In our perpetually online world, travelling without our devices is almost unthinkable. But travelling with your incredibly expensive laptop does not have to be the anxiety-inducing experience that it has become.
Let’s explore some crucial tips to keep your valuable tech safe and secure during your adventures.
Invest in Quality Protection Before Your Journey
The old saying “prevention is better than cure” couldn’t be more relevant when it comes to protecting your tech while travelling. While there are plenty of convenience stores that buy Core mobile accessories wholesale and other tech items for emergencies, you should still take care of pricier items so you don’t end up shelling out big bucks, especially in foreign countries.
A good place to start would be by investing in high-quality protective cases for all your devices. Look for cases that offer:
- Military-grade drop protection for phones and tablets
- Water-resistant properties to guard against unexpected rain or spills
- Anti-shock features for laptops, particularly around the corners and edges
- Screen protectors that guard against both scratches and impact
Remember to test all protective gear before your trip. A case that seems perfect in the store might not accommodate your charging cables, or could make certain buttons difficult to access. It’s better to discover these issues at home rather than mid-journey.
Practise Safe Packing
The way you pack your tech can mean the difference between a successful trip and a digital disaster. While it might be tempting to simply toss your devices into your bag, proper packing technique is crucial for their survival.
Consider these essential packing strategies:
- Keep your devices in your carry-on luggage whenever possible. Checked bags can face rough handling and extreme temperature changes in cargo holds. Large lithium-ion batteries are not allowed in checked bags in many countries. This means that you often don’t have a choice and must keep your battery-powered devices in your carry-on.
- Use dedicated compartments or padded sleeves for each device
- Never pack devices next to liquids or items that could leak
- Create buffer zones around your tech using soft items like clothing
- Store cables and accessories in dedicated organizers to prevent tangling and damage
For longer trips, consider bringing backup solutions for critical accessories. Many travellers have learned the hard way that finding specific charging cables or adapters can be challenging in different countries.
Be Wary of Public Networks
Physical protection is only half the battle—your devices’ digital security is equally important. Public WiFi networks, especially in airports and hotels, can be hunting grounds for cybercriminals looking to intercept sensitive data.
Implement these crucial cybersecurity measures:
- Install and maintain a reliable VPN before your trip, and always activate it before connecting to public networks
- Enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts
- Avoid accessing sensitive information (like online banking) while on public networks
- Keep your devices’ operating systems and security software updated
- Disable auto-connect features for WiFi and Bluetooth
Consider setting up a mobile hotspot using your phone’s cellular data as a safer alternative to public WiFi. While this might cost more, the security benefits often outweigh the expense.
Power Management
Nothing is more frustrating than running out of power when you need your devices most. While you can find stores that stock charging cables for emergency charging solutions, it’s better to have a comprehensive power management strategy in place.
Develop these power-smart habits:
- Carry a high-capacity power bank (ensure it meets airline regulations)
- Bring appropriate travel adapters for your destination
- Consider investing in a surge protector to safeguard against unstable power supplies
- Keep a backup charging cable in a separate bag
- Learn your devices’ power-saving features and optimise settings for travel
Remember to fully charge all devices the night before travel days, and consider enabling low-power modes during long trips where charging opportunities might be limited.
Implement Anti-Theft Measures
While physical damage is a concern, theft is an even bigger threat to a travellers’ tech. Tourists are often targeted by thieves who know they’re likely carrying valuable devices.
Protect your tech with these anti-theft strategies:
- Enable tracking features like Find My iPhone or Find My Device for Android
- Record all serial numbers and store them securely online
- Use strong passwords or biometric locks on all devices
- Consider anti-theft bags with lockable zippers and cut-proof materials
- Never leave devices unattended in public places, even for a moment
It’s also wise to check if your travel insurance covers tech theft and understand exactly what documentation you’d need to make a claim if it does come to this.
Prepare for the Worst: Backup and Recovery
Despite our best efforts, accidents can happen. The key to peace of mind is having a solid backup strategy in place before you leave home.
Implement these backup essentials:
- Create complete backups of all devices before departure
- Set up automatic cloud backup for important files and photos
- Keep copies of important documents in both cloud storage and physical form
- Know how to remotely wipe your devices if they’re lost or stolen
- Have a plan for emergency device replacement at your destination
Remember that internet speeds and accessibility can vary dramatically in different locations, so don’t rely solely on cloud-based solutions.
Protecting your tech while travelling doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By implementing these strategies, you can focus on enjoying your journey rather than worrying about your devices. While it’s comforting to know that you can almost always get away with basic replacements, preventing damage and loss in the first place is always the better strategy. Safe travels.
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