BRITS returning from vacations have been warned of a simple suitcase mistake that could ruin your next trip – and cost you money.
Tourists often use their suitcases to store things away after a sunny summer vacation – but this could cost them money.
Many storage hacks online suggest people to store household items – sometimes really big and heavy – inside unused suitcases and luggage bags.
But this is not the best idea – and can often cost people extra money.
This is because suitcases are meant to contain soft clothes and lightweight items – and storing heavy items can often damage zippers and wheels.
This can lead to serious damage and safety issues – and owners may end up forking out money to get them fixed.
Scott Evans, storage expert and CEO of Pink Storage, said: “What is even more dangerous is when people try to navigate stairs and escalators with overloaded suitcases.
“Cases are not designed to be carried when filled with heavy items and individuals put themselves at risk of injury, strain and even accidents if the suitcase slips from their grip.
“Lifting these heavy suitcases can also put you at more risk of accident and injury, especially if you’re not using professional help when moving.”
Meanwhile, a baggage handler has warned holidaymakers that an extremely popular luggage accessory could increase the chance of your suitcase getting lost.
It comes as a travel guru issued a warning to holidaymakers who are keen to pack their suitcases to the brim this summer.
The expert revealed which items to “never put in your bag”, regardless of how short your flight is.
He cautioned tourists against taking common holiday essentials like adaptors, sun cream, contact lenses and medicine in their checked baggage.
And airport bosses have finally explained why luggage gets delayed more often during hotter weather.
Officials revealed that “safety protocols” can mean it takes longer to unload your bags when the mercury tops 30C.
Another suitcase hack posted online came from radio host Catherine Duranceau who says she travels with a “fragile” sticker on her belongings.
The media personality claims this means loaders will put it above others to prevent it being damaged meaning it is also unloaded first.
Three money-saving travel hacks
READY to escape the dreary weather? Here are some tips on saving cash
saving cash
TIME TO FLY: Always use a flight comparison site, such as fly-scanner.com or kayak.co.uk, which will search for the cheapest operator on your chosen route.
Airlines release tickets up to a year in advance and, generally, the earlier you book, the cheaper flights are.
This is especially true if you’re planning to fly during peak periods, such as summer holidays.
FLEXIBLE WINS: You’ll be able to find the best deals if you can be flexible on your destination or with dates of travel.
Flying midweek is usually the cheapest, while Fridays and Sundays tend to be the most expensive.
If you have set dates in mind, try Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search tool, which will show the cheapest destinations available at those times.
PACKAGE UP: You can usually save cash by opting for an all-inclusive deal over booking flights and hotels separately, according to research by consumer group Which?.
However, it does depend on the destination so it’s worth doing your research.
Spain was found to be cheaper as an all-inclusive, but you would be better off doing a DIY holiday in Portugal’s Algarve
