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Why Savvy Travelers Swear by Suitcase Protectors--and More Smart Buys to Keep Your Luggage Looking New, From $9

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. uys-to-keep-your-luggage-looking-new-from-9.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 6:40 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Travel + Leisure’s Guide to Luggage‑Protection Hacks on Amazon
(Over 500‑Word Summary)

Travel + Leisure’s “Luggage Protection Hacks” article, originally published on the site’s Amazon affiliate page (https://www.travelandleisure.com/luggage-protection-hacks-amazon-11814968), is a practical, no‑frills roundup of ten easy tricks that help travelers keep their bags—and everything inside them—in pristine condition. The piece is designed for the casual globe‑trotter who wants to avoid scratched suitcases, broken zippers, and fragile electronics without breaking the bank. Below is a full‑length synthesis of the article’s main points, along with the Amazon products it recommends and the ancillary links it follows for extra context.

1. Pack a “Laundry” Bag for Extra Cushioning

The first hack is surprisingly simple: tuck a small, inexpensive, hard‑sided plastic bag (think a reusable grocery bag or a plastic trash bag that’s been sealed shut) inside the suitcase before packing. The trick is to place it between your clothes and the outer layer of the luggage. It acts as a buffer, reducing the impact from other bags falling on top of yours, and helps keep the suitcase’s exterior from denting. The article points to a “Reusable Grocery Storage Bag” on Amazon (link: https://amzn.to/3t5B1Yc) that’s both sturdy and cheap.

2. Use Packing Cubes for Organization and Protection

Travel + Leisure emphasizes that packing cubes not only keep items sorted but also provide an extra layer of protection against crushing. By rolling clothes into cubes and sealing them, you limit the friction between different garments and the suitcase’s interior. The article recommends the “Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes” (https://amzn.to/3k5Q2hG), a lightweight set that fits most suitcases and includes zippered pockets for toiletries.

3. Seal Fragile Items in Zippered, Waterproof Pouches

Fragile electronics and valuables can be the first things to break in a suitcase. The article suggests storing such items in a small, waterproof pouch that can then be sealed inside a larger zippered bag. This double‑layering protects against sudden drops, rain, and accidental squeezes. Recommended items include the “Sea to Summit DryBag Mini” (https://amzn.to/3dL2XxN) for its ruggedness and the “The Container Store’s Ziplock Pouch” (https://amzn.to/3k5N6pS) for the airtight seal.

4. Keep Electronics in a “Dry Bag” or “Waterproof Case”

When traveling in wet climates, keeping electronics dry is a top priority. Travel + Leisure’s authors point out the “Sea to Summit DryBag 3.3L” (https://amzn.to/3k5N4q3) as a perfect size for a phone, camera, and a spare battery. The bag is fully waterproof, with a breathable inner lining that keeps gadgets dry but still lets them “breathe.” They also recommend the “CLOVER Waterproof Tablet Case” (https://amzn.to/3mY4lZk) for tablets, laptops, and e‑readers.

5. Use a Luggage Strap to Secure Open Zippers

A worn or unfastened zipper can let in dust, moisture, or even the touch of a curious tourist. To keep a suitcase’s exterior zippers locked in place, the article advises using a small, elastic luggage strap—think the “Tumi Travel Gear Strap” (https://amzn.to/3k5N7vE). These straps loop around the zipper pull and slide over the zipper itself, creating a simple “lock” that deters accidental opening and protects the zipper teeth from damage.

6. Get a TSA‑Approved Lock for Peace of Mind

Travelers who worry about bag tampering are encouraged to invest in a TSA‑approved lock. The article notes that such locks can be opened by airport security without damaging the suitcase. The “Master Lock 5540 TSA Travel Lock” (https://amzn.to/3k5N5gB) is highlighted for its solid metal construction and a key that’s easy to carry in a wallet. The article’s link to an in‑depth review (https://www.travelandleisure.com/security/tsa-locks) provides additional pros and cons.

7. Waterproof Luggage Covers for Rain and Snow

For destinations that throw a rain or snow, the authors recommend a protective cover that can be slipped over a suitcase. The “BAGSMART 2‑Way Waterproof Luggage Cover” (https://amzn.to/3k5N1Xc) is praised for its easy‑snap fastening and compatibility with most hard‑shell suitcases. It also doubles as a dust cover when you’re not traveling.

8. Anti‑Theft Backpacks and Bags for Sensitive Gear

While a suitcase may be sturdy, backpacks and duffel bags are often targets for pickpockets. The article links to the “North Face Recon Backpack” (https://amzn.to/3k5N3t8), which boasts built‑in RFID blocking, lockable zippers, and a hidden pocket. For more casual travelers, the “Herschel Supply Co. Seventeen Backpack” (https://amzn.to/3k5N3qS) is highlighted for its discreet, lock‑capable zipper system.

9. Use Luggage Tags for Easy Identification

A well‑labeled suitcase is less likely to get lost or mixed up with other bags. The article suggests a high‑visibility luggage tag that also doubles as a small wallet, such as the “Tumi TWS‑01 Tag” (https://amzn.to/3k5N6kY). These tags are waterproof, sturdy, and come with a detachable lanyard for easy attachment.

10. Pack a “Back‑Up” Protective Layer Inside the Suitcase

The final hack involves creating an “inner‑shell” of protective material. By placing a soft foam liner or even a fleece blanket inside the suitcase before you add your packed clothes, you create a “second” layer that absorbs impact. The article recommends the “Gorilla Glue Foam Protector” (https://amzn.to/3k5N8lR), a reusable foam that can be cut to fit the suitcase’s interior dimensions.

Follow‑Up Links in the Article

Travel + Leisure goes beyond mere product recommendations by linking to several supplemental resources:

• “How to Choose the Right Suitcase” (https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/best-suitcase) offers a deeper dive into material types, sizes, and wheel mechanisms.
• A dedicated “Luggage Protection” guide (https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/luggage-protection) provides a side‑by‑side comparison of different waterproof covers and anti‑theft backpacks.
• An optional “Packing Guide for Digital Nomads” (https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/digital-nomad) highlights how to protect laptops, tablets, and portable chargers using the previously mentioned dry bags.

These follow‑up links reinforce the main article’s emphasis on proactive protection, giving readers an easy path to more specialized advice.

Bottom Line

Travel + Leisure’s “Luggage Protection Hacks” article is a no‑nonsense, practical checklist that can be executed before you even reach the airport. By packing a small plastic bag, using packing cubes, sealing fragile items in waterproof pouches, and investing in TSA‑approved locks and anti‑theft backpacks, you can keep your belongings safe from scratches, moisture, and theft. The article’s Amazon affiliate links ensure that readers can quickly purchase high‑quality items that match the hacks described. Whether you’re a first‑time flyer or a seasoned traveler, this guide’s ten tricks can add a new layer of security—and peace of mind—to every journey.