Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: Since most black suitcases look alike (and even though many people attach ribbons, etc., some of them look alike, too), I bought the large letter stencils and, with white paint, painted my name across the back of my suitcase, and my initials on the sides.

I, too, keep a traveling bag packed at all times. I have small plastic bags with my “doctor stuff,” since when I travel with my family, I am the one with the medical items someone might need on a trip. Keeping it replenished after every trip saves a lot of time (and money – Heloise) when getting ready to travel.

I also make a copy of my travel schedule (where I am going and times, dates, airline, etc., for both ways) and put it in my bags in the event that a bag does get lost – the airline can send it where it should be. I put it in one of the front zipper compartments. – Patty Brooks, Aztec, N.M.