Traveling is fun, trust me, I know. I have visited 35 countries and counting.
Today more families are taking advantage of traveling domestically and abroad. You might be cruising, exploring national landmarks, or making memories in amusement parks. While you are packing your bags and having fun, don’t forget to keep your personal information safe. Below are my top tips to help you protect your data and your stuff while you travel.
Things to do Before You Go
1. Pack your bags, lighten your wallet. After you pack your bags, make sure to remove some credit cards, checks, and other items that you won’t need from your wallet. My rule of thumb is to travel with a max of two credit cards that are not from the same processing company. For example, I love to use my American Express card on the road, but if a vendor doesn’t take Amex, I have a Visa or MasterCard just in case. All other credit cards I remove from my wallet and keep at home in a safe place.
2. Back up your info. If you plan to travel with your laptop, tablets, or other devices with a lot of info, make sure to back up your files before you go. If your tech has sensitive information, remove it from your device. Alternatively, you can password protect or encrypt your confidential information. While you’re at it, make sure your anti-virus software and firewalls are up to date too. Protect your tech and info from getting in the hands of the wrong person.
3. Bring your chargers. Pack your charger and a portable charger as a back-up to ensure you have enough power for your devices. If you use public charging stations, make sure to keep a close eye on your devices. Thieves could be nearby waiting for you to stop paying attention so they can swap out your phone charger or charging cable for a similar one that contains malware, which could infect your device.
Related: Traveling to Panama With Dad
4. Let your bank know you are on the go. Before you go, make sure to let your bank and credit card company know you are traveling and where you’re going. If they suddenly see financial transactions miles away from where you usually spend and shop, it might set off their fraud alerts. Save yourself hassle and time trying to make that international call back to your bank, by calling them in advance. Also, confirm if you will have to pay any foreign transaction fees for transactions in other currencies.
5. Set up an in-home security system with cameras. When you travel with the family, sometimes you have to hire strangers to walk the dog or check on the plants. If you are hiring someone to take care of items in your home while you are not there, consider installing a security system. Maybe one that can at least allow you to confirm who enters and exits the house. Make sure you know the laws in your state regarding recording individuals and post signs if that’s required.
6. Hold your mail. Contact your local post office to stop the delivery of packages and other correspondence. It’s best to ensure packages aren’t left in front of your house for others to steal. Plus you prevent your mailbox from overflowing. Too much mail could be a signal to thieves that your house is unattended.
7. Give someone you trust a spare key. Of course, when you least expect it, life happens. In the event, the inside of your house requires immediate attention, because a pipe burst and water is leaking everywhere, give a neighbor or family member a spare key to your home. If you want to be fancy, install a keyless entry lock on your door so only those you authorize with a unique code can access your place.
Things to do While You Travel
8. Watch the Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi is everywhere, but beware it comes with risks. For example, free Wi-Fi is how some hackers intercept data on your phone and use it to their advantage. Protect yourself by not connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi. If you do connect your devices, don’t do sensitive banking and other financial transactions while using free Wi-Fi. It’s not safe to use unsecured Wi-Fi to shop online or to transmit confidential information you don’t want someone else to see.
9. Protect your privacy. To prevent someone from reading your emails or information on your device while you work, use a privacy screen. It stops strangers from knowing all your business, and it can be another layer of protection between your data and misfits.
10. Never check your tech. I know carry-on luggage can get heavy with all the stuff you need to keep close by for your kids to stay quiet and occupied. However, never check your laptop, cell phone, tablets, or other tech devices. They can quickly disappear from checked luggage or become compromised while out of your sight.
11. Keep your passport safe. Some people prefer to keep their passport on them, and others lock it up in the hotel safe. Whichever option you choose, I also recommend you have a copy (in color if possible) of your passport with you while you travel too. Your passport copy is your back up just in case something happens to your real passport.
12. Check-in with the local embassy. There is no need to visit the U.S. embassy or consulate every time you travel. However, when you travel abroad, you should register and let them know you’re in town. As a result, you can get alerts, and the mission can contact you in the event of an emergency.
Now Go!
I know juggling the kids, luggage, and an itinerary can be a lot but don’t forget to travel safely.
Be smart.
In a time where Equifax breaches are common, and hackers from all over the world are trying to buy your information for the best price, it’s your job to keep your stuff and personal identify safe.
If you have any information compromised or stolen, report it immediately. Take care of this stuff before you leave so you can stay alert while you travel and worry less.
What are some of your tips to keep safe while traveling? Please share them in the comments below.