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Nobody – young and old alike – goes anywhere without their smartphone anymore. And, why would you? With your phone in hand, you have instant access to maps, flight details, restaurant reviews, a camera and other essential travel tools.
But, there’s more to traveling with your device than simply slipping it in your pocket and hitting the road. Do you know what to do if it’s lost or stolen? What if you forget your charger at home? And, how do you use your phone without annoying those around you?
Check out our tips below, good for local, or longer travel:
1. Power up: A smartphone is only a great travel tool if it has power, so plug in while you sleep every night. If you forget your charger, check with your hotel — they may have one another guest left behind. Battery always running low? Get a power pack or add-on battery so you can charge without an outlet.
2. Lock up: A simple passcode can make a big difference when it comes to protecting the personal data on your phone. And, you might want to consider software that can help you locate your phone using GPS. Many programs allow you to control and/or wipe data from your phone remotely if it is lost or stolen. And, since we’re talking about wiping data, this is a great time to remind you to back up your phone. When’s the last time you did that? If your phone is one of the millions stolen every year, don’t panic. Try to locate and lock your phone remotely, maybe even wipe its data. Then, contact the police and your wireless provider, as well as your financial institutions if you use your phone for banking, paying bills, etc.
3. Wrap it up: If you have to take a call, finish it before you get on the plane or sit at the table. Set your ringer to silent or vibrate. And, when you’re in a crowded space, text instead of talking. Others in the vicinity will thank you.
Sometimes our customers ask if their smartphone is covered by their homeowners insurance, and yes it is, because it’s your personal property, but you also have to pay out your deductible first. For example, if you lose your $1,200 phone, but you have a $1,000 deductible, you’re only netting $200, which doesn’t make the best financial sense. Typically the insurance offered by your cellular carrier is going to be a better way to insure your phone, since they’ll have a lower deductible.
Our final tip when cell phoning is to remember to look up. At least every once in a while, put down your phone and connect with those around you. You’ll be glad you did.