Departure preparation for your working holiday (the full guide)

Suitcase vs. backpack

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 organise the contents and it won’t hurt your back. Invest in quality—you want a suitcase you can drag around for a few years.

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!

Passionate hikers will need to buy a higher-quality backpack but travellers who won’t move around too much can usually get away with a cheaper backpack.

Working holiday makers who are planning to work for most of their trip tend to prefer a suitcase, while those who are travelling around for more of their visa often carry a backpack.

Whether you opt for a suitcase or a backpack, the key is minimalism. When packing, lay out everything you want to take and then get rid of half of it. You’ll quickly realise you won’t need everything you’d planned to pack. If needed, you can always buy more clothes 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.
• Hard shell suitcase handles are stronger and offer better protection. However, hard shell cases are generally much heavier. Lightweight hard shell suitcases tend to be expensive—that’s the price you pay to get the best of both worlds!
• Canvas suitcases are lighter than hard shell suitcases and usually more affordable, but they aren’t as sturdy and are rarely waterproof.
• Internal pockets and straps can be handy for organising your belongings. Buying an additional luggage strap can help keep your suitcase closed during air travel. It will also be a lifesaver if the zipper breaks (speaking from experience here!).

Just because you have a 23 kg luggage allowance doesn’t mean you have to fill 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 stored at the bottom.
• Keep your body shape and type in mind. Always try on the backpack (fully loaded!) before you buy it.
• Bigger isn’t necessarily better. Choose a bag with a capacity that matches your physical stamina.
• Choose a bag with several pockets to better organise 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 its maximum capacity.
• Optimise organisation so you can find your things when you need them.
• Use travel organisers, i.e., smaller reusable bags. It’s handy to have a “trousers” pouch, a “t-shirt” pouch, an “underwear” pouch, etc.

For more packing tips, read:

• The complete packing list of essentials for your working holiday adventure
• How to pack like a pro for your trip to Canada
• Backpack or suitcases for a working holiday in France