Why This Matters
For many students, luggage is nothing more exciting than a carrying case for all your stuff. That’s a huge mistake. Your suitcase is an essential element of your travel arsenal. Opt for the wrong type or size and you could find yourself saddled with extra baggage fees, damaged goods or, at the very least, an uncomfortable trip. This is where good luggage tips for international travel become so important. Bags are not items you want going unprotected, and a good set of them will make it far easier to negotiate busy airports and transit hubs.- Avoiding over-weight fees: “Airlines are very, very picky about weight. The heavier the suitcase, the less room you have for your clothes and valuables. The perfect travel suitcase isn’t too heavy, but is durable enough to hold more.
- Durability & Protection: Your bags will get thrown around. They will be thrown onto conveyor belts and into cargo holds. The best luggage for travel will be able to endure such rough handling and shield your possessions from impacts occurring inside.
- Convenient Mobility: Carrying all those heavy bags will be a disaster. The best travel bag advice is to select a bag with easy movement in mind, with rolling wheels that don’t jam up and comfortable handles. This is particularly crucial when you’re tired from a lengthy flight. These luggage tips for international travel hacks will help you avoid fuss when it comes to your luggage.
The Great Debate: Hardside or Softside Suitcase
Deciding between a hardside and softside suitcase is one of the first choices you’ll face. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, and the right travel suitcase for you will be dependent on what your needs are. Here’s a breakdown comparing the two to help you decide.Hardside Suitcases
They could be made with materials such as polycarbonate, ABS or aluminum, but they were built with solid exteriors. They are a great option for students searching for the best suitcases for travel with the highest level of protection.- Pros: Offers great protection for fragile items, is water-resistant, typically easier to clean.
- Cons: Not very flexible, not expandable, susceptible to scratching and scuffing, may be heavier.
- Who it’s for: Students with electronics, cameras or other delicate supplies. If security matters to you most then this is the best suitcases for travel for you.
Softside Suitcases
Constructed of materials such as nylon or polyester, these suitcases have a soft, pliable shell. They are a ‘safe’ choice and a good option if you need to work in a little extra, though.- Pros: Lightweight, flexible and more expandable, with exterior pockets for easy access.
- Cons: More susceptible to breakages, less water-resistant, can stain easily.
- Who’s it for: Space-maximizing students who are known to pack a little extra and don’t have many fragile items to ferry around. This type of travel bag is number one on most travel bag advice lists for being versatile.
Sizing Up Your Luggage: A Strategic Approach
In international travel, size and weight are everything. Airlines have strict limits, and you must mind them. This is one of the best luggage tips for international travel you’ll ever get.- Checked Baggage: Majority of airlines permit 1-2 checked bags, usually not exceeding 23kg (50 lbs) or 30kg (66 lbs) per bag. A regular big bag ( 28-30 inches) would be perfect. When thinking of the best suitcases for travel, be sure that it fits within these dimensions and weight limits. Don’t forget to pack light.
- Carry-On Bag: That carry-on is your lifeline. You’ll want a small suitcase or backpack that can be stowed overhead. It’s for everything you can’t live without: documents, a change of clothes, electronics, valuables. All your advice about how to pack a travel bag should stress the value of a quality carry-on.
- Personal Item: An example of a personal item is a small bag that can fit under the seat in front of you, like a laptop bag or small backpack. Use this for items that you’ll want to grab quickly like a water bottle, snacks and your phone. These tips on luggage international travel help you maximize every space.
Luggage Packing: Complete guide for a smooth Journey
Now that you’ve selected your bag or bags, it’s time to pack. The correct luggage packing guide can both save you space and stress.- Begin With a List: Before you do anything else, make a list of everything you’ll need. It avoids overpacking and not taking certain items because you forget about them. Essentially, it’s the basis of all good luggage packing guides.
- Roll Your Clothes: Bundling your clothing instead of folding is not only a great space saver, but also helps minimize wrinkles. This is classic luggage tips for international travel trick.
- Pack with Packing Cubes: Game changer. They squish your clothes and keep your suitcase in order. It comes with outfits, types of clothes, or dirty laundry. Travel bag advice number one does this.
- Pack Heavy on the Bottom: Shoes and books make for excellent packed heavy on the bottom) near the wheels of your bag. This holds the bag up and keeps it from falling over. This is an essential luggage packing guide tip!
- Use Up All The Space: Tuck socks andl small items inside of your shoes. Pack your liquids in a toiletry bag. These easy luggage tips for international travel, so no space is uselessly taken.
Luggage Essentials – The Finishing Touches
But after you have the bags, and the thing you pack in them, and the definitive guide to packing your luggage, you still have to pack your travel accessories.- Luggage Scale: A scale for your luggage is a game changer. You can weigh your bags before you head to the airport so you don’t have to pay those expensive overweight fees.
- TSA Locks: Secure your lock directly to your suitcase. With a TSA-approved lock airport security can inspect your luggage without having to cut off your lock. This is a really simple piece of carry on bag advice.
- Bag tags: Put strong bag tags on your luggage with your name, phone number and the address at which you will be staying. Also put a tiny note in the bag that has your contact info.
- Power Bank and Adapters: Carry a charged power bank and universal adapters in your carry-on. You’ll need them for your devices, and they’re key luggage tips for international travel.
The Numbers: Why Airlines and Students Care About Your Baggage Choices
The infographic below also lists the average price of checked bags for major airlines, as well as the percent of students who encounter fees for checking baggage. This information is why the luggage packing guide is so valuable.| Airline | Average First Bag Fee (USD) | Average Overweight Fee (USD) | % of Students with Overweight Fees (Survey) | % of Students with Lost/Delayed Luggage (Survey) |
| Emirates | ~$25-40 | ~$75-150 | 28% | 15% |
| Etihad | ~$25-45 | ~$80-160 | 31% | 18% |
| Lufthansa | ~$30-50 | ~$70-140 | 29% | 16% |
| Air India | ~$20-35 | ~$60-120 | 25% | 12% |
How Gateway International Advises You on Prepping Your Luggage
At Gateway International, students should have other people to prepare when travelling. Our before-you-go classes come jammed packed with step by step bag hacks when travelling abroad.- Custom Packing List: Personalized packing list is available as per your destination, a very important luggage packing checklist you must not miss. And even the climate (and customs) varies by country, which impacts what you’ll need to pack.
- Pre-Departure Sessions:We do pre-departure sessions in which share a lot of luggage tips for international travel we demonstrate how to use packing cubes, how to roll clothes, and how to weigh your bag. Our luggage advice international travel sessions are incredibly popular.
- Student Centric Travel Bag Advice: This advice is tailored to students. We understand budget is a priority, so we concentrate on common sense, economical recommendations. We assist you in choosing the best travel suitcases that are durable and affordable.
Success Story
Priya, one of our pupils, was hoping to check a third bag and pay the extra fee. She followed our advice on the best luggage for international travel and bought a set of compression packing cubes and managed to get everything she wanted to take in two bags (and saved over $100 in baggage fees). She told me our packing tips for international travel were a lifesaver.Interactive Quiz Test Your Luggage Knowledge
Think you’re a packing pro? Let’s see how much you know. Question 1: What’s the No. 1 benefit of packing by rolling clothes instead of folding them? a) It makes your clothes easier to identify. b) It also helps to prevent wrinkles, which is a space-saver. ✅ c) It makes your suitcase look tidier. d) It’s easy to recall what you’ve packed. Question 2: Why do you need to use a TSA-approved lock? a) It is safer than ordinary lock. b) It stops your bag being stolen by a passerby. c) Airports can unlock the bag should it be necessary for them to gain access. ✅ d) It’s necessary for all flights flying internationally. Question 3: What is the main function of a carry on? a) To hold all your clothes. b) For carrying essentials and treasures. ✅ c) For carrying heavy crap on you. d) To store items that you may need on hand in the flight
