The summer travel season is underway, and if you're planning a getaway in the coming months, it's a good idea to start planning now to ensure you have all the necessities you need for your tech devices.
On your next trip, will you be staying at an Airbnb, hotel, or condo? While they may offer all the comforts of home, they often leave something to be desired when it comes to technological amenities.
To fully prepare for your technical needs, follow these steps:
Power outlets aren't often where you need them, so bringing a portable hub or power strip can make a difference. Consider this power strip from Anker, which has six AC outlets, two standard USB ports, and a USB-C port for fast-charging your phone, tablet, or laptop.
If you're traveling on a cruise, keep in mind that power strips with surge protectors are prohibited on all cruise ships. Anker and several other companies offer power strips specifically for cruise ship cabins. These are a necessity, as cabins rarely have outlets. Portable power strips are a great option, with multiple outlets and USB ports in a compact size.
Hotels and rental properties offer WiFi, but for added security it's a good idea to bring your own WiFi router. Connecting your router creates a private network, protecting your devices from potential hackers on a shared network.
A savvy hacker can take over your WiFi network and steal your stored passwords, and security experts warn that hackers could even tamper with your WiFi router to steal keystrokes days or weeks after you've left your premises.
You should also check with your Airbnb host if you can use their own router, as some hosts don't allow you to disconnect the WiFi router because it controls security cameras.
Travel routers are compact and affordable, or you can reuse an old router. Alternatively, consider a hotspot from your cell phone provider, or use the hotspot feature on your phone to access the Internet. If you have an old phone that you don't use anymore, you can add it to your cell phone plan and use it as a hotspot just for your family.
No matter where you're staying, be sure to use a VPN for added security. Hotel and rental WiFi networks are generally less secure than coffee shop WiFi, so a VPN is essential to protect your sensitive data.
With these tech travel tips, you can enjoy a seamless and safe experience on your next trip. Travel safely!
