Protecting Your Electronics While Traveling
There is a lot to think about when you are planning a trip, like which hotel, which flight, do you need a passport, or will you need different currency? One thing most people don’t think about is what electronics they are going to bring and how will they protect them from getting broken, damaged, or even stolen. No matter what type of electronic device you will be traveling with, camera, phone, laptop, etc., there are several things you can do to make sure your items are taken care of.
Photo by David Lytle, Flickr
The best thing you can do to protect your electronics is keeping them in sight. This means packing your devices in your carry-on bag and not your checked bag. Checked bags aren’t always handled with care, and there is always a possibility that someone may go through it and take what they want. This means if you have to put your brand new Ultrabook Ideapad in your checked bag, you run the risk of it being damaged or stolen. So, when you are packing your bags for your trip, decide what electronics you want to bring and what you want to put in your carry-on. Things like blow dryers and straightners can go in your checked bag since they are easily replaceable if they get broken or stolen. Other items like laptops, tablets, cameras, and phones should go in your carry-on bag. However, since most airlines have rules and restrictions on how many carry-on bags you can have, and the size of the bags, you may have to pick only a couple devices to take with you on your trip. Whether you decide to pack your electronics in your carry-on bag or checked bag, you want to make sure they are packed safely and securely. So, make sure you have enough padding around your electronics so if your bag drops they are still protected. You can do this by wrapping items in clothes, or even use a carrying case, and then position them to be in the middle of the bag, not on the bottom, sides or top of the bag.
Photo by Cecil Lee, Flickr
For while you are out and about exploring, there are some things you can do to make sure your devices are safe. Once you have decided what items you want to take with you, think about how you will carry them while exploring the town or on an adventure. Many manufacturers of cameras, laptops, and tablets have sleeves and cases that were designed to keep your device safe during transportation. Using something made by the manufacturer is the best way to carry your items. If you have a DSLR camera, you wouldn’t want to just throw everything into your backpack and go. You would want a proper camera bag that has enough padding that your equipment doesn’t break. The same goes for laptops and tablets. You will want a bag that has room for your particular laptop or tablet, whether it is small like and iPad or larger like a laptop or Ideapad, and enough padding to protect it. Another thing you can get for added protection is a case, bag or backpack that is water proof. Having water proof cases or bags helps ensure that your devices will be safe even if you end up in a random rain storm.
Something people don’t think about when it comes to protecting the electronics while traveling is the voltage of their destination. Just as a power surge at home would fry any of your electronics, using a devices with the wrong voltage can completely fry your equipment. Many different countries have different voltage requirements, and even have different types of electrical outlets. There are some blow dryers and fans that you can buy that have dual voltage capabilities meaning they should work overseas, but a lot of chargers and laptops don’t have this capability. Make sure and do your research before you leave to see what type of outlets they have and what their voltage is. If you need to, you can buy plug adapters that let you change the prong setting of your device. While some plug adapters also come with voltage converters, there are plenty that don’t. Having a converter will let you safely use things like laptops and chargers without completely frying them. Converters and adapters can be quite cheap depending on the type you get, and normally don’t take up a lot of space so you don’t have to worry about making space in your luggage.
Nicky Elkins is a freelance writer from Pensacola, Florida. She attended the University of West Florida and earned her Graduate degree in Creative Writing. Nicky now uses her gift for writing and her love of all things technology to help others enjoy and understand consumer electronics, social media, and the coolest new gadgets.
