A Thief Swapped My Suitcase With a Bag Full of Trash-Now, I Travel With These 13 Anti-theft Essentials

"I put my small suitcase in the luggage compartment below the bus and popped my headphones on to distract myself from the long ride. When I finally got off the bus in Portland, my black suitcase was missing-and a beat-up lookalike was in its place. The inside of the bag was filled with trash, signaling that a thief must have left this behind and taken my bag on purpose at another stop."

"Now, I can't shake the stress about my suitcase's whereabouts, no matter how many flights, trains, and buses I take-and as a travel writer, I definitely get my reps in. To help ease my mind and keep my belongings secure, I've picked up a handful of anti-theft products and luggage safety tips over the years. Keep reading for the 13 essentials I recommend scooping up in order to keep your luggage safe, including Apple AirTags, vibrant Béis luggage, and more, from $11."

Anxiety about missing luggage is intense, especially after experiencing theft. A suitcase was stolen from a bus luggage compartment and replaced with a similar bag stuffed with trash, indicating deliberate theft at another stop. Bus companies may be unable to locate stolen bags, and compensation can be minimal, leaving travelers to replace belongings. Tracking devices like Apple AirTags enable location tracking via iPhone and can aid recovery. Distinctive, durable luggage and anti-theft accessories reduce theft risk and improve visibility. A group of 13 essential products and tips can help secure luggage, starting at about $11.

Read at Travel + Leisure