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

[kitchenplans]

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?

It’s doable, like you, I am a super light packer. I did this for 8 nights earlier this year. I would ditch the towels and just use hotel ones. You could also just pick up soap, sun cream and shampoo etc from the supermarket there or if tight for space, but it at airport Boots. I took 4 evening outfits a couple of which doubled up as daytime outfits and then did a wash so then wore the same outfits for the second part of the week. So my clothing looked like: 2 playsuits, 2 light maxi dresses, denim shorts with 2 vests, 3 bikinis and underwear tucked into sandals / rolled up into nighttime bag. Wore my cardi for evenings on the plane

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

I’d leave out a bikini, the extra towel, and beach socks ( don’t even know what they are). I would use a big scarf as a sarong, and wear it as a scarf on the plane, if short of space. I’d buy sun cream there. I’d take a floaty or linen shirt that goes with your trousers to cover up in the evening if the mozzies are too bad Also pack antihistan cream and antihistamines. If really short of space, can you take a bum bag? I’m assuming you can’t take a crossbody bag or tote?

If you are AI I would expect toiletries (shampoo shower gel and hand soap) and pool towels, you usually can't take them to the beach

We did a week away in the canaries for a family of 6 with 2 underseat case/bags sp I'm sure you'll manage jusy fine OP :)

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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

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.

How about painkillers and plasters?

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.

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!

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!

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!

Underseat or cabin bag?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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

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 🤣