More people are carrying gadgets such as phones and laptops everywhere they go, a phenomena now called BYOD (bring your own device) This means that a lot of these travel gadgets that may contain personal and/or confidential business information end up lost or stolen and in the hands of strangers, which is why it is important to take precautions to keep them safe and facilitate the process of getting them back.
There a few things you can do to make sure your gadgets stay with you
- Turn up the volume
When you are at an airport or other crowded places were it is OK to have your volume up (unlike movie theaters) make sure to set it to high on your phone. You are more likely to hear the ring and locate it. This could also work for any gadget that has audible alerts.
- Keep your travel gadgets in your carry-on bag
Do not put anything that is valuable and you do not want to lose in your checked luggage. It is a lot safer and more comfortable and likely to arrive in one piece packed well into the carry-on. Anything that is easily replaceable either at your destination or back home can go into checked-in luggage.
- Tag it
Not only personalizing your phone is fun, but it could also mean getting it back when it is misplaced. Bright colors or unique designs would help you easier and quicker to see and identify your gadget.
- Wrap it
Recently we purchased an underwater digital camera. We got tired of using the disposable ones as they are cumbersome to use and to take photos. Also the price for these adds up over time. The digital camera would pay for itself in a couple of trips. To go with our Panasonic Lumix waterproof camera
we also got the floating strap. It is the same color as the camera (yes, bright orange). You can see it from a distance, it secures the camera on your wrist. And best yet, if it does come off, it will just float on top of the water with the camera attached and not letting it sink to the bottom of the ocean.- Track it down
Apple mobile devices come with FindMy(fill in iProduct) apps. Turn these on, if have not already, when traveling. These will allow the carrier or the police to locate your tech gadgets on a map via GPS signal. You can also sign up for or install other similar features for your mobile gadgets either from cellphone providers or stand alone software such as Lojack For Laptops
, which tracks and recovers lost or stolen computers.
- Put it on a leash
Wireless leash that is. ZOMM Wireless Leash
tethers to your phone wirelessly and will alert you if you and it ever separate by more than 30 feet. Another safety feature that it has is the simple one-button press and hold system to get you in touch with 911.- Keep the data secured
Put a password on any device that has an option. Turn off wi-fi when not in use. Be careful when using public access wireless services as these are not secure. Refrain from logging in and accessing personal and financial information while in these spots. Back up all your files before taking off.
Did you know?
It is a good idea to not post your pictures and videos of your vacation until after you get home. Some unsavory internet users search through social networking sites looking for clues that homes are unoccupied.
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