Aviation journalists travel with a variety of tech, including smartphones, tablets, and sometimes e-readers for relaxation. Additionally, external batteries and laptops are vital for keeping all devices running smoothly. After numerous lessons on managing this tech effectively, I’m sharing my top tips to help you travel smarter.
Localise Your Smartphone
Today’s smartphones serve multiple purposes – they are our books, cameras, maps, and boarding passes. Prior to any trip, ensure you maximize storage by downloading photos and videos to your home computer and removing unnecessary apps. Keeping a list of deleted apps can make reinstallation easier upon your return.
Be cautious about apps like dating services if you’re traveling to countries where they may be problematic. Moreover, consider removing sensitive images from your messaging apps, especially if you identify as part of the LGBTQIA community. Familiarize yourself with the local preferred messaging app and set it up before your trip, particularly for accommodation communications.
For instance, in Germany, WhatsApp is widely used, although privacy concerns prompt me to explore alternatives like Signal or Telegram. In specific regions, consider app options like LINE or WeChat that may also be useful.
Stay Connected: Figure Out Your Strategy
Determine how you’ll manage connectivity: relying on home data plans while roaming, purchasing a local SIM, renting a pocket Wi-Fi device, or navigating without cellular service. If you opt for roaming, understand your data limits and the costs incurred upon exceeding them. Be cautious about having data roaming enabled before arrival, as some airlines provide onboard Wi-Fi which could lead to unexpected charges.
If you go with a local SIM, inform friends and family about the change in communication methods, and update your voicemail accordingly. It might also be helpful to share alternative contact methods in your voicemail, including those of a friend who can relay messages if you’ll be offline.
Stay Charged with Your Kit
Always travel with a portable charger featuring multiple USB ports. A 10,000 mAh battery is typically sufficient for daily use with smartphones and tablets. I recommend carrying two USB sockets, especially for additional devices like a USB fan for hot train rides or stuffy hotel rooms.
Brands like Anker are reliable for power banks and multi-port charging bricks. Always choose chargers that support your destination’s plug type to avoid tangled adapters. Store your chargers and cables in a compact pouch to streamline airport security checks.
Finally, strive to minimize the types of connectors you use. If you’re an Apple user, stick to Lightning cables; if your device uses micro-USB or USB-C, maintain consistency. It’s also wise to carry spare cables for convenience.
John Walton is an international aviation journalist. Share your tech travel tips with him on Twitter (@thatjohn) or via email at john@walton.travel.
