Security expert Shahzad Ali, CEO of Get Licensed, has advised travellers to avoid brightly coloured suitcases this summer, warning that they could attract unwanted attention and increase the risk of theft.
Expert advice on suitcase choice
Speaking ahead of the busy holiday season, Ali recommended opting for a more common-looking suitcase, ideally one that appears worn, to blend in with the crowd. He also suggested using a high-quality padlock and adding a subtle identifier, such as a ribbon or sticker, to avoid confusion with other passengers' luggage.
“Although a new and colourful suitcase may look more fashionable, it won't only be attractive to you,” Ali said. “It's best to choose a more common-looking suitcase, and if possible, a worn-out one - as to not stand out from the crowd - and with it, a high-quality padlock. This can make a big difference in keeping your items safe.”
Packing strategy for valuables
Ali also shared a packing method to keep belongings secure. He advised organising items into three categories: extremely valuable (documents, credit cards, mobile phones, large sums of cash), valuable (jewellery and expensive items), and less valuable (clothes and self-care products).
Extremely valuable items that are not needed frequently at the airport should be placed in a money belt kept close to the body until reaching the destination. Items needed during travel should go in a small handbag or fanny pack kept in front at all times, then transferred to the money belt when no longer needed.
Larger valuables like laptops or tablets should be carried in hand luggage, while jewellery and other valuables should be hidden among less valuable items in checked luggage.
