Top Tips on Traveling with Tech Gear for Business or Holiday

Almost everyone who goes on vacation this year will go with some type of tech gear. Whether it's our smart phones, laptops or just a digital camera, technology is part of our lives and part of our getaways. These are the basic tips I use for traveling with tech gear.

Back it up
The best tip for traveling with tech gear is to back up anything with data on it. Flash drives are being made with enough memory to store entire hard drives. They are a quick way to back up any data that you want to keep in case of loss.

Smart phones
We love our phones but how well do we really take care of them? They get bumped around in our bags, dropped and plopped down on counters. One of the best tips for traveling with tech gear is to put your smart phone in a well padded case. The case should fit the phone well but allow you to use it with a maximum of ease.

Another tip for traveling with teach gear such as a smart phone is to keep it by itself in a designated pocket in your bag. Take the phone out, use it, put it back. It won't protect the phone as much as a case but will at least keep it from getting scratched by keys or other items.

Computers
The same rule applies here. Put it in a backpack or case. These days you can pick up an inexpensive backpack that has a special computer pocket. We tend to let our guard down when we're on vacation. Make sure the padded enough to take solid bumps. Another tip for traveling with tech gear is to put the laptop or netbook in two cases, one inside the other.

It's the same for iPods, Kindles, iPads and other handheld electronic devices. Keep them in cases and keep the cases closed when not in use.

Cameras
You'll probably need a camera bag for anything larger than a point and shoot camera. Choose a bag that is sturdy and with good straps. Minimizing is good when on vacation. You may want to choose a bag that's small enough to fit into a backpack or one that's large enough to hold your billfold.

A tip for traveling with tech gear is to get a camera bag that is water resistant. You don't want to worry about your camera if you get caught in a sudden downpour. The bags cost a few dollars extra but your equipment may be worth the investment.

Heat
Almost nothing damages digital components like heat. It doesn't take a very warm day to heat up a car. Hot trunks put your electronics at higher risk of damage. One easy tip for traveling with tech gear is to take your items with you when you park the car. Sure, carrying a camera bag or backpack into a restaurant may not be fashionable but it's much less expensive than the cost of new equipment.

Don't flash it around.
One of the biggest tips for traveling with tech gear is the easiest. Don't be flashy.

It's not smart to listen to your iPod in public, while charging your phone via your laptop and loading photos. If you must do this, don't ask the stranger at the next table to watch your stuff while you're in the bathroom.

I add this as a tip for traveling with tech gear because I've seen variations of this scenario countless times. It's happened in hotel breakfast rooms, coffee houses and even in fast food restaurants.

Theft
This is always a concern. Vigilance doesn't guarantee that your favorite tech gear won't be rehomed before you finish this sentence.

A tip that I use when traveling with tech gear is to create a list of names and serial numbers for each item. Next, I take photos of the items and serial numbers. Then I put everything in one file (a zip file may have to be used) and email it to myself and my husband. Printed copies stay home.

Many hotels have computers and printers in the lobby. Putting my hands on the list is as easy as accessing my email and clicking "print". Failing that, the list can always be faxed upon returning home.

Insurance
Check your travel policy. When you're traveling with tech gear travel insurance may not cover electronics. If it does it probably won't come close to the full cost. Some companies will allow you to purchase additional coverage. Check with your homeowners policy because you may be covered there as well.

Things can and will happen on vacation and otherwise. None of these tips for traveling with tech gear are completely foolproof. When put to use, the tips will help keep your belongings working and in your hands for a long time to come.

Source: Personal Experience