In all the excitement of planning a getaway, it’s easy to forget that your trusty digital companions need a bit of preparation, too. Your phone, tablet, laptop and other devices are likely coming along for the ride, serving as your navigator or your connection to home.
A little bit of digital and physical preparation can prevent a small mishap from turning into a vacation-ruining disaster, ensuring your focus stays on the adventure ahead.
Secure Your Connections
When you’re on the road, free public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels and cafés can feel like a lifesaver. However, you should treat these networks with caution because they are often unsecured, making them a prime target for individuals looking to intercept your data. This means your passwords, banking details, and private messages could be exposed.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) solves this problem by creating an encrypted, private tunnel for your internet traffic. Completing a VPN download from a trusted provider before your trip means you can browse safely anywhere. Make it a habit to activate your VPN whenever you join an unfamiliar network.
Protect Your Gear Physically
Your vacation environment can be tough on electronics. A crowded market increases the risk of theft, while a day at the beach introduces sand and water as potential threats. You can mitigate these risks with some simple hardware.
A padded sleeve for your laptop or a shock-absorbent case for your phone provides a crucial first line of defence against bumps and drops. When you’re out, keep your tech in a zipped bag that you carry in front of you. Invest in a sturdy, waterproof dry bag if your plans involve the beach or a boat.
Back up Before You go
The biggest headache from a lost or broken device isn’t always the replacement cost. It’s often the loss of priceless photos and important documents. This is why a pre-trip backup is non-negotiable. Modern cloud services make this process incredibly simple.
Before you even zip up your suitcase, you should ensure your device automatically syncs to a service like Google Photos, iCloud or Dropbox. This way, if the worst happens, you can still access your memories and information from any other device with an internet connection. Perform a full backup of your devices to a secure cloud service a day or two before you leave.
Manage Your Settings Smartly
Nothing drains the fun out of a day of exploring faster than a dead phone battery or the looming threat of a massive data roaming bill. You can avoid both with a few adjustments to your device’s settings.
Before your plane takes off, switch your phone to airplane mode. Once you land, you can turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on but keep cellular data off until you have arranged a local SIM card or a travel plan with your provider.
Using your phone’s low-power mode can significantly extend your battery’s life, keeping you connected when you need it most. Take a moment before you travel to adjust your cellular data and battery settings to avoid unwelcome surprises.
