Every year, thousands of Indian students board international flights with dreams of global education and new beginnings. According to official estimates and media reports, more than 1.3 million Indian students are currently studying abroad, one of the largest such populations in the world. While the number of new outbound students dipped slightly to 760,000 in 2024 from nearly 895,000 in 2023, the overall base remains massive. And with each departure, a quiet transformation is taking place in India’s travel gear industry.
Behind every suitcase at the airport lies an untold story of preparation, planning and quiet anxiety of families ensuring their children are equipped for a life far from home. With over 1.3 million Indian students now studying abroad, this movement has sparked an unexpected ripple: the rise of a new market for durable, design-led travel gear. At the heart of this shift is Abhinav Pathak, CEO and Co-founder of Escape Plan, who claims to reimagine what travel essentials mean for India’s globally mobile generation.
From a suitcase to a symbol of readiness
Pathak believes that for Indian families, sending a child abroad isn’t just about securing an admission letter. It’s about ensuring safety, preparedness, and dignity. Luggage, once a last-minute purchase from a local store, is now part of a meticulous checklist that includes insurance, forex and health documentation.
“Families are spending Rs 2–5 lakh on relocation expenses. Out of that, they’re ready to invest Rs 10,000–Rs 15,000 on strong, smart, tech-friendly luggage. They’re treating it as an asset, not an accessory,” he explained.
Durability and design have become non-negotiable. Parents look for TSA-approved locks, impact-resistant shells and wheels that won’t jam halfway through an airport transfer. “Students, meanwhile, want gear that looks and feels sophisticated, something that gives them confidence as they step into a new life abroad,” Pathak said.
Gen Z turns travel gear into identity
The new generation of students sees travel gear as an expression of self. “For them (Gen Z), travel gear is an extension of personality. While millennials leaned on plain, safe luggage and purely functional backpacks, today’s students are asking: Does this feel like me?,” he noted.
This shift is evident in the market. Bold colors, sleek lines, and modular interiors are in demand. Many prefer custom luggage tags, interchangeable shells, and matte finishes that photograph well – a nod to the social media age where “airport looks” are part of one’s personal brand.
Sustainability through longevity
Pathak asserts that sustainability isn’t just about materials it’s about lifespan. “If a student can use one set of luggage through their entire course abroad and beyond, that’s true sustainability,” he said. Escape Plan claims to have invested heavily in polycarbonate shells that are nearly unbreakable and scratch-resistant.
In global terms, Indian students’ expectations are catching up fast with peers in the US or Europe, but with a distinct twist. “Abroad, luggage is often brand-led but very expensive. In India, students and parents want that same level of quality and aesthetic, but at an accessible price,” he said.
To meet rising demand, Escape Plan claims to have focused on faster domestic delivery through its direct-to-consumer platform, allowing families to order complete travel setups without waiting weeks. “When your visa comes through, you want to pack and go, not wait for your luggage,” Pathak adds.