How We Travelled to Cyprus with Only Underseat Bags (EasyJet, 7 Nights, Full Packing List)

When we boarded our easyJet flight to Cyprus, everything we needed for the next seven nights was with us — tucked neatly under the seat in front.

No checked luggage. No overhead bags. No waiting at baggage reclaim.

Just two small underseat bags and the freedom to walk straight out of the airport and begin our trip.

For many people, travelling with only underseat luggage for a week sounds unrealistic. But our Cyprus road trip proved it’s not only possible — it’s genuinely liberating.

We saved money, avoided airport queues, and never once felt like we were missing anything.

Here’s exactly how we did it.

Everything we needed for 7 days in Cyprus — no checked luggage required.

Why We Chose Underseat Bags Only

The decision was partly financial, but mostly practical.

Budget airlines charge extra for overhead luggage, and those costs can quickly add up. But beyond the savings, travelling with underseat bags simplified every stage of the journey.

We could check in online, walk straight through security, and board the plane without worrying about overhead locker space. When we landed, we walked straight out of the airport while others waited at baggage reclaim.

There was no risk of lost luggage. No heavy suitcases to drag around. No unnecessary stress.

It made the trip feel simpler from the very beginning.

Our Packing Strategy

The key wasn’t squeezing everything in randomly — it was being intentional about what we packed.

We chose lightweight clothes that could be worn multiple times and layered if needed. Neutral colours made it easy to mix and match outfits without needing something different for every day.

Packing cubes and vacuum bags helped keep everything organised and compressed, and we wore our bulkiest items — such as walking boots, jumpers and coats — on the plane to save space.

We also knew our apartment had a washing machine, which meant we could wash clothes halfway through the trip if needed.

Most importantly, we accepted that we didn’t need to prepare for every possible scenario. Cyprus has supermarkets, pharmacies, and shops like anywhere else. If we genuinely needed something, we could buy it there.

But in reality, we didn’t really need to.

Our Exact Underseat Packing List

We packed far less than we would have in the past — and it was more than enough. Each of us brought:

Clothing

• Jacket

• 3 t-shirts/vests

• 1 long sleeve top

• 1 jumper

• 1 pair of jeans

• 1 pair of shorts

• Underwear and socks (stuffed inside shoes!)

• Swimwear

Footwear

• Walking boots

• Trainers

• Flip flops or lightweight beach shoes

Other essentials

• Travel-sized toiletries (essentials only)

• Phone chargers and adapters

• Hair styling tools

• Microfibre towel

• Sunglasses and hat

• Basic medications/first aid

• A few snacks for travel days/late night arrival

• Book

• Notepad and pen

• Earphones

• Travel documents

Everything fitted comfortably into our two underseat bags.

What Surprised Us Most

What surprised us most wasn’t what we lacked — it was how little we noticed.

We never once wished we’d packed more clothes. We never ran out of anything essential, and the only things we bought when we were there that most people would take from home were toothpaste, sun cream, and moisturiser.

Doing a quick wash during the week meant everything felt fresh again, and packing and unpacking took minutes rather than hours.

It made us question why we’d ever travelled with large suitcases in the past.

Is Travelling with Only an Underseat Bag Realistic?

Yes — especially for shorter trips, warm climates, or apartment stays.

It requires a small shift in mindset, but the benefits are significant:

• Lower flight costs

• Faster airport experience

• Less physical effort

• Greater flexibility

• Less stress overall

Once you realise how little you actually need, travelling this way becomes second nature.

What Travelling Light Gave Us

Travelling with underseat bags didn’t feel restrictive. It felt freeing.

We spent less time managing belongings and more time enjoying where we were. We moved through airports quickly. We never worried about luggage.

And perhaps most importantly, it reinforced something we’ve come to realise more and more:

You don’t need more stuff to have a better trip.

You just need the right essentials — and the confidence to travel differently.

Final Thoughts

Our entire 7-day Cyprus trip — from mountains and villages to beaches and cities — was done with nothing more than two small underseat bags.

We didn’t feel deprived. We felt lighter.

And we wouldn’t hesitate to travel this way again.

You can read our full Cyprus itinerary and cost breakdown here: Cyprus Before the Crowds: 7 Nights for £355 Each (All Costs Included) and here Spring Fling: How We Enjoyed a Week Touring Cyprus for Just £355 Each