Traveling by air always carries the risk of losing luggage at the airport, followed by the frustrating hassle of tracking it down.
Especially challenging if you're abroad in a non-English-speaking country.
Thankfully, as a frequent traveler who's dealt with this issue firsthand, I've found a straightforward solution that works in France and internationally.
The key? Take a clear photo of every piece of luggage before heading to the airport.
A single image beats lengthy descriptions when reporting lost or misplaced bags. Here's how:

1. Before departing for the airport, snap a photo of each suitcase or bag using your smartphone.
2. If baggage goes missing, head straight to the airline's lost luggage desk.
3. Show the agent the photo on your phone—far simpler and more effective than verbal descriptions.
This approach streamlines the process and gets your bags back faster.
I've relied on this tip multiple times during international trips where language barriers complicated things.
Bonus: Use the photos to quickly spot your suitcase on the baggage carousel too.