If you are having difficulty lifting your suitcase then you have probably packed too much. A good rule of thumb is to take half of what you think you will need.
Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in your hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to conceal them in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets – they are easy targets for pickpockets. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are better. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
It is also a good idea to leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
Pack a set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.
Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside each piece of luggage, and wherever possible lock your luggage.
It is a convenient way of keeping in touch. If you have one, verify that you can use it from your overseas destination(s). If you have an unlocked cell phone you may wish to bring it along and purchase a local SIM card.
Flights within North America almost never provide meals, so for these trips you may want to pack snacks in your carry-on luggage (in case you’re stuck in a long security line and run out of time to buy anything in the departure lounge). The food selection on the aircraft is limited and they may not sell anything you find suitable to eat.
If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics you should bring a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country first.
Never check any of the following: your toothbrush, prescription medications, your deodorant, your pj’s.
Unnecessary credit cards, Social Insurance cards, loyalty cards and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.
Valuable or expensive-looking jewellery, or anything that you would hate to lose.
Irreplaceable family objects and heirloooms should always be left behind.