Comments are added to the end of the article. Click here to jump to a random Weeno article. What you pack for a year of study abroad in a temperate climate will be different from how you pack for a three month backpacking trip, a weekend getaway, or a business trip. As simple as it sounds, the key is packing what you need, but as little of it as possible. First is the type of luggage itself.
Backpacks are great for camping or hiking trips.
While backpacks are easily transportable on these sorts of trips, I prefer a light duffel or over the shoulder carry-on bag. Even if you have a car, remember that your luggage is not as safe as you would like to believe when you store it in the trunk. Since many motels don't have elevators, again, you need to have luggage that's easy to transport up a flight or two of stairs. A few tips about identifying luggage. To avoid the harrowing feeling that your bags will get mixed up with someone else's at the baggage claim, make your bag stand out.