Published Dec 16, 2025, 1:01 PM EST
Jack has been a contributing author at MakeUseOf since June 2024, specializing in entertainment and its associated technology. He is passionate about creating engaging content that inspires and informs, having published articles and reviews in several reputable online resources since 2010, including SlashGear, BestReviews, and Ezvid Wiki.
Jack's work has taken him far and wide, from South America to Europe, South Asia, and the Far East, and his experiences continue to influence his writing. As a graduate with a BA in music technology, he is particularly interested in new developments in this field, including music hardware, music creation software, and music streaming services.
When he’s not researching and trying out the latest software and devices, Jack enjoys riding his motorcycles to far-flung destinations, playing guitar, and creating music and vlogs using Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro on Mac.
Each year, as I head home for the holidays, international travel never fails to throw me a few surprises. On my last trip, a few unexpected hiccups reminded me that staying prepared goes far beyond packing a power bank. It’s about choosing the right tools, setting up my devices, and knowing what to do when things don’t quite go to plan.
Having learned from bitter experience, I now stick to a few simple tech tips for travel, and each one plays a crucial role in keeping my trip smooth, stress-free, and even enjoyable. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning a one-off getaway, these five simple strategies can help you stay connected, protect your information, and avoid typical tech-related frustrations while on the road.
Using offline maps saves me a lot of frustration
Don’t rely solely on data to get from A to B
Before leaving, I download offline maps for every city on my itinerary, and this single step saves me over and over again. In one notable incident last year, offline maps came to the rescue when my mobile data dropped during a busy afternoon in London, and I was forced to use a replacement bus service after the Northern Line of the Tube was unexpectedly shut down.
Offline maps also help me plan walking paths, find public transit options, and bookmark important spots like restaurants and attractions. Better yet, it saves my phone’s battery power because it doesn’t need to constantly search for a signal. It’s such a simple and quick-to-action habit, but it gives me reliable navigation no matter where I end up.
A dual SIM and eSIM setup makes connectivity ultra-reliable
Public Wi-Fi just doesn’t cut it while on the go
Credit: Jack Mitchell/MakeUseOf
Staying connected is my biggest priority, as I usually need to check in with work, access transport bookings, communicate with hotels, and share my location with friends. When I recently traveled to India, I ended up buying a cheap local SIM at the airport, in addition to the eSIM I had preinstalled, to ensure I could meet deadlines.
This worked beautifully, as there were times my SIM lost connection, and I had to switch to the eSIM, and vice versa. At the very least, I now buy a short eSIM plan at the start of each journey to cover travel, in addition to a local SIM to last the duration of my trip. This is especially crucial for any international trip, as this simple setup means instant internet access and complete peace of mind from the moment I land.
A power bank and charging kit saved my day more than once
Don’t get caught out with low-power devices when you need them most
Credit: Hannah Stryker / MakeUseOf
Between my laptop, tablet, phone, headphones, and other peripherals, my charging tech has to do a lot of heavy lifting, especially if I expect to work while I’m in transit. My kit includes a compact but high-capacity power bank, a high-powered USB-C charger, a universal adapter, a short charging cable for on-the-go use, and an extra-long cable for hotel rooms with awkward outlet placement.
This setup has saved me from dead-battery panic on countless occasions, especially while working or on long day trips where I relied heavily on maps and power-hungry apps. The universal adapter has proved invaluable since not all hotels have USB ports, and the long cable lets me charge devices and set up a remote workspace while keeping everything within reach.
This small, lightweight kit ensures every device stays powered throughout early-morning tours to late-night data backups. A thoughtful charging setup should be a chief priority for anyone who works remotely or takes long-haul trips for work or leisure.
Cloud backups save my photos and essential documents
Ensure you don’t lose your priceless memories to data corruption, device loss, or theft
Credit: Jack Mitchell/MakeUseOf
While my Google One subscription certainly isn’t cheap, I can’t put a price on the peace of mind that my photos and documents are safely backed up in the cloud. I set my phone to upload photos when connected to Wi-Fi, saving valuable data while in transit, and as soon as I arrive at my hotel, I don’t have to worry about losing memories if something happens to my device.
In addition to photos, I store digital copies of my passport, accommodation bookings, travel insurance, and trip tickets (for these, I add shortcuts to my phone’s home screen for easy access at check-in). Having these files easily accessible makes check-ins smoother and removes the fear of misplacing essential papers. Cloud backups are more than just a convenience; they’re a safety net that protects both your memories and your important documents throughout your journey.
A lightweight VPN protects my data in every public space
Secure your data from hackers and snooping while connected to public networks
Credit: Justin Duino / MakeUseOf
Public Wi-Fi is an unavoidable necessity on long trips when data is scarce, mobile connectivity drops, or I need a faster connection. To protect myself, I use a lightweight VPN that automatically activates whenever I connect to an unsecured network. This encrypts my data, blocks suspicious connections, and prevents location-based tracking.
When staying in hotels, I double down by using a travel router as an extra layer of security, but a VPN is enough to confidently check travel bookings, access financial data, and handle personal messaging without worrying about snooping or hacking attempts. It’s a small tool that makes a big difference, especially in busy tourist areas where cyber threats are often more common than we realize.
Alleviate stress and actually enjoy your trip
Nobody needs extra stress when in transit, and in hindsight, these five simple tech habits have saved me considerable hassle with navigation, communication, security, and convenience while on the road. None of them required fancy gear or complicated setups, just a bit of preparation and a little expense for peripherals and online tools.
Getting from A to B doesn’t need to be a struggle. This combination of reliable connectivity, smart backups, and practical tech routines not only kept stress at bay but also gave me the freedom to enjoy the journey fully and meet important deadlines. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or on a family vacation, adopting these small habits can make your next holiday smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable.