Losing your luggage when you’re travelling can be a huge hassle. Not only will you have to spend time tracking down your lot luggage, but you may also lose valuable and irreplaceable items in the process.
So, what steps can we take to reduce our likelihood of losing our luggage abroad?
Ship luggage ahead of time
One way to reduce the chance of losing your luggage, is to ship it ahead of time. In this case, shipping luggage abroad means you won’t have to worry about it getting lost in transit. You can use a shipping service that’ll track your luggage for you, so you can be sure that it’s arrived at its destination safely.
You can also coordinate with the airline so that your luggage will be checked in ahead of time, and waiting for you when you arrive.
In choosing a shipping service, be sure to look for a firm that offers both tracking and insurance. This way, you can be sure that your luggage will arrive safely and that you’ll be compensated if anything happens to it. Take the time to read objective reviews and compare prices to help you to ascertain the best shipping company to use.
Label your bags
Another great way to avoid luggage loss is to label your bags clearly. Include your name, address, and phone number, both inside and outside of your luggage. This will help airline or hotel staff to identify your bag, in the event that it gets lost. Most people forget to do this, but it’s a simple step that can make a big difference. Make sure you attach a tag containing your contact details to your carry-on bag too, so you can easily be reached if your luggage is lost.
In addition, you could opt to purchase special luggage tags that have a tracking number on them. If your bag is lost, the tracking number can be used to locate it. More often than not, bags with labels are more likely to be returned to their owners than those without.
Use luggage lockers
If you’ll be visiting a city for a short stopover or spending a day exploring the area, consider entrusting a recommended luggage storage provider with your valued possessions. This way, you’ll be free to travel without the hassle of lugging around – or, worse, losing – a heavy bag or case.
Get a unique luggage
Although it’s always impossible to tell what kind of luggage other travellers will be carrying, aim to choose luggage that will stand out in a crowd, so you can spot your bag quickly and easily on the luggage carousel. You can opt for a brightly-coloured bag, or perhaps a case with a unique pattern.
You can also attach a ribbon or tag to your bag to make it look more distinctive.
Check the airline’s baggage policies
Before you even start packing for your trip, be sure to check the airline’s baggage policies. Each airline has different rules and regulations regarding luggage. Familiarise yourself with their guidelines, so you’ll be able to avoid any unexpected problems at the airport. Some airlines have a weight limit for checked baggage, for example, while others have size restrictions.
Bear in mind that, even if the airline accepts your luggage at check-in, if it later fails to adhere to the listed size or weight restrictions, you may not only be charged an additional fee, but your luggage could also be put on hold, to be delivered to your destination at a later time.
Pack light
Another way to prevent luggage loss is to pack light. Aim to travel light and only bring the essentials with you, so you won’t have to worry about losing anything important. When packing, be sure to store all your valuables in one bag if possible, so you can keep an eye on them at all times.
If you can pack really light, you may even be able to avoid checking in any bags at all; this way, you won’t have to worry about them getting lost during transit.
Keep your valuables with you
When traveling, it’s always a good idea to keep your valuables with you. This includes items like jewellery laptops, cameras, and other expensive electronics. Usually, it’s wiser to carry these in your carry-on bag.
Ensure you choose a secure, padded bag to store valuable in, so they’ll be less likely to get damaged in transit. You might also like to keep a photo of your valuable item with you as you travel. This way, if they do get lost, you’ll have a record of what they look like in the event that you might need to file a claim.
It should go without saying that one of the worst things you can do when traveling, is to leave your luggage unattended. Even for a few seconds, it’s never a good idea to take your eyes off of your belongings. If you need to step away for any reason, try to take your luggage with you or ask someone you trust to watch it for you.
Be prepared for the worst
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, there’s still a chance that your luggage could get lost while travelling abroad. So, it’s always best to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Pack a spare change of clothes and all your essentials (wherever possible) into your carry-on bag. This way, you’ll have something to fall back on if your luggage is lost, while you’re waiting for it to be returned to you. It’s also a good idea to keep important documents, like your passport and travel insurance information, in your carry-on bag too. That way, you won’t have to worry about losing them and sourcing replacement documents if your luggage is lost.
These are just a few ways in which you can limit the likelihood of your luggage getting lost while travelling abroad. By following these tips, hopefully, you’ll be able to keep track of your luggage at all times.
What steps do you take to reduce the chances of losing your luggage? Share tips with other readers by leaving a comment in the box below.