Departure preparation for your working holiday (the full guide)

So, suitcase or backpack? The choice depends on your budget and your travel plans.

A suitcase holds more than a backpack, it’s easier to organize the contents and it won’t hurt your back. Invest in quality—you want a suitcase you can drag around for a few years. A suitcase can let you down during your travels. One broken wheel and that’s it—your suitcase becomes a burden!

You won’t have the broken wheel issue with a backpack. Backpacks are a reliable and practical piece of luggage even if you’re walking on uneven ground. They hold less luggage but give you greater freedom of movement. That said, for those with back problems, the suitcase remains the wisest choice!

Unlike with a suitcase, you can get away with buying an average backpack without regretting it. That said, passionate hikers will need to buy quality equipment because they will actually carry their backpacks for kilometres.

We noticed that working holiday makers who are planning to work during most of their trip tend to leave home with a suitcase while those who are into the “holiday” part of their visa often carry a backpack.

Whether you opt for a suitcase or a backpack, the keyword is MI-NI-MA-LI-SM! When packing, spread out everything you want to take with you on your bed and get rid of half of it! You’ll quickly realize that you’ll only be using half of what you’d planned to pack. And if worse comes to worst, you’ll buy a pair of shorts and a tank top abroad!

Travelling with a suitcase

How to choose the perfect suitcase:

• • • Focus on the wheels, handles and zippers—do they look sturdy?
    • Choose the lightest model.
    • Fancy a hardshell suitcase? Hardside and hardcase suitcase handles are stronger and offer better protection but they are generally much heavier. Lightweight hard case suitcases tend to be expensive—that’s the price you pay to get the best of both worlds!
    • Fancy a canvas suitcase? These models are lighter than hardcase suitcases but they aren’t as sturdy and they are rarely waterproof. You can find good quality options at reasonable prices.
    • Internal pockets and straps can be very handy for organizing your belongings. Buying an additional strap can be a good idea to keep your suitcase closed during air travel. It will also be a lifesaver if the zipper breaks (experience speaking here!)

Just because you have a 20-kilo luggage allowance doesn’t mean you have to stuff your suitcase! Leave yourself some room to carry it around more easily and bring back souvenirs.

Travelling with a backpack

How to find the perfect backpack:

• • • Backpacks with a full-length front zipper are a smart choice—if you choose a backpack that only opens at the top, you will have to take out all your stuff every time you need something that will invariably be stored at the bottom.
    • Keep your body shape and type in mind. Always try it on (fully loaded!) before you buy it.
    • Bigger isn’t necessarily better. Choose a bag with a capacity that matches your physical stamina.
    • There is no such thing as a “man’s backpack” or a “woman’s backpack.” It all depends on your body shape.
    • Choose a bag with several pockets to better organize the contents. A waterproof cover can be a good idea, as well as an extra strap.

How to pack a backpack:

• • • Figure out the best way to distribute the weight—heavy stuff should be in the middle, against your back.
    • Don’t overpack. For example, it’s better to go with a 70-litre backpack and leave some room than pick a 50-litre backpack and fill it to the maximum capacity.
    • Optimize organization so you can find your things when you need them and protect your back. Put moderately heavy items at the bottom of your bag, above place the heaviest items, finishing with the lightest on top.
    • Use travel organizers, i.e., smaller reusable bags. It’s handy to have a “trousers” pouch, a “t-shirt” pouch, an “underwear” pouch, etc.