Suitcase or backpack for a South Africa volunteering project?

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mickey

Both, I'd say. Suitcase for most of your stuff to stay in your room and Backpack for when you're out. Carry very few things with you as you could develop severe backache. Hope u have a wonderful time in our beautiful country. Enjoy!

stevieboy69

Why don't you take both a backpack and a suitcase. I am sure that host family will let you leave your suitcase at theirs for when you want to go and travel for a bit or you can take as liitlle clothes as possible and buy some while you are out there as it is cheap enough and you will be buying clothes that is right for the season you are going in.

faris j

a backpack

but when you are travelling around ,keep your unwanted stuff in another small bag at you host house.that way you do not drag around excessive load on your back...a suitcase is good light work for you as you just wheel it everywhere but it makes you look too much like an amateur traveller in africa and you do not want that...trust me on this

Gizmo

If your going to be yomping over hills and going bush (which buy the way i would highly reccomend you don't do) get a good backpack. If you are going just general travelling then a good wheelie bag with place for laptop and stuff is what you really need. Make sure it is a semi hard shell type that way your electrical goods dont get trashed on airport conveyors plus it doubles as a seat. The other advantage with the wheelie bag is you can carry a lot more weight if you want.

dWali

Depends what type of person you are. If you will travel with a backpack through Europe, USA, Asia, bring a backpack. I hate teh damn things, they give you backache, is never big enough and crumple all your clothes.

SUITCASE I say.

andy

a big wheelie suitcase...you gonna need lots of space for all the souvenirs that you are going to get

Vango

I prefer a backpack. I like the many compartments.

Thanks for volunteering to help out in our country. If I had the money, I would also do that.

bean

Suitcase if you are not moving around a lot backpack if you are. Worst case you could buy a backpack here. have fun!

The Dragonfly

Backpack. Chained with yale lock.

lili77

I know that everyone says backpack. And of course the done thing is to take a backpack. But seriously, I learned the hard way when I travelled through America, that a backpack = back pain and a wheelie suitcase would have solved ALL of my problems! Wheelie suitcase is def the way forward!!!

Clive

Definitely backpack as it leaves your hands free to fire your rifle.

jessicagayner

not sure
either probably
suitcase is probably easier to pack and less harsh on ur back but backpack is probably more sensible if staying in small rooms etc with no place to store large items.

wharlrus

i can see that all my south african friends r very well travelled people.horsepoep! 1st
as ur staying in one place till done,it matters not.second,as rsa is so cheap,just buy some stuff locally so you blend in with people and dont stick out like a sore thumb.come with a decent day pack that locks with hardcore sealed zippers which cant be unhooked then rehooked after being rifled.also u will fly through customs in a breeze instead of waiting for an hour or so at the feeder.
when ur ready to travel,and if u still have anything left,the day pack is still needed,all u have to do,is find a cheap piece of baggage and,b4 you go donate it to the same cause.in essence,come with little and leave with nothing.

nomadic

I have carried both when traveling in Africa; in many situations I actually find a rolling suitcase easier - the problem with a backpack is getting it on and off when using public transportation - because most backpacks cannot easily be carried except on your back, it can be quite difficult. A suitcase is hefty and doesn't work well in the wilderness, but for urban travel, it's certainly better, if you ask me.

Doodie

Try a flak jacket

Preppy!

Ok...well if ur a girl and want to bring 500 shoes you need 5 suitcases but it really depends on how much you are bringing u could always bring one of those carry on airplane bags its up to you

bouncybaby

backpack, just take essentials, lots of soap, a good book, and a good map, hat is a must, and a mosquito net.Pens and pencils will be welcome too,the schools need them. don't forget a good sturdy pair of comfy walking shoes, good luck, take care, and have fun

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