Exactly how to your indentify your luggage at an airport carosel or train depot? Most of the luggage you see is black in color. Although there is a wide variety of colors to choose from in purchasing luggage, travelers invariably end up with black, because it stays clean the longest. So you've got one of those "catch 22" problems. You'll have luggage that looks newer longer, but how do you pick it out in the sea of black color?

One of the best ways to identify your discount luggage is by having it monogrammed with your initials. This is permanent and cannot be easily removed. Anyone who claims it is their luggage will have to prove that is their initials. Theives are less likely to target monogrammed luggage because they know they would have no excuse to claim "I thought it was mine."

Another way to pick out your luggage is by a bright colored luggage tag. This serves two purposes. It will give you a place to print your name and address should the luggage go astray by baggage handlers and the bright color will also attract your attention at the crowded terminal. It is a good idea to put two bright colored tags on each piece of your lightweight luggage. That way you'll spot your bag no matter which way it comes tumbling down on the airport carousel. Most pieces of luggage have a top handle and a side handle, so put the same color tags in both places. These tags are available in neon colors as well as the traditional pallet of colors. Just always use the same color on each piece of luggage so you know exactly what you're looking for.

Handle wrappers are another great way to identify your luggage. These may turn out to be one of your favorite travel accessories. They change the color or both handles on your case to another bright color. They are held in place by velcro and are a super idea in making your bag look identifiable. Some of these handle wrappers also have a place underneath to put your name and address once again. You could also put your destination for ease in the baggage handling company finding you should the bag be misplaced. Once again, you'll want to use two of these on each bag for easy identification which ever way the bag tumbles by you on the carousel. Keep in mind that the only locks you can use on your baggage when flying is the TSA lock. These are allowable at airports because airport security personnel have a key to bypass the combination you have set on the lock. It works on the same principle as a hotel room with a master key. These TSA locks come in ever color possible so you can coordinate or contrast with your handle wrapper or tags.

Luggage straps are also available in every color and print imaginable. These slide through the handle of your luggage and either buckle or lock closed. If you choose the type with a lock, it must be closed with a TSA lock if you are traveling by airline. Make sure you look for the identifying symbol when purchasing these locks. Luggage straps also make great corporate gifts. They can be silk screened or embroidered with a company name or logo, so they are very identifiable. Now you'll be able to say, "Hey, that's my bag" with confidence.