Things to do before a trip:

• Arrange for pet care and watering of plants/garden
• Pay bills in advance
• Put lamps and a radio on timers
• Have prescriptions refilled
• Cancel newspaper and milk delivery
• Leave your itinerary, with contact numbers, with a friend
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to collect your mail and keep a spare key
• Check taps, oven, gas etc. are switched off, and turn heating down low
• Lock windows, doors, garages and sheds
• Unplug major appliances
• Throw out perishables
• Take out the rubbish
• On the day of departure, call the airport to check that your flight is leaving on time

Packing:

Carry essentials, such as passport, tickets, travellers cheques, itinerary, a small amount of local and foreign money, credit cards, holiday insurance details, medications, spare spectacles, your suitcase keys, camera, film and a book in your carry on-bag. Many people like to add toiletries and a change of clothes in case their checked-in luggage goes astray. For the same reason, if you must carry jewellery or other valuables, they are safer with you on the plane. When packing your suitcase, remember:

• The less the better – especially when it comes to heavy shoes
• Plan the contents: co-ordinate outfits around a central colour so you can mix and match
• Take clothes appropriate for seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations
• Layer for warmth rather than taking heavy items
• Choose clothing less likely to wrinkle
• Roll up T-shirts and underwear
• Take sample-sized toiletries rather than large bottles or jars; place in plastic bags to avoid spillage.
• Pack underwear and socks inside your shoes
• Leave room for new clothes or souvenirs to bring home
• Don’t pack valuables or items sensitive to heat or cold.

Security:

Obviously, never leave baggage unattended and always lock it – but there are other things you can do to avoid losses:

• Find out your destination’s airport code and make sure the correct tag is put on your luggage
• Avoid taking luggage with a flashy brand name – it will attract attention
• Place an itinerary inside and label your bag inside and out
• Use a bright strap or some other marking so you can identify your case easily
• If your luggage is lost by the airline, make a claim before you leave the airport
• Make a list of the items you packed and carry it with you to help you complete a claim form. Do the same with credit card, passport and travellers cheque numbers.