Taking scent on the go can be a delightful way to carry a little piece of home, but it can also turn into a frustrating disaster if not handled correctly. The ultimate travel nightmare is a stained wardrobe or a shirt soaked with expensive fragrance. Fortunately, with some smart strategies, you can move with your scent intact and avoid leaks entirely.

Begin with the proper bottle. If you're carrying a full-sized bottle, make sure it’s firmly sealed. Numerous designer scents come equipped with a secondary safety cap—make sure to activate it. For added protection, cover the top with cling film. This creates an extra seal that can catch minor drips.

Next, place your perfume bottle inside a resealable plastic bag. A resealable storage bag that’s a bit roomier than the container is ideal. This contains any potential leaks and protects other items in your luggage. You can even place a small towel inside the bag to act as a buffer against leaks.

If you want to minimize risk, consider transferring your perfume into travel-size bottles. These are specifically made for carrying fragrances and often feature secure spray nozzles. You can buy empty glass or plastic travel bottles online or repurpose empty mini bottles. Just rinse them well before refilling to keep your fragrances pure.

Always pack your perfume in your carry-on bag rather than the hold. Cabin pressure shifts can cause bottles to rupture, especially in the lower cargo area. Plus, in case of baggage mishandling, you’ll still have your niche fragrance store with you. Nearly all carriers permit small perfume bottles as long as all vials meet TSA size limits and they’re contained within one approved liquids bag.

Avoid packing perfume near items that are sensitive to liquids—like devices, leather, or important papers. Place it in a padded part of your bag, such as between folded clothes, to protect it from jostling.

Finally, always test your bottle before you travel. Tilt it back and forth and invert it briefly. If you see any drips, reseal it immediately. Just five seconds can prevent a travel disaster.

Following this advice, you can enjoy your favorite perfume on the go without the stress of leaks. Some simple planning goes a long, long way in making your travels easier.