My Travel Process

Learn how to keep in touch internationally. Data Data, which you'll know as 4G, LTE, and 5G, is different than calls and texts. Research your international data plan to know what to expect. You may be charged per kilobyte. Multiply that by 100 for a megabyte, and a 1000 for a gigabyte. Note: it does not take long to blow through a gigabyte if you're not careful. Your phone, as well as most every app, has a low data mode that might help. Your phone may have the option of turning off data, but leaving on Wi-Fi. If you really don't want to use minutes, texts, or data, you can switch it off to ensure you do not. But then your phone will work with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi only. If you need to connect to the Internet with your laptop but aren't near Wi-Fi, you can consider connecting to your phone as a hotspot, at least as a backup. Your current plan may or may not include hotspot privileges.  Texting and Minutes Remember when we had to pay for every text and call? Congratulations, yo

Learn how to keep your things safe while traveling. Luggage Store valuables, electronics, and medication in your carry-on bag when flying: Read up on FAA and airline requirements/allowances for medication. Store a back-up credit card in your checked bag in case your carry-on is stolen. Tag the checked bag with your info. If you are wearing a backpack that's light enough, wear it on your front and hug it. Wallet Buy a pouch that hangs around your neck, underneath your shirt, and under the seam of your pants. Keep your ID and money in there. Open and access it only when inside. Phone Buy or build a tether that hooks to your phone case. Here are some examples. Phone Lasso Blackrapid WandeR Phone Lace Blue Angel Lanyard If someone tries to rip your phone out of your hands, you'll have it strapped to your wrist and/or your waist, or across your body. Don't put your phone in your back pocket. Documents Print paper copies of every document you have: Flight details and confirmation

Learn how to keep your digital identity secure while traveling. H ow to Secure your Accounts If you use Gmail and lose your phone, you may be locked out forever if you're not prepared. Identify a trusted recovery person. Do this ASAP. Google: Security > Recovery Set the phone and email to someone you trust. If you have an icloud account, do the equivalent. Lock Screen Emergency Contact On your phone, you can either list an individual to be an emergency contact, or enter free text and include emergency contact details. If you lose your phone, some good Samaritan will know who to call. You can also write or print out details on a small piece of paper and store it behind your phone case. Passwords Use a different, random password for every website and service. Chrome and Edge have this tool built-in, or use the LastPass Password Generator Let your browser or LastPass remember your passwords, or save them in a secure file. I use an app called FairNote, which can encrypt notes with

Learn how to book a flight.