I spent 2 weeks backpacking in Europe. Next time, I'll bring a carry-on suitcase.

The author gets ready to board a Trenitalia train in Rome.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

• I went backpacking through Europe for two weeks and traveled by train through four countries.
• The trip left me thinking about how backpacking compares to traveling with a carry-on suitcase.
• A backpack might be more convenient for flights, but suitcases are better for long travel days.

With a love of fashion, traveling with just a backpack never appealed to me before 2022.