Blog

What is a TSA lock or padlock? Are you ready for your trip to the USA and need a suitcase with a TSA lock ? But you don’t know what it is… Then you’ve come to the right place, we’ll explain everything !   What is the TSA system ? The TSA padlock, in English – Transport Security Administration, corresponds to an approval allowing easy inspection of luggage without damaging it. The lock must be compatible and approved with this TSA standard in order to be able to travel to certain destinations, including the United States. After the attacks of September 11, American airports have reinforced their level of security and now have the right to check your luggage at any time and even without your presence. Customs officers have universal keys to open your luggage with a TSA padlock without damaging it. This regulation is valid regardless of the airline you are traveling with. A suitcase with a classic number padlock cannot be opened without forcing and destroying the lock or directly cutting it with wire cutters. Suffice to say that your belongings will no longer be safe after this operation! While with a TSA lock, the inspection of the contents of your travel suitcase can be done without damage… We completely agree that it is not pleasant to have hands touching all your belongings in your absence! But it’s the law in the USA! 🤐 In which country is the TSA padlock mandatory? The United States is not alone in imposing the TSA locking padlock! Several other airports have the right, without your agreement or notice, to search your suitcases! Here is for which country the TSA padlock is mandatory: USA Canada Japan Korea Israël New-Zeland   And soon other countries will join the list…so opt directly for a TSA-coded suitcase and simplify your future trip. Buy suitcases with TSA lock DISCOVER USA compliant How to configure and use the TSA lock ? We show you in this video how you can configure, during the first use, the TSA lock of your suitcase. https://aventureswiss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/steps-to-change-the-code-of-your-luggage.mp4 At AventureSwiss, as with most suppliers, luggage is sold with the default combination of 000. Here are the steps to follow : 1 – Put the digits on 000. 2 – Using a pen or any small pointed object, press the black button. 3 – Enter your new number combination. 4 – Pull the pusher to the right. Your new code is now active. 5 – If you want to change your code again, you must repeat the same steps but instead of leaving with the starting digits 000, you must enter your new code then press the button. 6 – Do not forget to write down your new code. 7 – When traveling, please always put another number combination on the lock than your code. A question of not having your things stolen right away….   How to recognize the TSA lock ? Very easy to recognize, standard TSA locks all have the small red diamond-shaped logo. They can be directly integrated into the suitcase, like our models, or they can be sold as external padlocks to put on the closures of your luggage. Last advice Even though TSA locks are reputed to be secure, you can never really trust the customs officers on site. Especially if the suitcases are opened without your presence! So don’t tempt them too much… Put all your valuables in your cabin suitcase or your backpack. Or better, travel with as little valuable stuff as possible. And most importantly, have great experiences! 😎

Need a list of things to pack? Then you’ve come to the right place! It is not always easy to remember all the things to take and packing can quickly become a nightmare. If you are leaving for a weekend, a week or a month, the personal effects to take away will not necessarily be the same. Below we have summarized a packing list for you by length of stay. What to pack for a week’s vacation What to put in your suitcase will also depend a little on the destination, the weather and the activities you plan there, but there are always essential effects to remember.   Important Documents Here is a checklist of things to pack and best to plan ahead with some of the following : Passport (with visa if you are going to a foreign country) or identity document and remember to scan them and send them to yourself by email in case you lose them during your stay Bank card (debit and credit) Cash money Insurance card and certificate (required in some countries) Transport and accommodation booking Driving license (if you plan to rent a car locally) Vaccination booklet and Covid Pass (yes nowadays it is impossible to travel without it)   Pharmacy It’s no fun being sick on vacation! Better to have a travel pharmacy on hand for first aid and save yourself from going through hell at local pharmacies and hospitals. Here’s what to pack for first aid: Pain killer Anti-diarrheal (for all gastrointestinal disorders, food poisoning, etc.) Medication for motion sickness and seasickness Sunburn cream Cream against insect bites and mosquito repellent Bandages Pills and treatments for your chronic diseases Remember to take all prescriptions for these medications with you! Indeed, there are countries where certain drugs are banned or considered drugs due to their risk of addiction and you would not want to have a problem upon arrival!   The essentials Packing for 1 week consists of taking only the essentials. A cabin bag should be more than enough for a short stay. Here are our proposals : The phone WITH its charger (yes yes otherwise how are you going to post your beautiful photos on Instagram if you have no more battery) Toothbrush and toothpaste Towel Deodorant and/or perfume (better to smell good) Shampoo and shower gel Sunglasses, sunscreen and bathing suit if you go out in the sun Book and/or magazine Make-up A Swiss army knife that goes everywhere Super comfortable shoes Underwear and socks for a week (it’s not worth washing them, the stay is short) Sleepwear Handbag or ideally shoulder bag for your on-site visits Pants and t-shirts/sweaters (no need to exaggerate, you’re only there for a week) A nice outfit (for parties or just to take nice pictures) An umbrella or raincoat type jacket that you can also put on if it’s cold And if you forgot something, don’t panic! As long as you have your credit card you can buy everything on site. Not only will you be supporting the local economy, but you will also be bringing back a nice useful souvenir with you. A little personal advice for women, we recommend local earrings! It adds color to all your photos, it takes absolutely no space in the suitcase and it’s a nice souvenir that will remind you of your vacation every time you put them to work (plus it will make colleagues jealous) . Cabin Luggage BUY SALES !!! What to put in your suitcase for 15 days of vacation Now it’s starting to get more serious! In addition to all the items listed in the above part for one week, you can add the following things in your suitcase for 15 days: Hair removal kits for women Shaving materials for men Nail clipper More varied clothes depending on the planned activities (shorts, dress, skirt, tights, sweater, warm/cold clothes depending on the destination) A little more underwear and socks (or a product to wash them) Walking shoes and shoes specific to your activities Jewelry and accessories (hats, scarves) to always be a star Leisure to keep you busy on rainy days or in the evening before sleeping (book, tablet with wifi, sketchbook, etc.). What to put in your suitcase for 2 weeks will mainly depend on your activities and the season in which you are traveling. But again, as long as you have your ID and money (and also your medications for your chronic conditions) everything else can be bought locally. You just have to adapt a little to life on site and take advantage of the local markets. If you are hesitating between bringing a cabin suitcase or a checked suitcase for a 15-day stay, perhaps our article can help you decide. Medium Luggage BUY SALES !!! List of things to put in your suitcase for 3 weeks to 1 month When it comes to packing for more than 3 weeks, the things to add to the previous lists of things are all the effects that will bring you more comfort during your stay. To be able to carry everything, it is better to take a big suitcase. Hygiene and body care Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you have to let go! Here’s what to pack for 3 weeks or more: Hairbrush, comb Hair gel Hair care products Face and body cream Sanitary napkin Lip balm Hair dryer, straightener/curler Condoms (especially if you are going single) Disinfectants Hair accessories (barrettes, elastics, etc.)   Trips during your vacation During a long stay you will probably have to travel to several places. To make those trips more comfortable, here’s what to pack: Roadmaps GPS Child seat, if traveling with them Chewing gum for the plane (it helps to calm the difference in pressure in the ears) Compression stockings Neck pillow Disinfectant wipes Notepad and pen Magazines and books Translator program   Clothes You can afford to be more generous with what you take for clothes when you pack your checked suitcase

The size of the cabin suitcase : what a mess, isn’t it? Not only are we limited in the things we are allowed to take on the plane, but we also have to respect very strict cabin suitcase dimensions which, in order not to simplify things, vary totally from one company to the other. Welcome to the size and weight jungle! How many cabin baggage can you take? The answer is easy… only one! You are only allowed to take one item of hand luggage with you into the aircraft cabin. Yes, but… some airlines also allow an accessory, such as a handbag, laptop sleeve or camera bag. But beware, lowcost companies (such as Easyjet, Ryanair, Pegasus, etc.) are highly regulated! Only one carry-on bag, that’s all, we don’t argue… You have to put everything in this travel bag and nothing else will be accepted. Obviously, otherwise it would be too easy, the size of the suitcase must respect strict dimensions and maximum weight! Dimensions of the cabin suitcase How big should cabin baggage be? The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has standardized the dimensions of cabin baggage for the plane at a maximum size of 55 x 35 x 20 cm including handle and wheels, i.e. a cumulative total of 110 cm when you add the length, width and height of the luggage. But these dimensions are not validated by all the airlines which prefer to set their own restrictions. Indeed, taxing the extra weight and size of the suitcase at a high price is a very lucrative market that brings in a lot of money for companies… Below is a summary of cabin bag dimensions and weights allowed on most airlines. Please note that these standards are subject to regular changes, do not forget to consult the website of the airline you are traveling with before your departure! Airlines Max Dimensions Max  Weight 55 x 40 x 20 cm 10 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 10 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 10 kg 55 x 40 x 23 cm 8 kg 55 x 40 x 23 cm 10 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 5 kg 55 x 35 x 25 cm 8 kg 55 x 35 x 25 cm 12 kg 55 x 35 x 25 cm 8 kg 115 cm cumulés 8 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 10 kg 115 cm cumulés 7 kg 56 x 36 x 23 cm 10 kg 51 x 40 x 23 cm 10 kg 55 x 35 x 25 cm 8 kg 55 x 40 x 25 cm 10 kg 56 x 36 x 23 cm pas de limite 115 cm cumulés 10 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 5 kg 56 x 45 x 25 cm 7 kg 55 x 40 x 23 cm 6 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 10 kg 56 x 36 x 23 cm 7 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 5 kg 115 cm cumulés 5 kg 45 x 35 x 25 cm 5 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 8 kg 115 cm cumulés 5 kg 56 x 35 x 23 cm pas de limite 45 x 36 x 20 cm pas de limite 58 x 45 x 25 cm 8 kg 55 x 38 x 20 cm 7 kg 115 cm cumulés 7 kg 50 x 40 x 21 cm 7 kg 56 x 45 x 25 cm 8 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 8 kg 56 x 45 x 25 cm pas de limite 115 cm cumulés 10 kg 56 x 45 x 25 cm 7 kg 55 x 40 x 25 cm 10 kg 55 x 38 x 20 cm 10 kg 55 x 35 x 25 cm 12 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 12 kg 56 x 36 x 23 cm 7 kg 55 x 40 x 23 cm 8 kg 55 x 40 x 23 cm 8 kg 55 x 35 x 16 cm 7 kg 56 x 36 x 23 cm 7 kg 115 cm cumulés 7 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 8 kg 56 x 36 x 23 cm 7 kg 50 x 37 x 25 cm 7 kg 115 cm cumulés 10 kg 51 x 41 x 23 cm 7 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 10 kg 56 x 45 x 25 cm 7 kg 55 x 40 x 23 cm 8 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 7 kg 46 x 36 x 20 cm 7 kg 55 x 40 x 23 cm 8 kg 55 x 40 x 20 cm 8 kg 56 x 45 x 25 cm 7 kg 55 x 40 x 25 cm 8 kg 55 x 40 x 23 cm 8 kg 56 x 35 x 22 cm pas de limite 56 x 45 x 25 cm 10 kg 56 x 36 x 23 cm 7 kg Traveling with a small rigid suitcase is also a matter of common sense, the compartments above the seats in the plane are not very large and if the size of your hand luggage should exceed the dimensions of the storage space , the team on board would have to find a temporary storage solution for your bulky luggage. If it’s just one piece of luggage that exceeds the standard cabin size, it’s not too bad, but imagine that dozens of people do like you… the plane would become a jungle and safety during the flight would be compromised ! The size of the cabin suitcase is also important to be able to cram them as much as possible into the compartments above your heads or under the seats. The best is to opt for a trolley case that moves easily in all directions thanks to the 4 removable wheels. Weight of the cabin suitcase Another crucial point is the weight of the cabin suitcase! If some companies, like Easyjet, let you

Who has not waited for long minutes, seeing up to half an hour for the arrival of their suitcase on the airport tarmac to finally be able to start their vacation? Or, by lack of personalization of your suitcase, have you ever confused it with the one of another person? Did you even think your luggage was lost? We all waited, piled up next to each other, for the conveyor belt to finally start and for our luggage to fall on it from the ramp. Then the suitcases go around in circles… and you, you are like a child all excited to receive a treat, looking around for your suitcase to arrive! They all look alike! You stretch out your hand to grab one… oh damn it’s not yours! Perhaps the next black suitcase is the long-awaited one… But then how to easily recognize your suitcase among all the others? You have to personalize your luggage as much as possible! Flashy Colors Go for a flashy, vibrant, uncommon and visible from afar color travel suitcase! Bright red, neon yellow, turquoise blue… Not only will you be able to find your trolley luggage quickly, but you won’t go unnoticed at the airport. Convenient for all Instagrammers. Moreover, what better way to lift your spirits when you return from vacation than vibrant colors that will remind you of the beautiful moments you have had. Buy a flashy color suitcase Textured Travel Suitcase Luggage with a patterned composition is always more easily seen than an ordinary travel bag. Take a good look at the relief of the hull before buying your future travel companion. Not only does the texture provide greater impact resistance, but it also makes the suitcase aesthetically more elegant and differentiable. No need to look for a suitcase with a maze texture. Simply lines or patterns, such as hexagons, can make all the difference. Stickers for luggage What could be easier to personalize a travel suitcase than stickers. Nowadays you can even print them yourself, leaving room for all your imagination to make your travel companion even more distinguishable and beautiful! Postcards More original than stickers, you can buy a postcard of all the destinations you visit and tape them to your travel suitcase. Ribbons or Bracelets A little more bohemian and probably more elegant than sticking stickers or postcards is to attach ribbons or bracelets to the telescopic handle or the handles of your luggage. The more colorful it is, the prettier and more visible it is. There are also many printed rubbers that can be used in the same way. Name If all the previous ideas seem crazy to you, then all you have to do is write in big, even very big, your first name using indelible marker on the shell of the suitcase! So at least if you don’t see it right away, there will always be smart people in the airport who will shout your name…

Did you land here because your lost luggage at the airport is keeping you up at night? Or is your damaged luggage not as nice as before and you’re starting the holiday with a bad mood? You’ve been waiting for the holidays for months, packing your bags, checking the blogs for must-visit tips… It’s finally time to go! You’re on the plane, your luggage is quietly in the hold and following you to your destination…or this is what you think! On the arrivals tarmac, in front of the baggage carousel, after waiting you begin to wonder what could have happened… Has your luggage been lost at the airport? Damaged? or delayed? All the people sitting next to you on the plane were able to collect their suitcases and start their vacation. But you, you are still waiting… Total panic! Every year, billions of suitcases travel around the world and it sometimes happens during air transport that some get lost, break, are slightly damaged or arrive late. Missing luggage is common! But rest assured, most of the time the airlines find a solution to your problem within 24 hours. So go without further delay to the claims counter to declare either the absence of your baggage or the damage it has suffered. Above all, do not leave the arrival area before having completed the declaration of loss, otherwise you will no longer be able to assert your rights! Lost luggage When claiming your suitcase lost during transport, you will need the baggage registration slip received at check-in. A written statement of loss will be drawn up and a copy will be provided to you to keep safe. If your lost luggage is not found within 3 to 5 days, a form, called World Tracer, must be completed to broaden the search. If your suitcase lost at the airport is not found within a maximum period of 3 to 4 weeks (waiting time differs according to the airlines), it will be considered as definitively lost and you can request financial compensation from the company. The amount of compensation will depend on the company, but the best thing is to remember to take a photo of the contents of your suitcase before leaving on your trip for an adequate reimbursement. Damaged or broken baggage In the same way as for a lost suitcase, you must make a declaration of damaged luggage before leaving the airport control area. But there it becomes more folkloric because the rules of compensation depend not only on the airlines but also on the countries of destination! Yes, there are countries where throwing suitcases on top of each other is completely acceptable! Worse still, some airlines put in black and white in their transport regulations that they cannot be held responsible for damage caused during transport! It is therefore better to choose a suitcase with a sturdy shell before leaving… A broken suitcase at the airport is not always the best way to start the holidays! Delayed baggage A late suitcase is the least bad news. Indeed, it already means that at the time of your claim they have managed to locate it and it is therefore not lost! let’s see when it will arrive… Usually delayed baggage follows with the next flight, either the same day or the following day. Some airlines will take the details of the hotel where you are staying and have your loved suitcase delivered to your doorstep. So there is no reason to panic, you can start your vacation quietly and enjoy a quick trip to the local market to buy something to survive the first days. Prepare your suitcases If you’re not sure what to pack, check out our checklist of things to pack. Painful experience done, better prepare your luggage for the next time. By taking into account the following points, you will travel more serenely: Put your valuables such as jewelry, camera, computer, only in the cabin bag or in your backpack. No valuables in the hold bag! Important and vital medicines must also be stored only in the cabin bag to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the event of lost luggage, or even delays during connections between planes. We know you want to take photos worthy of Instagram’s super influencers, but no need to tempt fate by packing all your beautiful designer dresses in the suitcase… opt for comfortable, inexpensive and easily replaceable clothes. Remember that airlines (like insurance companies for that matter), turn a deaf ear when it comes to reimbursing anything…. Mark your suitcase clearly, so that it is easy to distinguish it on the arrival tarmac and there is no confusion with other luggage. This way, not only will you find it easily, but you will also prevent someone else from accidentally leaving with it. Check with your credit card if travel insurance is included and if it includes loss/damage to the suitcase. And last advice, it may seem silly but make it anyways…. Take a photo of your belongings inside the suitcase.   Conclusion Yes, your suitcase is not there and it’s very annoying… but put it into perspective! Look on the bright side… You have arrived at your destination! The plane could have fallen…you could have fallen down the stairs and broken your leg…It’s just material! So what better than to start your vacation by taking a trip to the local market where all the necessities are sold. Not only will you participate in sustainable development by buying locally, but you will also support the local economy by promoting artisans. And it’s the best way to get straight into the local mood! In the end, what counts in your vacation is the wonderful moments and experiences you have! Stay zen.

You have chosen your destination for the holidays but you don’t know if you should take a checked suitcase or just a cabin suitcase? The choice is not always obvious! Indeed, more and more airlines are asking for supplements for checked baggage and the rules for the cabin bag are very strict. For a checked suitcase, you sometimes have to wait up to 30 minutes on the arrival tarmac… and sometimes even risk taking someone else’s suitcase thinking it’s yours or having to make a declaration. for lost luggage! Traveling with just a cabin trolley bag saves you waiting at the airport for baggage check-in and on arrival. In addition, your belongings literally travel alongside you in complete safety. But indeed, it is clearly not possible to take everything you want with you! You have to focus on the essentials. Depending on the length of your stay, feel free to look at our checklists of things to take. Our advice is above all to know if what you take with you is essential or not! If you can do without it for three days, it’s not necessarily useful for this trip. If, on the other hand, you absolutely must have it, see if there is a lighter and less bulky alternative. Also remember to buy the essentials on site. Not only do you encourage local trade, but it also gives you great memories to bring back. Souvenirs that will not end up in the bottom of a drawer but will be used daily, since they are part of the “essential” . Right ? On the other hand…. a Swiss adventurer always said “travel with a big suitcase always filled…full of gifts that you can give to the people you meet on your way during your adventure. And on the way back this same suitcase will be filled with the gifts you will receive”. Even if most of today’s destinations no longer allow much this exchange to be experienced, there are always distant places for adventurers who will be able to find exceptional moments of sharing… Moreover, it is always generous and altruistic to offer gifts or necessities to the less fortunate! It all depends on your destination. In conclusion, we therefore advise you to leave with cabin baggage AND a checked suitcase! Wish you a very good trip !

When buying your new travel luggage, you need to consider various factors. It’s not just about the size, the capacity, the number of wheels or the TSA-regulated lock. You also need to choose what your suitcase will look like. You must decide whether you want to take soft or hard luggage, depending on the needs of your future trip. Soft Suitcase Obviously, soft case suitcases offer great flexibility. The casing is not stiff, so it is easier to squeeze into tight spaces. To add to their flexibility, the majority of these types of suitcases are able to expand to allow for even more storage capacity. Their flexibility makes them durable in a different way than their rigid counterparts. This luggage won’t give in to the pressure of being thrown on conveyor belts as it can withstand many bumps and bruises from travel. These travel bags can also be well protected with anti-slip pads and corner protectors. The interior of these suitcases is made up of pockets or special dividers to store items that you may need to pack to meet your travel needs. Finally, these suitcases also tend to be lightweight due to the fabric used in their manufacture such as nylon, polyester, etc. These materials are considerably lighter than the plastic needed to make a hard case. But it also depends on the structure of the suitcase. The variables depend on the frame, hardware and accessories included in that particular type of luggage. Advantages of a soft suitcase Flexible, easy to maneuver and lightweight. Easier to store in overhead compartments of airplanes, cars, trains and buses due to flexibility and ability to transform to fit odd shaped spaces.   Disadvantages They are less resistant to water and humidity than rigid suitcases. Nevertheless, they will resist a little bit to rain. The contents of the bag will be slightly damp. Difficult to clean and wash. Valuables or breakable items are not as well protected in soft-sided luggage due to their flexibility and the fact that you can fit them into compartments more easily than hard-sided luggage.   Rigid Suitcase Hardside luggage can be made from a variety of materials, including ABS plastic (less durable), polypropylene, or very resistante polycarbonate. In many respects, their characteristics are no different from those of soft suitcases – quite light, durable, designed for simple organization. One of the reasons travelers buy hardside luggage is for aesthetics. Indeed, rigid suitcases are available in a wide variety of colors and textured patterns. Their surfaces can have a glossy or matte finish. Some hard luggage really stands out, which can determine a traveler’s personality and also make it easier to retrieve baggage from the arrival tarmac. Your belongings are much more protected in a hard case because they don’t flex as much. Advantages of a hard suitcase More sturdy and durable hard shell. They are not likely to break, tear or come apart. Hard luggage also trumps soft luggage when it comes to protection of valuables and resistance to water and moisture. There are many models that are waterproof to everything.   Disadvantages A hard case doesn’t allow for “tightening”, making it more difficult to store in the luggage compartments of cars, buses and planes. The hull is very robust and unbreakable but on the other hand it is scratchable. Indeed, after several plane trips, you will see the appearance of scratches due to friction with other suitcases.   Of course, your choice of luggage depends on your personal preferences and travel requirements. What you choose should match your budget, your style, and the reason you’re traveling, whether it’s for business or pleasure. If you lack inspiration, don’t hesitate to take a look at our lists of essential things to take with you.

Since you fell in love with your new luggage bought on AventureSwiss, you no longer have eyes for the old ones… So what to do with these old suitcases? These old travel companions who made you live unforgettable moments can continue to be part of your daily life and bring you a completely different happiness. Here are some ideas of how to recycle your old suitcases. Bottle Holder Suitcase For those who are a fan of fiesta travel, dolce vita, party until the end of the night, here is an idea that will remind you of your crazy nights on vacation: a bottle-carrying suitcase!!   Flower Pot Suitcase For ecologists, what better idea than to recycle this old travel luggage in a flower pot? Either plant directly in the shell of the suitcase, or put inside, with maybe even a lantern, a candle, a statue or another cool accessory you will get a little corner of paradise brought back from Bali. Suitcase for our 4-legged friends For animal lovers, a small cozy cushion in the shell of the old suitcase will be a very comfy corner for your magnificent four-legged friends. DIY luggage For do-it-yourselfers, let your imagination run wild… A suitcase transformed into a DIY box, a jewelry box, a tool box, a storage for cutlery, a memo box where you can hang post-it reminders. .. Everything is possible ! The goal is to have fun first and foremost. Bedside Table Suitcase For romantics, a beautiful bedside table made of several suitcases placed on top of each other to dream of the magical moments experienced during your vacation. Mirror Suitcase And for the nostalgic… a mirror put inside the hull of the suitcase will be perfect to remind you every morning that you have to go to work instead of being on the heavenly beach And even after that, if you still don’t know what to do with them, just take them to the dump…