It’s tricky to travel with technology. Should you bring your laptop? Your tablet? Your fancy camera? What if you need it just in case? But if you do bring it, you’re worried about its security in your bag the whole time…
Of course, there’s always a possibility that things may happen to your valuables. It’s risky to travel with technology — it might get stolen, water damaged, lost, tampered with, destroyed… don’t mind us while we anxiously knock on wood.
If you give in to that just in case feeling, we have a few tips on how to travel with your tech that might bring you some peace of mind. Check these things off your pre-travel to-do list before your next big adventure.
1. Get yourself a portable hard drive
The Cloud stores certain information, but it’s reassuring knowing that you’ve got a backup with a portable hard drive. Before your trip, back up your devices, and email yourself critical information (contacts, passport, visas, and reservations) so that if something were to happen to your things, you can easily retrieve certain information while you’re still travelling.
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2. Use a cable organiser (and never go back)
If you’ve got a lot of technology, you’ve probably got a lot of different cables. This is where a cable organiser comes in. It’s a zip-up storage bag with compartments for cords, plugs, chargers, USB drive, a phone, mouse, and eReader or mini-tablet. It’s like having Silicon Valley packed into your suitcase. Make sure you check it before leaving your hotel; if something’s missing, it’s likely still plugged into a socket.
Photo by Tayla Gentle.
3. Invest in a universal power adapter
Buy yourself a universal power adaptor with USB ports immediately. If you’re travelling across different countries, this handy device includes every socket-outlet shape in one place. Plus, the USBs let you charge multiple devices at once.
4. Consider travel gadgets to keep your things safe
If you’re travelling with technology, it might be worth getting yourself a new backpack. Anti-theft bags and wallets protect your personal info from getting swiped. Pacsafe sells backpacks and purses that are RFID safe, meaning they’ll keep identity thieves from scanning your passport, credit cards, or rental key information. The bag straps are also guarded against cut-and-run crims. Bonus points if you invest in one that’s waterproof as well.
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Photo by Liam Neal.
5. You MUST get travel insurance
So you’ve got the anti-theft bags, locks, and storage backup plans; but what do you do if someone steals your things altogether? That’s where travel insurance swoops in. Travel insurance is essential on ALL Intrepid trips, but it’s recommended to choose coverage that protects your belongings (as well as your health and safety, of course). Make sure you read through the fine print to ensure your valuables are covered; that might mean upgrading your plan, but if it covers your cameras, laptop, tablets, and mobile phone then it’s probably worth it.
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6. Be wary of public internet connections
Have you ever hopped on a public wifi network and received a notification that says “this connection is unsecured”? It means that the usual security measures and encryption of the wifi connection are not protecting your data. That puts your personal information at risk to hackers or whoever else is snooping on the same network.
When you receive an unsecured connection notification, simply get offline and put your phone on aeroplane mode. It’s better to wait until you’re on a secure network than to have your information hacked. Trust us, whatever you wanted to go online for (be it internet cats or work emails) can wait if it means protecting your data.
Photo by Ryan Bolton.
7. Download offline apps
Before you leave for your trip, load your phone with offline apps that will come in handy in the instance that you don’t have wifi, there’s no service, or the connection is unsecured. Tripit lets you manage your itinerary (hotels, car rentals, flights) without a data connection. Maps.me is convenient for finding your way around. Google translate will help you in conversation with foreigners. XE Currency Converter lets you compare live currencies of multiple countries at once. You can use each of these apps offline, which will be helpful just in case.
8. Don’t bring too many valuables with you
Remember that tug-of-war feeling of taking too many valuables with you? Sometimes the best thing to do is leave them at home. When you’re on a small group tour, you won’t need to be constantly connected because you’ll have a knowledgeable leader to help you navigate your way around a foreign place. We guarantee you’ll be too distracted by your surroundings and fellow group mates to be checking emails or browsing Youtube. All you really need is a camera to help you create beautiful memories.
Now you’ve got the tech tips, it’s time to lock in your adventure! Explore our range of small group tours now.
