I love to travel. I love technology. I'm writing this article from the Four Seasons Hotel in Kyoto, Japan, but I've picked up a few tricks that I think will help you too.
Join 509,000 smart people who receive my free daily technology newsletter, The Current. We're sure you'll love it!
Get documents in order
By now, you probably have all the apps you need for airlines, customs, rideshare, maps, train tickets, translation, and more. Create a “just in case” folder in case you lose your wallet or break your phone. Hey, crazier things happen. Make sure it is saved in a location that you can access from your device, such as a tablet or laptop.
Please scan at least your driver's license, passport, TSA or Global ID, and health insurance card.
On your iPhone, the Notes app is your go-to. Bonus: Built-in and saves your notes to the cloud.
- Open the Notes app.
- Create a new note by clicking the square icon with a pen in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Tap the camera icon at the bottom of the new note, then[ドキュメントのスキャン]Choose.
On Android, try Google Drive's scanning feature.
- Open the Google Drive app.
- Tap the plus button in the bottom right corner.
- If you haven't already, tap Scan to allow access to your camera.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to take and save a photo.
Go the extra mile and save copies of all of these as PDFs. You can also add it to your e-book app or send it to your Kindle for offline access. I also keep track of my flights, accommodations, and reservation details in Google Docs.
Set your inbox to “See ya” mode
About 40% of people, including myself, respond to emails while on vacation. If possible, turn off all email notifications or disable your mobile email account. Please include an out-of-office reply in your email. However, the trick is to keep things simple. Too many people say too much and end up just annoying their contacts.
Make it easy. The template is:
“I am not in the office. I will reply to your message when I return on (this day). If it is an emergency, please contact (this person) at (phone number) and (email address). ” By the way, take a day or two of your time. You will need time to catch up.
Check out safe charging methods
Juicejacking is a term used to describe a horrifyingly sophisticated scam. With a simple code swap, someone can turn a public charging station into a way to silently hack into your phone.
why? Money and data, of course. The idea is to upload malware to your device and then hold your phone to ransom or steal your passwords.
For 100% protection, keep all USB ports away. Such attacks are especially likely to occur overseas. Hackers can target popular USB ports in hotel rooms to steal data, even if you're not using a kiosk. Pro Tip: There is usually a slot on the back of your TV for a USB cable. It's a safer choice.
Using a wireless charging station is fine, but the best option is to carry your charger and power bank with you.
If you must, you can safely use a USB connection with the appropriate cable. You should plan ahead and have a charging-only cable for your trip. It is cheap and compact, but cannot transfer data.
maintain technical knowledge
My popular podcast is called “Kim Commando Today.” He's 30 minutes packed with tech news, tips, and calls from people like you with tech questions from all over the country. Search wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, click the link below to watch the latest episode.
Podcast Pick: Financial Columnist Loses $50,000 in Scam
Plus, the Gen Z slang you need to know, computer-curious fire ants, whether it's cool to be rude to AI, and the technology that controls your car's speed.
Check out my podcast “Kim Commando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Search for my last name “Commando”.
Sound like a tech pro, even if you're not. Popular award-winning host Kim Commando is your secret weapon. Listen to over 425 radio stations or get the podcast. Over 400,000 people subscribe to his free 5-minute daily email newsletter.
