Reunited and it Feels So Good!

Your heart drops as the last suitcase circles the carousel—and yours is nowhere in sight. In that moment, you realize just how quickly travel plans can unravel.

Arrived in Reykjavik, Iceland, in the afternoon of 20th of May and stood at the luggage carousel chatting away with people while suitcase after suitcase came tumbling out - except mine. Nowhere to be found. Eventually, the carousel stopped, and the sign flashed: “All bags delivered.”

PANIC

I tracked down an airport worker who calmly said, “Oh, this happens all the time. Go fill out a form, and we’ll see what we can do.” Thankfully, he spoke English. He asked where I was from. “Canada,” I replied, and off I went to try to track down my bag.

Meanwhile, I’m standing there with my mind racing - I’m about to board a 10-day cruise with no clothes. Thankfully, I had all my diabetic supplies with me in my carry-on and, of course my pink sweater. How was I going to get through a 10-day cruise with no clothes?

Lesson confirmed: ALWAYS keep your medication and essentials with you when you travel.

Then suddenly, the worker came walking toward me holding a suitcase. “This one was on another carousel somehow. Is this yours?” And there it was - my suitcase - complete with the luggage tag of a beaver wearing a Canada sweater. He smiled and said with that luggage tag, he thought it must belong to a Canadian.

Top 5 Tips for Being Prepared When Traveling

1. Keep Essentials in Your Carry-On
Never assume your checked bags will arrive with you. Pack vital items—medications, travel documents, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries—in your carry-on. As my client learned: “ALWAYS keep your medication and essentials with you when you travel.”

2. Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Unique Luggage Tag
A beaver in a Canada sweater saved the day! Stand out at baggage claim by using bright, distinct tags. It helps airport staff (and you!) find your bag faster.

3. Stay Calm and Ask for Help
Lost luggage is stressful, but panicking doesn’t help. Find airport staff, explain your situation, and fill out any required forms promptly. “Oh, this happens all the time. Go fill out a form, and we’ll see what we can do.”

4. Double-Check Before Leaving the Baggage Area
Sometimes, bags end up on the wrong carousel. Check around before giving up hope. A little patience can mean the difference between lost and found.

Simple Action Steps

• Pack all essential items (especially medications) in your carry-on.

• Use a bright, personalized luggage tag.

• Note the baggage claim process at your arrival airport.

• Remain calm and courteous if your bag is missing - airport staff can help.

• Do a final sweep of all carousels before leaving the area.

Travel adventures rarely go exactly as planned, but a little preparation goes a long way. Think ahead, stay calm, and remember - sometimes, all it takes is a pink sweater and a Canadian beaver to turn panic into relief. Your next trip can be smoother, no matter what luggage drama comes your way. Safe travels!

About Jackie

After more than 30 years helping communities through disasters, Jackie Kloosterboer is now focused on a different journey — her own. “Jackie Doing Jackie” is about solo travel, meaningful work, theatre, coffee shops, reinvention, and learning to fully live again. Because preparedness matters… but so does choosing yourself.