Tip for labeling personal items in parks

[camdensmom]

I just read a thread about someone who lost their backpack on a bus and it brought me right back to all of my pre-trip nightmares last year. Since it was our first time traveling with a baby we were very concerned about the possibility of losing our stroller, bags, etc.

I know common practice is to place luggage tags with your home address, but we labeled everything with our Disney info as well. I figured I would pass the tip along in hopes that someone find it useful. What I did was:

supplies

• packing tape
• plastic cable ties (or a strong thread)
• counter top samples ((I had a bunch from a remodel, but you can find them at Home Depot in the kitchen counter/cabinet section. They are only a couple inches in diameter so the size is great and they are very sturdy.)
• computer labels

I used the computer to print several labels with my personal info on how I could be contacted if someone found the item during my stay. I included, "my name, hotel name and phone number, dates of our stay and both my cell and my husband's."

I then placed the labels on the back side of the counter top sample, covered in packing tape to make it study and fairly waterproof and attached one to each of our bags using a plastic cable tie. I also attached it to our stroller as well.

Another thing I did was use a label maker and put "Cell phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx" and stuck it directly onto our camera and laptop."

I know there are some thieves out there, but it at least gave me peace of mind knowing that if I lost or forgot something and it fell into the "right" hands it would be easy for them to return to me. I can easily see myself juggling the baby and assuming DH has the bag only to later discover it was left on a bench, in a booth, on a bus, etc. Since we keep our cell phones on us we would be easy to reach. Also, since all of the gift shops offer free package delivery I figured they would know how to get our items back to us.

Anyway, just an idea. Hope somebody can use it.

 

[all4fun]

Great idea! But after the Lime Green Mickey thread are you sure you want to be telling people they should be taking free samples from HD? Just kidding of course! I just couldn't resist...

Actually we had a bit of a scare on our last trip leaving things on airplanes. On the way there, we left our camera bag w/our brand new digital camera on our first flight. Fortunately we realized it before we boarded the 2nd flight, dh was able to run back to the other gate where the plane was still there and got it back. Phew! The bag was NOT labeled...which I was really bemoaning.

Now on the way back we did lose our CD case with a bunch of movies we brought to play in the portable DVD player. The case wasn't labeled because we were carrying it the backpack but it must have fallen out somewhere and we never did get it back. So, moral of the story is...only take a couple of DVD's because you're not going to be able to watch 10 anyway ...and label them! in case they get lost and fall into the "right" hands, that way if someone wants to return them, they can.

 

[NotUrsula]

Actually, it's NOT common practice to label travel items with your home address, at least not among experienced travelers. You should not put your home address on luggage tags. Use a cell phone number and if at all possible, a business address where there is a manned mailroom. On your way to your destination you can also use your hotel's name and address.

Bright-colored duct tape and a fine-point sharpie are your best friends when travelling. Write your info on the tape and put it on the inside of every bag and case, in addition to the hanging tags. (Duct tape is better than a paper label, because it is water resistant.) That way if the hanging tag is torn off by bag-handling machinery, the inside tag will still be there. Of course, it won't help you recover a stolen item unless you hide it in the lining, and at that point all you are likely to get back is the case itself. You can write directly on electronics with a Sharpie, though an engraved ID plate is best of all.

 

[gbrogers]

Another thing you can do on items such as laptops, camcorders and digital cameras is to put permanent labels on them; once afixed, the labels will not come off. These labels can be purchased at any office supplies store. You can use your computer to print your info on them.

 

[Madsofa]

for the tip. I just finished reading another thread where the parent had put a tag on their children's shoes, which included cell phone numbers. I love this board! We will be making our first trip in March and I wouldn't have thought of half of the stuff I found here! Another satisfied Dis'r!

 

[piggy]

Hey, thanks for the ideal. We will be going in Feb.

 

[mecllap]

I agree that it's helpful to label everything -- some wonderful ideas here. Using your home address on things while traveling is not a good idea, as someone mentioned --even tho the airlines train us to do that. Putting cell phone numbers on things seems the best (altho what do you put on the phone, in case you lose it?).
I try not to take much of anything that I'd hate to lose -- I don't take all my photos on one card, but spread them out, so if a card (or roll of film) gets lost, I'll still have something.

 

[emma'smom]

I hadn't thought about the fact that a saavy criminal could simply stand in an airport and watch families checking in for flights. When you leave your luggage with security (or even while the family in standing in line to check in)...they can simply note the home addresses. If a whole family is checking in, chances are the house will be vacant for at least a few days. Scary how some think!