<p class="ingestion featured-caption">Although I had a great time traveling around Europe, there are a few things I wish I had done differently. Chloe Caldwell</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>After spending a month traveling around Europe, there are a few <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-to-know-before-going-to-portugal-first-time-mistakes-2024-10">things I wish I'd done differently</a>.</li><li>Next time, I'll pack more basics in my suitcase and budget more effectively.</li></ul><p>I recently went on a monthlong <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/european-cities-to-visit-places-to-skip-from-frequent-traveler">bucket-list trip around Europe</a> — I ate pasta in cities throughout Italy, hiked in the Austrian Alps, swam in Croatia's azure waters, and danced under the sparkling Eiffel Tower in Paris.</p><p>Although I'm a seasoned and <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/national-parks-to-visit-places-to-skip-from-frequent-traveler">frequent traveler</a>, this was the longest I'd ever been away from home. After five weeks abroad, I realized there are a few things I'd do differently the next time I take a long trip like this.</p><p>From <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-bring-one-bag-on-trips-packing-tips-2022-8">packing lighter</a> to planning better, here are my key takeaways for making an extended-travel experience more efficient, comfortable, and enjoyable.</p>