Whether lounging on a beach or hiking through the mountains, chances are you’re staying connected online during your trip. From booking hotels to navigating new cities to sharing photos, travel and technology go hand in hand.

The bad news? Criminals know that, too. The good news? A few smart habits can go a long way in keeping your personal information safe, before, during, and after your trip. 

Before you go: Prepare your devices

Taking a few minutes to secure your tech before you leave can prevent major headaches later.

Bring only what you need

Travel with fewer devices whenever possible. The more you bring, the more you have to keep track of and protect. 

Update your devices and apps 

Install the latest updates on your phone, laptop, and apps before your trip, especially operating system updates. Updates often fix security vulnerabilities that attackers actively exploit. Turning on automatic updates can help you stay protected while you're away. 

Use strong device MFA

Enable strong PIN, password, and biometric multifactor authentication (such as fingerprint or facial recognition) on all devices. If your phone or laptop is lost or stolen, this is your first line of defense.

Turn on “Find My Device” features

Activate tracking tools like Apple’s Find My or Google’s Find My Device. These tools let you locate, lock, or erase your device remotely if it goes missing.

Review privacy and location settings

Check which apps can access your location and personal data. Disable location tracking for apps that don’t need it while traveling.

Back up important data

Back up photos, documents, and contacts to the cloud or an external drive before you leave. If something happens to your device, you won’t lose everything.

While you travel: Stay safe on the go

Once your trip begins, a few mindful habits can help you avoid common risks.

Be thoughtful about location sharing

Only turn on location services when necessary. Many apps request location access, but don’t actually need it.

Think before you post

Sharing vacation updates in real time can signal that your home is empty. Consider posting photos after you return. We also recommend limiting who can see your posts.

Use public wi-fi wisely

Public wi-fi is generally safer than we often give it credit for nowadays, and most websites now use encryption (look for “https” in the URL). But if something feels off, you can use a mobile hotspot if you have one. Also, you generally don’t need a VPN, and VPNs aren't a replacement for antivirus software.

Keep your devices secure

Keep devices with you whenever possible. If you leave them behind, store them in a hotel safe. Even a quick distraction in a public place can lead to theft.

Turn off auto-connect

Disable automatic connections to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks. This prevents your device from connecting to unknown or potentially unsafe networks without your knowledge.

Avoid public computers for personal accounts

Try not to log into personal accounts on shared or public computers (like at a hotel or internet cafe). If you must, log out completely when you’re done – closing the browser isn’t enough.  

After you return: Stay vigilant

A few final steps can help you catch any issues early.

Check your accounts

Review your bank, email, and social media accounts for unusual activity in the weeks after traveling. Look for unfamiliar logins, charges, or password reset emails.

Delete apps you no longer need

If you downloaded apps for your trip, like transit, event, or travel apps, consider deleting them when you’re home. Fewer apps mean fewer places your data is stored!

Stay secure wherever you roam 

Travel should be about relaxing and exploring, not dealing with cyber stress. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy your trip while staying secure. For more tips, sign up for our newsletter! 

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