A wonderful trip can be turn sour very quickly if you have a problem with your luggage and your belongings. The right bag and appropriate planning can save you a lot of hassle and worry. Know the luggage requirements and regulations for the mode of travel that you are taking. Use the appropriate bag to suit your trips needs to avoid problems with your suitcase at home or away.

Travel Light
Do not be stopped or charged extra at the check-in because your bag is too heavy. Bring only clothes and shoes that you know you will use. Bring outfits that you plan to wear for each day and take one or two extra options. Extra clothes weigh you down and clutter up your hotel room. Packing light gives you mobility and saves you money.

The Right Size
Determine the size of your bag by the amount of time you plan on being away and how many extra items you plan to return with. If you are going on a short trip and do not plan on returning with many souvenirs use a small carry-on size bag. Carry-ons allow you to have access to your bag throughout the trip and save you time waiting in line at the baggage claim. If you are going on an extended vacation use larger soft shelled luggage. Leave extra room in your bag if you plan on bringing back gifts. Preplanned extra space will save you money on buying extra bags to transport your purchases.

A Good Bag
Sometimes its good to buy cheap, but with a luggage you get what you pay for. Buy a good sturdy bag that is easily recognizable to you. Many bags, especially black ones, look the same and are mistakenly taken by someone else. Choose a bold colored bag or mark your bag with a small ribbon or identifier to make it easier to see. Soft-shelled bags are more accommodating to stretching wider and stuffing into small spaces. They are usually lighter than hard-shelled pieces. Luggage with extra pockets come in handy for unexpected trinkets you may collect along the way like magazines and souvenirs. A bag that rolls on wheels is easier to walk with and puts less strain on your back.

Secure Yourself
Your bag passes through many hands as you travel around the country or the world. Purchase a small lock with a key or choose a bag with a lock installed in it. Make sure the lock is sturdy and reliable. Many thefts occur in airports, train stations and bus stops. Always keep an eye on your bag and do not entrust it to strangers and random passengers. If you cannot carry it around leave it in a locker or secure a cart to push it.

Label It
Label your bag so that it is lost, someone can identify it and return it to you. Your name should always be on your bag to prove it is yours. If you do not feel comfortable adding your home address and phone number, use your cell phone number, work number, hotel address or email: information that is less personal but still allows you to be contacted. Clear away old tags and stickers; they are confusing to airline personnel and get caught in conveyor belts during transportation. If you are transporting something delicate ask an attendant for a FRAGILE sticker and place it on your luggage where it can be seen clearly.