TRAVELLERS heading abroad this summer can beat Ryanair’s hand luggage rule with this clever “Sudoku” packing hack.

The trick has gone viral online and whittles your wardrobe down to just the essentials.

A woman wearing glasses and a blue scarf with text overlay "5 Steps to Build a Packing Sudoku" and a grid filled with "TOP," "LAYER," and "BOTTOM" in a Sudoku-like pattern.The Sudoku Packing hack has gone viral on social media Credit: @ thenatalieway1/TikTok Nine folded pieces of clothing on a bed, labeled "top," "bottom," or "outerwear" with the text "Okay, let's play packing Sudoku."Travellers need to pick just nine items to create 27 outfit combinations Credit: @thenatalieway.travel/Instagram

Anyone trying to scrimp on flights knows the frustration of added baggage fees.

While your ticket may only cost £30, adding hold luggage can top up the bill with a £59.99 per flight.

Even a cabin bag can land you with a charge of up to £36.

So many of us try to save some cash by choosing to carry all our belongings in just one small bag, but sizing down your suitcase to this meagre amount can be tricky.

A Ryanair flight offers a tiny 40 x 30 x 20cm bag for free, while offers a slightly larger 45 x 36 x 20cm size for hand luggage.

However, a handy travel hack might be the solution, and it’s known as “Sudoku Packing”.

The hack has blown up on and , promising to whittle your wardrobe down to just nine essential items needed for a short trip.

The trending technique first went viral earlier this year, when influencer Natalie Shaquer shared how the hack was transformative for her .

In her video, Natalie recommends “visualising your trip” before beginning the packing phase and taking a few moments to think through the types of outfits you’re going to need.

Then, all travellers need to do is pick three tops, three bottoms and three layering items that all harmoniously coordinate.

Layers can be anything from scarves to jackets to cardigans or jumpers, and should be picked according to the climate of the upcoming destination.

When laid out in a 3×3 grid, the Sudoku selection creates up to 27 different combinations made up of a top, bottom and layer.

Natalie also recommends bringing three pairs of shoes to go with your coordinated clothing selection.

Packers are reminded that each pair of bottoms, whether trousers, a skirt or shorts, will need to work with at least two pairs of the shoes, otherwise they must go “back in the closet”.

With your clothing streamlined, you should still have plenty of space for toiletries and accessories in your bag, but this hack is likely only useful for those planning on being away for a few days.

However, travellers heading out on longer trips will likely need more than nine items of clothing, so then it may be worth forking out for hold luggage.