Why choose a used and inexpensive suitcase when traveling?

Joseph Barton, a security expert from AdleyBarton , says many people are making a common mistake, inadvertently signaling to thieves that their suitcase is "worth stealing."

This warning comes amid a near 37% increase in luggage theft on trains in the UK in 2024, according to an analysis by MoneySuperMarket . Separate data from airlines and the baggage industry also shows that nearly 1 in 20 pieces of luggage on flights globally are lost or stolen.

Joseph Barton advises: "Passengers should always try to blend in with the crowd. Because if you or your luggage stand out too much, you and your luggage will become targets for criminals."

Even if you buy a counterfeit bag on vacation, and it's not worth much, using it still puts you at risk."

According to him, thieves are usually well aware of the value of suitcases and bags. If a passenger carries a suitcase worth £1,000 (approximately 35 million VND), they will assess that the clothes inside are likely designer items that can be resold for profit.

Many travelers mistakenly believe that spending a lot on expensive suitcases means their belongings will be better protected. While high-quality suitcases may withstand impacts at the airport, when displayed in public, they inadvertently "advertise" the items they might contain, according to the Daily Express .

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An expensive, brand-new, and brightly colored suitcase can attract the attention of thieves. (Illustrative image: Freepik)

It's not just famous designer brands that make suitcases targets for thieves. Brightly colored suitcases, glossy hard shells, or even matching sets of suitcases can easily attract attention.

Joseph warned: "You might choose a brightly colored suitcase for easy identification upon landing, but that also makes it easier for thieves to identify and track you."

So, if you have a brand-new suitcase and don't want to become a victim of travel scams , experts recommend "aging" it a little.

He explained, "The suitcase is designed to withstand impacts and use in airport environments, so don't worry if it has a few scratches or some dirt. Just gently rub off some dirt from the pavement on the wheels or the bottom of the suitcase and wipe it away, and it will look like it's been used instead of brand new."

You can do the same with sneakers and clothes to make them look older."

MyBaggage's travel experts suggest that passengers should prioritize suitcases with the most "unconventionally ugly" appearance possible to avoid attracting attention. If using a light-colored suitcase, you can add stickers, tape, or a few small details to make it look less new.

Additionally, passengers should avoid putting all their belongings in checked baggage and instead carry a light, comfortable outfit and a small amount of toiletries in their carry-on luggage. This way, in case their luggage is lost, they will still have items to use when needed.

Why should you bring a red ribbon to your hotel room? Even careful people sometimes forget things in their hotel rooms. Therefore, a red ribbon can be a useful little trick to help travelers avoid losing their belongings.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/vi-sao-nen-chon-vali-cu-va-khong-qua-dat-do-khi-di-du-lich-2490723.html