Packing
Try not to pack more luggage than you can carry. To avoid misdirection of your luggage, cut off all old destination tags. Mark luggage with colored tape to avoid confusion in the claim area. Mark luggage inside and out with your name, business address and phone number. If possible, use tags that conceal your name and address. Make sure you have a complete list of the contents of your bags in case they are lost. Put liquids in plastic bottles that leave enough room for expansion.
Remember to lock your luggage. Keep carry-on bags with you at all times. Be sure your luggage is correctly tagged for your destination. Carry all medication, important business papers, valuables and a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage in case your checked luggage is misplaced. Be sure to check with your travel agent about baggage allowances on international flights and restrictions for carry-on luggage.
Documents and Papers
Make several copies of your passport, traveler's checks, credit cards, itinerary, airline tickets and other travel documents. Leave one copy with a relative or friend back home and carry one copy with you. Take most of your money in traveler's checks and record the serial numbers, denominations, date, and location of the issuing agency. Remove all unnecessary credit cards from your wallet.
Securing Your Home
Advise police and a trusted neighbor of your trip. Ask them to check your home while you are away. You might consider having a friend "house-sit" for you. Buy a timer device that will automatically turn lights on and off during evening hours. Cancel newspaper service and stop mail delivery. During summer months, arrange to have your lawn mowed; in winter, arrange to have snow cleared. You may even arrange to have a neighbor share trash bins on pick-up day. Pay bills in advance so utility service will not be interrupted. In the case of longer trips, make sure your homeowner's policy remains in effect during your absence. Leave valuables in a safe deposit box.
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