Technology and gadgets are such a part of our modern lives that we can barely function without them. It is also an unlikely catalyst in spreading the motivation to travel with social media accounts that are dedicated to posting beautiful destination photos.
Eventually, these devices have become essential on any trip. From smartphones to digital cameras, they are perfect for capturing personal moments. However, it is also common for people to lose or damage your devices. And, when it is extra stressful when it happens during a trip.
Aside from the significant inconvenience, these devices also contain personal information such as copies of travel documents, access to your online accounts, and even banking and finance details. That is why it is critical that these gizmos are protected.
Here are a few tips that you should keep in mind to protect your devices when traveling:
Invest in a Quality Case
At some point in your life, you may have dropped your phone accidentally or bumped your camera into a hard surface. They are more likely to happen when you are having fun and busy during a trip.
Damages from these unfortunate events can be prevented by investing in quality cases. Phone cases are a dime a dozen in malls and online shops. However, they come in different designs and forms, so you may want to examine a case before buying your next one.
Additionally, you may want to buy a separate device case for traveling. Choose a case that is made of something sturdy such as hard plastic. There are also waterproof options that are necessary when you are going to a beach or have plans for swimming. Even cheaper splash-proof cases are better than not having any device protection at all.
Smartphones are not the only ones with cases. You can buy hard cases or packs for digital cameras, tablets, hard drives, and even laptops. While you may be careful with your devices, people who handle them at the airport or in the hotel may not be as much. Having an extra layer of protection will save you from unnecessary headaches later on.
Set-up Tech Tracking
The hustle and bustle of traveling through the air, water, or land make it hard to track all your devices. The excitement of the entire trip may cause you to lose your valuable gadgets. Additionally, theft is an all too real possibility, especially in tourist areas.
If you have multiple devices, chances are you can track one with the other. Furthermore, Google already includes tracking functionality, especially for mobile devices, so you can track it anywhere as long as you are online. (Google always has the best tools, like their Google Adwords)
Aside from software and online options, you can also take advantage of physical trackers that you can attach to your other devices. Technologies like Tile can be attached to anything like a keychain. It pairs with your smartphone so you can locate your things when you lose track of them. That means you can also track non-tech things like your wallet.
Many things can be distracting during your trip. Common sense is still your first defense when visiting an area that you are not familiar with. Having tracking mechanisms in place will allow you to have at least a chance to retrieve your things in case the worse thing happens.
Back up Your Personal Data
Aside from losing or damaging your devices during your trip, you also have to protect your personal data. While gadgets are important, sometimes, what you have in them is more valuable.
As part of your travel essentials, you should have soft copies of your travel documents, such as booking details, itinerary, and passport. You should also save your financial details in a secure place in your device just in case you lose your cards and money while on the road.
Many things can damage your devices beyond accidents and theft. Power surges are all too common in other parts of the world. While hotels have various ways to monitor their power input, such as using current shunt resistors, things can still happen when your devices are plugged in cages, hostels, and other places.
Set-up backups in your storage at home or computer. Additionally, you can upload your data to secure online storage. These accounts can be accessed anywhere as long as you are online. It is also a good idea to backup important documents in a thumb drive as a WiFi connection may be challenging in some parts of the world.
Conclusion
Protecting your devices from damages or getting lost is a necessary step to making the best out of your trip. You are not only protecting your memories but your personal and financial data as well.
