Even if you do a lot of travelling for business or leisure it's still very easy to make some of the same mistakes each time you go on a trip. When the worst happens to us then we can easily feel hurt and also stupid for not being cleverer about the situation. Some mistakes you may already be aware of and others might be completely new to you. If you want to travel safely with your luggage then it's important that you know all the different pitfalls out there.

Some people have the natural gift of only taking the items they absolutely need, the result is that they only need one or maybe two bags. Most people however end up taking various items "just in case" they might need them. The result is that most people don't even use half of the things they take away with them. Not only are you making life more difficult for yourself in terms of having to carry all these bags around with you, but you're also putting yourself at risk for a variety of other reasons.

If you and your family are going on a trip, it's a very good idea to divide the contents up between the different bags. All too often luggage can get lost and the result is that one member of the family ends up with no spare clothes. If the contents are divided up then it means that there will be something of use in every bag. Just as long as not all your luggage has vanished. Underwear is very important to people so having the ability to change into clean underwear even if your suitcase is lost is worthwhile. You might even put a few pairs into your hand luggage just to be on the safe side.

Unfortunately many items of luggage are lost everyday in airports. By simply having your name and destination clearly printed on a luggage tag you'll have a much greater chance of being reunited with your belongings. Having this info inside your bag can also be a good idea just in case the tag is ripped off your suitcase. As soon as you discover that an item of luggage has gone missing, it's important that you report it so that staff can have a look for it.

Having certain items easily available to you during a flight is something that a lot of people like which is why carry-on luggage is so popular. However it's important to understand that there are often weight restrictions and these restrictions can vary from airline to airline. Every year there is problems with heavy luggage falling down and injuring people. Also because of terrorist fears, many items are no longer allowed onto flights. These items include shaving razors, scissors and knitting needles. So find out this info before you go.

Some people will even offer further advice but the above is a good place to start. Travelling can be a lot of fun but things can quickly turn sour if you haven't prepared yourself properly. Another thing to remember is that you should never leave items of luggage lying around as airport staff might think that there is a bomb inside!

April Kerr owns travel accessories website Stylish Traveller which has details of where to buy Diane von Furstenberg luggage and Tumi luggage. http://www.stylishtraveller.net/shop/Luggage/tumi-luggage