I wish I was someone who could pack for a long trip and fit everything into a carry-on plus a smaller bag for under my seat. I tend to be a minimalist at home. I feel like I should be able to be this person. And yet... when I start packing I lose confidence in how many shoes I need. I might use my travel yoga mat. I might require every one of my bug sprays - the natural stuff and the nuclear option stuff. Will I need a sun hat and a cover-up and a sarong too? The next thing I know, the carry-on only option is again a distant dream.
Checking a bag feels a bit riskier lately with news reports of understaffed and overwhelmed airports (particularly with baggage claim) struggling to keep up with the resurgence in travel during the peak summer months. So what can you do to make sure your bags make it to your destination too?
First, try to NOT pack like me and do what you can to travel with a carry-on only. If that's just not feasible (no judgements here), then these are my top three tips for traveling with checked bags. Happy Packing!
The first rule of checked bags? Don't check your bags! Instead, sign up for Luggage Free. This affordable service offers door-to-door delivery of your luggage, and golf gear too. It's super easy. When you sign up, they email you instructions and labels to attach, then they collect your bags from home and ship them to your final destination. No lugging bags around and no wasting time at the luggage carousel either! Your shipment is fully insured, tracked in real time, and comes with an ON-TIME GUARANTEE. (Let that one sink in for a minute.) Breeze through the airport unburdened and with absolutely no stress about your luggage being with you when you arrive.
Blue Ribbon Bags is your ally in tracking AND expediting any checked bags that get lost or waylaid. If four days go by and your bags still aren't delivered, Blue Ribbon Bags pays $1,000 per bag - no questions asked, no receipts necessary. They'll track your mishandled bag and expedite its return for the first 96 hours it's lost, and every time the airline file is updated, you get an automatic update from Blue Ribbon Bags. First file a claim with the airline, then let Blue Ribbon Bags handle the rest!
Bluetooth tracking devices are the most DIY option, and I recommend everyone get in the habit of using these when you travel - no matter what size bag you bring! Apple AirTags are probably the most well-known, but I'm a big fan of the Tile Pro. Check out Tile's other sizes and ranges at the Tile Store. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bonus tip: INSURE IT
Always opt in when I send travel insurance options for your trip so you've got coverage for any lost or delayed baggage - along with a world of other benefits you'll want when you travel.
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Danielle Dybiec
Founder & President
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