Expert warns holidaymakers should never travel with a 'colourful suitcase'

A security expert has shared how to keep your luggage safe whilst travelling

Going on holiday is a joy, but sometimes things can go wrong. Frequent flyers have been sharing their tips for smooth travel, from comfort secrets to tricks for free upgrades.

Flights might be cancelled, hotels could be overbooked, or you could fall victim to crime. Many people let their guard down when they’re relaxing abroad.

It’s important to stay alert, but there are steps you can take before you travel to keep your luggage and belongings safe. Shahzad Ali, a security expert and CEO of Get Licensed, has shared his top tips for keeping your luggage safe when travelling, The Express US reports.

Get the latest What’s On news straight to your phone by joining us on WhatsApp

“When packing, organise your items in three categories: extremely valuable (such as documents, credit cards, mobile phones and larger sums of cash), valuable (such as jewellery and other expensive items) and less valuable (such as clothes and self-care products).”

He continued: “The extremely valuable items that don’t need to be used often at the airport should be placed in a money belt that will stay close to your body at all times until you reach your destination.

“The ones that need to be used at the airport should be placed in a small handbag or fanny pack that will stay in front of you at all times. When they’re not needed any longer, these items should be placed in the money belt. Larger valuables, such as laptops or tablets, can be placed in your carry-on luggage.

“Valuables such as jewellery should be strategically hidden among less valuable items, such as clothes, in your checked luggage.[“

Shahzad warned that having a colourful or designer-branded suitcase might draw unwanted attention.

“Although a new and colourful suitcase may look more fashionable, it won’t only be attractive to you. It’s best to choose a more common-looking suitcase, and if possible, a worn-out one – as to not stand out from the crowd – and with it, a high-quality padlock.

“This can make a big difference in keeping your items safe. You can add an identifier, such as a ribbon or sticker, to avoid getting your luggage mistaken for someone else’s whilst still remaining subtle.”

Shahzad emphasised the importance of keeping count of how many items you’re carrying, especially when travelling with multiple people. “If you stop to grab a bite, if a family member needs the loo or if you’re just past security, you’ll know you’re not leaving any items behind,” Shahzad said.

The security expert’s final piece of advice is to have all your items in sight at all times. “This may seem obvious, but with so much to pay attention to at the airport, it’s common for people to think things are under control when they may not be,” he said.

“Make sure all items are placed in front of you and not behind. Consider investing in a tracker for your checked luggage, as it can come in handy in case it gets lost.”