I'm going on the China trip on the 7th August and was wondering how people were securing their suitcases?

I don't usually lock my suitcase up but would be wary of people putting "extra's" in my baggage as well as helping themselves to the contents (I pack all my important and valuable stuff in my hand luggage so this is a secondary problem compared to the first?)

Any advice from the Just You team or experienced travellers?

Jack

Always use cable ties and never had a problem.

Remember to leave something in a outside pocket (untied) of your suitcase to cut them off when you arrive. I use a pair of nail clippers.

Mick

Hi everyone,

I'm going on the China trip on the 7th August and was wondering how people were securing their suitcases?

I don't usually lock my suitcase up but would be wary of people putting "extra's" in my baggage as well as helping themselves to the contents (I pack all my important and valuable stuff in my hand luggage so this is a secondary problem compared to the first?)

Any advice from the Just You team or experienced travellers?

Jack

Hi Jack

I did this trip in 2010 and had a "standard" lock on my case. Despite case being locked, I discovered a fairly expensive watch had been removed from my case when I opened it following an internal flight from Xian. Lock had obviously been opened and re-secured! I have learnt my lesson and now use a heavy duty lock on my suitcase and carry all valuables in my hand luggage.

Hope this helps

Lesley

thief, so always keep your valubles in your hand luggage.

I now always use, I think they are called TSA locks, it keeps the zips locked and if officials want to open your bag, they can do without breaking

the lock or zip, they have a special key.

America seems a the most paranoid country as each time I have travelled there they have opened my case and left their leaflet, but the TSA locks are put back undamaged and doing their job, which really is just to keep the zips closed.

I am booked on the October China tour, seems to be still a long time off but my count down on my phone says otherwise.

All the best,

Bob

Personally I've never had a problem, but two people on the trip to Zambia last year had their locks broken, cases opened and small items were lost.

Jaya

I presume mine had been opened by security staff at Heathrow on both occasions, but I don't know why?

Still not sure what to do for the best - lock my case or not??

Cheers,

Bob

PS Six people have booked already for Costa Rica/Nicaragua next March! The very helpful JY chap I spoke to last week said it would probably only need around nine or ten to operate, so it's looking good!!

I usually travel with un locked cases but I do take a lock to lock the bag when I leave the hotel room, I am hoping that the hotel staff do not have the knowledge that the baggage handlers have.

Cindy

I later learned that if your case is opened due an *authorised* search, the staff should put a sticker on your case. You can submit a form at the airport to have them refund the cost of a new case if there is material damage. MIne wasn't damaged on that occasion, only a missing padlock, but I have a new case with integral TSA locking, and I will try to get a refund if this one gets damaged due to a search, authorised or otherwise.

I have been reading the threads and my main questions are:

Some people have had inoculations but my travel agent said none were necessary. Should I hotfoot it to the doctor's on Monday or do most people not have inoculations? Also, regarding money - is it best to take Chinese currency or US dollars? I have been told not to take travellers' cheques. I know it's different for everyone, but is a huge amount of money necessary? What will I have to pay for? And are there many shopping opportunities? If so, can a credit card be used?

Hope some kind soul out there who has done this trip or is a more seasoned traveller than me can help!

Theresa

I also make sure that any personal information about me, ie address etc is inside the case- I have my name and mobile/home numbers written in permanent marker pen on the inside of the case. its something i picked up from my dad who is ex-navy.. and they all marked their cases in this way.

Hi, I am booked on the Inspirational China trip on 7 August. This is my first solo trip and I am starting to panic!

I have been reading the threads and my main questions are:

Some people have had inoculations but my travel agent said none were necessary. Should I hotfoot it to the doctor's on Monday or do most people not have inoculations? Also, regarding money - is it best to take Chinese currency or US dollars? I have been told not to take travellers' cheques. I know it's different for everyone, but is a huge amount of money necessary? What will I have to pay for? And are there many shopping opportunities? If so, can a credit card be used?

Hope some kind soul out there who has done this trip or is a more seasoned traveller than me can help!

Theresa

Hi Theresa,

if you have read other postings re this trip you will find that I have had quite a bit of input on this trip as I did it in May of this year, but I am always happy to help where I can!!

I wasn't sure about innoculations as some people seemed to have had them and others hadn't bothered and so I erred on the side of caution and left it close to the wire having hepatitis and tetanus. My understanding for these were that they would take 3 weeks to take effect and so that doesn't leave you time to have them done. I may be feeding you false information but there other postings on innoculations on this Forum.

With regards to money, all the meals are included and so you won't be spending anything on those (obviously teas and coffees at Starbucks wil need to be paid for). I pre-booked all the trips which saved hassle when I got there (as most people on my tour did), I took Chinese Yuan and my credit card. There is a small charge for using a card but I only used it once (if you take it don't forget to inform your bank!!). There are plenty of opportunities to shop and I suppose it depends if you want to buy a lot of personal items and souveniers but, for myself, I bought back over half of money!!

Hope this helps. If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask.

PaulineD

I am waiting to see how fit I feel by end of December before deciding to book the Costa Rica / Nicaragua holiday as I really want to enjoy it. At the moment I am still feeling very fragile, but hopefully within a couple of months things will be better.

If I were you I would lock the case and hope for the best. By the way where does one get cable ties from?

Jaya

Hi Bob

I am waiting to see how fit I feel by end of December before deciding to book the Costa Rica / Nicaragua holiday as I really want to enjoy it. At the moment I am still feeling very fragile, but hopefully within a couple of months things will be better.

If I were you I would lock the case and hope for the best. By the way where does one get cable ties from?

Jaya

Hi Jaya,

HOMEBASE sell cable ties or try any electrical shop or DIY store.

Eric

Hi Bob

I am waiting to see how fit I feel by end of December before deciding to book the Costa Rica / Nicaragua holiday as I really want to enjoy it. At the moment I am still feeling very fragile, but hopefully within a couple of months things will be better.

If I were you I would lock the case and hope for the best. By the way where does one get cable ties from?

Jaya

Hi Jaya, hope you start to feel stronger and very much better before long.

Take care,

Bob

Hi Bob

I am waiting to see how fit I feel by end of December before deciding to book the Costa Rica / Nicaragua holiday as I really want to enjoy it. At the moment I am still feeling very fragile, but hopefully within a couple of months things will be better.

If I were you I would lock the case and hope for the best. By the way where does one get cable ties from?

Jaya

Hi Jaya,

HOMEBASE sell cable ties or try any electrical shop or DIY store.

Eric

Hi Jaya,

I got cable ties in one of the pound shops recently! Different lengths were available. Heather

Bob, thanks - really wish I will start feeling better and stronger soon. It seems such a slow process!

Jaya