Suitcases for school trips: tips for packing and choosing a suitcase
A school trip is coming up – it’s sure to be a real highlight for your child. But before you set off, the question often arises: which suitcase is the right one? We’ll help you find the ideal suitcase for a school trip and also provide you with tips for a packing list.
Requirements for a suitcase for a school trip
A school trip is often the first step into the world of independent travel for many pupils. Whilst there is great anticipation for the experiences ahead, there is a lot to consider in the run-up to the trip, particularly when it comes to luggage. We’ll show you the key requirements for a suitcase for a school trip, so that your child is fully equipped for the adventure.
Durability: Suitcases for school trips have to withstand a lot. Whether they’re loaded onto buses, stowed away on trains or dragged through youth hostel corridors – they should be robust and resistant to knocks and scratches.
Handling and weight: The suitcase should be light enough for your child to carry it without any trouble. Our travelite suitcases feature ergonomic carry handles that not only make pulling them along much easier but are also helpful if the suitcase ever needs to be carried up a flight of stairs. The manoeuvrable wheels also ensure a smooth ride on various surfaces, which will be particularly beneficial for your child on longer journeys.
Security: A built-in lock is important for keeping personal belongings safe. A TSA lock is particularly useful for travelling abroad, as it can be opened by airport security without being damaged.
Capacity and size: Depending on the duration and type of school trip, the suitcase should offer enough space without being too bulky. Additional external and internal pockets help to keep the contents organised. This is particularly helpful as your child will be packing the suitcase on their own for the journey home.
Weather resistance: A water-repellent material is advantageous, particularly if the suitcase has to be left outside in the rain or placed on damp ground.
Personalised labelling: On school trips, there are often lots of similar or identical suitcases. Personalised labelling, whether with a sticker or a special tag, makes it easier to find your own luggage. A colourful piece of luggage also catches the eye quickly, such as our suitcase from the City range in its distinctive red.
Which suitcase is best for a school trip?
Whilst in the past you might have gone on a school trip with just a simple rucksack, requirements have increased today. It’s not just clothes and toiletries that need to be packed. Often, there’s also room to be made for gadgets, learning materials and perhaps even sports kit.
For a school trip, a suitcase should, above all, be practical and sturdy. Pupils are often on the move and find themselves in a variety of settings – from railway stations and youth hostels to outdoor activities. A medium-sized wheeled suitcase offers enough space for clothes and other items without being too bulky. A suitcase with a hard outer shell protects the contents from knocks, whilst a soft-shell suitcase with a front pocket allows your child to make the most of the flexible material and stow away a jacket at a moment’s notice. Internal compartments and compression straps help to organise the contents and keep everything in place, regardless of the type of suitcase. An added bonus is an integrated lock, which keeps your child’s personal belongings secure.
Suitcases for school trips: our recommendations
When it comes to school trips, we at travelite know just how important the right companion on wheels is. Every journey, however short, presents its own challenges – and we specialise in addressing these with excellent design and functionality.
When choosing the ideal suitcase for school trips, it’s not just about looks and quality, but also how well it meets the needs of young travellers. That’s why we’ve put together an overview of the ideal travel companions for school trips:
For school trips of up to 3 days, we recommend our small suitcases in size S. For school trips of up to 7 days, a medium-sized suitcase is the right choice; if the trip is even longer, our large suitcases will hold all your child’s belongings.
Packing list for the school trip
General information:
- Passport/identity card (if required)
- Important documents (e.g. health insurance card, copy of vaccination record)
- Money (cash and/or debit/credit card)
- Travel documents (e.g. booking confirmation, tickets)
- Emergency contacts & accommodation address
- List of medicines (if applicable)
- Mobile phone + charger + power bank
- Backpack or bag for excursions
Clothing:
- Underwear for each day + 1–2 spares
- Socks for every day + 1–2 spares
- Pyjamas
- Tops, depending on the weather
- Trousers, depending on the weather
- Rainwear
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Shower gel/shampoo
- Comb or brush
- Deodorant
- Sun cream
- Insect repellent
- Medication (if required)
- Tissues
- Hand sanitiser
- Plasters
Before setting off, it is advisable to check the packing list against the information provided by the organiser or the school to ensure that nothing important is missing and that no unnecessary items are packed. We wish you an eventful and unforgettable school trip!