With today's technological advancements, traveling has made simpler and more convenient for everybody. There are real-live maps, online bookings, useful reviews, and flight updates - all offered by fingertip access.
But even with all these tech advantages, they are also pitfalls we couldn't disregard. There are concerns as simple as keeping your gadget up and about for hours to protecting your personal details from hackers.
In the world of modern travel, we are wired to do almost everything with our screens and on the internet. It seems impossible to leave any of our gadgets behind. Your gadgets may bring tremendous convenience for your travels, but they can also be the reason of your anxieties and confusions. They can either be a friend or a foe. This could be a bummer when you only want some downtime and peace in the perfect place to go with your beloved.
So to keep your wanderlust experiences on a positive note, there are a few tricks to solve high-tech dilemmas:
1: Pack the right adapter
If your gadget needs a three-prong outlet, it may be challenging to find a suitable power source in old and traditional buildings. Bringing your own adapters allows you to charge your gadgets anywhere in the world!
2: Bring a mini power strip
Have you ever checked in at a hotel and find only a single socket in your room? It is frustrating to see that your phone's battery is draining in a place where charging outlets are scarce. If you travel with tons of gadgets, you might have the need to plug your phone, laptop, and camera battery. Now you have to spend hours alternating these devices on a single socket. Heck, you might find yourself unplugging the TV cord and/or the hand dryer to make more outlets for your devices.
Instead of going through all these troubles, why not consider bringing a mini power strip? This could give you quick access to portable sockets and let you charge any of your devices in a single sitting.
This is also a good option for when you're stuck at the airport where competition for charging outlets can be a bit rough. You can get all charging activities done conveniently and share your extra charging sockets with other travelers.
Like in buying a mobile that fits perfectly to you, the same goes in buying a portable power strip. Mini power strips come at different varieties, from conventional ports to USB sockets. Make sure to purchase the right portable power strip depending on your gadgets.
3: Seal your gadgets in plastic bags
Sealable plastic bags are cheap and easy to pack, compared to most waterproof cases available on the market. By sealing your phone in this small sandwich bag, you never have to worry about getting it soaked on any of your water adventures.
4: Use cloud storage for safekeeping
Cloud storage sites like Dropbox and Google Drive are great avenues to store any of your data. This way, you can save space on your phone or laptop by storing all the hundreds of pictures you've collected on your trip.
Besides preventing your gadget storage from filing up, this online safekeeping option is a cool way to have a backup file in case your phone is stolen, broken, or lost.
It's good to put your personal data on the cloud too. Things like passport number, passwords, and local numbers need to be stored in a safe and remote place. While you can always e-mail yourself with this data, you can also easily get access to this private information on your cloud storage.
5: Use a private internet connection
Whenever people see free public Wi-Fi, they would instantly connect and browse their social media and do any other personal matters online. These would be those internet connections you can find in cafes, malls, restaurants, or any public areas. And while they're usually free and unlimited, it is best to proceed with caution.
Do not take this warning lightly: "This internet is unsecured others may see your information."
The use of public Wi-Fi is not discouraged, but it is a personal responsibility to keep your browsing matters confidential. Do not check your bank accounts, financial data, or any important information using an unsecured internet connection. Because unfortunately, these unsafe networks are where most hackers breed and do their illegal biddings. It is easier for them to bypass the user's information with public Wi-Fi.
Identity theft and leakage of one's personal details happen a lot these days. It is one of the most serious and devastating problems in this tech-driven era. The good thing, however, is that you can prevent it.
If you need an internet connection for some important reason, it is best to do any of your online transactions using a private network. At-home Wi-Fi is a good source. But if finding one seems impossible, you can cover your tracks through some protected sources like PrivateInternetAccess.com and SurfShield.com.