No matter where you travel, you have to have the mindset that your luggage isn’t going to be safe.  This is why it’s always important that you secure your luggage just in case something bad does happen.  Now keep in mind that most airlines will reimburse you if something bad does happen to your luggage but let’s face it that we dont’ want this to happen.

Try to bring carry-on only

If you don’t have a lot of items or you’re simply travelling for a few days, I highly encourage you that you bring carry on luggage onto the plane.  This is going to save you a check-in fee that many airlines charge today and you’ll always have your eyes on the luggage so that you can be rest assured that nothing will happen to it.  If you don’t have any carry-on luggage, I highly recommend you check out our top 10 carry on luggage page.

Keep the valuables at home

I know you want to bring your expensive jewelry and all of that expensive stuff but if you’re going to do this, either keep it at home or only bring a little bit.  The stuff you do bring, try to carry it with you.  You won’t want to find that your luggage was stolen and something was in there that had sentimental value.

Purchase a TSA lock

Many travellers don’t lock their bags and believe it or not, if someone is going to steal your luggage, they will most likely look for one that they can dive into right away.  TSA approved lockswill run you a few dollars but it’s a great investment if it’s going to deter the potential thief.

Write your name and phone number

If you lose your luggage with the airline, there could be a chance that they recover it.  I’m one of those paranoid people and I usually just put my name and phone number on a card that slips into that luggage ID holder.  The reason I never put my address on there is because what happens if a thief likes what they see and they decide to visit your home?  I know it’s a stretch but anything can happen.

In the end, playing it smart can take you a long way.  Pack what you don’t care about if you do lose it.  Clothing can easily be bought again but that ring from your Grandma can’t.  I hope you know where I’m going with that one.  Play it smart, lock your luggage and hope that the airlines take care of your checked in luggage.