DIY Luggage Tags for the Budget Traveler
Cheaply and Easily Identify Baggage When Traveling
Dec 8, 2008
Most travelers are smart and attach luggage tags to their suitcases and other travel bags to identify themselves as the owners.
Why not take this a step further and make the tags truly reflect the tastes of the person using them? It’s easy and relatively low cost, making them perfect for any budget traveler.
Materials Needed
Do-it-yourself (aka DIY) luggage tags can be made cheaply with the following items:
- Cardstock (white makes color images stand out more, while bright neon colors stand out from the bags)
- Self-laminating plastic luggage tag protectors (available at most office supply stores)
- A cutting blade (like a box cutter)
- A computer with photo editing software installed
- A printer
Picking the Images for the Tags
To start, pick out a few images that reflect personal tastes or favorite places to travel to. This can be anything from photos taken on past trips to images found online (check copyrights to make sure the image owner allows personal use of the image). Even using text to create stylized quotes is fine.
Use similar images for both sides of the tag, or make each side different with a collage of photos on one side and a single larger image on the other. A business card can also be used to save the extra step of designing the tag, if desired
Making the Luggage Tags
Using the photo editor, open up a new blank image in the size wanted for the luggage tag. Most of the self-laminating luggage tag sheets are no larger than 2.5 inches by 4.5 inches, so it’s best to keep that in mind.
Copy and paste the images picked out for the tag design into this blank field and arrange them into a collage, reducing them in size as needed. Repeat for the other side of the tag. It’s fine to have the images go all the way to the edge, but along one side, leave space for the contact information.
Add Contact Information If the Bags Get Lost
Use the photo software’s text tool to type in the required contact information. Pick a legible font, in a readable size, either in black, white or a color that stands out from the cardstock color.
Regarding contact information, it’s recommended to use a business address or a post office box, so would-be thieves are not alerted to an empty house.
Finish Off the Tags
When the luggage tag design looks as desired, print it out onto the cardstock. Carefully cut out the tag and laminate with the self-sealing plastic. This will keep it durable for multiple uses.
The luggage tag laminates should come with a cutout along one edge, along with plastic loops to attach the tags to the luggage. Simply use the cutting blade to get rid of the cardstock that shows through this cutout, leaving space to attach the loop firmly through the tag. In place of the plastic loop, a metal keyring or even a strong piece of ribbon or fabric can be used.
Have fun, get creative and enjoy these DIY tags. They also make great gifts for other budget travelers.
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