What I Learned About Happiness While Backpacking in Europe

Josphineatezybook
7 hours ago
2 min read

What I Learned About Happiness While Backpacking in Europe: A Complete Guide

Backpacking Through Europe's Canal Views

I thought happiness would look like a postcard — sunsets over the Amalfi Coast, croissants in Paris, something cinematic. But when I finally set off across Europe with nothing but a backpack, it turned out happiness was quieter, smaller. It showed up in train stations, shared hostels, and the moments in between.

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In Prague, it was the busker playing violin on Charles Bridge at dawn. I stood there with a cup of cheap coffee, the mist lifting off the river, and felt something close to peace. In Budapest, it was sitting on the steps of Fisherman’s Bastion eating a sandwich I couldn’t really afford — the view of the Danube made it taste like luxury.

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Travel strips away the noise. You learn that joy doesn’t come from schedules or souvenirs; it comes from freedom — the kind that doesn’t fit neatly into an itinerary. I met strangers who felt like old friends, shared stories over train snacks, and learnt to be comfortable being lost. Somewhere between Berlin and Vienna, I realised that happiness isn’t a destination. It’s a rhythm.

Before I left, I remember fussing over the boring bits — where to park, how early to leave. Little things that feel huge at 5 a.m. If you’re planning your own escape, trust me, make it easy. Services like meet and greet at Manchester mean you can hand over your keys and start your trip without the stress. And take a few minutes to look up airport parking deals — it’s not glamorous, but saving money at the start somehow makes every croissant taste better later.