I check it all. I use my dustbags to protect shoes and purse and I layer them between clothing.
I can't carry on so much after my purse and laptop.
I'm of the same mindset; stuff is meant to serve you, not the other way around. However, if you can take reasonable precautions against loss and theft, why wouldn't you? I only check what is easily replaceable. My jewelry goes with me, though (it's all family heirlooms, gifts from loved ones, etc).and this isn't going to make me popular but I'm also of the belief that if losing a $900 pair of shoes is going to kill me, I can't afford them in the first place. will it suck? sure, but I'd rather risk the slim chance of losing the shoes than not get to enjoy wearing them as much as possible.
ITA. I like to bring at least at least one designer bag, pair of shoes, and dress when I travel, in case I get to go to a nice dinner. To prevent shoulder and back injuries, I like to carry as little as possible when schlepping thru the airport, so I check in everything except a tote bag with the essentials (wallet, glasses, keys, a little food, etc.). I just don't bring irreplaceable things when traveling.I check anything. I spend lots of $$ on good quality, beautiful shoes to wear them, not leave them at home sitting in boxes. I like to look my best when traveling, I don't have cheaper shoes just for that purpose.
in my 30+ years of traveling all over the world multiple times a year I've only had checked baggage not arrive 3 times, and each time I had my suitcase the next morning at the latest. never lost or had a thing stolen, even with unlocked suitcases in less secure parts of the world.
and this isn't going to make me popular but I'm also of the belief that if losing a $900 pair of shoes is going to kill me, I can't afford them in the first place. will it suck? sure, but I'd rather risk the slim chance of losing the shoes than not get to enjoy wearing them as much as possible.
the only valuable things I won't check are irreplaceable items, like family jewelry.
thisI check anything. I spend lots of $$ on good quality, beautiful shoes to wear them, not leave them at home sitting in boxes. I like to look my best when traveling, I don't have cheaper shoes just for that purpose.
in my 30+ years of traveling all over the world multiple times a year I've only had checked baggage not arrive 3 times, and each time I had my suitcase the next morning at the latest. never lost or had a thing stolen, even with unlocked suitcases in less secure parts of the world.
and this isn't going to make me popular but I'm also of the belief that if losing a $900 pair of shoes is going to kill me, I can't afford them in the first place. will it suck? sure, but I'd rather risk the slim chance of losing the shoes than not get to enjoy wearing them as much as possible.
the only valuable things I won't check are irreplaceable items, like family jewelry.
Yup - if I'm checking luggage at all, shoes go in it, dustbagged for protection.I check it all. I use my dustbags to protect shoes and purse and I layer them between clothing.
I can't carry on so much after my purse and laptop.