Do you love to travel? If so, you’re not alone!
Exploring the world for work or pleasure is one of the most exciting parts of life. After all, there are plenty of amazing destinations to discover. And modern technology has made it possible to take your laptop along for the trip so that you can get work done or to simply stay in touch.
And yet traveling with a laptop comes with a special set of challenges. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place for help. Keep reading to get the inside scoop on the best tips for traveling with a laptop computer as you roam around the world.
1. Packing Your Laptop
For starters, you’d be wise to invest in a quality laptop backpack. This is one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
Keep in mind that you should never pack your laptop inside checked baggage. Why? Because baggage handlers aren’t gentle with luggage. Checks bags get tossed about, stacked in deep piles, and are exposed to sorts of physical abuse. This puts your laptop in jeopardy.
That’s why your padded laptop backpack is so important. You can board the plane with it either keep it on the floor at your feet or stow it in an overhead compartment. In other words, it will always be fully protected and never have to leave your sight.
2. Try to Keep a Low Profile
It’s also a smart move to keep a low profile. In other words, keep your laptop bag close to your body rather than swinging it around where people can easily notice it. After all, if you don’t want any of your stuff to get stolen, go out of your way to be as invisible and anonymous as possible. Keep things as minimal as possible so that you cut a narrow silhouette.
You should also avoid applying any sort of stickers or patches that identify the contents of your laptop as electronic devices. These will serve as a dead giveaway expensive items that attract thieves, especially in airports, or on the street.
3. Going Through Security
It’s no secret that going through security checkpoints in airports is more than a little stressful. We are all familiar by now with the process of taking off our shoes and separating specific items into plastic tubs. The plastic tubs are then run through an x-ray machine in order to identify potentially dangerous items.
So, how should you navigate security with a laptop? Great question. Here’s what we suggest:
First, you’ll need to remove your laptop from its bag for the screening. Be sure to power off the computer, then place it in a tub with no other items. Stand beside the tub until the conveyer built pulls it through the x-ray machine.
Next, remove your laptop from the tub as soon as it emerges from the other end and quickly return it to the padded case.
When using more than one plastic tub for your items, always place your laptop in the last one. This will help ensure that it’s safely on the belt while you are going through the security process. After all, you don’t want to leave it unattended in the tub any longer than necessary.
Then, once you have your computer placed back inside its bag, keep it on your person as you put on your shoes and claim your remaining possessions.
4. Never Leave Your Laptop Unattended
Airports discourage leaving bags unattended for any reason. This is especially important when traveling with a computer.
The airport considers it a potential security issue, but this will also help prevent someone from having the chance to swipe it. Thus it’s a good habit to keep all bags with you, even when going to the restroom, and keep your laptop bag hooked on your shoulder.
5. In Flight
What do you plan to do with your laptop bag once you’ve boarded your flight? After all, you won’t be allowed to hold it on your lap during take-off or landing.
You can place it in the overhead compartment, but this is quite risky because it could fall out when the door is opened. Plus, those compartments are tight spaces and items tend to get mashed.
Your best bet is to store the computer bag under the seat in front of you. This will keep it protected, prevent another passenger from nabbing it, and enable quick access when needed.
6. Store Your Data In the Cloud
When traveling with your laptop, there’s always the risk of losing your laptop and everything stored on it. That’s why you need to take precautions to protect your data. Take the time to save all files to the cloud any chance you get.
7. Travel with Universal Adapters
Invest in a universal adapter that allows you to plug into the mains of the countries you’re planning to visit. This way you’ll always be able to get a full charge. You’d also be wise to travel with a surge protector.
Here’s a resource to help you learn how to save battery on MacBook.
8. Move Your Email to Gmail
Most people use an email client such as Gmail, but many still use the email app on their laptop. We recommend moving your email to Gmail while traveling so that you’ll always have access to incoming messages.
9. Make Sure Your Laptop is Password Protected
No matter how careful you are, there’s always a chance that your laptop could wind up stolen or lost. This is why you need to make sure that your computer is password protected. This will help prevent your data until your computer can be located and recovered.
10. Purchase Travel Insurance
Smart travelers understand the importance of investing in travel insurance. This is especially important when traveling with expensive items such as a laptop. It will provide peace of mind in case anything is lost, stolen, or damaged.
The Complete Guide to Keeping Your Stuff Safe When Traveling with a Laptop
Exploring the world can be exciting yet stressful. Fortunately, these tips for traveling with a laptop will help your next trip be as stress-free as possible.
Keep scrolling to discover more travel and lifestyle advice on our blog.
