A travel fan revealed just how easy it is for thieves to break into your luggage. It’s only natural to be concerned about security when all your valuables are packed into one case and handed over at the checked luggage desk.

But Sarah Adekola, also known as @millennialwealthsarah on TikTok, highlighted just how simple it is for thieves to get into certain travel bags using nothing more than a pen.

Instead of suggesting people should avoid holidays entirely or restrict themselves to carry-on luggage for fortnight-long trips, Sarah offered some practical tips on maintaining bag safety and security.

The influencer demonstrated on TikTok the ease with which thieves can unlock a suitcase using just a pen. By forcing the pen into the zip, they can create an opening to pry it apart.

Worryingly, this technique also works on suitcases with robust locks attached, although not if the zips lock directly onto the suitcase body.

Sarah advises: “First, never pick suitcases with zippers like this,” she indicates towards the typical exposed zip seen on most suitcases.

Then, she added: “Because people are literally stealing your stuff with just a pen. Basically, what people are doing is they’re taking their pen and they are literally just pushing in between there.”

She demonstrates this with her own pen, breaching the zip swiftly and silently. She added: “And they’re getting into your suitcase. Then what they do is when you have a padlock, they are going to over it (the hole) and you would never know.”

Sarah illustrates this, making the entry point disappear.

So instead of opting for baggage that has zips that are very exposed, the travel fan offers an alternative.

She recommends a hard-shell case over soft fabric, as it’s waterproof and will better protect your clothes.

And if you’re concerned about the appearance of your luggage, she suggests choosing a darker colour so stains and scuffs aren’t as visible.

Sarah also said that she’s more inclined to select a bag with four wheels, as they are easier to manoeuvre, and favours luggage with zips that are hard to see or concealed by fabric.

She added: “I would also go for suitcase brands that give me a lifetime warranty or at least five years.”

The safest bet, however, is to go for a bag with no zips at all. If that’s not feasible within your budget, seeking options with “invisible” zips can significantly enhance the security of your possessions.

The TikTok post has garnered more than 200,000 likes since it was posted by Sarah – and many took to the comments section to share their thoughts.

One said: “This is so helpful! Thanks.” And another agreed, writing: “Great tip.”

Meanwhile, others offered their own advice. One remarked: “Just wrap your luggage.” And another urged: “Orrr… buy a suitcase cover which will hide the zip anyway.”