It's a true nightmare for tourists. Imagine you have arrived at yourdream destination, excited to get out and explore, only to realise your suitcase never made it.

All you have is your carry on and the clothes on your back, and there's no telling when it will arrive - if ever. If you want to avoid this horror situation, there are a couple of things you can do to try and protect your luggage from being lost.The relocation experts at 1st Move International have shared their top tips on how to keep your things safe while travelling - and the best ways to ensure they can get to your destination.

They said one of the best things you can do is include a piece of paper inside your suitcase with your travel itinerary and contact details on it.

This means that in the worst-case scenario of your luggage being lost or delayed, airport staff will quickly know where to send it.

It's also a good idea to include a sturdy baggage tag on the outside of your suitcase with a distinctive look. This means you can find your bag easier after your flight, and other travellers are less likely to grab yours accidentally.

You'll also make it easier for staff to return lost baggage to you by including up-to-date contact details on your tag.

Before you get on your flight, grab a quick snap of your bag. If you have an up-to-date photo of your luggage, staff will have a reference image to locate it and ensure it's safely returned.

If your bag has gone missing, make sure you stay calm. Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, said: "The first thing you should do is immediately report the issue to the airline's baggage claim officer or customer service desk.

"It's crucial to file a lost baggage report before leaving the airport, as this initiates the tracking process. Usually, baggage will be tagged with your flight information, but just in case you want to give the airline a description, be as thorough as possible.

"Next, check your travel insurance policy for coverage in case of lost or delayed baggage, and keep receipts for any purchases if you have to replace lost items (even if they might be found later). You may be able to claim these costs back."