7 Tips For Bringing Digital Devices Abroad
Digital devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops can be useful to take abroad with us. They can help us take photos and videos, communicate with loved ones, conduct local research and keep us entertained while traveling. They are also very needed if you work remotely and plan to work while on vacation. I know many homeschool moms who run businesses from their computer or do freelance work so this is will be very helpful when you’re out worldschooling!
Of course, there are certain dangers and mistakes that you need to be wary of when bringing your devices abroad. This post lists a few tips that can help to keep your devices safe, secure and functioning so that your trip abroad isn’t spoilt.
Bring the right plug adaptor
Other countries may use different electrical sockets to those that you are used to. In order to charge up your devices, you’ll need to bring a plug adaptor. In order to buy the right plug adaptor, take your time to research exactly what types of sockets are used in the country you’re visiting. It’s possible you may be able to buy plug adaptors abroad if you’re traveling somewhere very touristy, however it’s generally safer to buy one before you travel. You can find cheap deals on plug adaptors online – just make sure to leave enough time ahead of your vacation to order the adaptor.
Consider a portable charger
A portable charger could help to keep your devices charged up on the go. This can be useful on long haul flights and bus journeys where you may not have access to an electrical socket. You’ll find many different portable chargers online – some of which can charge two devices at once and provide several full charges. There are also backpacks that you can buy with in-built portable chargers for your devices. Just make sure to charge your portable charger before you go – otherwise it’s not going to be much help!
Protect your devices with cases
Your devices are more at risk of being damaged while traveling. Making sure that all devices are protected with a case and screen protectors can help to prevent damage in case you drop them or knock them. This includes devices like laptops – no matter how careful you are with these devices, they can still end up getting damaged by a rough baggage handler at an airport if you don’t store them in a case. Waterproof cases are worth buying if you’re going to be using devices in the sea or in the pool. You can find waterproof cases for a range of devices online.
Keep devices safe from thieves
Always be careful of leaving your devices unattended. Thieves hang around tourist areas waiting for people to leave phones on tables or sunbeds. Always take these devices with you or ask someone to guard them. Alternatively, there may be ways to hide them, such as covering them up with a towel (or even hiding them in a rolled-up diaper – no thief is going to check there!). Some places like water parks will have lockers where you can store devices when not in use. Hotel rooms meanwhile often have safes, which can be a useful place to keep devices if you don’t trust room cleaners. As for when you’re on the go, watch out for pickpockets – choose secure backpacks or keep small devices in a fanny pack so that they can’t easily be stolen.
Use a VPN
Hotel public wi-fi isn’t always very secure. A VPN is worth installing onto your devices as it can encrypt your data and protect you from getting hacked. A VPN could also hide your laptop or macbook IP address so that you can access geo-restricted content abroad. For example, you may not be able to stream your favorite Netflix shows abroad. With a VPN, you can get around this and continue watching these series.
Back up data
In case you lose your devices or they are damaged, consider backing up all your data on the cloud. This will prevent you from losing precious photos or files, allowing you to still access them from another device. Many devices automatically back everything up nowadays, however you should double-check that this is the case. Files won’t be able to get backed if you’re using them in an area without an internet connection – remember to back them up once you are reconnected.
Insure your devices
Taking out insurance on your devices is also worthwhile in case they are lost or damaged. Travel insurance may cover loss or damage to devices during the flight, but may not provide cover beyond this. Individually insuring your devices could be the best way to ensure compensation if they are lost or damaged. Just make sure that you are covered abroad.
