Today’s luggage tags are smarter, more durable, and far more versatile than luggage tags of years past.

Luggage tags exist for one sole purpose – or do they? Making the most out of this small, often underrated travel accessory will not only help keep your things safe and sound, but can also help ensure your travels are seamless and stress-free.

The most important goal of a luggage tag is to make retrieving your luggage a breeze. Whether it gets lost in transit, or you accidentally leave it in the duty-free shop, there are a million instances where you can get separated from your beloved belongings.

Some airports even check your luggage against your documentation to make sure the information matches before allowing you to leave the airport, so make sure your things are plainly and properly tagged.

Most airlines will provide you with a paper tag, but between airport shopping, boarding, and being in-transit, those paper markers can easily fall off or become damaged, so be sure to pick the right luggage tag for your travel style.

Picking the Right Luggage Tag

Luggage tag design matters! Your tag should be sturdy as well as stand out aesthetically; you should be able to pick yours out from just a quick glance. Here’s how to pick the perfect luggage tag for your travel needs.

Decide what features you want. Not all luggage tags were created equally! Some exist solely to provide necessary information, while others transform into a grab-and-go wallet. Decide what features are important to you, then narrow it down to your favorite design.

Next, choose the material. Choose from materials such plastic, leather, or vegan leather.

Narrow down the design. Big ones, small ones, colorful ones, or basic and minimalistic- there are countless shapes, colors, and designs to choose from. With so many options, there’s no reason not to add some oomph to your travel with a luggage tag design that speaks to your unique personality.

What Information Should You Put on Your Luggage Tag

Keep it short and simple. While you want enough information to be easily reunited with your lost luggage, avoid oversharing. Instead, write your first and last name, where the bag should be sent, and contact information (phone or email).

In today’s digital world, you may even consider adding your social media handle if that’s the best way to reach you (or if you’re looking to potentially increase your follower count).

If you will be traveling to multiple-destinations with limited internet access, consider providing contact information of a trusted friend or family member who knows how to get in touch with you in case of emergency.

And if you’d like, add a photo of yourself! In case you are separated from your luggage, this may help someone spot you from afar and reunite you with your belongings.

When traveling with a group, consider all choosing a uniform luggage tag design so you can easily spot all luggage belonging to your party.

Where to Put Your Luggage Tags

Attach luggage tags to both carry-on and checked luggage.

Carry-on Luggage. Attach luggage tags to all carry-on luggage; you may end up having to store it far away from your seat. In the case of smaller carriers or overbooking, you may also be asked to check your carry-on luggage as you begin to board the plane.

Checked Luggage. Each of your checked items should have two luggage tags; one on the outside, and one on the inside. The inside tag is in case of damage to the outside one, by choosing a durable luggage tag you minimize the risk of damage to the tag and more importantly, the information hidden within.