From snapping vacation selfies to booking hotels on the go to discovering five-star restaurants, travel and tech go hand in hand. 

Unfortunately, cybercriminals know this, too. No matter whether your bags or packed or not yet, read on for some simple vacation online safety tips to protect your devices, data, and peace of mind while on vacay mode. 

Before you go: Prepare your tech

Taking a few small steps before you head out of the door can make a big difference. 

Take Only What You Need 

We recommend limiting the number of devices you bring. Fewer gadgets mean fewer opportunities for them to be lost, stolen, or attacked.

Update your devices and apps 

Before you leave, install the latest updates on all your devices. This is because updates often include important security patches. We recommend that you enable automatic updates, allowing you to receive the latest protection throughout your trip. 

Turn on device locks 

Use strong PINs, passcodes, or biometric locks, such as Face ID or fingerprint scans, on all your devices. These locks protect your data if your device is lost or stolen. 

Enable “Find My Device” features 

Set up remote tracking tools (like Apple’s Find My or Google’s Find My Device) so you can locate, lock, or erase a lost phone or tablet. These settings help you protect your data even if you can't recover your device.  

Adjust privacy settings 

Review your privacy settings on apps and social media. You might want to adjust who can see your profile. Disable location tracking for apps that don’t require it while you're traveling.  

Back up your data 

With any device you bring on vacation, back up important files, such as photos, documents, and contacts, to the cloud or an external hard drive. If your device is lost or damaged, you'll still have your memories and important information. 

While you travel: stay smart on the go 

Once your trip starts, follow these best practices to stay secure and avoid digital mishaps. 

Manage location sharing 

Only enable location services when necessary. Be brutal when considering if an app or website needs to know your location – most do not.  

Think before you post 

While we all want to show off how much fun our vacation is, consider who can see your posts. Sharing your location and activities on social media can alert others that your home is empty. Hold off on posting travel updates in real-time. 

Avoid public wi-fi risks 

Public wi-fi is convenient, but its security might be questionable. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts like banking or email. Use a VPN (virtual private network) or your phone’s hotspot for a more secure connection. 

Secure your devices 

Keep your devices with you. If you want to leave them behind, lock them in a hotel safe. Never leave them unattended in public places. Even a brief trip to the bathroom at a café could be enough time for theft or some shoulder surfing. Always be aware of pickpocketing, purse snatching, and device grabbing. Consider using a device lanyard or leash for your phone. 

Disable auto-connect 

Turn off auto-connect for wi-fi and Bluetooth. These settings can make your device connect to unknown or malicious networks automatically. 

Be cautious with public computers 

Avoid accessing personal accounts on public computers in hotels, libraries, or cafes. If you must, always click "log out" – closing the browser isn't enough. 

Welcome home: Wrap up your trip safely 

When you return, there are a few steps you can take to maintain that secure vacation mindset even at home. 

Review account activity 

Monitor your email, social media, and financial accounts for any suspicious activity or unrecognized charges. Look out for unfamiliar logins and password reset attempts. 

Remove unused travel apps 

You might have downloaded apps during your trip like to buy a train ticket in a foreign country or an app for an amusement park. Audit your device and uninstall apps that you no longer need – then, they won't have access to your data. You can always download them again for your next trip.  

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Additional Resources

• FCC: Cybersecurity Tips for International Travelers

• CISA: Cybersecurity While Traveling Tip Sheet

• ID Theft Center: Travel Safe Blog

• NerdWallet: How to Travel Safely

• Consumer Reports: What You Need to Know About Cyber Safety While Traveling

• Iris Powered by Generali: 10 Summer Vacation Identity Protection Tips

• AARP: Fraud Watch Network

• State Department: High-Risk Area Travelers