Check your luggage for any needed repairs before your trip and check again for damage immediately after your flight.

Make airline damage claims on the spot. Keep valuables such as jewelry, keys or gifts plus medications in your carry-on luggage.

Travel with toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case your bags don't arrive at the same time as you.

Create a "personal packing checklist" to avoid leaving anything behind. Your list could also come in handy if your bags are lost.

Keep a record of your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription in case a replacement is needed.

Leave a copy of your travel itinerary, hotel address and telephone number, etc. with a friend or family member.

Tie something bright or unique to your luggage to spot it quickly in the airport, AND to prevent someone else from accidentally picking up your bag. We suggest brightly colored luggage straps or zipper pulls.

Airlines may limit you to one carry-on bag on flights that are over 75% booked, so limit your carry-on luggage whenever possible.

Keep an extra photocopy of your passport in a safe place when travelling abroad.

Use luggage with "add-a-bag" features to be able to carry more than one bag in your hand. This may also save your back!

Before beginning to pack, take out all the clothing, shoes and accessories you are planning to take. Now, try to eliminate ½ of them and put them back in the closet!

Check with the airlines to find out the number and size of bags you are allowed to carry on. Pack in as small a carry-on bag as possible.

Packing with "Pack-it systems" and "Pack-mates" will eliminate wasted space and air trapped in clothing and helps you pack twice as much with far fewer wrinkles.

Find out what electrical adapters & converters you will need when travelling abroad.

Use covered luggage tags or laminated business cards so your home address will not be seen by possible intruder.

Use "Save Your Back" luggage or a luggage cart to make travel easier and to reduce the risk of injury.

Pick up a business card or pack of matches at the front desk of the hotel to keep with you at all times when travelling abroad. You may find yourself in a situation where it is difficult to communicate, in a taxi for example, and need to provide the address to return you to your lodging. Make sure you have the hotel's address written in the local language -- taxi drivers in foreign countries often don't speak English.

If flying, consider wearing athletic shoes. Feet have a tendency to swell during flight. So, wear something comfortable with laces that you can loosen.

Reduce jet lag by drinking lots of water (not juice, soft drinks, etc.) before, during and after your flight.

Take half the amount of clothing and twice the amount of money; and you'll have a great time!