Tech Tips for Travel

Travel: the chance to explore new places, meet new people, and fight for the last airport outlet as though your phone’s life depended on it. Whether you're heading out on a business trip or a beach escape, your tech is your lifeline. And let’s be honest: if your laptop dies mid-Zoom call or your phone forgets how to connect to Wi-Fi, it can feel like the end of the world (or at least your patience).

As your friendly neighbourhood computer service and repair experts, we’ve seen it all, from laptops that took a swim in the hotel pool to tablets that came back from vacation with more viruses than a cruise ship buffet. So, we’ve put together some travel-savvy tech tips to help you stay powered, connected, and sane during your vacation.

1. Back UP

Before you even zip up your suitcase, back up your data. Cloud storage, external drives, magic, whatever works for you. If your laptop takes a tumble or your phone ends up in the hands of a pickpocket with an affinity for playing Candy Crush, at least your files will be safe and sound.

Pro Tip: If you’re not backing up your data regularly, this is your opportunity to safeguard your data. Future you (and your photos of future piña coladas) will thank you.

2. Protect Your Gear

Travel cases exist for a reason and frankly, your hoodie doesn’t count as padding. Invest in a solid, shock-absorbent laptop sleeve and protective phone case. Consider skipping the “waterproof” bag that you bought for $4 online from a store that also sells inflatable unicorns.

3. Stay Charged

There’s nothing like landing in a new country and realizing your charger isn’t compatible. Research the outlets and voltages of your destination and bring adapters. Better yet, purchase a universal travel adapter because variety is the spice of life, and also the bane of every traveller’s tech setup.

Bonus Tip: A portable power bank can be the difference between a full phone battery or having to talk to strangers at the airport bar.

4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Pitfalls

Free airport Wi-Fi: the digital equivalent of a sketchy handshake. If you must connect, avoid accessing anything sensitive, like your bank account or the draft of your unpublished novel.

Better yet, use a VPN. That’s a Virtual Private Network, not a Very Paranoid Nerd (though we support those too). A VPN adds a layer of security and makes it harder for hackers to snoop on your online activity.

5. Keep It Clean (Digitally and Physically)

Airports are full of germs. So are hotel rooms. And, let’s be honest, probably your keyboard. Pack some screen-safe wipes and keep your tech sparkling. While you’re at it, do a little digital spring cleaning. For example, delete outdated downloads, close unnecessary tabs (yes, all 37 of them), and uninstall apps you don’t use.

6. Review your Passwords and 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)

If your password is still “password123” or your dog’s name, we need to have a serious discussion. Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and consider a password manager. That way, if someone obtains your Netflix login, they’re not also booking a flight to Hawaii on your credit card.

When traveling overseas, ensuring secure access to your accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA) can be tricky, especially if you rely on SMS codes that may not work internationally. Here are some of the best options to consider:

• Authenticator Apps: Apps like Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, and Authy generate time-sensitive codes that don’t require an internet connection or mobile service. Authy is particularly useful because it allows backups and multi-device syncing.

  
  

• Push Notifications: Some banks and services offer push notifications through their mobile apps, allowing you to approve logins without needing a text message.

  
  

• Backup Codes: Many services provide one-time backup codes that you can store securely before traveling. These can be used in case you can’t receive a 2FA code.

  
  

• International-Friendly Phone Plans: Some users opt for international mobile plans or services like Google Fi or Ultra Mobile, which allow SMS reception abroad.

7. Don’t Leave Devices Unattended - Even for a Croissant

Yes, European pastries are irresistible. But so is your shiny MacBook to a tech-savvy thief. Always keep your gear with you, or locked in a secure place. Consider using cable locks or tracking software such as “Find My Device.”

8. AirTags or Smart Trackers

You’ve seen the viral videos: luggage tossed like it’s auditioning for the Olympics. Enter Apple AirTags (or Tile or Samsung SmartTags if you're not in the iCult). These devices can help you keep tabs on your suitcase, backpack, or even that one tech gadget you always forget in hotel rooms. Just tuck one in your bag and track its location from your phone.

Caution: Watching your AirTag fly to Paris while you’re stuck in Vancouver is only fun for about five seconds.

9. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

If you’ve ever tried to listen to a podcast over the roar of a 737 engine, or the high-pitched operatic stylings of a nearby toddler—you know that noise-cancelling headphones aren’t a luxury. They’re a necessity. Invest in a quality pair. Your ears (and your sanity) will thank you. Plus, you’ll look important and mysterious, even if you’re just watching reruns of The Office.

10. SIM Cards, eSIMs & the Magical World of Mobile Data

Unless you’re planning to survive on hotel Wi-Fi and broken dreams, you’ll need mobile data. Local SIM cards are often cheaper and faster than roaming plans, but they do require you to physically swap them. Do you remember SIM ejector tools? eSIMs, on the other hand, are like digital SIM cards you can install via a QR code, no surgery required. Many phones now support dual SIMs, so you can stay connected without sacrificing your original number.

Pro Move: Install an eSIM before you leave, so you hit the ground running and Instagramming.

When Things Go Wrong, Depend on RW Networks

Even with the best preparation, accidents happen. Technology fails. Screens crack. Wi-Fi ghosts you. If your devices come home more broken than you after a red-eye flight, don’t panic, we’re here to help. We specialize in breathing life back into tired tech.

Safe travels and smooth connections, fellow digital nomads!

CONTACT ROB