Over the years, my husband and I have learned a few travel lessons the hard way.

On one cruise, we flew to Miami ready to board our ship. Unfortunately, my husband's checked luggage didn't make it to the ship.

While we boarded the ship, his suitcase was headed somewhere else entirely.

It eventually caught up with us two days later when we arrived in Puerto Rico, but until then he had no extra clothes, toiletries, or personal items.

Thankfully, we were able to purchase a few necessities onboard, but it wasn't the way we wanted to start our vacation.

On another trip years earlier to Brazil, my husband's checked luggage was stolen during air travel and was never recovered. Unfortunately, he had packed most of his Brazilian currency in the suitcase, thinking it would be safer there.

When he arrived in Rio de Janeiro, he found himself without his luggage and without the money he had planned to use for the trip. Fortunately, family members were there to help him until he could get things sorted out.

That experience reinforced an important lesson: never place cash, credit cards, identification, or anything you absolutely can't afford to lose in checked luggage.

Those two experiences taught us an important lesson: never put anything in checked luggage that you absolutely cannot afford to lose.

Since then, there are certain items I always keep in my carry-on bag whenever I travel or take a cruise.

Cruise Documents

This one may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many travelers accidentally pack important documents in checked luggage.

Always keep the following with you:

• Passport

• Birth certificate (if applicable)

• Boarding documents

• Identification

• Travel insurance information

Without these items, you may not even be able to board the ship.

Money, Credit Cards, and Identification

One of the most important travel lessons we've learned is to always keep financial and identification documents with us.

Never pack these items in checked luggage:

• Cash

• Credit cards

• Debit cards

• Driver's license

• Passport

• Health insurance card

• Emergency contact information

If your luggage is delayed, lost, or stolen, you'll still have access to the things you need most.

Prescription Medications

Never pack prescription medications in checked luggage.

If your suitcase is delayed, lost, or sent on its own adventure, you'll still have access to the medications you need.

I also bring a few basic over-the-counter items such as:

• Pain reliever

• Motion sickness medication

• Allergy medication

• Antacids

Phone, Chargers, and Electronics

Most of us rely heavily on our phones while traveling.

I always keep the following in my carry-on:

• Cell phone

• Charging cables

• Portable battery pack

• Earbuds

Even if your luggage is delayed, you'll still be able to stay connected.

One Change of Clothes

This is an item I highly recommend packing.

If your luggage doesn't arrive when expected, having one complete change of clothes can make a huge difference.

I recommend packing:

• Shirt

• Shorts or pants

• Undergarments

• Sleepwear

You don't need an entire wardrobe—just enough to get through the first day or two comfortably.

A Swimsuit

If you're heading somewhere warm, pack your swimsuit in your carry-on.

That way, even if your luggage is delayed, you can still enjoy the pool, hot tub, or beach without waiting for your suitcase to catch up with you.

Basic Toiletries

A few travel-sized essentials can make your first day much more comfortable.

Consider packing:

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Deodorant

• Contact lens supplies

• Glasses

A small toiletry bag doesn't take much room and can be a lifesaver if your checked luggage is delayed.

Valuables

In addition to cash and credit cards, I never place valuables in checked luggage.

That includes:

• Jewelry

• Electronics

• Cameras

• Tablets

• Watches

• Other valuable personal items

Keep these items in your carry-on where they're easily accessible and less likely to be lost.

Bonus Tip: Pack Anything You Can't Live Without for 24 Hours

Whenever I'm deciding whether something belongs in my carry-on, I ask myself one simple question:

"Can I comfortably go 24 hours without this?"

If the answer is no, it goes in my carry-on bag.

It's a simple rule, but it's served me well over the years.

Final Thoughts

Most trips go exactly as planned. Your luggage arrives, you unpack, and your vacation begins without a hitch.

But every now and then, things don't go according to plan.

After watching my husband's luggage spend two extra days getting to Puerto Rico on one trip and disappear completely on another, we've learned that being prepared can make all the difference.

Pack your essentials in your carry-on bag, and you'll be ready to enjoy your cruise—even if your luggage decides to take a different route than you do.

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