DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT put your race clothes, shoes, and other gear in your checked bag. Sure, you may have never had a bag get lost by the airline, but do you really want the first time to have your shoes in it when traveling for a race? I didn't think so. If you are traveling for a longer period of time that will require a checked bag, I recommend checking the stuff that can easily be replaced like clothes for the vacation part of your trip and putting the critical items (shoes, fuel, clothes, gear, etc) in a carry-on bag. Just make sure you put those gels in your 3-1-1 liquids bag!
Yes, it sounds silly, but I have had friends go on a run the night before leaving for their trip and left their shoes at home or in a gym locker. My worst nightmare for sure. I was introduced to the Klitch Footwear Clip a few years ago and I love it. The Klitch is is shoe holder that can clip onto the outside of your gym/running bag, suitcase, etc. It is perfect for traveling and I always use mine on racecations.
Need to make sure you Klitch arrives for race weekend? Hop over to Amazon Prime and check out the colors available that can get to you ASAP! This is NOT a affiliate link - I am simply trying to get you things needed as quickly as possible in case you are getting ready to travel.
If running multiple races, I recommended laying out and packing your race stuff by race. I layout my shirts, shorts, skirts, socks, etc for each race and then use drawstring bags or gallon sized ziptop bags to travel with. This makes hotel life a lot easier as everything I need for each race is already together, so I just grab my bag and I am ready to rock! If you are running multiple races or have multiple people running in your family, this is a LIFESAVER as you know everything is together and ready for race day.
See you real soon, friends!