Travelers have a fear of losing their luggage on a big trip, and it happens! Plan for the unexpected and don’t waste precious time tracking down lost items.
Don’t be a target:
Don’t bring a purse. Purses are a distraction for the carrier and a target for pick-pockets. Use a money belt secured under clothing for cash, passports, IDs, and credit cards, and carry a small pouch pack attached to your hip or shoulder strap for personal day-to-day items like small amounts of medication, reading glasses, lip balm, etc. Men leave their wallets at home, take what is needed, and should be kept in a money belt under clothing. Thieves look for an easy mark and focus on tourists with a bulging wallet flopping around a back pocket or a lady swinging a purse around. Eliminate the issue.
Money
Carry at least $80-100 in small bills, ones, and fives for tips, water, etc.
Believe it or not, money changing can be the cheapest right at the airport, so scout out the currency exchanges in the terminal before you head out. Plus, crazy as it seems, the hotels are frequently out of money! Get it while you can.
Bring no expensive jewelry. Instead, take cheap but attractive pieces that can afford to be lost.
Pack lightly
Plan to hand wash some clothing halfway during the trip. Choose clothing articles that are lightweight and quick dry. Plan the entire wardrobe before packing everything so that all pieces go with everything else. Have a central theme to the cabinet using a neutral color; black, brown, navy, or grey. Choose one or two accessories that spice up an outfit for evenings out, like a colorful, glittery scarf or a metallic belt with some “bling.” Lay everything out on a bed for easy coordination.
Wear the bulkiest items on the plane: long pants, walking shoes with socks, jackets, and long sleeves. This strategy keeps a traveler comfortable during the trip and has to make a run for a boarding gate and saves space in the luggage for lighter items.
For all those who have scrimped and saved, planned for years, and finally booked that dream trip only to have luggage lost on the first day – live and learn. Couples traveling together can work as a team.
Take three pieces of luggage.
1. One personal item bag, not a purse, but used as a purse just for the flight. Something like a beach bag back-pack. Later can be used for going to the beach or carrying water bottles. It holds travel documents, books, games, glasses, pair of socks, a toothbrush, and a sleep pillow – just items to help make the airline flight more enjoyable.
2. Pack 3-4 days of necessary clothing in a regulation-size carry-on luggage piece. Most airlines have a 22-inch limit, and some might have weight caps too. One should be thinking: These clothes would be sufficient for the whole trip if the unthinkable happens and a checked bag lost. The camera and extra copies of necessary paperwork like passport, ID, credit/debit card, medications, and travel insurance fabrication should be packed here & stored in the airplane overhead bin.
A good traveler is an efficient packer but is prepared for all contingencies. Many countries have different religious traditions so that stores can be closed at weird times and days. Think ahead and pack these 3 OZ portions of anti-biotics, Pepto-Bismol, Zicam, or other cold shortening otc products.
Hand sanitizer, headache pain remedy, bandages, sunscreen, and a packet of laundry soap or extra shampoo for hand washing clothes in the carry-on bag
3. Check the third bag. It contains all the less necessary clothing items and accessories. It might include dress clothes and shoes, bulky items, and pieces only worn a few times for special occasions. Wear the bulkiest items on the plane: long pants, walking shoes with socks, jackets, and long sleeves. This strategy keeps a traveler comfortable during the trip and saves space in the luggage for lighter items.
Bon Voyage!
