Last summer, I went through every traveler’s nightmare: I lost my luggage—and not just for a few days, but for the entire summer. It was frustrating, stressful, and inconvenient in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. But as with most travel mishaps, it came with lessons that I now consider invaluable.
Some of these lessons may sound obvious, while others might surprise you, but together, they’ve completely changed the way I approach packing and preparing for trips. Consider this my hard-earned guide to avoiding (or at least softening) the blow of luggage disasters.
1. Travel Insurance Is Worth Every Dirham
The number-one question people asked me when I shared my story was: “Did you have travel insurance?” Unfortunately, I didn’t—and I deeply regretted it.
Since then, I’ve learned that an annual travel insurance plan is the most cost-effective and practical option, especially if you travel frequently. Instead of buying coverage for each individual flight, I invested in a year-long policy from GIG Insurance for about AED 800.
What did it cover? Pretty much everything that could go wrong on a trip: delayed departures, lost baggage, passport loss, emergency medical and dental expenses, transportation in case of emergencies, even first aid and legal assistance. Knowing I had that safety net gave me an incredible amount of peace of mind the next time I traveled.
👉 Pro tip: Don’t wait for disaster to teach you this lesson. Get insured before your next trip.
2. Always Lock Your Bags
With my luggage moving through multiple airports, connecting flights, and endless baggage belts, I realized how much comfort I took in the simple fact that my suitcases were securely locked. It didn’t prevent them from being lost, but it gave me reassurance that when they were finally found, the contents would still be intact.
3. Don’t Forget Luggage Tags
It seems so basic, doesn’t it? But attaching a clear luggage tag with your name and contact information can make a huge difference. In some cases, airport staff or even fellow travelers can help get your bag back to you if they know who it belongs to.
Without tags, plain bags become just another anonymous piece of luggage in a sea of black suitcases. Speaking of which…
4. Photograph Your Luggage (Inside and Out)
Here’s a mistake I made that I’ll never repeat: all of my bags were plain black, with no distinguishing marks. Trying to file a missing-luggage claim was incredibly frustrating because I couldn’t describe them well enough.
Now, before I travel, I take photos of each suitcase and even jot down the brand, size, and any special features. I also snap quick pictures of what I’ve packed, so I can provide detailed descriptions if needed.
And if you can, make your luggage stand out—whether it’s a bright strap, a colorful tag, or even a sticker. Anything that makes it easier to identify will save you time and headaches later.
5. Keep Valuables With You
This one, thankfully, I did right. Never put important items—like electronics, jewelry, medications, or travel documents—into your checked luggage. Always carry them in your hand luggage.
When my suitcases went missing, I was incredibly grateful that my essentials were safe with me.
6. Pack Your Carry-On Strategically
Losing my luggage forced me to rethink how I pack. I now treat my carry-on as more than just a place for flight essentials—it’s my safety net.
Here’s what I always include now:
- Two to three days’ worth of clothing and underwear
- Travel-sized skincare and makeup
- Anything I’ll need for a specific event (a dress, shoes, or accessories)
This way, even if my checked luggage is delayed or lost, I can still get through a few days without panicking—or buying a whole new wardrobe on the spot.
7. Invest in AirTags (or a Similar Tracker)
One of the smartest moves I made last summer was dropping AirTags into each of my bags. While they didn’t help me get my luggage back any faster, they gave me peace of mind. At least I knew where my bags were, even when the airlines didn’t.
There’s something oddly reassuring about opening your phone and seeing your suitcase ping from a specific airport terminal. If nothing else, it keeps you from feeling completely powerless.
What I Learned
Looking back, losing my luggage wasn’t just an inconvenience—it was a wake-up call. Travel can be unpredictable, and the smallest precautions can make the biggest difference when things go wrong.
The truth is, no one ever expects to lose their bags for an entire summer. But by preparing smarter—through travel insurance, tracking devices, and strategic packing—you can turn a potential nightmare into something manageable.
So the next time you pack for a trip, think of me and my long, bagless summer. Take a few extra minutes to lock, tag, photograph, and plan ahead. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
In Short:
- Get annual travel insurance—it’s worth it.
- Lock your luggage every time.
- Add tags with your info.
- Photograph your suitcases and contents.
- Keep valuables with you.
- Pack a mini “emergency wardrobe” in your carry-on.
- Use AirTags for peace of mind.
Travel mishaps will always happen, but preparation can transform them from disasters into stories—and, sometimes, into lessons you’ll carry long after your luggage finally comes home.
