’m away for 10 days … we do have a washing machine though as in a villa - enjoy!

IHaveRunOutOfIdeas · 26/08/2025 19:23

kitchenplans · 26/08/2025 12:26

We have specialist underseat luggage bags designed for EasyJet and compliant with their regulations. They're surprisingly generously sized when they're designed to make use of the full space allowance (and they slip under the seats easily).

I'm not worried about fitting all the things I've listed into our underseat luggage bags (or them fitting under the seats), I'm more worried about whether I have enough clothes and stuff for the week. I think some travel wash, pegs and string might be a good idea as PPs have suggested.

Edited
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What bags are they? We are using easyJet soon. We have booked hold cases but I don’t think we have enough for 3 of us!

Arsed · 26/08/2025 19:20

Easy! I did a month in south east Asia on hand luggage, and still didn’t wear all of it. Everywhere has laundrettes/washing services, and shops!

Original poster
kitchenplans · 26/08/2025 19:18

Sidebeforeself · 26/08/2025 19:06

No it’s not. It’s to save time checking in luggage, to save the wait and scramble to retrieve it ( esp if you have an onward journey) to avoid the stress of loss and damaged luggage as well. It’s not all about money.

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Yes, this. I'm glad others get it too! I think you're either a hand luggage person, or you're not!

I probably should have booked overheads too, and would have done if I hadn't gone into autopilot, which I didn't spot til after we've checked in. But hold luggage, no way José, just too much hassle.

OP posts:
MyElatedUmberFinch · 26/08/2025 19:13

How about painkillers and plasters?

Cynic17 · 26/08/2025 19:12

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 26/08/2025 11:50

Looks fine to me. The only thing I'd add is a rechargeable battery pack. It's a long flight and you'll need your phone on arrival.

Why will she need her phone on arrival? Switch off phone on flight, presumably. Then she's on holiday - phone will be in the hotel safe most of the time.

MyElatedUmberFinch · 26/08/2025 19:12

JimmyGiraffe · 26/08/2025 12:09

It varies from airline to airline, but I recently saw prices of £14.99 for a 10kg cabin case, and £21.99 to check a suitcase into the hold. It hardly breaks the bank!

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I recently paid £104 to check in a suitcase for a return flight.

Cynic17 · 26/08/2025 19:10

You don't need soap, shampoo and conditioner if you're staying in a hotel.
Buy suncream out there, and just leave behind any that you don't use.
Why do you need towels? Your hotel will provide beach/pool towels - usually fresh ones every day.

Eyesopenwideawake · 26/08/2025 19:10

You can buy all your toiletries, razors, suncream and repellents in Rhodes. Buy the smallest sizes and leave what's left for the next guest. You can also buy clothes there!!

Sidebeforeself · 26/08/2025 19:06

BareGrylls · 26/08/2025 18:18

If it's not about the money then all this is to save half an hour max collecting luggage.

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No it’s not. It’s to save time checking in luggage, to save the wait and scramble to retrieve it ( esp if you have an onward journey) to avoid the stress of loss and damaged luggage as well. It’s not all about money.

Currymaker · 26/08/2025 18:42

Your list sounds fine, and to make a bit of space for bringing a nice treat back you could cut down a bit further. 2 swimsuits is sufficient, you could take fewer knickers (and wash them) and take either a kaftan or sarong but not both. I travel light a lot and this really is enough for a week in a hot country.