7 Tips to Keep Your Luggage Safe

A frightening aspect of any trip is the security of our luggage. Even if all you take with you on your travels is a few clothes and a deodorant, they are your belongings and should remain so.

Airports are becoming increasingly dangerous due to the number of people circulating daily in the facilities. Thieves often go as far as slashing suitcases with cutters to steal whatever is inside.

For this reason, we have put together a list that will help you keep your suitcases safe and enable you to easily identify them, whether on the baggage carousel or if someone tries to walk off with your suitcase.

Identification Marks

A technique old travellers used was to tie a brightly coloured ribbon, such as red, tightly around their suitcase. This certainly isn't enough to keep thieves away, but if you tie something, in whatever colours you like, around your suitcase, you will be able to recognise it easily.

Even stickers are a very good idea. It's something that others certainly won't have on their suitcase, and you'll be able to easily distinguish yours. You can even create personalised stickers after each trip, and your suitcase will tell its own story.

Tamper-Proof Luggage

This type of luggage is quite expensive but worth the effort. A thief will do whatever they can to open your suitcase, even tearing or trying to cut it. Tamper-proof suitcases have been proven to be very difficult, if not impossible, for someone to open. If you travel frequently, invest in this type of suitcase.

Buy Your Own Padlock

Don't trust the locks that come with suitcases when you buy them. These padlocks are very flimsy and can be easily broken or opened by anyone.

Buy a more sturdy and durable lock and consider a different code from the factory default '0000'.

Learn to Pack

While it's an art form in itself, knowing what to pack and how is crucial if you travel frequently. Don't overfill your luggage – it makes it look very tempting. Try to put only your clothes and some toiletries in the suitcase you check in.

Anything valuable you want to take with you should ideally be placed in your hand luggage. There are many types of hand luggage available on the market that may have multiple compartments for you to put whatever you wish.

Don't Put Everything in One Place

Don't put all your valuables in one specific place, unless you keep them on your person in a bag that is always under your supervision. If you do end up putting all your valuables in your checked bag, make sure to place them in different parts of the bag, such as various pockets and compartments. This will certainly delay anyone who tries to steal from you.

Use Trackers

Become a spy for a bit and use trackers. Yes, they exist, and yes, they work. There are many types of transmitters that allow you to monitor where your luggage is, using a simple app on your mobile phone.

Some transmitters are more accurate than others, but generally, they all work quite well. You just need to know where to look.

Know Your Destination in Advance

Threats exist wherever you travel, so it's best to do some research beforehand and learn as much as you can about the area you are visiting.

Look after your belongings everywhere and don't let them out of your sight for a second!