I am sure everyone here has some tips and tricks to help you along, here are a few of mine.

1. Always carry as much of your gear in your carry on as you can, ESPECIALLY things you can't do without. If you have an RX dive mask for example, it would be very difficult to rent or borrow one while on vacation.

2. Use regular luggage, no dive bags, or big scuba flags or other scuba markings on the luggage, you don't let anyone know you have expensive gear in your bags!

3. LOCK YOUR BAG! Yes, if you do not use the PROPER lock, it will be cut off, but you can use TSA approved locks, which they have a master key for. Not that it is a perfect solution, but it will keep most hands out.