The 1-second tip that can save your suitcase on a plane trip

According to Christian Bennett, head of travel at Multitrip.com, recording the contents of your suitcase before boarding makes it easier to file a claim with the airline or insurance company.

“Saving receipts, taking photographs before the trip and keeping important documents means having everything that may be needed in case of a complaint at hand,” he explained.

The images serve as proof of the condition of the objects before the trip. If an item goes missing or is damaged, the passenger will have a record that can help prove what was being transported.

Reddit users also report that the habit is often useful, especially in more complicated situations involving lost or damaged luggage.

Also photograph the outside of the suitcase.

Care should not be limited to content. Recording the outside of luggage, including labels, colors, brands and identifying details, can also make it easier to locate in lost and found areas.

In an interview with Travel + Leisure magazine, consultant Rob Merlin, from SmartFlyer, stated that he recommends customers photograph the entire suitcase before traveling.

“We recommend taking photos of the outside, the luggage tag and everything inside,” he said.

In addition to documenting possible damage, the images help airline employees recognize baggage more quickly.

Common mistakes when packing your suitcase

Those who haven't started organizing their luggage can also avoid some frequent mistakes.

1. Packing too many items just in case

One of the most common mistakes is filling the suitcase with objects chosen only for hypothetical situations. The recommendation is to prioritize what will actually be used during the trip.

2. Travel with new shoes

While it may seem like a good idea to wear shoes on vacation, the risk of discomfort is high. As trips often involve long walks, the ideal is to take models that have already been tested.

3. Not sorting dirty clothes

Mixing used items with clean clothes can cause problems. A fabric bag helps keep things organized and can even be used to protect fragile objects.

4. Take an iron or steamer

These devices take up a lot of space and add weight to the suitcase. A more practical alternative is to use spray to remove wrinkles from clothes.

5. Using vacuum bags without considering weight

Vacuum bags reduce the volume of items, but they do not make luggage lighter. Plus, once they're opened, it can be difficult to rearrange everything the same way for the trip back.

Google Translate. The 7 best options that you (probably) don't know about

As useful as it is in its basic functionality, Google Translate has some features that may have gone unnoticed and that are very useful - especially for those who often travel outside the country.