10 ways to protect your luggage while travelling
Whether you’re setting off on an exotic adventure or heading on an expedition across Canada, you never know when you might unexpectedly lose your luggage or personal belongings. While you don’t want to plan for the worst, if you safeguard yourself, you can avoid ending up with out of pocket expenses if something does go missing.
1.Know what you have packed
If you’re travelling by air, then most airports ask that you know every item you’re carrying as a basic security measurement. However, it can also be helpful to make a list of every item you have packed, especially those of value, so that you have an accurate record if anything does go missing. This will help if you end up making an insurance claim, as the more factual information you have on hand, the more likely your insurer will accept your claim and reimburse you. You can always add to the list while you are on vacation, if you pick up any duty free or souvenirs.
2.Keep hand luggage in sight
Although you can’t always have your eyes on your hand luggage, it is vital that if you aren’t with it, that it is in the care of someone you trust. The second you let it out of your eyeline could be the very moment a pesky opportunist gets their hands on it. If you do need to leave your hand luggage, ask a friend or family member to look after it for you.
3. Invest in good locks
If you are going to be separated from your bag for any amount of time, whether that is because it has to be stowed in the hold of the plane or carried to your room by hotel staff, having a lock is a great way to keep its contents safe. A lock acts as a brilliant deterrent, as it will slow someone down in any attempt to get into your bag. Of course, if someone is really set on getting in, they will do so no matter what. The strongest locks are the ones which are opened with either a code or a key-just make sure you don’t lose that!
If you are travelling by air, ensure that the lock you have purchased is TSA approved. These locks can be accessed by a TSA agent if they select your bag for a security search. If they can not get into your lock, they may well damage your luggage in order to gain access to your bag.
4. Use zip ties
For an extra bit of security, at a low price, why not consider using zip ties? While they do not provide the protection a lock does, they do act as a great deterrent. You will be able to tell if your bag has been tampered with or not, since they can only be removed by cutting them off. Plus, you can always accessorize your bag with coloured ties so that it is easy to identify.
5. Invest in a good travel insurance policy
If you are unlucky enough to lose any of your personal possessions, the last thing you want is to deal with a hefty bill trying to replace everything. If you invest in a good travel insurance policy-usually only around 4-10% of the cost of your entire trip-you can save yourself the financial headache. Furthermore, travel insurance can protect you against any costs incurred as the result of delays, cancelled flights, accomodation troubles or emergency medical evacuation. If you are travelling in a group you can also take out a group travel insurance policy. Have a hunt around and find a plan that works for your trip.
6.Hide your valuables
If you’re travelling with expensive items, whether it is jewellery, money or your smartphone, try and keep it on your person at all times. If you can’t carry them, try and disguise them within your luggage. One top tip is to utilize zip pockets within bags, or even hide things in paired up socks!
7.Be cautious when using lockers and safes
While many hotels offer secure safes within their rooms, you should exercise caution when using them. Just because our hotel or hostel offers a locker, you are still using it at your own risk. Be aware that these lockers and safes can be overridden by burglars or even employees of your accommodation. While this is a less common form of theft, it does still happen.
8. Use luggage tracking technology
These days there is a technology for everything, and your luggage is no different. Of course, the main aim is to make sure your luggage doesn’t go missing, but just in case it does, there are a bunch of handy baggage tracking devices on the market. Most of them are simply placed inside your luggage, emitting a GPS signal which can be read by your cell phone. Some even send an alert once they land at your destination, so that you know your bags arrived safely.
9. Don’t use expensive looking luggage
When it comes to luggage one rule is true: less is more. If you’re hauling around designer luggage you know what message that sends to a thief? Money! The theory is if your baggage is flashy, it probably has contents to match. If you want your luggage to stand out, why not pick a bright colour or fun pattern instead? Alternatively, customise your bag with a luggage tag or coloured elastic straps.
10. Consider anti-theft luggage
If you’re heading on an adventure where you think there is a heightened risk of your luggage being broken into or stolen- maybe you’re in a shared hostel, camping or backpacking-then consider purchasing theft proof luggage. While this technologically advanced baggage comes with a higher price tag, it can be well worth it if your bags fall into the wrong hands. There are all kinds of brands on the market who design bags that are impervious to theft by utilizing lockable zippers and puncture-proof fabric. While they do weigh a little more than a regular bag, they are great for protection your much-loved items.