Gone are the days when packing for your vacation meant simply grabbing some clothes from the closet and toiletries from the bathroom, tossing them in a suitcase and hitting the road. These days, more time and thought are given to what technology gadgets are needed for a trip than about what to wear.
Our gizmos have become so much a part of our lives that many of us cannot be more than a few feet away from our phone or tablet without feeling lost or “naked.” Afterall, you can’t deny that technology does have a way of keeping us connected.
Bear in mind that with the great power of technology comes great responsibility. Great care must be given to ensure that your mobile devices are safe while traveling. Here are a few tips:
LOCK IT UP
Passcodes are a must. They are a form of encryption. Use them to lock out anyone who might try to access your device. This makes your personal information unreadable to anyone but you.
WATCH IT
Be wary of public Wi-Fi hotspots. They can help you avoid data roaming charges, but hotspots can be compromised. Consider another form of personal encrypted connectivity such as a VPN service.
TRACK IT
Both Apple and Android devices have a “find my phone” function. Always enable that functionality when on the road just in case the item gets lost or stolen.
BACK IT UP
Tons of data, photos and documents are stored on your device. Be sure to back everything up before you depart.
JOT IT DOWN
Before you head out, document your phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) number. On most phones it can be found in settings. Write it down and keep it in a safe place. Do the same with your provider’s helpline phone numbers.
COVER IT UP
Ditch the technology branded laptop/tablet case. You may as well carry a sign for the bad guys saying, “steal this.” Instead, lay low and carry your mobile devices in an unidentifiable handbag, backpack or even on your person.
INSURE IT
Consider insurance for your mobile devices. The likelihood of something horrible happening is low but having insurance in hand does offer peace of mind, especially for expensive equipment.
ENJOY IT
Most importantly…enjoy your time away. Breaking away from the norms, routines and pressures of your everyday work life is very important. Maybe even tuck the technology away for a while!
