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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think carry-on luggage is enough for five nights in Ibiza?

75 replies

shrumps · 13/06/2026 14:21

AIBU for thinking I can manage with just carry on luggage for 5 nights in Ibiza? I was planning on buying toiletries there, small make up bag, 1 x flip flops, 1 x sandals, 2 bikinis, 2 beach cover ups, shorts, 3 evening outfits, couple of vest tops, underwear. I think it’s doable, friends are reacting in horror at the very idea 😝

OP posts:
Reptilesthatiswhattheyare · 13/06/2026 14:26

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EveryKneeShallBow · 13/06/2026 14:29

If I can do five days in the Lake District in May with one back pack you’ll be fine.

user1476613140 · 13/06/2026 14:30

Yep. DS 19 is heading off soon to a European city for five nights and only has his Ryan Air approved hand luggage allowance so yes it's possible. He done it last year too.

Bellavida99 · 13/06/2026 14:57

You mean just the small backpack not the extra 10kg carry on I assume? I’ve done a week in France with it. I did buy a €8 beach towel at market there and conditioner and sun cream but just used the shampoo and shower gel that was there. I packed a couple of swimsuits, 3 t shirts, few underwear’s, 3 sundresses flip flops and bits of make up. I wore long trousers trainers and a hoodie on flight so I had all my warm bulky clothes on. It was fine and I love just walking straight out of the airport with a tiny backpack. It’s a game changer once you’ve done it once. Caveat I did do a load of washing mid week

JustGiveMeReason · 13/06/2026 15:00

It's an 'it depends' for me.

If you are skint, and have to, then yes, you will manage.

But that is a different question from "would you want to".

I inter-railed in my youth, and headed off to Australia another year. Managed fine with everything I needed for 6 weeks in one rucksack. However, now I'm older and have a bit more money, I prefer to give myself different choices.

parachutegirl · 13/06/2026 15:02

Yes of course. Easy.

5128gap · 13/06/2026 15:13

Fine if you're not planning on leaving the beach or pool in the day, and don't mind wearing the same shorts and two tops for breakfast every day for 5 days. However if you're planning on doing any activities in the day, you need a second pair of shorts and another day top imo.
I try to make my evening stuff do double duty as day wear later on. So, skirt/shorts with evening top, then with vest in the day later in the week.

Nimblethimble · 13/06/2026 15:14

Depends how sweaty you are!

Reptilesthatiswhattheyare · 13/06/2026 15:18

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Yetone · 13/06/2026 15:20

EveryKneeShallBow · 13/06/2026 14:29

If I can do five days in the Lake District in May with one back pack you’ll be fine.

Hoe many evening dos did you go to while you’re where there?

Elsvieta · 13/06/2026 15:21

Of course you can - I've done twice as long in hot places where you only need thin clothes that don't take up much room. You don't need to buy toiletries either - just take a few miniatures.

Yetone · 13/06/2026 15:22

I have recently gone on holiday where I had to travel light and discovered the wonder of hotel laundry services. Very pricy but what a treat. It all came back wrapped in tissue paper and tied with ribbon. It was like getting a present.

managingexpectations · 13/06/2026 15:24

I managed 5 nights in Torremolinos including toiletries, makeup bag and straighteners.
wore a pair of sandals/flip flops, took 3 others in the carryon case.
1 swim suit, one cover up, a pair of denim shorts 2 others light weight during the day short, 4 day vest, 3 pairs of trousers for, 5 night tops, a T-shirt and a towel! Oh and a denim jacket, 8 pairs of pants and 4 bras!
it all fitted in perfectly and I could have taken a wee bit more. Suitcase was off TikTok shop for £18

DidntLikeTheEnding · 13/06/2026 15:24

Yetone · 13/06/2026 15:20

Hoe many evening dos did you go to while you’re where there?

And how many hills is the OP going to walk up in the rain? It's all relative!

SuperSugarHigh · 13/06/2026 15:25

Those worried about waiting for luggage - the new electronic checks in a lot of European countries mean you’ll be waiting there way longer than you’d be waiting for your luggage. So taking checked luggage isn’t going to slow you down (but passport control probably will - thanks Brexit 🤦‍♀️)

IdentifyingAsAWoollyMammoth · 13/06/2026 15:25

Last September I did 9 days in 6 different European cities using just carry on. No sun bathing gear, but enough to cope with heat/sun and cool/rain, lots of walking. Didn't even use all the clothes eventually. 5 days in Ibiza would be a doddle.

AImportantMermaid · 13/06/2026 15:27

Yes, except suncream is usually about £20 a bottle in tourist areas so I’d decant enough to see you through into those 100 ml bottles you can buy in places like Primark.

IdentifyingAsAWoollyMammoth · 13/06/2026 15:28

I used compression packing cubes. Marvellous. I'll never take hold luggage for a week's holiday ever again.

AImportantMermaid · 13/06/2026 15:29

And get a Turkish or microfiber towel. They take up far less space than normal towels.

Okiedokie123 · 13/06/2026 15:29

DidntLikeTheEnding · 13/06/2026 15:24

And how many hills is the OP going to walk up in the rain? It's all relative!

True! I’ve happily spent three weeks in the rain in the UK with just a tent and a backpack. My ds has spent five times as long overseas with much less. He says I “overpack”. .
For me a carry on is plenty for five nights regardless of the activities happening. Others need more than I’d take for a month probably lol. Everyone has different wants and needs

Ineffable23 · 13/06/2026 15:30

I've done 2.5 weeks on hand luggage only including a hen do at the end which needed a smart dress. So I think absolutely doable. Editing to say I mean the small suitcase type carry-on, I couldn't do more than 3? nights absolute max on underseat luggage.

Maddy70 · 13/06/2026 15:34

I have just done two weeks with an underseat bag just keep colours the same. Black white and beige i don't take extra shoes usually

Yetone · 13/06/2026 15:35

DidntLikeTheEnding · 13/06/2026 15:24

And how many hills is the OP going to walk up in the rain? It's all relative!

With the same pair of boots and probably clothes worn many times. I go on walking holidays too.

LlynTegid · 13/06/2026 15:35

How much are you spending on the holiday, and how much would you save? Seems a strange spending priority unless it is out of fear that your luggage will not arrive.

Yes I think if you are not someone who sweats excessively, I think it's enough.

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