After all that anticipation, you’re all ready. Pair of Oakleys in hand with wallet and tickets in back pocket, Coelho and/or Kiyosaki in your tote, you’re rarin’ to get away from it all. But before you step out your door, here are some important things to know about your luggage and traveling safely.

First, you want to inspect your luggage first and check for any tears, even those negligible ones, particularly in and around the fabric and seams. If some parts are broken, need fixing or outright need replacement, take necessary action, because your luggage won’t even be half a luggage if they do not work properly. Assuming your brand of luggage isn’t Lewis Button or Samsungite, all the above problems should be the least of your worries, but check your luggage nonetheless. Stay away from luggage that sets you apart from others by being gaudy, fancy, gold-trimmed or in some other way puts a big red target on your belongings for airport thieves.

If you stick with basic black luggage, how will you be able to spot your luggage at Baggage Claim? Why, there are several ways to get around this, such as using a luggage tag or a scarf to set your luggage apart from everybody else’s generic-looking gear. The beauty part of it all is that thieves will be discouraged to steal a bag with such peculiarities, and would rather set their sights on something much more generic.

Two bags, fifty pounds max – remember these two limits because that would be the general rule with domestic operated flights. One tip to consider would be the practicality of bringing two bags of average weight rather than one really large and heavy bag – but of course, weigh your luggage before leaving home. While it may put a little extra work on your biceps, it won’t put any more work on your wallet by way of onerous fees for carrying excess weight. European airlines operate differently and some only allow 33 lbs.

Identification is another thing you want to consider when preparing luggage. This part of the trip prep stage is much overlooked, but very important. You can also insert an itinerary copy in your luggage, which should have you fully covered if the unexpected happens. Bags may be lost, stolen or mishandled, and you want something to help airport personnel find you.

The Transport Security Administration scanning process, or TSA, may be something you will have to go through. To help you get through this with a minimum of fuss, pack your items in clear plastic organizers. Don’t wrap anything fragile in your clothing, instead place them in sturdier-than-usual packing. Have a good mind to go easy on airport personnel, as repacking can be a chore.

All it takes is a little moxie and a heaping helping of planning to make your next trip a safe one – and a fun one as well!

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