Here’s part 2 of the series I started last week of travel tips. Remember, if you are traveling for 2 weeks or less a 20″ hard sided roller bag should be sufficient for your packing needs. However, longer trips sometimes call for a checked bag. This week I’ll share my top 5 tips, if as a last resort, you must check a bag.

5 tips if you must check a bag

#1 –Crosspack – Unless you are traveling solo – do not use one suitcase for yourself and one for your travel companion. Split the space, put half of your outfits in one suitcase and half in the other. Should one suitcase become delayed or lost you will still have necessities to get you through at least half of your vacation.

#2 – Know the dimensions, color, size and brand of your checked luggage. Better yet, take a photo of your bag before you turn it over to TSA and the Airline.

#3 – Make sure your bags are marked, inside and out, with at least your name and a phone number where you can be reached during your trip.

#4 – Put copies of your intended travel itinerary and your travel insurance paperwork inside your luggage where it can easily be seen if opened by airport personnel.

#5 – Know how much your bags weigh. Put them on your scale before leaving home, or use a handheld luggage scale. Make sure you don’t exceed the airline limits for checked bags. A few extra pounds can be a costly mistake.

When you’re ready to start planning your next adventure, click here, we’d love to help you get the best value for your vacation budget.

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