Why You Should ALWAYS Tag Your Carry-On (Yes, Even If It Stays With You)

I’m a big carry-on-only traveler, but here’s something I learned the hard way: even carry-on bags should always have an ID tag—and ideally an AirTag.

Recently, I flew home for Christmas and on the way back traveled from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Phoenix, Arizona. It was a smaller plane and a smaller airport, so because of the aircraft size, I had to valet check my carry-on at the gate—meaning it should come back to you plane-side. Well… the flight ended up getting canceled, and there wasn’t enough staff to retrieve the valet bags. Instead, they were mixed in with the regular checked luggage—and we waited hours trying to track them down.

I was honestly worried I might never see my bag again. And of course… I had no luggage tag on it and no AirTag. Lesson learned, lol.

Whether you’re valet-checking, checking a bag, or even carrying it on yourself, I highly recommend both a secure luggage tag and an AirTag. Make sure the tag can’t fall off—and double-check that your contact info is up to date.

If you end up checking a bag, keep the essentials with you—so your first day in Aruba isn’t spent shopping for underwear instead of sipping cocktails:

        • A swimsuit

• One or two changes of clothes

• All medications

• Passport

I also strongly recommend keeping anything valuable in your carry-on with you at all times. Never pack anything expensive—or something you’d be heartbroken to lose—in a checked bag. If it would ruin your trip to replace it, it belongs with you.

Another absolute must: travel insurance. We always travel with both trip insurance and international medical insurance. It’s one of those things you hope you never need—but are so grateful for if something goes wrong. Last May, I got sick while traveling and ended up with a $950 medical bill, which was fully reimbursed thanks to insurance.

And with recent flight disruptions—like cancellations tied to what’s been going on in Venezuela—it’s also smart to travel with insurance and extra medication you absolutely need. I always pack more than required because we often end up extending our trips. Learned that one from past mistakes… lol.

Also, you don’t always need to travel with the original prescription bottle if you’d rather save space—just take a photo of the medication label on your phone in case you ever need it. It’s an easy way to have that info handy and gives a little extra peace of mind.

Side note: both of my American Airlines flights (PHX–CR and back) were absolutely freezing. No blankets on board, and I was so grateful I had thrown an extra sweatshirt into my bag. I was so cold that the flight attendant actually gave me a bottle of water filled with hot water to help keep me warm—and honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been that cold on a flight in my life.  Moral of the story: dress in layers… maybe wear thicker socks 😂

And finally—pack patience. Travel delays, cancellations, and hiccups happen, especially during busy travel seasons. Taking a deep breath, staying flexible, and being kind to airline staff (and yourself) goes a long way and can make a frustrating situation much more manageable.

Bottom line: tag your bags, AirTag them, keep valuables with you, carry the essentials, never travel without insurance, and always pack a little patience. A little prep goes a long way.

Happy Travels!