Most of us won’t even travel to the end of the block without our phones and when we go on longer trips, we can end up take a lot a tech.  You can travel smarter and more securely by doing several checks before you go by using our handy tech travel checklist below. The checklist can save you from suffering from lost devices, missing chargers or even a data breach.

1. Check Your Cables & Adapters

People leave behind chargers and adapters every day. They litter airports, restaurants, bus and train stations around the world. If possible, try and bring a backup charger for your laptop, tablet or phone and pack them in a different bag to your other cables. Otherwise, you may find yourself paying a premium for a new charger in an airport shop.

2. Take a Power Bank

A great way to ensure you have the power you need is to buy a small power bank. You can find these in most major retailers or online. They are small “blocks” that hold a charge and can power up a phone or even a laptop.

Having this extra power backup also helps you avoid data or device compromise via hacked USB ports – these are fake or compromised charging ports that hackers use to steal your data when you plug your device in. If you are in a public location, use the free power connection to charge your power bank rather than directly charging your phone.

3. Check Your Mobile Plan

If you are traveling out of the country, you need to check your mobile plan. You may not be able to make any calls while overseas or they may cost an arm and a leg. The same applies with data charges. Most mobile phone providers can add an international capability to your plan but confirm pricing as they can be expensive.

Cheaper alternatives include:

• purchasing a local SIM in for the countries you are visiting.
• arrange with your office, friends or family where you are travelling to use their Internet and phones.

Where possible don’t use public Wi-Fi or if you do use a VPN (see below).

4. Check Your Apps

Are there any apps available that can make your travel easier? Such apps include:

• airline.
• hotel.
• local cities tourism where you are travelling.
• maps.
• weather.

This way you should receive notifications from airlines etc about changes in flights, make flight check in easier or if you get lost you can easily bring up a map of the local area.

5. Use a VPN

Free Wi-Fi network may seem like a godsend but may be dangerous. There is no way to tell if a hacker is monitoring that network and logging passwords for sites you visit and / or stealing data.

To protect yourself either use known and trusted networks or use a virtual private network (VPN) app. VPN plans are inexpensive and will keep your data encrypted if you need to use public Wi-Fi.

6. Check Your Device Security

Make your devices as secure as possible before you leave for your trip. While travelling you are usually too busy to perform or check for updates, so make sure the following is done before you leave:

• Antivirus/anti-malware is running and up to date.
• Screen lock with passcode is turned on.
• Sharing features turned off.
• VPN application is available and up to date.
• Your “find my device” feature is turned on.

7. Check Your Backup

Unfortunately, mishaps occur when traveling. You may leave your phone behind at a restaurant, have your luggage lost or get your device stolen. Back up your devices to the cloud or local storage before you travel so that you don’t lose all the data on that device.

8. Double Check Your List

What do we mean by double checking your list? If you are travelling with a work colleague or family member check with them that you both have all your devices and accessories.

These little reminders can go a long way toward avoiding losing your devices and avoiding any travel nightmares. Contact us for further information and help.