What is the Best Type of Luggage for Fiji?

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Suitcases for Fiji

For the traveller who is staying in only one or two resorts, has transfers organised, and is not going anywhere “too crazy”, a suitcase will be the easy-going choice. Nothing beats the ease of rolling a wheely suitcase across the smooth surfaces of airports or high-end resorts. Plus, finding your clothes is far easier than rummaging in a backpack. However, if you’re planning on travelling to a few different places, especially when island-hopping, you might run into trouble when you need to carry your suitcase over water or sand. And there’s a whole lot of water and sand in Fiji…

In short, if you plan to not travel too much while in Fiji, or even just stick to the mainland, then a suitcase will be the best option.

The Pros of Taking a Suitcase to Fiji

• Easier to organise and find your things inside than a backpack
• Easier to transport around airports and resorts than a backpack
• You can usually fit more in a suitcase than a similar-sized backpack
• Hardshell suitcases help protect the contents better than a backpack.

The Cons of Taking a Suitcase to Fiji

• Harder to carry across different surfaces like beaches
• External elements like wheels and handles can break.

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Backpacks for Fiji

While carrying a heavy backpack on your back in the heat might not always seem like the most appealing thing, there are certain situations when carrying your luggage on your back is your only option. For instance, when using boat transport and having to wade through the water to get to a resort. Backpacks are also more accepted on public transport, like public buses, where drivers prefer passengers to not have too much luggage.

In short, if you plan to be on the move a lot in Fiji, a backpack will be your best option.

The Pros of Taking a Backpack to Fiji

• Ideal for island-hopping, as they are easier to carry over difficult terrain than suitcases
• Can be used as a day pack
• Forces you to not overpack and not go over the airline luggage restrictions (as you usually don’t want to carry something too heavy)
• More durable than suitcases.

The Cons of Taking a Backpack to Fiji

• Can be uncomfortable to carry on your back for long periods
• Not as easy as suitcases to transport around airports and resorts.

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Day Packs for Fiji

You’ll need to carry a few things around during your day-to-day in Fiji, including sunscreen, beach towels, water, money, etc. See The Complete Packing List for Fiji for a full list. With that in mind, a day pack is essential in Fiji. Day packs can also double up as your carry-on for your flight to and from Fiji.

Day Packs for Beach Bums

For those travelling on a cruise, spending days going to the beach or lazying by the pool, a beach tote or beach bag is a good day pack of choice. You’ll have enough space to fit all your essentials, as well as a chunky beach towel, and look good in the process.

Day Packs for Families

Carrying things for the whole family can be a challenge. One way to go about juggling the day pack is to take a suitcase and a large backpack to Fiji. That way, when you arrive at your resort, you can unpack the backpack and use it as a day pack, having more than enough space to fit in all the millions of things that come with carting kids around on holiday. Check out more tips in 29 Essential Tips for Travelling to Fiji With Children.

Day Packs for Active Travellers

For travellers who like to be on the move, sightseeing in the towns or hiking to waterfalls, a small backpack is a versatile option for a day pack.