Suitcase Vs Backpack

Last Updated: 16th May 2013

Tags: luggage, what to pack, all countries

More Tour and Travel Advice for: Europe, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand

“I would advise travellers to take a suitcase with an extendable handle and wheels for any overseas trip. Firstly, suitcases can be packed in a very organized manner so that anything is easily accessible once you hit your hotel room. Wheels and a handle allow for easy transport, whether into a hotel, a coach in the morning, or out onto a sidewalk to catch a cab to the airport. Additionally, suitcases offer better structural protection of anything remotely breakable or any souvenirs picked up in your travels.”

- Jordan Allen, Tour Manager, USA

Suitcases Vs. Backpacks

The general consensus taken from the forums is that suitcases are easier to travel with on a Contiki Tour. It should go without saying that wheels on any suitcase are a must and that the following pros and cons do not take into account personal preference.

Suitcase

Suitcase Pros

Suitcase Cons

Backpack

Backpack Pros

Backpack Cons

The Hybrid

A new player has appeared on the luggage market – the backpack with wheels. By all accounts these offer the best of both worlds.

The Professional

Contiki Tour Mangers and Drivers are on the road most days of the year and almost all, without exception, use hard-shelled suitcases with wheels. Strength, practicality, durability and ease of loading on and off the coach make these a must for the Contiki veteran.

Camping Tours

If you travel Europe on a Camping Tour through Europe then you will stay in a tent for most, if not, all of your tour. You should certainly take this into consideration as it may be more practical to use a backpack as they are generally easier to fit into tents. You should also consider using a backpack with zips that can be locked with a small padlock to keep your property secure.

Add a Comment Comments (279)

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    Default_avatarMonty Clawson posted on 18th Apr 2013 Flag as Inappropriate
  15. What can I say. I don’t have enough money to buy an expensive suitcase thats why I like backpack.

    Default_avatarStephen posted on 24th Mar 2013 Flag as Inappropriate
  16. I will not go on any argument which one is good. But I like backpack because this is easy to carry.working windows 7 activator

    Default_avatarStephen posted on 22nd Mar 2013 Flag as Inappropriate
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