Organising and embarking on a holiday ranks amongst life’s most pleasurable experiences, but occasionally, circumstances beyond your control can arise. Flights may be cancelled, hotels double-booked, or in the worst-case scenario, you could fall victim to crime.

While staying alert is essential, there are some measures you can take before departure to ensure your belongings and personal items remain secure at the airport and throughout your journey. Shahzad Ali, security expert and CEO of Get Licensed, shared his top recommendations for protecting your luggage while travelling. He recommended passengers to avoid colourful luggage at all costs, as it could attract unwelcome attention.

The travel expert warned passengers flying with major airlines this summer, including Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet and TUI, and advised them to opt for a black suitcase instead.

He said: “Although a new and colourful suitcase may look more fashionable, it won’t only be attractive to you. It’s best to choose a more common-looking suitcase, and if possible, a worn-out one – as to not stand out from the crowd – and with it, a high-quality padlock.

“This can make a big difference in keeping your items safe. You can add an identifier, such as a ribbon or sticker, to avoid getting your luggage mistaken for someone else’s whilst still remaining subtle.”

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He shared another useful safety tip: “When packing, organise your items in three categories: extremely valuable (such as documents, credit cards, mobile phones and larger sums of cash), valuable (such as jewellery and other expensive items) and less valuable (such as clothes and self-care products).

“The extremely valuable items that don’t need to be used often at the airport should be placed in a money belt that will stay close to your body at all times until you reach your destination.

“The ones that need to be used at the airport should be placed in a small handbag or fanny pack that will stay in front of you at all times. When they’re not needed any longer, these items should be placed in the money belt. Larger valuables, such as laptops or tablets, can be placed in your carry-on luggage.

“Valuables such as jewellery should be strategically hidden among less valuable items, such as clothes, in your checked luggage.”