Thursday Travel Tip

I am always worried about losing my important documents like my passport when I travel.   So I always put copies of the front page (the one with the picture and personal info) in my luggage.   It identifies who owns the luggage and then I have extra copies just in case the actual passport gets lost or stolen.  I also have scanned it into my computer and emailed it to myself and usually to a family member as well.  That way there is an electronic copy that can be accessed from anywhere if it is needed.

You then can carry the paper copy with you instead of the real one if you feel more comfortable having it around all the time.  Then if you have a secure place to lock up the real one you don't have to worry.   It is rare that you would need it with you but I have had an occasion when they needed my passport number in order to get into a secure building for the interview I was conducting that day.  (And yes - it was both a little disturbing and at the same time super cool to have to get clearance to go in and to sign papers promising to not reveal any industrial secrets based on what I observed.   I was finally an important American journalist working on an assignment in a foreign country!)




I know some people who do the same paper and electronic copies with their credit card information - both hard copies and scanned ones.   That way if they are lost or stolen you have all the account info to help with cancelling them.   I don't go that far but I do see the logic in it.

When traveling domestic I often put my address on the back of a business card and then put the card in my suitcase on the top of my packed clothes.  That way if the outside identifying tags are gone then there is still something with my name and contact info on the inside.  You can either put your home address or even one where you will be staying at your destination.   This way you stand a greater chance of your lost luggage getting to you as fast as possible.  Fortunately - every time I have ever had lost luggage it has been on the home-bound portion of my trip so eventually the bags were dropped off at my door by the airline and it was not a big deal since I was already home with all my stuff anyway.

Finally, the paper copy of your passport fits more easily into your purse if you want to carry it around with you as you explore your travel destination.   This is especially helpful if you want too carry a cute clutch or small purse when you go out in the evening.