What kind of suitcase is best for traveling abroad?

　What are the size requirements for luggage when traveling abroad? The dimensions of the suitcase.

　　Luggage comes in a wide range of sizes, with the most common options including 18-inch, 20-inch, 21-inch, 23-inch, 26-inch, 27-inch, 29-inch, and 30-inch models. Specifically, the standard dimensions for a 24-inch suitcase are 610×420×200 mm, for a 26-inch model they are 660×490×230 mm, and for a 29-inch model they are 735×570×250 mm. For students studying abroad, extra-large carry-on suitcases measuring 30 to 32 inches are the most ideal choice.

　　What kind of suitcase is suitable? The material of the suitcase.

　　Large luggage can be broadly categorized into soft-sided and hard-sided types, depending on the material. Hard-sided cases include ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) cases and PP (polypropylene) injection-molded cases, while soft-sided cases typically refer to EVA (ethylene‑vinyl acetate) foam cases.

　　The ABS case is moisture- and pressure-resistant, so even in rainy or snowy conditions, you can rest assured that the contents inside won’t get damp. Moreover, thanks to its material, the case exhibits minimal expansion or contraction, making it ideal for storing valuable items such as camcorders and cameras. Should the case sustain an external impact, the contents remain well protected. It features a combination lock with edge‑mounted latches.

　　PP crates are manufactured in a single molding process, resulting in superior structural integrity compared to ABS crates—this is their most notable advantage. Their other characteristics are largely similar to those of ABS crates.

　　EVA soft cases, by contrast, are distinguished by their light weight—their own body is relatively lightweight—and their flexible, adjustable dimensions. They can hold more items than ABS or PP cases of the same size, making them both spacious and remarkably lightweight and convenient. Their locks are combination locks without side latches; some models even forgo a combination lock altogether, requiring users to add an additional padlock.

　　What types of boxes are there?

　　Type A: Horizontal

　　This type of suitcase is strongly not recommended. Since most people carry a fair amount of luggage, it’s hard to keep the weight balanced once you’ve packed it full—because it’s a side‑pull design, it tends to tip either left or right. Another issue is the wheels: only one side of the wheels touches the ground at a time, so when the suitcase is heavy, the wheels barely move. Most importantly, pulling this kind of suitcase requires lifting one side off the ground; if a suitcase weighs 30 kilograms, many people can’t lift it, and even after just a short pull, you’ll be exhausted. So, use it only if your luggage is light and not too heavy; don’t use it for bulky, heavy loads.

　　Type B: Vertical

　　These kinds of suitcases are widely available on the market, with canvas exteriors being particularly common. In fact, they’re quite practical: the exterior pockets are perfect for stashing your boarding pass and other documents, making them easy to grab at the airport, while the interior compartments offer plenty of space to organize your belongings. My mom still uses one of these today. Plus, they’re the most affordable option—budget-friendly and great value—and they’re lightweight, making them ideal for students.

　Type C: Swivel Casters (Recommended)

　　I’ve been using suitcases for about a decade—switching to a new one almost every year—until I started with ones fitted with swivel wheels, and since then I haven’t changed much. These wheels come in canvas, ABS, or plastic; their defining feature is the bottom-mounted casters—at least four per suitcase (mine has 16)—allowing the case to spin 360 degrees when set on the ground. The advantage is that heavy luggage is easy to push: the weight presses down on the wheels, so you only need a gentle sideways push—especially handy for women hauling 40‑kilogram loads. Sometimes I pull my carry‑on by hand while pushing my checked bag with my foot. With those two types of suitcases, at least some of the weight ends up on your hands when pulling, which can become tiring over time. Some people argue that since there’s school pick‑up and airport shuttle service, you don’t really need them—but once you’re in the Netherlands, you’ll still have occasions like moving, traveling, or returning home, all of which you’ll have to handle yourself. That’s why I prefer this kind of wheel design. Another benefit is the large number of wheels—at least four—which means that even if one or two break, the rest will still work; of course, more wheels also mean they can tolerate a few more failures. The downside is that these suitcases tend to be relatively expensive.

　　Box Selection

　　Pay particular attention to the following aspects: the pull handle (retractability, sturdiness, thickness, etc.), the zipper, the lock, and the wheels.

　　Finally, we recommend that international students use packing straps when traveling—first, to reduce the strain on zippers, and second, to make their luggage easier to identify. In addition, be sure to affix your name and address inside the suitcase, and attach an external label with the same information (you can obtain this label at the airport).

　　What feng shui taboos should you be aware of when traveling abroad?

　　Things to note when checking into a hotel

　　In some foreign hotels, rooms where incidents have occurred may display religious items, such as Bibles or Buddhist scriptures, with the intention of warding off malevolent spirits. If you encounter such items, it’s best to request a room change to avoid unnecessary trouble. Hotels typically provide complimentary safes; since they are not liable for valuables left in the room, travelers should either store their valuables in the hotel safe or carry them on their person. Upon checking in, be sure to familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits and the functions of the room’s amenities, and always lock doors and windows when you go out to prevent loss or theft.

Please keep the team leader’s contact information handy.

　　When traveling abroad, if you encounter language barriers, be sure to keep the contact numbers of your tour leader, your guide, or the local Chinese embassy handy. In case you get lost or face any other emergencies, you can promptly reach out to your tour leader or the Chinese embassy for assistance.

　　Local taboos should be observed.

　　Every country has its own customs and taboos. When traveling in a foreign land, tourists should be mindful of local customs to avoid trouble. For example, in India, cows are considered sacred, and Hindus do not eat beef; in South Korea, it is considered impolite to talk while eating or to make noise at the table—disregarding these etiquette norms may offend others. Therefore, when traveling abroad, it’s wise to listen carefully to your guide’s explanations of local customs and adapt to the ways of the place you’re visiting.

　　Ensure communication channels remain open.

　　Bring a mobile phone that supports international roaming, and enter the necessary contact numbers so you can stay in touch at any time with family and friends back home, your employer, and the Chinese embassies or consulates at your travel destination. Before you depart, confirm with your telecom provider that your phone will work in the countries you plan to visit; if it won’t, arrange alternative means of communication.