Tips for Traveling
Not sure what to pack in your carry-on? Read What’s Allowed In Your Carry-On Luggage.
WHN TIP – Make a Copy: Use our Travel-Packing Checklist when packing your bags, then keep the list separate from your bags. This will help if your luggage is lost and you have to file a claim.
WHN TIP – Before You Leave: Double-check for driver’s license, auto insurance card, money, medicine and all bags. And make sure all your doors and windows are locked and your alarm is set.
- Do NOT put valuables in bags you are checking (electronics, computer or mobile devices, jewelry, camera, money, credit cards, etc.). Put them in your carry-on if you can.
- Bring all medications in your carry-on. They should be in their original labeled container. Bring prescription copies as well as a list of the generic names.
- Traveling with little ones? Bring items for entertainment — audiobooks, games, music, etc. — along with snacks.
- Alert your credit card companies about your trip: specifically which dates you’ll be traveling and what cities you’ll be visiting. Why? Because they may put a security or fraud alert on your account and you won’t be able to access your account!
- Make photocopies of all the credit cards (front and back) you’re taking with you, noting the number to call if the card is lost or stolen. Keep the copies in a different area from your card (i.e. luggage, locked glove compartment) in case you need to call to cancel your card.
- Luggage
- Lost luggage is often routed to the address on the tag.
- Do not put a home address on luggage tags (luggage will be returned to an empty house!).
- Put your business card or write the address on your luggage tag.
- If you’re staying in one place for a while, put in that address.
- Mark your suitcases with a bright-colored tape, ribbon or rubber bands so it’s easy to identify.
- Remove old white airport tags (the ones with the barcodes on them).
- Don’t overpack. You’re bound to bring home more than you left with!
- Making a road trip? Do a quick car maintenance check before heading out on the road:
- Check your oil and gas levels
- Check headlights, turn signals, brake lights, inside lights
- Test your brakes, horn, windshield wipers, etc.
WHN TIP – Lost: Pack an extra change of clothing (or whatever you deem essential) in your carry-on in case your luggage is lost.
WHN TIP – Child ID Info: Traveling with kids? Download the free FBI Child ID for iOS or Android to electronically store photos and vital information about your children so that it’s all at hand if you need it. App includes pictures and physical identifiers like height and weight as well as the ability to e-mail the information to authorities with just a few clicks.
Thank You …
A special thank you to the industry professionals, travelers, travel agents, auto technicians and people who gave us their time, insight and real-life advice.
Photo Credit: Erik Odiin