This blog post was updated on October 10, 2018.
At times, travel can seem like an untouchable world, one where we aren’t going to have the same problems that we might at home. We fantasize about the planning, the packing and the going that sometimes we forget that things can go horribly wrong on the road, just as they do at home. This is especially true when it comes to electronics and appliances. When your computer fails you in Budapest or your camera decides to die mid-tour or perhaps even your hairdryer knocks out the whole block’s power in Paris, you will realize that technology can fail even while traveling. And when it does on the road, it can seem like the worst of scenarios, but it doesn’t have to be. Practice these tech tips for travel and avoid the meltdown over the scorched curling iron or computer for that matter.
Always Backup Before Departure: We put many items on our pre-travel list, but seldom do we add “back up computer” to all of the other odds and ends we must accomplish before takeoff. Travelers will want to add this to the list as it can save headaches and probably a few screams on the road. Trips are ruined when laptops are stolen or computers crash in paradise. You should either use an external hard drive or back up through cloud storage before you hit the road. That way if you lose all of your data or even your device, you know a copy is still safely waiting for you back at home.
Check Hair Appliances for Dual Voltage in Foreign Countries: I lost a fine straightener when I was a naïve study abroad student. Even though I used it with a converter, the appliance quickly gave out on me on my first day in Sicily. If you must travel with a hair dryer or a curling iron while abroad, be sure they are dual voltage. Many are automatically dual voltage these days so you don’t have to manually switch from one voltage to another. Also, even if they are dual voltage and you use them with a proper converter and plug, it is always best to keep the heat setting as low as possible, especially when using American appliances in Europe.
Pack Camera Accessories You Might Only Use at Home: To save your travels from a major technological meltdown, you should always pack the necessary camera accessories. This includes the USB cord used to upload photos from your camera to your computer. After each day of touring, be sure to upload your photographs to your computer. That way if your camera breaks or a thief decides the camera is theirs, you know you have photos from up until that point in your trip. It is also a good idea to pack an extra memory card incase your card fails or gets lost in the shuffle.
Set up Passcodes on Phones and Computers: If you don’t have passcodes or passwords when you turn on your devices, you will want to set those up before hitting the road. If your iPhone is snatched from your hands in Tokyo, at least you know your information is protected through a passcode that the thief won’t be able to break.
Store Electronic Devices in Cases and Never Place Them in Checked Baggage: In case you haven’t heard, the stealing of iPods and laptops from checked luggage is somewhat commonplace these days. You should really never check these items. They should always be within your grasp. Electronics can break just through normal travel wear and tear. They should be packed with care in cases and covers, rather than just thrown into a bag.
What are some of your tech tips for travel?
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