Consider luggage with the following features :

• Smooth, retractable rollers will make an easier trip through the airport. Check them to make sure that they can't  be pulled off easily.

• Removable straps make luggage easier to carry. Careful though!  They can get caught on conveyor belts and break or damage your luggage.

• A good, solid lock that doesn’t dangle off the luggage and risk the chance of catching on those pesky conveyor belts.

• Be sure that carry-on bags are of a size that will fit easily under the seat and in the overhead bins. Recently, more restrictive limits have come in to place.

• Check Airline's web site for complete information and limitations.

• A passport, necessary for any travel outside the U.S. and also for identification.

• Some extra cash.

• Current driver's license or other valid photo identification, sufficient for domestic travel.

• Insurance cards, Medicare card, list of medications taken, proof of automobile insurance.

• The minimum number of credit cards necessary for your trip.

• Travelers checks in either U.S. or foreign currency. 

• Vouchers, coupons or documents.

• Any actual paper airline, cruise, train or bus tickets that you have. 

• Your complete itinerary with confirmation numbers and local addresses and phone numbers of where you'll be staying during the trip.

• One and five dollar bills for tipping situations.

• A reasonable amount of local, foreign currency to hold you over temporarily, if travelling abroad.

• Maps, directions, brochures, travel tips, helpful phrases or anything that makes arrival easier.

• Always carry them in your carry-on. It's less likely to be lost than your checked luggage.  Medications in carry-ons will be less affected by temperature changes.

• Try to carry any medication in the original bottles to help prevent security questions.

• Bring a list of generic names of any medications. Brand names can vary, especially abroad.

• Any questionable drugs or unusually large quantities might require a letter from your doctor indicating your legal right to their use.

• When traveling outside the United States, always verify what you can and cannot  take with you. Items legal in the U.S. may not be legal in other countries. They could be confiscated and/or you could be in trouble !

• Nothing in carry-ons !  Use tightly fitting plastic bottles in packing any items that are checked luggage. Fill the bottles only ¾ full in case they are crushed or the contents freeze and/or expand. Plastic freezer baggies are also a good insurance against leakage.

• While high-speed film is the most likely victim of damage, all film is at risk.

• Once, carrying film in checked baggage was the safer bet, however with strong x-ray detection devices it is now more likely to get damaged than in your carry-on.

• Shop for special carrying cases designed to protect film.

• It's OK to ask for manual inspection in the U.S. and some foreign countries to avoid the x-ray equipment if you pack the film in your carry-on bag.

• Walk-through and hand wand security devices normally won't affect film.

• Although not the most economical, buying film after you arrive and developing it before you return is probably the safest alternative. It does guarantee that your "memories" will be safe.

• If not absolutely necessary, leave them at home !

• Use good, sturdy locks on checked luggage.

• The new practice of "shrink wrapping" luggage will protect the outside of your bags and also cushion the contents inside, while making the bag harder to open.

• Never carry valuables in checked luggage, always pack them in carry-ons and keep with you in the cabin.

• If you must put valuables in your checked luggage, bury them in as deeply as possible, in lower sections of the bags, so it will take more time for someone to find.

• Always pack liquid items in less than full plastic bottles. If they freeze they may expand when traveling by plane or in the trunk of a car in cold weather. Using freezer bags with a seal, will further protect items.

• A plastic trash bag keeps soiled items separate from clean clothes.

• Shoes packed in individual shoe bags or old socks, will keep dirty soles from rubbing against clean clothes.

• Pack with tissue paper between items to avoid wrinkles.

• Avoid over-packing.

• Choose clothing that does not wrinkle easily.

• By rolling T-shirts and underwear and wrapping other items around them, it will help keep a crease from forming.

• Pick the right size luggage for your trip. Bags those  are too big will allow items to move around and cause possible damage and wrinkles.

• Make sure the buttons on shirts are buttoned.  This lets items hang properly.

• By using clear plastic, dry cleaner bags between items, less wrinkles will occur. Be sure the bags don't have any printing on them. Ink can rub off on your clothes.

• Try to unpack as soon as you can after arrival.

• Remember to hang any wrinkled clothing in the bathroom while you shower. This will help to steam out wrinkles.

• Never pack valuable, perishable, fragile or heat or cold sensitive items in checked luggage. Avoid those items if possible. If you can't avoid it, pack them in your carry-on bag.

• Never leave any bag unattended or take your eyes off it.

• Familiarize yourself with airport codes and be sure the correct one for your destination is on your bag.

• Stay away from luggage with popular brand names. They are more attractive to thieves.

• Don't signal your laptop by carrying it in a bag that is obvious. It lets anyone know that you are carrying an expensive piece of hardware.

• Always use a lock on your luggage. It may seem inconvenient, but it's worth it. 

• Make sure all bags are labeled both inside and out.

• Remove all old tags or items hanging from luggage that might catch on conveyor belts.

• Include an itinerary inside your checked baggage so it can easily be returned to you if lost.

• Put some unusual, bright marking on your bag for easier identification. Others will see that their similar bag does not have those markings and pass on yours.

• Consider switching some packed items with a traveling companion. If your bags get lost, you’ll each have some of your own things with you.

• Cover up when you are using ATM or phone card numbers. Don't make it easy for strangers to copy them.

• If the airline loses your luggage, make the claim before you leave the airport. Many airlines will not honor claims made after you have left.

• Make multiple copies and carry a list of all packed items in your carry-on. Leave one at home, to help with your claim form if your bag is lost. Carry a copy of the list in your carry-on. It will be helpful when filling out claim forms.

• Check into trip insurance that helps protect your property. Review your homeowners or renters insurance to see if it does the same.

• Experienced travellers know that traveling with the least amount of luggage is best. How can you cut down on luggage ?

• Call the hotel to see if they offer laundry service. Ask what items are included in the room, such as, robes, shampoo and toiletries. All these will reduce your overall packing needs.

• Try to coordinate outfits around one central color. This enables you to mix and match.

• Research the local weather and only bring clothing that is appropriate. Account for seasonal and daily temperature fluctuation and remember that increases in altitude decreases temperature.

• Layer, layer, layer ! This practice eliminates bringing multiple sweaters and coats.

• Include a solid color sweater that matches all outfits and is warm and practical.

• Make a list all clothing items and decide if you really need them. Is there something you could take to do "double  duty"?

• Collect small sample sizes of toiletry items that will carry you through the trip, replacing big bottles.

• Pack smartly and economically. Don’t waste luggage space. Place underwear and socks inside your shoes. This trick also helps your shoes maintain their shape. Always pack belts along the inside edges of luggage.

• Include old clothes with only a few wearings left. At the end of the trip you can leave them and use the extra room for purchases.

• Your passport, for travel outside the U.S. and the best identification.

• Wallet, also with I.D. 

• Current driver’s License, if you have one. 

• Medical and automobile insurance cards.

• The minimum number of credit cards necessary. 

• A reasonable amount of travelers checks.

• Any coupons or vouchers that may need to be redeemed.

• Of course, your airline, cruise, bus or train tickets.

• An updated Itinerary with all confirmation numbers, addresses and phone numbers at your destination.

• Maps, travel brochures and directions.

• A good supply of one and five dollar bills for tipping.

• Some local currency, if travelling abroad,  to hold you over until you can make the main currency exchange.

• A list of medications and the amount of dosage.

• Prescriptions for contact lenses, eye glasses and critical medications that might be needed in an emergency.