The Best Weekend Travel Bags for Students Spending a Semester Abroad
Published by Allie Hochman
Kulkea's Spacious, Secure, & Lightweight Backpacks Make for a Seamless Travel Experience
Few things in life compare to the magical experience of spending a semester abroad. Immersing yourself in the local culture, traveling to new cities on weekends, meeting lifelong friends, and so much more - there’s truly nothing like it! With many study abroad destinations, part of the appeal is the ability to take a short flight, train, or even a bus to nearby countries on weekends, so the act of packing and unpacking quickly becomes part of one's weekly routine.
Allow us to introduce you to the art of one bag travel, which, according to Reddit user MarcusForest, “makes everything faster, safer, and simpler.” The reality is, most students end up having to walk quite a bit when going from one location to the next, so sticking to one bag, perhaps a spacious, comfortable backpack, will lead to a far more seamless experience.
Let’s not forget, many European airlines are quite stingy when it comes to carry-on allowance, so a bag that fits perfectly in the overhead bin on a domestic flight may not be compliant internationally. It never hurts to do some research on the airline’s guidelines ahead of time, to ensure the bag you’re bringing is within the size limitations.
And when it comes to packing, we understand that it can be a rather stressful task, so we’ve outlined a general list of what you really need for a weekend getaway. But all in all, it’s best to stick to the basics, meaning less is more.
Spacious Yet Lightweight Backpacks That Fit Everything You Need
It’s no secret that plenty of ancient European cities are lined with cobblestone roads, which, yes, are full of charm, but the reality is, a rolling suitcase is no match for these historic streets. So, what better time to switch to a lightweight, spacious backpack that never has to touch the ground?
Käydä 44L & Käydä 36L Travel Backpack
Get ready to elevate your abroad experience with the Käydä Travel Backpack, better known as an intuitive travel system, ideal for one bag travel. Now available in two sizes, 44L and 36L, choose the size that best fits your figure, and pack away! With incomparable storage space in the main compartment to hold clothing and shoes, an interior toiletries compartment, and numerous exterior pockets, we’re certain that fitting a weekend's worth of clothing and other essentials will be easier than ever. What truly sets the Käydä apart is the detachable travel kit, so you can place the main bag in the aircraft's overhead bin, and keep this bonus pouch with your wallet, electronics, and other valuables lapside.
“It holds enough for week-long trips while still being functional for any type of transportation,” exclaimed a Kulkea customer. “The detachable top section is ideal when I get on a plane, I pop it off, place the pack in the overhead, and then have everything I need from my seat for the whole flight!!” And let’s not forget about the elite comfort elements, such as ergonomic back panel design and breathable comfort contoured shoulder strap, so even on a long day in transit, your backpack certainly won’t weigh you down.
Kartta Travel Backpack
Unlike your standard boot bag, the Kartta Travel Backpack was designed by adventure enthusiasts with versatility top of mind, so this bag will support you whether you’re heading to the mountain or a European city for a weekend of exploring. Given its ability to fit adult-sized ski or snowboard boots with room to spare, just imagine how much you could pack in this bag without the bulky boots! Loaded with on-the-move features like a quick grab travel pocket, dual entrance front apparel pockets, and countless interior pockets to organize everything from electronics to toiletries, the Kartta is the ultimate solution to seamless travel.
“If you really want a comfortable ‘carry-on’ bag that will easily fit overhead, this is it!” shared a fellow adventure-seeker. And make note that the Kartta is built to last, as it’s crafted with durable, high-quality materials, proving time and time again that it can withstand anything, no matter what kind of conditions you encounter.
Elää Top Loading Upright Daypack
If you’re packing for a day trip, or even one night away, and don’t require a laptop or other large electronics, the Elää Top Loading Upright Daypack just might be your perfect match. Just ask Kulkea’s Digital Marketing Director, Jack Flynn, who’s no stranger to traveling the world and keeping busy with work simultaneously. “When you’re traveling, you need a bag that you can go out on your day adventures with, some sort of satellite bag that allows you to bring everything you’ll need,” he shared. Hence, where the Elää comes in! Plus, “there’s a secret pocket in the back, like an anti-theft pocket, which is a great place for your passport while you’re on a day trip.”
Its unique structure, allowing the bag to stand upright on any surface, makes loading and unloading each day a breeze. For those looking to charge their electronics on the go, the innovative charger port system is a game-changer, with instant access to your cords at any given time. There’s certainly no shortage of pockets in the Elää, maximizing organization for all of your essentials. Whether you’re packing electronics, clothes, or valuable items, rest assured, your belongings will be completely protected inside the 900D polyester interior, complete with the water-resistant exterior, so even a rainy day in London won’t bring the Elää down.