Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International removals, has warned holidaymakers against putting certain bits of information on luggage tags when jetting away
Brits are being warned that a common luggage tag mistake could leave them vulnerable to burglary.
When you head off for a holiday, the last thing you want to think about is your home getting broken into. Sadly, being out of the country and away from home can make you vulnerable to intruders. And not just because your property is unoccupied.
Experts at 1st Move International removals have revealed the crucial details you should never include when labelling your bags. Mike Harvey, managing director at the firm, said: “When filling out luggage tags, it’s vital to strike a balance between making your bag easy to identify and keeping your personal details safe. Sharing too much information could expose you to identity theft, financial fraud, burglary, and other risks.”
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According to Mike, these are the details you should include on a luggage tag:
- Full name: As it appears on your passport, to help airline staff reunite you with lost luggage.
- Phone number: With the country code, so you can be contacted quickly.
- Email address: Ideally, a separate travel email, which keeps communication away from your main inbox.
He says that you should include the following:
- Home address: This could alert thieves that your property is empty while you’re away.
- Valuables: Don’t mention items inside your bag to avoid attracting attention.
- Travel plans and destinations: Keep your itinerary private to prevent misuse.
- Sensitive information: Never include passport numbers, NI numbers, or insurance policy details; these leave you exposed to fraud and scams.
It isn’t just important to get your luggage tag right – what you pack is also key. A travel expert has urged holidaymakers to stop packing items that they’re bound to regret bringing with them.
Neil Atkinson, who owns Luxury Group Stay, has identified the four items that travellers consistently regret packing – and they may be sitting in your suitcase right now. One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is bringing valuable jewellery on holiday. The risk of loss, theft, or damage simply isn’t worth the worry it creates.
“I’ve heard countless stories of holiday goers losing precious items or spending half their holiday anxious about keeping them safe,” Neil said.
Instead, he recommends opting for versatile, inexpensive accessories that can dress up multiple outfits without the stress. “Your holiday should be about relaxation, not constantly checking your hotel safe,” he added.
Overpacking shoes is another common mistake that wastes valuable suitcase space and adds unnecessary weight to your luggage. Neil suggests limiting yourself to three pairs maximum: comfortable walking shoes, smart casual options, and perhaps flip-flops or sandals for the pool.
“People pack a different pair of shoes for every possible scenario, but the reality is you’ll likely rotate between the same two pairs,” Neil said. “Shoes are bulky and heavy – they’re taking up room you could use for things you’ll actually need.”
For longer trips, choose neutral colours that work with multiple outfits to maximise versatility whilst minimising luggage bulk. Packing full-sized shampoo bottles, conditioners, and body wash is not only impractical but also risks messy spills in your luggage.
Airport liquid restrictions mean these items often need to be checked anyway, adding hassle to your journey. This approach not only saves space but also leaves room in your case for souvenirs on the return journey.