The new year is underway – and after a first punishing week back at the office, you’ve already booked your next vacation. Smart move, more power to you. But traveling brings stresses of its own. You don’t need telling this; you’re reminded every time TSA pulls you over for an unnecessary search. But you may need some advice.
Traveling today unavoidably means traveling with valuables. Some, like smartphones and tablets, are replaceable (if a costly nuisance to replace). Others, like jewelry, can be irreplaceable items of huge sentimental value. Not only do you not want them lost, but you don’t want them damaged either. This little guide exists purely to help you get your jewelry safely from A to B and back again.
- Smart Packing & Storage Before You Go
First, let’s get a simple and obvious statement out of the way: if you don’t have to travel with your treasured jewelry in tow, don’t. It’s that simple. If you absolutely must, then you may want to invest in a dedicated travel box for your jewelry to keep it in one place, organized and well-packed, in order that you avoid scratches, tangling, and damage during transit. A soft pouch will do for smaller items, of course! If you’re making your own DIY organizer, use fabric and cushioning material as opposed to anything hard.
- How to Carry Jewelry Safely During Travel
Your dedicated jewelry box should be held on your person if at all possible. If flying, try and make space for it in your carry-on, so you can avoid the prying hands of unscrupulous baggage handlers or the risk of accidental loss in the hold of the plane. Avoiding checked luggage overall is a good call, even if you’re not too far away from it at any point; far better it’s on your person and verifiably there, than anywhere else. On arrival at accommodation, familiarize yourself with the hotel safe immediately.
- Insurance Coverage & Documentation
Protecting your jewelry on vacation isn’t always about practical and physical safety. There’s an insurance angle, too – and one you may come to thank yourself for exploring. Obviously, some items are more sentimental than financially valuable to you; your halo engagement ring may be a high-value item, but it’s also one heavy in personal intention and meaning. Still, it’s important that it has insurance protection (and, as a corollary, that you have the documentation to prove ownership). The money may not replace your ring in the event of theft or loss, but it’s a small comfort to be financially protected just in case.