I traveled to Europe for 13 days with just one backpack. Here are the best things I packed and 4 items I wished I left at home.

Joey HaddenNov 16, 2022, 18:14 IST

The author took just a backpack on her two-week train journey through Europe, and she had everything she really needed.Joey Hadden/Insider

I recently traveled by train through four European countries for two weeks with just a backpack.
I packed light, but there were some items I could have skipped to save room for souvenirs.

I recently spent two weeks living out of a backpack while traveling from NYC to four European countries by plane and train.

The author's backpack (L) and packing list (R) for her European adventure.Joey Hadden/Insider

It was my first time traveling for two weeks with just a backpack and looking back, I think I could have packed even lighter.

Everything the author packed for her two-week trip to Europe.Joey Hadden/Insider

One of the most important things I packed was an all-in-one soap that cleans everything from clothes to bodies.

Castille soap and the author's clothes drying at an Airbnb in Rome.Joey Hadden/Insider

Aside from Dr. Bronner's soap, the most essential toiletries I made room for were my electric toothbrush and sea salt hairspray.

The author's essential toiletries for her 2-week trip.Joey Hadden/Insider

I think I did a great job packing versatile clothing pieces that work well for travel.

The author wears various tops on her trip through Europe.Joey Hadden/Insider

I was happy with the single pair of shoes I packed, which were black and grey sneakers.

The author wears her black sneakers in Milan.Joey Hadden/Insider

I found that my slides were crucial for showers throughout my trip.

The author's slides in an Airbnb in Switzerland.Joey Hadden/Insider

The weather on my trip ranged from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so I was glad I brought a windbreaker.

The author wears her windbreaker in Switzerland.Joey Hadden/Insider

I packed a rain jacket, too, which came in handy when it rained in Vienna and Switzerland.

The author wears a rain jacket in Vienna.Joey Hadden/Insider

I also packed a tote bag in my backpack to separate some items for easier access during my travels, like my notebook and camera.

The author carries her tote bag in Rome.Joey Hadden/Insider

Since outlets in Europe are different from the US, having an outlet adapter was essential for charging my devices.

European plug to US plug converter.Joey Hadden/Insider

To keep myself entertained during flights and train rides, I brought my iPad for reading, watching TV, and drawing.

The author watches TV, reads guidebooks, and doodles on her iPad.Joey Hadden/Insider

I packed my film camera and my digital camera. I was glad I made room for both.

The author's film camera (L) and a cropped version of a photo she took with it in Switzerland (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

Bringing snacks and meal bars helped me save money while traveling.

Snacks the author packed for her trip to Europe.Joey Hadden/Insider

I think I did a decent job of packing light, but there were a few items I could have left behind to make my bag even lighter. For my next work trip, I'll leave the digital camera extra lens, and I'll bring less film.

Lenses (L) and film (R) the author brought to Europe.Joey Hadden/Insider

I think I did a decent job of packing light, but there were a few items I could have left behind to make my bag even lighter. For my next work trip, I'll leave the digital camera extra lens, and I'll bring less film.

I brought a maxi dress for more formal settings, but found it wasn't very versatile.

The author wears s dress in Rome.Joey Hadden/Insider

Since I spent two nights in most of the locations I visited, I had ample time to dry my socks after washing them, so I wish I'd brought fewer pairs.

The author's 10 pairs of socks she brought to Europe.Joey Hadden/Insider

Packing so lightly allowed me to bring home some small souvenirs, like 3D puzzles and tiny sculptures. Next time, I'll save even more space for treasures I find along the way.

3D puzzles (L) and sculptures (R) the author purchased during her travels.Joey Hadden/Insider

Packing so lightly allowed me to bring home some small souvenirs, like 3D puzzles and tiny sculptures. Next time, I'll save even more space for treasures I find along the way.

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I traveled to Europe for 13 days with just one backpack. Here are the best things I packed and 4 items I wished I left at home.

I recently spent two weeks living out of a backpack while traveling from NYC to four European countries by plane and train.

It was my first time traveling for two weeks with just a backpack and looking back, I think I could have packed even lighter.

One of the most important things I packed was an all-in-one soap that cleans everything from clothes to bodies.

Aside from Dr. Bronner's soap, the most essential toiletries I made room for were my electric toothbrush and sea salt hairspray.

I think I did a great job packing versatile clothing pieces that work well for travel.

I was happy with the single pair of shoes I packed, which were black and grey sneakers.

I found that my slides were crucial for showers throughout my trip.

The weather on my trip ranged from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so I was glad I brought a windbreaker.

I packed a rain jacket, too, which came in handy when it rained in Vienna and Switzerland.

I also packed a tote bag in my backpack to separate some items for easier access during my travels, like my notebook and camera.

Since outlets in Europe are different from the US, having an outlet adapter was essential for charging my devices.

To keep myself entertained during flights and train rides, I brought my iPad for reading, watching TV, and drawing.

I packed my film camera and my digital camera. I was glad I made room for both.

Bringing snacks and meal bars helped me save money while traveling.

I think I did a decent job of packing light, but there were a few items I could have left behind to make my bag even lighter. For my next work trip, I'll leave the digital camera extra lens, and I'll bring less film.

I brought a maxi dress for more formal settings, but found it wasn't very versatile.

Since I spent two nights in most of the locations I visited, I had ample time to dry my socks after washing them, so I wish I'd brought fewer pairs.

Packing so lightly allowed me to bring home some small souvenirs, like 3D puzzles and tiny sculptures. Next time, I'll save even more space for treasures I find along the way.