Pack Light, Go Far: Tips for Backpacking Across Europe and Beyond
You’d rather have a single Polaroid of a cherished memory than 30 semi-identical photos. You prefer genuine conversations over small talk. When you seek out meaningful connections and take the time to immerse yourself in experiences, you know that less is often more—especially when traveling. Whether you’re a type A planner or a spontaneous adventurer, backpacking across Europe and other scenic destinations can be an incredible way to experience a new place and seek out new experiences.
Ready to stay light on your feet—even when you have your whole world on your shoulders? Here’s what to know about backpacking vacations, how to pack for your trip, and where to visit.
What Exactly Are Backpacking Vacations?
When someone describes backpacking across Europe, this is a different type of adventure than backpacking through the wilderness. While backpacking as a sport involves using outdoor gear and camping equipment, backpacking vacations are all about packing light so you can follow a nomadic schedule as you explore cities, towns, and other exciting locations.
Backpacking vacations look different for everyone. Some people follow a carefully planned two-week excursion across Spain, planning stops and sightseeing ahead of time. Others might take a one-way flight to Croatia with just their trusty carry on backpack and an appetite for adventure.
While backpacking vacations can be bite-sized or lengthy, they are generally characterized by a loose itinerary and a short packing list. Experience-driven travelers and budget adventurers swear by backpacking vacations because they allow you to immerse yourself in your surroundings, stay spontaneous, and seek out unique thrills.
How to Pack for a Great Vacation
Whether you’ll be backpacking through remote French villages or historic urban areas in Spain, a trip that’s memorable for all the right reasons starts at home. Once you’ve worked out the details of your vacation—like where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and where you’re staying—it’s time to browse travel backpacks and start planning your packing list.
Here are three tips for packing right (aka, packing light).
Choose the Right Luggage
Well-constructed, durable gear is worth investing in before a backpacking vacation; after all, your luggage is essentially going to be your home for the duration of your trip, so you’ll want to make sure it stays organized and in good shape. Choosing gear with a timeless, classic design can help you seamlessly blend in wherever your travels take you. Finding luggage that is well-designed and repairable can help you travel with peace of mind, knowing that you can count on your carry on duffel bag or travel backpack to make it to your final destination.
In addition to well-made, sturdy travel backpacks, the right gear makes all the difference. For an organized bag and efficient packing system, enhance your backpacking setup with these items:
- Packing cubes to help keep your clothes clean and compact.
- A travel toiletry bag that keeps your personal items organized and easily accessible.
- A tech organizer to make arranging cords, cables, and other electronic accessories simple.
- A comfortable hip pack for bringing essentials with you during excursions.
Be Realistic
While some travelers truly do squeeze all their essentials into a spacious backpack, backpackers often use slightly larger—but just as versatile—luggage, like a lightweight travel duffel bag. The length of your trip, how many amenities you prefer to travel with, and where you’re going can all influence how much or how little you choose to pack. Backpacking across Europe and beyond is all about your individual experience, so as long as you’re bringing what you can comfortably carry, there’s no need to stress about cramming everything into a tiny carry-on.
A good rule of thumb for deciding what to keep and what to kick while packing is to create your packing list based on experiences. If you’re eager to explore a few scenic hiking trails in the Dolomite mountains or want to feel your best on a night out in Rome, bring your hiking boots and favorite going-out shirt—even if it means opting for a duffel bag and a versatile travel backpack. On the other hand, if you’re tempted to bring multiple pairs of shoes because you’re feeling indecisive, that might be a sign to refine your packing list.
Find a Community
Adventurous travel is all about forging connections and creating meaningful memories. Luckily, you can start building a support network before hitting the road. Talk to your friends and family about their travel adventures, and see if they have any useful tips or advice for your upcoming vacation. Adventure travel blogs can be a great resource for everything from finding durable travel backpacks to destination recommendations.
Joining a language exchange program or club in your local city is a great way to brush up on your communication skills before a trip and meet like-minded people with a love for travel. Whether you’re brushing up on your Spanish or want to pick up a few conversational phrases in French, cultural clubs and programs are a great way to prepare yourself for an adventurous vacation.
What Are Some of the Best Backpacking Destinations?
Everyone’s dream vacation is different. Some people love tropical getaways, while others prefer bustling cities. History buffs might adore guided tours through iconic ruins, while adrenaline chasers might prefer to soar above them on a paragliding excursion. While your itinerary might be unique to you, there are a few key factors that make certain destinations backpacking-friendly.
The best destinations for backpacking vacations are walkable, have reliable transportation, are generally safe, and have reasonable accommodations. Here are two incredible destinations for backpacking vacations.
Croatia
When you visit Croatia, prepare to be blown away by stunning beaches, breathtaking national parks, historic towns, and—most importantly for backpackers—an extensive bus network. This sun-soaked country is fantastic for backpackers searching for a mix of fun and relaxation with a side of incredible sights.
One of the most popular ways to immerse yourself in this stunning region is to travel along the Dalmatian Coast from Split to Dubrovnik. This route will allow you to explore historic cities, take in picturesque panoramic views, and even island-hop.
The Baltic States
Those who are interested in architecture, adore stunning views, and love taking the road less traveled might fall in love with the Baltic States. Composed of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, these Eastern European countries are frequently overlooked by tourists and offer an authentic and stunning experience.
The train and bus network between these countries and their major cities makes mapping out a route relatively easy. Spend a few nights in Riga, the capital of Latvia, to take in the stunning architecture and local culture before venturing into Cesus, a small town known for its medieval castle. From Vilnius, Lithuania, to Tallinn, Estonia, this fairytale-like region is perfect for adventurous backpackers.
What Are You Waiting For?
At the end of the day, packing light and traveling adventurously are skills. The only way to know what you truly need on a journey, figure out where you want to go, and understand what you’re looking for is to get out of your comfort zone. With the right gear and adventurous mindset, you can embark on the first of many unforgettable adventures.
About Eagle Creek
Planning your next big adventure is exciting. You have memories to make, mountains to summit, and people to meet. But first, you have bags to pack. Since 1975, Eagle Creek has designed durable luggage and packing gear that makes it easy for adventurous travelers to stay organized and efficient while on the go. Whether you need a travel toiletry kit that keeps your morning routine seamless or travel backpacks that make carrying the world on your shoulders look easy, turn to Eagle Creek. Their No Matter What® Warranty helps you travel with confidence, knowing that your Eagle Creek gear is repairable and replaceable, while their durable designs will help your luggage keep up with your adventures.
Find durable travel gear for your next great adventure at https://www.eaglecreek.com/
