Luggage

Luggage is essential for any student studying abroad. The purchase will be an investment that will pay for itself over time. If done right, the bags you purchase now can last your lifetime. There are three main types of luggage to take on your study abroad adventure: a checked bag, a carry-on and a personal bag. All three bags or any combination of bags are practical choices. Here are a few things to look for to help you choose the appropriate luggage for your needs.

Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell

There is a huge debate on hard and soft shell luggage. Personally, I prefer soft sided luggage. I like that it is lightweight and I can stuff extra items last minute. But what it comes down to is personal preference. I have highlighted the pros and cons of each to help you make a more informed decision.

Hard shell luggage has hard sides made of plastics or aluminum that open like a clam shell.

There are many great reasons to purchase a hard shell bag.

Provides better protection against breakable items getting damaged.
The plastic sides also protect the contents from getting exposed to the elements.
Has two pockets equal in size to pack items inside.
The bags are more secure because they cannot be opened with a blade and have better locks.

To make an informed decision though, the downsides must also be stated.

The shell can crack if too much weight or pressure is applied.
The sleek look of the hard shell can get damaged with dents and scratches.
It is not flexible.
It requires a fixed space for storage.
More area is needed to open the bag and retrieve items.
Less room for items. Cannot stuff last minute items into front pockets, for instance. Could be seen as a good thing though…
Most hard shell bags do not have external pockets.
Aluminum hard cases are heavy.

Soft shell luggage is generally made of a woven nylon material that moves and yields to pressure.

These are a few reasons to like soft shell luggage.

Lightweight.
Flexibility gives the bag the ability to fit in tighter spaces or stuff more last-minute items inside.
Access into the bag is easy.
Has external pockets that provide more room for your things.
Has one deep pocket for all your items.
Can be expanded to fit bulkier (or more) items.

And a few reasons people dislike soft shell luggage.

Does not provide as much protection for your belongings.
Items can get squished.
Bag is not protected from the elements. Items can get wet if water seeps through.
Less protection against rips, intentional or unintentional, if the material is not of high quality.
Easy to over-pack.

4 Wheels, 2 wheels and 0 wheels

Wheels are important to consider when purchasing luggage. They make or break the ease of transportation. Wheels can make a world of a difference!

4 wheels: The wheels swivel in every direction. No tipping or pulling necessary. Simply hold the handle and push alongside you. Although, the bag still has the capability of a two-wheel bag. Has more balance, therefore is less likely to tip over if the bag is heavy. The one downside is the wheels are exposed and can be susceptible to snapping off if not careful.

2 wheels: The luggage has two wheels on the bottom of the backside. The luggage must be tipped and dragged on both wheels. The wheels only roll in one direction. There is less of a possibility of the wheels breaking because they are protected by the bag.

0 wheels: This is any type of bag that has straps or handles, but no wheels. Examples are backpacks and duffel bags. Benefits of these are no hands are required to carry them. The bag can be worn on the shoulder or back. However, don’t overfill them! Your back, shoulder and neck may get tired.

Checked Bag

A checked bag is one that is weighed before being sent to the airplane separately from you. It is typically the largest suitcase to that stores the bulk of your belongings. The features to look for in a checked bag include the following.

Hard / Soft Shell. Consider the above comparison to choose a bag that fits your needs.
Wheels. Choose a 4 or 2 wheel luggage option for easier transportation of your 50 pound bag. Keep in mind location. If you are traveling to a place with rough cobblestone roads, make sure the wheels are sturdy.
Dimensions. Common dimensions of a checked bag are 27″ x 21″ x 14″ or 62 linear inches or total inches. That typically includes the handle and wheels. These dimensions are just a guide. The suitcase does not have to be exact.
Weight. The suitcase should be sturdy and well made, but lightweight. The heavier the bag, the less items you can take.
Unique color or pattern. Not essential, but this does make identifying your bag at baggage claim much easier.
Sturdy zipper. A sturdy zipper will give you more peace of mind while traveling because there will be less possibility for your zipper to bust.

Carry-On

A carry-on bag is one that travels with you through security and is stored in the overhead compartment on the airplane. There are several features to consider for a carry-on.

Hard / Soft Shell. Consider the above comparison to choose a bag that fits your needs.
Wheels. A 4, 2 or no wheel luggage option will work. Depends on if you want to keep your hands free by taking a duffel bag or drag two wheeled bags. Keep in mind location. If you are traveling to a place with rough cobblestone roads, make sure the wheels are sturdy.
Dimensions. The maximum dimensions for the United States is 9″ x 14″ x 22″ with handle and wheels included. But keep in mind requirements differ internationally. So if you plan on traveling during your time abroad (which I highly suggest) check popular airlines requirements in the area you will be in.

Personal Item

A personal item is a bag that travels with you through security and is stored beneath the seat in front of you on the plane. You have several options to choose from: briefcase, backpack, purse, tote, or camera bag. Since you are attending studying in another country, I highly recommend taking a backpack as your personal item. It can be used for school as well as for short trips. Consider these features to find the perfect backpack!

Dimensions. Stick to the carry-on size of 9″ x 14″ x 22″ or less in order to keep it from getting checked.
Material. Look for a backpack that is lightweight, but high-quality material. The lighter, the easier to carry. The ideal backpack would be made of a rip-resistant and water-resistant material.
Padding. Padding equals more comfort. Look for a backpack with padding on the shoulder straps as well as on the piece that rests against your back. The padding on your back will help the backpack form better to your body and make it more comfortable.
Chest and Shoulder Straps. Having these two features will help keep the load off your back and make for a more comfortable trip.
Front Loading. A front-loading backpack is one that opens like a suitcase. It is much easier to stay organized with this type of backpack. Also, items or more easily accessed compared to a top-loading backpack where you have to dig for items.
Lockable. Safety, safety, safety. Traveling in crowded places will probably be part of your study abroad adventures, thus increasing the risk of theft. Having the capability to lock your backpack will greatly reduce your risk of losing an item.
Laptop Sleeve. The backpack needs one pocket to be padded to provide extra protection for a laptop. Make sure the pocket is against the back to ensure maximum protection. Another option is to purchase a protective laptop sleeve that is not part of the backpack. The important thing is to keep your precious laptop safe!
Side Pockets. Make sure there is at least one pocket on the side for a water bottle. You’d be surprised at how many backpacks do not come with side pockets. So double check! Take a water bottle and carry it with you at all times to stay hydrated. Also, bottled water is expensive so you will be saving money too. The side pockets can also double as a place holder for your snacks.