Traveling is a fun way to bond with your family and is the ideal way to unwind and explore new destinations and cultures. Vacations are the most anticipated time of the year. Along with the fun and excitement of travel, there is the responsibility of keeping your luggage safe.
Whether traveling by road or air, packing is an essential part of a trip. Securing your luggage can provide you with a peaceful and hassle-free journey.
That said, losing your luggage can dampen the spirit of the trip, and running around buying and replacing the missing items can be no fun. The following are five ways to help you safely store your luggage and carry-on.
1. Car Roof Racks
Roof racks can help you free up space inside the car on a road trip. It may seem scary to strap your valuables onto the top of a car, but a reliable car roof rack will ensure the safety of your belongings. It also provides a reliable and sturdier solution to transporting your sporting equipment.
However, you can also attach an awning to your roof rack to create a shaded spot for you to relax on a warm sunny day. This comes in handy if you go on frequent treks and trips.
Remember to choose a roof rack suitable for your car’s size and model, and a mechanic can help you install it. Manage your speed while driving, and regularly check the stability of the roof rack throughout the trip. Here are a few safety guidelines for installing your car roof rack.
2. Fasten Your Bags With locks
Suitcases with TSA locks are an excellent means to protect your belongings. TSA locks are accessible to all agents. If you use a non-TSA-approved lock, agents will cut off the lock for a closer inspection.
Mix-ups are bound to happen when traveling in an airport with thousands of others. So, always lock your bags properly apply a security code that is easy to remember, and provide a copy of the key to another family member.
Locking your bags can also prevent the theft of luggage. Alternatives to luggage locks are zip-ties as they are cheap and easy to install. Locking bags can also hold your zippers together, preventing your belongings from spilling during transit.
3. Tag Your Luggage
The plastic label with the barcode provided by an airline can be torn off during transit between different airports. With the label missing, the airlines will not be able to track your luggage; that is why it is crucial to get separate tags.
Stick them on the outside of your luggage; this will help you identify your luggage from afar as it arrives on the conveyor belt.
Mention your name, destination address, email address, and contact number on the tag. This way, even if your luggage goes missing, the details on your tag will ensure its safe return.
Use electronic bag tags to track the location of your luggage at all times. They are reusable and accessed through your phone via Bluetooth.
4. What To Pack In Your Carry-On
Authorities often handle check-in baggage roughly, and the luggage is shifted around a lot, especially during transit flights. Your suitcases might incur minor damages in this process. So, pack your precious items like your mobile phones, laptop, jewelry, passports, etc., in your carry-on.
This will allow you to monitor your belongings at all times. Don’t forget your phone and device chargers since many airlines are providing in-flight charging points to ensure that your mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are recharged.
This can come in handy during your lengthy layovers. Also, remember to carry your daily medications for the safety of your health.
5. Use A Fragile Sticker
Always remember to stick fragile stickers on luggage carrying delicate items. This will remind the authorities to handle the luggage with care.
Luggage with fragile stickers also arrives sooner, reducing your wait time at the baggage claim. You can also use plastic wrapping services available at the airport.
It can help avoid minor damages like scratching and chipping. It also makes the bags harder to break into and keeps them from bursting open if a zipper fails. Security can cut into the plastic for closer inspection. However, you can rewrap it upon request.
Conclusion
Traveling is often considered a great way to learn new things and break out of your comfort zone. No travel is complete without a few obstacles on the way. Being prepared helps, especially when traveling with family members, and wouldn’t want to risk anything.
While having fun is essential, safety should always be your top priority. Don’t hesitate to file a complaint with the airport authorities if your luggage goes missing. The authorities will help you retrieve your luggage and ensure all your items are safe and intact.
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