The Seattle Times columnist, Karen Pucci, reported yesterday on the increasing thefts occurring at airports as more people check bags to avoid problems with carrying liquids and gels. In Australia, you still find people covering their bags in plastic wrap in response to a convicted drug trafficker’s defence that someone slipped the drugs into her bag after check in.

Travelling light allows you to avoid these problems and actually have a better vacation experience because it forces you to leave at home the clutter that invades most modern lives. Choosing your clothes each morning is reduced to a question of what is clean rather than deciphering your mood for a fashion statement. It is a philosophy that Rick Steves is passionate about but there are many other good resources such as One Bag to inspire your baggage diet.

Tell me your secrets for packing light.

Most travel insurance covers you for cancellations or unexpected illness during the trip. Today, AIG Travel Guard announced new comprehensive travel insurance packages to cover the inconveniences most travellers experience like lost baggage or flight delays. The press release stated:

Most retail travel insurance plans offered through AIG Travel Guard provide:

• reimbursement for accommodations and expenses incurred due to travel delays;
• reimbursement for the purchase of essential items if baggage is delayed;
• coverage against lost, stolen or damaged baggage;
• BagTrak, through which Travel Guard will initiate a search to locate lost luggage and deliver it anywhere in the world, at no additional cost;
• LiveTravel, an around-the-clock emergency travel hotline for finding alternative flight options, rebooking flights, making hotel and rental car reservations;
• Travel Guard Assist, a 24-hour hotline for assistance with emergency medical needs, cash transfers, replacing lost travel documents, pre-trip health and safety advisories and live e-mail and phone messaging to family and friends.

During a recent trip, the airline misplaced my luggage and it cost me $85 to have a clean change of clothes while they found it. I self-insure, and take the risk, but if you are looking for insurance Travel Guard may have a product for you.