How to Personalize Luggage

Is there anything more monotonous and frustrating than standing at a baggage carousel watching identical bag after identical bag go by? Well, yeah, trying to figure out which one of the clones swirling in front of you is actually yours. Fortunately, all it takes is a little creativity and plenty of color to personalize your luggage and make it stand out in a sea of monotony. Read on to learn how to personalize luggage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Purchase Sturdy Luggage

1. Start by shopping at thrift stores. Purchase suitcases and bags that are strong and durable. They will need to be able to stand up to the rigors of decorating and travel. Buying used luggage is a great way to save money, especially with all the modifications you may make when you personalize it.
2. Move the search to discount and department stores if the thrift store well runs dry. Look for sturdy suitcases and bags that you can personalize.
3. Buy a couple of versatile pieces of luggage that have plenty of pockets and a way to lock them all. Locks deter thieves.

Get Creative and Have Fun

4. Choose a theme for your luggage. You can go whimsical, outrageous or just funny. It is your luggage and you can do what you want to. Personalized luggage is more difficult for thieves to walk off with, so be creative with your designs.
5. Use the fabric paints to draw designs, write witty messages or declare warning to all who pass by. Bright, fluorescent paints are readily available at craft and hobby stores and will stand out on a baggage carousel.
6. Give your luggage a tie-dye look. Glue swatches of brightly colored fabrics into place with fabric glue or another strong adhesive.
7. Consider colored duct tape. Make your solid luggage striped or cut pieces of the colored tape into various shapes and patterns and affix on all sides of the baggage.
8. Attach brightly colored name tags onto the luggage. Be sure to include one with correct contact information on the inside of the baggage so that airline officials can find you if the luggage gets lost.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, mail luggage that would otherwise be checked to your destination instead of hunting for it during your trip.
• Pack lightly to avoid checking luggage. Check with the airline, train line or bus service ahead of time for guidelines on carry on luggage.