Job Discussion Forums

localabel · Joined: 05 Aug 2014 Posts: 9

I am departing in January for South America to teach English. After I complete the TEFL course, I am not really sure exactly where I want to teach. There are a hundred places that I want to visit and maybe live (depending on how much I like it when I get there). Problem is, I have never been on a trip like this. A multi-month expedition where I won't have a 'home base' (somewhere I can keep most of my belongings) while I go out and explore.

I assume at some point, I will have to choose a spot and start teaching. But until then, I imagine I will be traveling quite a bit.

So what is recommended for this situation? Travel backpack or suitcase? Most people I have asked recommend the travel backpack, but I would prefer a suitcase. Thanks for the input!

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I took one of each. I can wear the backpack in the back and drag my suitcase behind me.

water rat · Joined: 30 Aug 2014 Posts: 1098 Location: North Antarctica

johnslat · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 12:53 pm Post subject:

Suitcasers don't have the same bad press as backpackers. Very Happy

Regards,
John

water rat · Joined: 30 Aug 2014 Posts: 1098 Location: North Antarctica

johnslat · Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 4:10 pm Post subject:

Someday, someone will rat on you. Very Happy

Regards,
John

MotherF · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2014 2:43 am Post subject:

I brought one of these in 1995.

http://shop.eaglecreek.com/switchback-26/d/1284_c_115_cl_2265

Best.purchase.to.date. Still in perfect shape, some fading on the zip off day pack.

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

If it helps, when we first came to South America we brought a suitcase and backpack each. We joined South America Explorers and dumped the cases in their long term storage. Then we travelled with backpacks for a while and once we were settled and had jobs we went back for the cases, which had work clothes and other work stuff in them.

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

Backpacks should be banned worldwide. Apart from failing the style police test, humans are turning into turtles, and most people don't know how to drive them. Save them for your mountain walks, on the street they are just plain dangerous.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I use them when I have to carry a lot. I've got one with a waist elf which really helps.

3701 W.119th · Joined: 26 Feb 2014 Posts: 386 Location: Central China

I brought a Wenger backpack, which I still use every day. Very handy.

I brought a big suitcase full of clothes, but I definitely over-packed. Most of them don't even fit me anymore.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

johnslat · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 3:24 pm Post subject:

I've been toting tons of stuff around in my Columbia backpack (which I bought for $10 at a garage sale) for about a decade now.

The darn thing's indestructible.

http://www.columbia.com/mens-backpacks-bags/

Regards,
John

johnslat · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 3:28 pm Post subject:

First time I'd ever heard of that term, too. Very Happy

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/107242034851362847/

Regards,
John

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Oh, I see. Not sure I could carry that off, style-wise Laughing