Ok – we’ve all been there. You’ve spent months planning the perfect vacation and everything is in order. Dog at vet – check; Lights on – check; bags packed – check.
You’re at the airport, made it through security and have even been upgraded to first class. The flight was on time and so far your trip could not be any better. You head to baggage claim to grab your bag and continue on your perfect vacation. You get to the luggage carousel and watch as suitcase after suitcase passes you by. Before you know it, there are no more bags are on the carousel and dread flows over you – “Did the airline lose my bag?”
Well I’m here to tell you it happens a lot and it has happened to me – twice in the last year. It’s the worst feeling possible when you are going on vacation, accompanied by the horrible thoughts that pop into your head – “Will I ever see those brand new Prada shoes I just bought?” “Where did my luggage end up?” “What if someone else has my bag and sees all my sexy underwear?” Since I’ve had the privilege of losing my luggage twice, I’m sharing my reasons for opting to carry-on my luggage rather than checking it. And if you are one of those people that MUST check your luggage, then I will give you some tips on what to carry-on in case your luggage gets lost.
Top Reasons to Carry-On:
1. It won’t get lost. Everything for your trip is in your tiny suitcase right above your head. It’s not going anywhere unless the suitcase handle is wrapped up in your hand. So now you won’t be standing at the luggage carousel with that blank look on your face thinking “what happened to my luggage?"
2. You’ll pack lightly. By carrying-on you won’t pack as much stuff in your suitcase. So those 8 pairs of shoes you thought you needed for that 4 day trip – not going to happen. Now I know some of you are thinking: “What about all my purses that I MUST pack to go with all my shoes? Will all that fit into a carry-on?” In a word – NO.
3. To follow up with #2 – you can take two carry-on bags. I know for most women the other carry-on is a purse. But as I have learned, you can pack a rolling suitcase with all your clothes, shoes, under garments and more, then put your make-up, books and a purse in an over-the-shoulder bag to put underneath your seat. It’s easily accessible and everything you will need for your trip stays right there with you.
However, if you are the type of traveler who has to pack the 7 pairs of shoes, 4 purses and 8 different outfits because you need options – then I have some tips on what to take in your carry-on, just in case your luggage gets lost.
Toiletries – always take your make-up and toiletry items in your carry-on. There’s nothing worse than being away from home and not having your make-up or at least a toothbrush. Shampoo, conditioner, lotion and other bathroom items can be purchased while on vacation, but I would rather not spend my first day on vacation scouring the Wal-Mart aisles in Mexico looking for the exact shampoo and conditioner I use to keep my hair from drying out.Extra underwear – now I know what some of you are thinking “What the??” but I promise it is the best idea. If you lose your luggage, you can wear what you have on for a few days (that is if you don’t spill ketchup on your white pants while devouring that Wendy’s airport hamburger) and still feel clean because you have fresh panties.
Wear nice clothes on the airplane. I know most people want to be comfortable on an airplane, but those yoga pants people sport around in does not cut if you have a meeting or a date in your final destination. I suggest wearing NICE pants, shirt and comfortable shoes that you can slip on and off. This way if your luggage is lost at least you will look cute for the next few days.
Need a refresher on what is and isn't allowed in your carry-on? Or wondering how much they are going to charge for that second bag full of shoes you just have to check? Visit our website for a list of all the luggage policies and guidelines for each airline: http://www.brownelltravel.com/luggagepolicies.html.
Clayton Trotter is a leisure sales and marketing assistant for Brownell Travel. Feel free to contact her by clicking here. Learn more about Brownell and how we can help with any travel needs by visiting our website: www.brownelltravel.com.
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