Okay, one more thing… when Ryanair says your cabin carry on weight allowance is 10kg and checked luggage weight allowance is 15kg… does this mean that you could actually have 25kg of stuff total? I mean, all told, I doubt I’ll even have 25 pounds even after getting a tent and a sleeping bag (those two combined can’t be more than like 10 pounds at the MOST)

Yes, that’s what it means, which is why I think for most backpackers or budget travelers, these restrictions are pretty minor.

We booked our Ryanair and Easyjet flights and paid the checkin and baggage fees online.  We will have to check in at the airport as we have hold bags.  How early should we show up for the flights?

I’d show up two hours before. The reason is that they are brutal about cutting off check-in 30-45 minutes before the flight (depending on the airpot), even if you’ve been standing in line for ages, and brutal about not waiting for people to pass through security, even if they have successfully checked in on time. So get there in advance, get past security, and enjoy the wait as much as possible.