Tag Archives: Travel

U.S. embassies and consulates are located in countries around the world that have diplomatic relations with the United States. Those who work in an American embassy or consulate are official representatives of the U.S. and its interests. They act as liaisons between the U.S. government and the host country. Consulates have the same mission but are focused on cultural and trade relations issues.

U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Most US embassies are located in the country’s capital city. Working with the Department of State, it’s their responsibility to convey U.S. policy to foreign governments and international organizations, as well as react to local unsafe conditions or hostilities when they occur. Here is the breakdown of what the US embassies and consulates can and cannot do for its citizens:

What U.S. Embassy and Consulate Can Do For You

Replacing a lost or stolen passport or renewing a passport
Arrest, abduction, or imprisonment- If arrested, consuls can assist in a law-related travel emergency by providing a list of attorneys, contacting your family, and ensuring that jail conditions and personal health are in acceptable condition
If you become ill overseas, they can assist you in obtaining medical attention and information on local English-speaking doctors.
Assist with marriages, birth, and adoptions
Obtain vital records (birth certificates, Social Security cards)
Emergency medical evacuation or disposition of remains if an American citizen dies abroad
Notarizing Forms
Filing US taxes abroad

What U.S. Embassy and Consulate Can’t Do For You

Assist with U.S. residency or immigration issues, including Green Cards.
Provide information regarding U.S. visas or immigration benefits
Locate lost property
Cash Checks
Pay personal debts or lend money
Authorize and pay medical expenses
Get you out of jail, or have your charges reduced
Give legal advice, pay legal fees, or serve as attorney
Prepare tax returns
Collect or forward mail packages
Locate or provide information on U.S. citizens
Renew or replace driver’s licenses
Serve as interpreters or translators

It’s highly recommended that all travelers register to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that allows U.S. Citizens traveling or living abroad to enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Once enrolled, you will receive the latest safety and security information for your destination. In case of a disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency the embassy or consulate will contact you directly, as well as help family members back in the U.S. get in touch with you as soon as possible. Stay Informed, stay connected, and stay safe enrolling into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

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How to pack a suitcase or bag is a learned skill. Your best chance of packing just the right amount of clothes is to plan what you will wear each day or by activity re-using as many items as possible. Think a long sleeve shirt could be a light jacket over a t-shirt or be worn separately. Over-packing will also leave less room in your suitcase for purchasing gifts and souvenirs! Follow the below guidelines, and you’ll be expertly packed. You can learn to pack a suitcase quickly, here are our favorite tips.

1. Use a Packing List!

When it comes to how to pack a suitcase expert travelers agree, it’s best to start your packing process days or even weeks ahead of your departure date; this gives you time to craft a complete list, plus purchase any additional items you might need. Start with a comprehensive published list and add or delete items. Creating a packing list is a fail-safe way to ensure that you won’t forget to bring something important. Here’s a packing list to get you started.

2. Follow the TSA 3-1-1 Rule

The rule is all liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce (100ml) bottles or smaller and all placed inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag. The bag limits how many liquids you can bring on board. Consolidating products into one bag and X-raying them separately from other carry-on items enables security officers to quickly clear all items. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring on board. Want to carry more liquids, and then pack them in your checked luggage. Everyday travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

This 1-quart bag with refillable bottles is a TSA Accepted Toiletry Kit

3. Know Your Airline’s Baggage Rules and Fees

Before you begin packing review your airline’s website and read its baggage policy. This is something you might even want to do prior to purchasing your plane ticket, especially if you’re checking luggage. Don’t forget to read their rules about carry-on bags either. Invest in and travel with a luggage scale, it’ll save you money, especially on your way home with the addition of souvenirs in your bag.

4. Put Essential Items in Your Carry-On

You must keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. Your passport, identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, medicines other valuables should always be brought onto the plane with you use a document organizer and small bags to keep track of your valuables. If the airline loses your luggage (or if a TSA agent gets sticky fingers), you’ll regret stowing your expensive gear or meds in a checked bag.

5. Use Packing Aids-They Save Space

Experienced road warriors and frequent flyers agree that using packing aids and particular packing cubes really do make a difference when it comes to packing a bag! There are several styles. Select one or a combination of them, depending on what you’re packing. No matter what your choice, you’ll be more organized and have more space, we promise.

Compression Packers Create More Space

Place clothing into a bag, seal, and roll to move air out of one-way valve system. Now you’ve maximized your packing space by eliminating the air in your bag! These compression bags are ideal for compressing bulky items such as jackets, sweatshirts, coats, socks or dirty clothes. Compression Packers.

Packing Cubes Keep Things Organized

Each lightweight and breathable cube has a different size to keep items neat and easy to find. TSA friendly, the cubes keep like items (think socks and lingerie) together and reduce wrinkles since clothes won’t be sliding around your entire suitcase. The larger one keeps dress shirts looking crisp and fresh.

Select Clothes Which Layer and Mix and Match

When thinking about how to pack a suitcase, think about wearing layers. Short-sleeved shirts can go under long-sleeved ones. A long scarf is decorative and can double as an evening wrap and added warmth on the plane. Jeans or khakis go from day to night with the change of an athletic to a dress shoe or sandal.

2. Choose Knits, Wool, and Cotton

These fabrics tend to resist wrinkles and are versatile and stick to a few colors that mix and match. If you are going to a warm climate pack moisture-wicking synthetics you can wash in your hotel sink, hang up overnight and wear again.

3. Roll Softer Garments and Fold Stiffer Ones

Underwear, T-shirts, jeans, cotton pants, and knitwear won’t wrinkle when rolled tightly. Stiffer fabrics, such as starched cotton shirts, blazers, dressy pants, and skirts, should be carefully folded.

If you need more space in your suitcase and aren’t worried about the weight, roll your clothes (as this will take significantly less space than folding). If you do not need as much space and want to keep the weight down, fold your clothes.

Roll items as tightly as possible to achieve the space-saving effect.
Rolling does not necessarily make your clothes more wrinkled, you simply need to be careful that when you roll clothes, you do not roll in any wrinkles. Roll the item as flat as possible. Folding the item along its natural seams first will help.
Elastic items will be easier to roll without introducing wrinkles.
If you aren’t very good at rolling, avoid rolling items that wrinkle easily.
Rolled items need to be packed tightly, so this method should only be used if space is at a premium. If they are not tightly packed, they will unroll and wrinkle.

6. Wash Your Clothes on the Road

Vacation rentals often have laundry facilities, however, if you’re staying in a hotel, or taking a cruise wash clothes in sinks and hang them to dry, a blow dryer or iron can help get rid of any lingering dampness. Pack laundry soap sheets ( they can’t spill or accidentally pop open) and a portable laundry-drying line. Carry a stain stick in your bag.

7. Strive to Fit all Your Clothes into a Carry-on Bag

Limit yourself to what you can fit into a carry-on bag with wheels. Your luggage will fit into the overhead bin of an airplane so you never have to check and risk it going on a different trip than you are. When you do reach your destination, you’ll enjoy the ease of mobility.

Carrying your bag onto the plane reduces the chances that it will get lost, broken, or stolen.
Save on checked bag fees

8. Use a Large Personal Item

We like to use a backpack in addition to a carry-on bag. You can use your backpack as a day bag at your destination too. pack any medications or can’t live without essentials in this bag just in case of the rare chance that you must gate check your carry-on. Plus wearing a backpack and pushing or pulling your wheeled carry-on keeps one hand free too.

9. Use Air Tags or Tile Devices to Track Bags

Apple’s Air Tags and Tile for Android phones are small discs that use Bluetooth on your phone to track items. Not just for luggage. both carry-on and checked, they can be used to track bikes, cars, wallets, and just about anything where you can hide and secure the small battery-operated disc. By putting a tracker inside your checked luggage, you will be able to see exactly where your bag is when traveling. We have used trackers on our last few trips and had peace of mind knowing both our checked bags made it onto the plane. In two cases, it helped us find our bags in the sea of black bags at baggage claim. Now, the first thing we reach for after reaching for our bags is our Air Tags or Tile Tracking devices.

Apple AirTags for luggage and bags

Tile Tracker Device compatible with Android phones

More Advice on How to Pack a Suitcase

Do not lock your checked bags except with TSA-approved luggage locks; otherwise, if your bag is selected for random screening, agents will have to break the lock to get inside.
Do not overpack your bag. If selected for inspection, TSA screeners will have difficulty closing your luggage, which will only lead to wrinkles and the potential for lost articles.

Lastly, place any packed belongings you don’t feel comfortable with strangers handling in clear plastic bags.

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How to Beat Jet Lag Quickly and Safely

If you’ve ever traveled across time zones, you know that jet lag can be debilitating and can influence your normal circadian rhythm, making you tired too early in the day or causing you to wake up too early in the morning. Jet lag can specifically cause physical fatigue and mental fog. Beating jet lag is all about managing and adapting your sleep pattern to your new location and time zone. Here is the latest and proven advice to keep your body clock ticking when traveling and to beat jet lag quickly.

1. Drink lots of water

Hydrate before, during, and after the flight! Dehydration is one of the biggest causes of jet lag, so drink as much as possible. How to know if you’re drinking enough: Keep downing water so that you visit the bathroom once an hour. After you pass through TSA security, buy a bottle of water (or bring an empty one from home) and fill it at a hydration station at the airport.

2. Avoid alcohol to beat jet lag

Alcohol has the opposite effect of hydration. Alcohol dehydrates you and can impact your sleep negatively. While it can relax you and help with falling asleep it is a sleep disruptor and lessens the quality of your sleep.

3. Use a Melatonin supplement

Melatonin is a hormone made by your body. The pineal gland in your brain produces and secretes Melatonin to help regulate biological rhythms such as sleep and wake cycles. Use Melatonin to help you sleep on the flight and during the first one to three nights at your destination. Try Melatonin at home to see which dose is most effective for you. Start with a low dose and work your way up if necessary. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.

4. Block out noise and light in flight

Most likely, you sleep in quiet and dark conditions at home. Additionally, you’re warm under a blanket. Try to replicate that environment the best you can while flying towards your destination. While first-class offers you a blanket, pillow, eyeshades, and, best of all, seats that recline all the way so you have a bed. I recommend making your economy seat as cozy for sleep as possible. Bring your own noise-canceling headphones, earplugs , eyeshades, a pillow designed for sleeping in an upright position, and a lightweight blanket or shawl.

5. Adjust to the new time zone immediately

Set your watch to the time of your destination the moment you take off and try to eat, and sleep accordingly. This mental trick helps make you feel as if you’re already acclimated to the new time.

6. Don’t nap upon arrival

Don’t take a quick nap upon arrival. No matter how tired you are, push through it and stay awake. For the first two nights, try to stay awake until 9 p.m. local time. Your internal clock should adjust within 48 to 72 hours.

7. Don’t sleep in to help beat lag

You’re tired and groggy, and your head feels heavy, and all you want to do is sleep. Don’t do it, don’t sleep in past 9 am at your new local time. Remember, it’s all about recalibrating your body clock or circadian rhythm quickly. Reset going to bed early, no matter how difficult, stay up until at least 9 pm. This, too, will help you minimize jet lag.

8. Go outside upon arrival

One of the best ways to sync your body to the new time zone is to go outside for a walk to envelop yourself in the natural light. Your body will begin to “read” what time it is. Some say try to go barefoot in a park for about 20 minutes. Getting your bare feet on earth will help discharge the static charge that builds up in you on the plane, which will allow your cells to recharge with healthy energy.

Final Thoughts on Beating Jet Lag When Traveling

Getting your brain in the new time zone is critical to preventing jet lag. Therefore, the most effective way to beat jet lag is to manage your sleep. The idea is to adjust your sleep pattern quickly to your destination’s time zone.

How you can protect your gear

Waterproof waist bag

The quick and low-cost solution is to pack and wear a waterproof waist pack or neck pouch while swimming to protect and keep your gear near. Both the waist pack and the neck pouch keep your valuables on your person for peace of mind.

Locking Tote Bags or Safes Protect Gear

If you have a lounge chair, then a packable and portable beach safe or locking beach tote like the anti-theft Coolbag Tote you can tether to the lounge chair may be the ideal solution. These larger bags are great because you can use them in other locations, such as your hotel room, to secure valuables there, too, increasing their versatility.

Safebox Portable Safe with Anti Theft Combination Lock and Slash Resistant Material to Protect Wallet, iPhone and Valuables at the Beach, Pool, Camping

Thefts at beaches – also called beach blanket thefts, happen all around the world. The more crowded the beach, the higher the rate of theft. The problem tends to be more pronounced outside of the US at beaches which attract many people. One example is in Rio de Janeiro, where in years past, it was not unusual to see gangs of young people suddenly sweep over the beach, snatching up phones, bags, and valuables and then scattering in all directions with their loot, making it difficult for authorities to capture them.

Video of Beach Thefts in Rio de Janeiro

The no-cost solution for protecting your gear water-side is to head to the beach with at least another person so someone can always keep watch of valuables while the other is in the water, but this is not always the most fun or practical way to enjoy the water. At the beach, your best solution is a waterproof pouch or waistpack you wear on your person.

Water-Proof Body Pouches
Do you think the best way to protect your valuables while swimming, snorkeling, or jogging along the shoreline is to have them on you? The newest styles of waterproof gear are extremely reliable and rated for water-fastness. No soggy passports or ruined phones! And with so many styles to choose from, you’re bound to find just the right style of the waterproof pouch to make your next water adventure worry-free.

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Sleeping onboard an aircraft is tough but following the advice of seasoned travelers on how to sleep on a plane is a good start to getting the rest you crave. Selecting the right seat can make a difference, some seats are better than others if you want to sleep. Read on to learn how to avoid noisy passengers and other annoyances of a red-eye flight. These are the top hints we found to ensure you get rest while en route.

1. Book Your Flight Just Right

The first choice is to pick a nonstop flight. If you must have a connection try to break it up into a long and short leg rather than two legs of the same length. You’ll have more time for uninterrupted sleep on the longer leg.

Regular airplane seats don’t recline much, you’ll need a few tricks to get the sleep you crave. Read on

2. Select Your Seat Wisely

Choose a window seat for less interruption from seatmates who need to pass in front of you as they make their way to the aisle. If you sleep on your right side choose a seat on the right side of the plane. That way, when you turn, you’ll be facing the window, not the traveler in the seat next to you. Same idea if you sleep on your left side, select a seat on the left side of the plane to maximize privacy. Back sleepers on either side of the aircraft are fine. For maximum quiet, try to select a seat not directly across from the galley or near the lavatories.

When looking at the seat map, pay attention to whether the bulkhead or exit row seats that offer more legroom also recline. Many do not. Pass on the legroom they offer and opt for a seat that reclines. A reclining seat with less legroom is better for sleeping than a seat that doesn’t recline and offers more legroom.

3. Dress for Comfort and Sleep

Wear loose clothing for comfort. If you have to arrive wearing business attire, pack it in your carry-on and change just prior to arrival; you’ll look fresher. We recommend bringing a large wrap or shawl; it can act as a blanket (do this even in the summer when air conditioning can be particularly strong and uncomfortable), plus it looks fashionable draped around your neck. Men should opt for loose or stretchy pants. Many jeans today are made with a hint of lycra for comfort.

4. Bring Your Own Pillow

Airlines don’t have enough pillows on board for everyone, and the style they offer is not necessarily the best for sleeping while sitting upright. Fortunately, there are several styles of travel pillows designed especially for sleeping on board, so you’re sure to find one that’ll give you the support and comfort you need for sleeping in an airplane seat. We like inflatable neck pillows that help keep your head from flopping over to one side or onto your chest. If you’re concerned about the bulkiness of bringing your own pillow, select an inflatable one you only blow up when flying and then deflate to store in your carry-on bag.

5. Stay Warm

Cabin temps can fluctuate and you won’t be able to sleep if you’re cold, so bring your own blanket. The blankets on-board have usually been used by previous passengers and may be of questionable cleanliness. If you board late you may miss out on finding one altogether. This clever blanket rolls up to about the size of a soda can and can be stowed in your carry-on bag.

6. Use an Anti-Jet Lag Remedy

A homeopathic version (non-drug) is safe and yes, it really works. Avoid alcohol. Even if wine can make you sleepy while you’re earth-bound, in an aircraft it accelerates dehydration. You will only need this if you’re passing through multiple time zones and primarily going overseas.

7. Try a Sleep Aid

There are several over-the-counter options for you to consider to help you sleep on a flight. Dramamine, which helps with motion sickness can make you drowsy. Unisom and ZzzQuil are designed to help with insomnia so can help you sleep on a flight. Melatonin is a hormone. Discuss these sleep aids with your doctor for advice on which is best for you. Hint: Store your sleep aid in your toiletry bag at home so you don’t forget to pack it.

8. Block-out Noise

There are several alternatives for getting for blocking out sound. Earplugs are a good way to block-out unwanted noise, they’re small and inexpensive. If you like soothing music, make sure you pack your earbuds and phone/iPod. Noise-canceling headphones are a great investment for quiet on board too. The idea is to re-create the sleeping environment you enjoy when not flying. If you get earaches while flying due to the change in cabin pressure, you will need pressure reducing ear filters, they are different from noise-blocking earplugs!

Hint: Before you buy earplugs, try out your earbuds or AirPods with the block noise setting. They may work for you.

9. Stop the Light

Light, like noise, is a sleep disrupter. The sudden opening of a window shade or the flashing light of a screen, whether it is a seatback screen or a seatmate’s laptop, can disrupt your slumber. The solution is an eye mask. Find one formed with contours. The contour feature is a little formed cavity so your eyelids won’t touch the mask. The bonus for women is that this style doesn’t smear makeup. So you won’t wake up looking like a raccoon.

10. Buckle Up

To avoid being disturbed by the flight attendants during their safety checks make sure your seat belt is secured and visible (over the blanket.) That way, the cabin attendants will pass you by.

Try out all or several of these suggestions for sleeping on a plane. A little pre-flight preparation can make your next flight pass quickly as you sleep peacefully and arrive refreshed at your destination.

Proven Advice from Experienced Travelers

How to hide money on your body. Today’s money belts are not your father’s money belt. A money belt can be your most important accessory when you’re traveling, especially when visiting busy and popular tourist attractions. It is in these locations where pickpockets and thieves are most likely to target their marks. A money belt depending on its size and design is used to hide money, cash, passports, and other valuables that you don’t want to lose. A money belt is a personal item and is not a “one size fits all” by any means. The new models of hidden money belts have anti-theft technology plus various designs and sizes, so you’re sure to find one just right for you. Hide money on your body, or other valuables such as your passport to and enjoy the sites knowing you’re foiling thieves and scam artists.

Today you have a choice of traditional belts with a zipper to hold just bills, wallets you wear on your leg and hide under pants, and even more styles which you wear around your neck or waist and tucked under clothing. These styles are made of breathable material, are lightweight, and have built-in anti-theft features. Don’t want to wear a hidden money pouch or belt? There are a number of other ways you can hide money on your person, read on.

Most common places to hide money on your person

In socks and shoes – Slide a few folded bills into your socks if they go beyond your ankle. If your socks are low profile you should place your money in the foot bed of the sock so that you are actually stepping on it. The most secure and convenient method for hiding small valuables like cash or a credit card is in a sock that has a zipper for you to close to secure your valuables.

Travel sock with zippered pocket to hide money on your body

Travel sock fits credit cards, cash, key dongles, and larger bendable valuables.

Around your ankle or lower leg – If you’re wearing long pants, a leg wallet is a great solution. Some leg wallets slide on like a sock, while others have elastic or bands with velcro to secure the wallet to your leg. Almost all are designed to fit on your lower calve or just above your ankle. So to keep the leg wallet hidden from view you should be wearing long pants. Even if it is visible a pickpocket or thief couldn’t reach it and steal the contents without you noticing it. The law of least resistance says the thief will move on to another target.

How to hide money on your body Leg Safe, won't fall off, fits most leg sizes.

Leg Safe, won’t fall off, fits most leg sizes, slides on like a sock, no scratchy velcro.

In your underwear –An alternative solution is to put a bit of cash into a small plastic bag and slide it down the front of your underwear –as long as your underwear fits snug. One thing to consider is that the plastic of the baggy against your skin will most likely generate perspiration and become uncomfortable. Some travel underwear now includes a sewn-in hidden pocket.

Underwear with zipper pockets to hide valuables on your body

Underwear with zipper pockets secure passport and more

Under your jacket or shirt – The Hidden Travel Shoulder Holster Money Belt Underarm Wallet for Credit Cards, Passports and Phone is a great solution as you can wear it under your jacket or shirt. This clever wallet is 100% non-metal as well, so it won’t beep when you pass through a metal detector like at an airport.

Anti-Thief Hidden Underarm Shoulder Bag, Concealed Pocket, Men/Women Safety Travel Shoulder Holster

Click to see how this is worn. It’s water resistant, breathable mesh material for comfortable wearing,

In a hidden pocket in pants – You will have to be a little creative with where you put the pocket and handy with a needle and thread. A small pocket can easily be sewn into the bottom of the inside of a pants leg and can go completely unnoticed. This would be ideal for cash or a credit card. Two other good locations for attaching a hidden pocket are next to the zipper or near the waistband. Both are highly likely to go unnoticed. This kind of pocket can be secured at the top with a little Velcro (one strip on the inside of the pants leg and one on the piece of pocket material) a safety pin, or snaps. If you’re looking to safeguard your passport, then a hidden moneybelt may be your go-to travel accessory.

How to hide money on your body Breathable and flat money belt

Hidden, breathable and flat money belt adjustable fits most. Wear under your shirt

hide meney, phone and valuablew with a strechy pocket under your shirt

Pocket stretches to tightly hold your phone, passport, or other valuables. Zips closed, best to hide under a shirt.

Even without hidden pockets and anti-theft wallets, the following are tips to help to limit the loss of valuables in case of robbery

Carry only what you need – If it’s safer to stash things at your hostel or hotel than on you then do that. Use your judgment, sometimes it will be safer other times it won’t. If not a portable travel safe that you can lock down in your lodging accommodation may be just what you need to guard valuables.

Divided up your valuables – If you do have to carry valuables on you while traveling then divide them up and store them in at least two places. It hedges your bet that if someone finds or gets some cash from one location on your body they may think they’ve got it all and move on.

Diversion wallet – Keep some of your more valuable possessions in an obscure pocket or hidden wallet like one of those mentioned above and have a ‘fake wallet’ with a few dollars in it to give to the crooks should you be approached. You could even go as far as throwing it onto the floor in one direction and running in the opposite one.

Use pockets that you can secure the opening closed – You’re more likely to lose valuables to stealthy opportunists such as pickpockets than you are to a robber, or hold up, – so don’t make it easy for the pickpockets. If you have pockets with zippers, buttons or Velcro, get into the habit of using those instead of open pockets – and get into the habit of re-securing them afterward. The more difficult the pockets are to open the more secure they will be! Better yet, use wallets designed to thwart thieves that attach to your clothing with a chain or travel money belts specifically designed to hold a phone and passport.

Final thought on hiding money on your person

The objective is to enjoy your trip with peace of mind and not overly focus on your valuables. Before you depart on your next adventure, do some research and see all the new styles of anti-theft wallets and bags. Don’t forget protective gear for your devices to help you get that peace of mind and the most out of y our trip.

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Do you sleep with peace of mind knowing your hotel room door is really locked? Are you doing all to stop burglars from opening hotel room door? You may think it is hard to get into a hotel room without a key, but given the right tool, a little bit of time, and depending on the lock it can be done and done quickly. If the burglar or intruder has a passkey or passcode it is even easier and faster.

The Best Way to Stop Burglars From Opening Your Hotel Door

Pack a portable door lock to augment the hotel room door lock even before you start packing your clothes. It’s actually best to travel with two devices for your safety and the security of your possessions. The first device will help keep intruders out of your hotel room, and the second recommended item will secure your valuables.

See for yourself.
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#1 Must-Have Security Device is a Portable Door Lock for Personal Safety

When you are in the hotel room always use a secondary portable lock. Below are some suggestions to secure your hotel door for peace of mind. Lightweight and small the portable travel door locks secure hotel rooms, dorm rooms, and homes by preventing entry even if someone has a key. Fortunately, there are various styles of secondary door locks you can use for additional security. Here’s a quick review of a few of our favorites. Not all door designs are the same or you may consider two different types of secondary locks to travel with to stop burglars from opening your hotel room door.

The Door Jammer – Portable Door Lock

The Door Jammer is placed at the foot of the door. Should the door be opened the horizontal force of the door swinging open is transferred to the floor stopping the door from swinging open.

The Portable Door Lock

The portable door lock is placed in the strike place of the door lock in the frame. It offers resistance if the door is opened even with a key it works on lever style and knob style handles.

Door Stop with Alarm

This travel door stop is the only one with a built-in alarm. It’s a doorstop you use to stop the door from swinging open. Should an entry be attempted the door will swing onto the plate pressing it down triggering an alarm. The alarm is 120 db which is loud enough to scare an intruder away and to wake you from sleep. The device has an on/off switch so it won’t accidentally go off in your luggage.

#2 Must-Have Travel Security Device is a Hotel Safe Lock or Portable Safe to Secure Your Gear

Is your gear safe when you leave your hotel room? Secure your values while you’re away from your hotel room by using a tamper-evident hotel safe lock for securing your valuables. Use a tamper-evident secondary lock such as the Milockie Hotel Safe Lock on the safe. Hotels have passkeys or passcodes to enter safes for guests who forget their code. The passcode or passkey could be used on your room safe while you are out of the room and you’d never know that someone had been in your room and opened the safe.

Milockie hotel safe lock prevent hotel door from being openned

External lock is a tamper-evident device that secures hotel safes

If your room doesn’t have a safe, or the gear you need to safeguard doesn’t fit inside the safe, then plan on traveling with a portable travel safe. If you prefer, use a portable travel safe to secure your valuables. The safes store flat in your luggage and can be used in cars, dorms, outside, at home, and in offices too, long after your trip is over. A couple of smaller and lightweight portable safes we like are:

Slash proof bag ( wire mesh lining) guards laptops and more

Portable Safe, Flexsafe for Smaller Valuables for Use at the Pool

Final Thoughts on Keeping Burglars From Opening Your Hotel Room

Be prepared to protect yourself and your valuables. Keep burglars out of your hotel room by planning to use travel safety devices designed for safety and security while traveling. The bonus is you can use any of these items at home too.

Guide to the Best TSA Approved Luggage Locks – Which Lock to Choose

We’ve researched to find the best TSA approved luggage locks. Many travelers ask, “Should I lock my luggage?” Yes, however, you should only travel with a luggage lock that has the dual function of locking your luggage while still allowing for inspection by the TSA. You may need to upgrade your luggage lock to a TSA approved lock, here’s why. The Transportation Security Administration of the United States Department of Homeland Security knows as the TSA protects the nation’s airports and screens all commercial airline passengers and their baggage to keep us safe while flying. If you don’t use TSA accepted luggage locks you risk removal of your locks by a TSA inspector and potential damage to your bags.

What are TSA Approved Luggage Locks?

TSA approved means the TSA has a master key that will open any TSA approved luggage lock, instead of breaking, cutting, or damaging a standard (non-TSA) lock to open it and gain access to your luggage. Two lock manufacturers—Travel Sentry and Safe Skies have worked with the TSA to create TSA-approved locks under various brands that can be opened with a TSA master key. What is good for you is that the TSA’s master keys feature a special mechanism that enforces re-locking of the lock after inspection. This is accomplished by the functionality of the master key. The key cannot be removed from the luggage lock body until the luggage lock is re-secured by the TSA screener. TSA screeners no longer have to cut locks or force your bag open and risk damaging it, if you travel with a TSA accepted lock. If you do not use a TSA-accepted luggage lock, they have the right to damage and remove your lock to gain entry to your luggage for inspection, which, of course, will leave your bag unlocked.

Where are TSA Locks Recognized?

In addition, to the US and US territories, the UK, Canada, and Australia are also using this system. In other countries, they may flag your bag for inspection. Usually, they require you to open it at the counter when you are physically present, unlike in the US, where they may do it later after you have checked your bags. In this case, you are not present to unlock your luggage lock, and the airport agents have the right to break your luggage lock if it is not a TSA-accepted lock.

Different Types of TSA Accepted Luggage Locks & Their Unique Functions

Triple Lockdown Luggage Lock

One of the most common methods thieves use to enter bags with zippers is to split the zipper open with a pen or similar tool, take what they want, and reseal the zipper by sliding the zipper pull over the open portion of the zipper. When your luggage bag is opened in this manner, it leaves no visual clue that your bag was broken into. Double flexible cable technology stops this type of theft. Attach one end of the lock to your bag handle and the other to the zipper pulls. This prevents the traveling of the zipper pulls by keeping them in place. Lock your luggage handle to zipper pulls, or lock your luggage to fixed objects, preventing thieves from repairing zippers after entering the luggage. This TSA lock allows TSA Agents easy access to your suitcase or checked bags without damaging any of your luggage or breaking zippers. This TSA approved luggage lock has a 3-dial resettable combination. Click here to read more!

Tarriss TSA Luggage Lock with SearchAlert (2 Pack)

The SearchAlert indicator button is a feature that lets you know if the TSA has opened your bag while it was out of your possession during the baggage handling process. The indicator light changes from green to red once the TSA inserts their passkey into your lock to unlock it. The window will not go back to green once they removed their passkey, only you can reset the indicator window back to green. The locks are one of the best TSA approved luggage locks because of the SearchAlert feature.

TSA Flexible Cable Luggage Lock

This lock design is probably the easiest to use. A strong, durable, flexible steel cable, (coated in rubber) is designed to thread more easily through the holes in zipper pulls than a hard formed shank. Also, the wider design has dials that are easier to see and use. The combination numbers are on the edge and easier to set and read. Another great feature of this lock is how easy it is to set the combination of the lock with the included screwdriver. Cable locks are thin enough to thread through all standard sized zippers and hard case lock holes but strong enough to protect your belongings. TSA approved luggage lock cable measures 4 in from end to end and has an internal looped length of 1.5 in when locked. Click here to read more!

Sure Lock- Easy to Read and Many Colors

The SureLock uses an ultra-tough alloy body to protect it from the harshest of baggage handling. The hardened stainless steel internal lock mechanisms won’t rust or freeze up even after years of use. This lock is backed with a complete money-back guarantee. Available in many colors and multi-packs. Click here to read more!

Brinks Solid Brass Key Lock, 2-Pack

The best feature of this lock set is that the locks are keyed alike, so one key works on either lock. No fumbling trying to find the right key and no remembering of a combination code. The lock body is made of solid brass and the shanks are solid steel. If you need more locks they are also available in a 4 pack that are keyed alike. Lifetime warranty from a company that is synonymous with security. Click here to read more!

Luggage Strap with TSA Combination Lock

An adjustable strap means it fits most luggage tightly. Great for hard-case luggage! The TSA-secured access device can open the lock in case the TSA wishes to inspect your bag. Available in various colors it’s a bright identifier for your luggage so no one else will confuse your bag for theirs at the luggage carousel. Click here to read more!

Buying New Luggage?

Now, you can purchase suitcases with built-in TSA-approved locks. This feature eliminates the chances of you losing a lock during the baggage handling process or otherwise. Another reason to consider a new bag with a built-in TSA lock is that most bags with built-in locks are “hard-sided” and virtually impossible for an opportunistic thief to breach, offering more security for your possessions than soft-sided bags that could be sliced open. Here are a few well-priced, good-value suggestions.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-on Spinner Hardside Luggage with built-in TSA lock

COOLIFE Luggage Expandable Suitcases PC+ABS Spinner Built-in TSA

A Guide to the Different Styles of Luggage Locks

Protecting your possessions and valuables inside your luggage is the purpose of a luggage lock. Buying a good quality lock just makes sense, especially when you compare the cost of your luggage contents to the price of the locks. Depending on your preferences, you can find a lock style that is just right for you. Here is a summary of the various styles of TSA approved luggage locks.

Key Lock: This is a lock that is opened with a key. The good news is you do not need to remember a combination. The bad news is if you lose the key, you’ll need to cut the lock off. This will require bolt cutters or a saw that cuts metal. When traveling think about bringing the second key and keeping it secure (not in your luggage.)

Combination Lock: This style of TSA-approved luggage lock uses either 3 numbers or 4 numbers. If you choose this type of lock you won’t need to worry about a key. This style of lock is the most common one travelers choose. Make sure to select a sturdy lock with easy-to-read dials that are easy to turn. Another easy-use tip is to select a slightly larger lock as it is easier to use than super small locks.

Wordlock: The WordLock luggage lock is locked with words instead of numbers. Words for some people are easier to remember than numbers. The combination is a four-letter word. This lock style is fully TSA-approved, which allows entry and relocking by airport security.

Cable Lock: The benefit of a cable TSA approved luggage lock is easy to use. The cables are rubber-coated flexible steel cables. They are easier to thread through small locks than hard-formed steel shanks.

Beyond Luggage Locks and Checked Bags

Locked bags discourage opportunistic thieves who will take advantage of bags without locks. However, even the most robust locks will not keep out those who are truly determined to break into your bag. That’s why we always recommend that you should place any valuables, including medications, electronics, and jewelry in your carry-on bag and not your checked luggage. If you must place an item of value in your luggage, take photos of it and your bag. It’s also worth investigating various travel and trip insurance policies to see if they cover loss. Airlines typically don’t accept liability for the loss of expensive items such as jewelry, electronic equipment, or fragile souvenirs.

Final thought

After weighing the benefits of traveling with one of the best TSA approved luggage locks or not we suggest you protect your gear with a TSA approved lock.

U.S. Embassy or Consulate

What U.S. Embassy and Consulate Can Do For You

What U.S. Embassy and Consulate Can’t Do For You

1. Use a Packing List!

2. Follow the TSA 3-1-1 Rule

3. Know Your Airline’s Baggage Rules and Fees

4. Put Essential Items in Your Carry-On

5. Use Packing Aids-They Save Space

Packing Cubes Keep Things Organized

Select Clothes Which Layer and Mix and Match

6. Wash Your Clothes on the Road

7. Strive to Fit all Your Clothes into a Carry-on Bag

8. Use a Large Personal Item

9. Use Air Tags or Tile Devices to Track Bags

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Triple Lockdown Luggage Lock

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Sure Lock- Easy to Read and Many Colors

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Luggage Strap with TSA Combination Lock

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A Guide to the Different Styles of Luggage Locks

Final thought

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