This 9-coin TikTok method allows you to take a 2-week summer vacation with free cabin baggage.

Every summer, the same scene repeats itself at airports. The suitcase overflows, the bag doesn’t fit and the boarding agent announces a €60 surcharge. However, a viral tip on TikTok promises to transform your summer vacations by freeing your budget from baggage fees.

Why cabin baggage is becoming a major issue for your summer vacations

Low-cost airlines have turned luggage into a veritable cash machine. At Ryanair, a hold bag can cost up to €60. At easyJet, a real carry-on bag often costs over €40 per journey. The only thing that remains free of charge is the small personal bag, 40×20×25 cm, slipped under the seat.

In the face of cost inflation, the fall in prices of flights to the Mediterranean doesn’t make any difference if you double the bill in baggage surcharges. In fact, in 2023, the European Commission demanded greater transparency on these fees. This pricing pressure is prompting travelers to rethink the way they pack for their summer vacations.

A viral video showed a traveler at Luton airport, near London, forced to pay £55 (around €64) for an oversized bag. This kind of mishap has put strategic minimalism at the heart of travel discussions.

“Nine pieces, over 15 looks, zero extra baggage. The 3-3-3 method requires no styling talent – just the courage to leave the dress “just in case” in the closet.”

The 3-3-3 method: the principle that revolutionizes the suitcase

The rule is simple enough for your summer vacation. You choose 3 tops, 3 bottoms and 3 pairs of shoes. Nine key pieces, not one more. By combining these elements, you already have 9 different silhouettes.

By varying your shoes, you can easily go beyond 15 looks. That’s more than enough to cover 10 to 14 days without ever wearing exactly the same outfit. This approach allows you to travel light while remaining stylish.

• Raw jeans, beige shorts and a printed skirt on the bottom
• A white t-shirt, a flowing shirt and a colorful tank top on the top side.
• White sneakers for the day
• Flat sandals for the beach or for walking
• A dressier pair for evening dinners

Where does this trick that’s gone viral on the networks come from?

Popularized by content creator Rachel Spencer, this approach was then taken up by experts such as Marie Kondo. It is inspired by the capsule wardrobe concept and the minimalist Project 333. These nine pieces fit into a 10 kg bag, perfect for a stress-free summer vacation.

The principle is based on the versatility of each garment. Each piece must work with all the others. In this way, you multiply combinations without multiplying volume. The method works in summer and winter, simply by adapting the materials.

For the warmer months, opt for linen and lightweight cotton. In winter, however, swap these materials for knitwear or merino wool. This flexibility explains the enduring success of this trick with regular travelers.

How to adapt the method to a summer city-trip

For an urban staycation during your summer vacations, the choice of rooms needs to be thought through beforehand. Opt for neutral colors that blend easily together. Beige, white and navy blue form an ideal base.

Then add a touch of color with a printed tank top or skirt. This colorful piece adds variety without weighing down the suitcase. As a result, you create different looks every day with a minimum of stuff.

The mistake that sabotages 90% of suitcases before departure

The true cost of making the wrong choice isn’t just measured in euros. According to packing experts, 90% of female travelers overload their suitcases with “just-in-case” items. A dress that’s too dressy or 10 cm heels worn just once are just some of these parasitical additions.

These extras explode the volume and ruin the 3-3-3 method. The golden rule to avoid this trap is simple. If a garment doesn’t work in at least two different contexts (day and dinner, city and beach), it stays in the closet.

This drastic sorting also reduces decision fatigue every morning of your summer vacation. No need to spend twenty minutes in front of a shapeless pile of crumpled clothes. You save time, peace of mind and space in your carry-on bag.

The question remains for every traveler. What would be the hardest piece to give up in your summer wardrobe?