TRAVEL LUGGAGE TIPS

Wherever possible, always try to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be less tired if your discount luggage is easy to carry. You'll also be less likely to set your suitcase down, leaving it unattended where it could be stolen or tampered with.

Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered baggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. When buying travel bags, suitcases and briefcases for your trip make sure they are lockable. Wear the key on a strong chain around your neck, inside your clothing.

If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair in your carry-on hand luggage.

Dress conservatively. A flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark you as a tourist. Don't wear expensive looking jewelry and, as much as possible, avoid the appearance of affluence. Ensure that any valuables you decide to take are fully insured for their full value.

Pack the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places in your travel luggage to conceal them while en-route. Once you reach your destination your passport, valuable items, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, conceal them in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, briefcases, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are a lot safer. Probably the safest place to carry valuables is in a money belt worn under your clothing.

Store any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage. To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers inside re-sealable plastic bags. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country first.

Carry an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport information page inside one of your suitcases to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.

Consider getting a telephone calling card. It takes up no space in your luggage and it's a convenient way of keeping in touch. If you have one, verify that you can use it from your overseas location(s). Find out your access number before you go.