When packing for a 2 week trip, choosing the right size suitcase is crucial. You’ll want one that’s big enough to hold everything you need, but not so big that it’s bulky and difficult to transport. The ideal suitcase size will depend on several factors, including your destination, mode of travel, number of outfits and activities planned. This guide will walk you through how to determine the best suitcase size for your upcoming 2 week vacation.
Consider Your Destination
One of the most important considerations when choosing a suitcase is your destination. Are you traveling somewhere warm or cold? What types of activities do you have planned? The climate and what you’ll be doing will determine how much and what type of clothing and gear you need to pack.
For warm weather destinations like beach vacations, you can likely get by with a smaller suitcase. You won’t need bulky sweaters or jackets, and you can re-wear items more easily. Aim for a suitcase in the 50 to 60 liter range for tropical locales.
Cold weather trips call for larger suitcases. You’ll need bulkier items like coats, boots and sweaters, so look for suitcases that are around 70 liters or more. If visiting somewhere with variable weather, it’s best to bring clothes for both warm and cold temperatures.
The activities you have planned are also important. For example, if you’ll be hiking and doing outdoor adventures, pack things like sturdy shoes, performance clothing and camping gear. All the extras will require a larger suitcase in the 75+ liter range.
Consider Your Mode of Travel
How you plan on getting to your destination should also impact your suitcase selection. Are you driving, flying or taking trains/buses? Each mode of transport has different size allowances.
Air travel has the most restrictive suitcase allowances. Most airlines will let you check bags up to 50 pounds and 62 linear inches (length + width + height). This equals approximately 24-inch suitcases. Go any larger and you risk getting hit with oversize luggage fees.
Road trips allow you to pack larger suitcases since they easily fit in cars. Just be aware of how much you can physically lift and stow. For driving vacations, medium suitcases around 28 inches typically work well.
Trains and buses have more flexibility too. Look for suitcases in the 28 to 32 inch range that will fit in storage compartments but still be easy to lift.
If traveling by multiple methods, abide by the most restrictive size allowances to avoid fees and headaches. You can also pack a smaller suitcase and bring a duffel bag for dirty clothes and souvenirs acquired along the way.
Consider the Number of Outfits
The number of outfits you need for 2 weeks can help narrow down suitcase sizes. A good guideline is to pack 5-7 tops, bottoms and undergarments for each week of your trip. This allows you to mix and match items for multiple outfits.
To accommodate 10-14 outfits, plus shoes, accessories and toiletries, look for a medium sized suitcase in the 50-70 liter range. This gives you room for some bulkier items while still keeping things compact and mobile.
If you tend to overpack, opt for a larger suitcase in the 70-90 liter territory. The extra space allows you to pack more tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes and accessories without running out of room. Just be cautious of not going over airline size and weight limits.
For minimalist packers that tend to reuse items, a small 40-50 liter suitcase could work. But it doesn’t leave much room for souvenirs or shopping purchases along the way.
Consider Suitcase Organization
How you plan on organizing your suitcase is another element to keep in mind. Suitcases designed with lots of pockets, compartments and dividers make packing and accessing items easier. However, all the additional components take up space and reduce overall capacity.
If choosing a compartmentalized or hybrid style suitcase, you may need to size up. For example, a 50 liter case with lots of pockets will hold less than a simple 50 liter duffel. Check the main interior capacity and opt for a slightly larger size if utilizing a compartment-heavy packing system.
You can maximize space in pocket-laden cases by using packing cubes and bags. They allow you to compress and consolidate items into neater bundles. Packing folders are also great for keeping clothing wrinkle-free.
Consider Your Packing Habits
Be honest about your packing style and habits when choosing a suitcase size. This will prevent you from running out of space or having excess unused capacity.
Do you tend to overpack and throw in last minute items? Go larger. Are you an efficient packer who prepares outfits ahead of time? Go smaller. Understanding how you pack and your tendency to stuff in extras or underpack is important.
Also think about what you’ll need to bring back from your travels. If you plan on doing lots of shopping or bringing home food items, make sure to leave room for all your purchases and souvenirs.
Tips For Picking the Right Size
Here are some final tips for selecting a suitcase for 2 weeks of travel:
- Aim for a maximum size of 50 liters for air travel carry-ons
- Look for 50-70 liters for most checked baggage
- Go up to 75+ liters for road trips or cold weather destinations
- Read size charts – don’t assume standard sizes across brands
- Factor in your packing habits and tendencies
- Consider both capacity and dimensions like length for air travel
Suitcase Size Recommendations
As a quick reference, here are some recommended suitcase sizes for common 2 week trip types:
| Trip Type | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Beach vacation | 50-60 liters |
| Cold weather destination | 70+ liters |
| Adventure trip | 75+ liters |
| Air travel only | 24-28 inches / under 50 liters |
| Road trip | 28-32 inches / 60-80 liters |
| Minimalist packer | 40-50 liters |
Conclusion
The most important factors to consider when choosing a suitcase size for 2 weeks are your destination, mode of travel, number of outfits needed, packing habits and any organizing components. For most trips, a medium 50-70 liter suitcase will provide enough room without being overkill. Just remember to check airline dimensions and weight limits if flying. With the right sized suitcase, you’ll be able to pack everything you need for an amazing 2 week getaway!