What began in Berlin and wound through Austria, Italy, and Switzerland became a life-shaping two-week journey for Hadden — her first backpacking adventure and an ambitious cross-continental experience. Traveling light, navigating night trains, and alternating between big cities and quiet towns, she discovered not just new places, but new perspectives on how to explore the world.
Traveling Light – The 32-Liter Backpack Experiment
Instead of overpacking, Hadden embraced a minimalist approach. Her 32-liter backpack held just a few T-shirts, pants, a sweater, a blazer, and essential toiletries. This “less but enough” philosophy proved liberating — she moved easily between destinations without being weighed down, showing that extensive gear isn’t always necessary for a fulfilling trip.
Night Trains – Romantic in Theory, Exhausting in Reality
Much of her journey was planned around overnight travel to save time and accommodation costs. After arriving in Berlin on a late-night flight, she took night trains to Vienna and Venice. Yet, the romance of sleeping on the rails quickly faded. Limited rest, constant movement, and last-minute hotel hunting made for challenging mornings — such as arriving in Vienna and only finding a suitable room on her third try.
The Value of Downtime
Hadden’s most important realization was that rest is as vital as exploration. Well-rested days allowed her to absorb the atmosphere of each place more fully, while exhaustion dulled even the most beautiful settings. This balance between sightseeing and slowing down became a key takeaway from the trip.
Backpack vs. Small Suitcase
While a backpack offered flexibility and ease on stairs or cobblestones, it wasn’t without drawbacks. Prolonged carrying led to sore shoulders, and navigating crowded train stations could feel cumbersome. In certain situations, a small wheeled carry-on might have been more comfortable.
iPad as a Travel Lifeline
Her iPad became an indispensable travel tool. With downloaded guidebooks, she could plan each day’s itinerary on the go. In the evenings, streaming favorite shows helped her unwind — a small comfort that made long days on the road feel more manageable.
Hidden Gems Beyond City Centers
Though she visited major hubs like Berlin and Zurich, Hadden often chose accommodations in smaller, quieter towns nearby. Neustrelitz in Germany and Roggwil in Switzerland were among her highlights, offering serene landscapes, close contact with nature, and a glimpse into local life far removed from the tourist crowds.
City Snapshots and Lasting Impressions
Berlin – A vibrant, energetic urban center pulsing with culture and history.
Vienna – Grand gardens, stately architecture, and a regal sense of space.
Venice – Dreamlike canals and timeless charm.
Zurich – Tranquility framed by majestic mountains.
From Solo Travel to Shared Adventures
The first week was spent alone, fostering self-reliance, decision-making skills, and introspection. In the second week, a friend joined, shifting the dynamic. Traveling together brought a sense of security, shared laughter, and collective problem-solving — a different, but equally enriching, way to experience the road.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Backpackers
Pack less than you think you need — mobility matters.
Plan for rest days to truly enjoy each destination.
Mix iconic cities with small-town escapes for a balanced view of the region.
Be realistic about overnight train travel — it’s not always glamorous.
Use technology smartly to plan, navigate, and relax.
This two-week European loop was more than a trip — it was a masterclass in adaptability, balance, and the art of traveling light.
