How to Pack and Protect Electronics – Day 21 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag

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Welcome to Day 21 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag.

Travelers are bringing more and more electronics on their trips. From iPhones and laptops to e-readers and everything in between.

Why?

To capture every moment, stay connected, keep themselves entertained, and so much more.

We understand why you would want to bring your electronics with you but they do add to your packing list.

Not only do you need to keep electronics protected from the bumps and turbulence that come with travel, but also from theft.

Take Only the Electronics You Need

We’re starting with our biggest piece of advice: Only take the electronics you really need.

There are a few reasons for this:

1. Electronics can easily weigh you down.
2. The more electronics you bring, the more “money” being toted around in your luggage. 
3. Having expensive gear on your travels can make you a target for theft. 

With that in mind, you need to consider what will be absolutely necessary on your travels.

Here are some benefits of packing different devices:

• Laptops: Good for blogging, keeping in touch with friends and family back home, personal entertainment, scheduling and organizing your travels, and never having to wait for shared hostel devices. Great for when you’re working on the road.
• Phones: Also good for keeping in touch with friends and family around the world, finding your way, updating social networks (if you have data on the phone), and taking photos and videos. A good travel app (or 20) on your phone can also benefit your travels.
• E-Reader: A Kindle or other reading device allows you to save space in your luggage when it comes to the number of books, if any, you carry. This is a great addition for travelers who love to read on the beach, the train, or anywhere in between.
• iPad or Tablet: These make for more compact ways to access certain apps, access the internet, and keep in touch with friends. These will not be as robust for editing and backing up photos as a laptop.
• Cameras: Point and shoots, DSLRs, or video, these devices help you to capture your adventures. Nowadays, most smartphones take photos that are perfect for most travelers. 

When choosing your devices, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Can you pack items that serve multiple purposes? Instead of a video camera, a phone, and a tablet, can you just take a smartphone and get all the features in one device?
2. Will you use the item to its full potential? Packing a video camera to be used once or twice probably isn’t going to be worth it. In the same sense, packing a laptop when traveling to remote destinations without Internet or proper electricity is unnecessary.

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Extras to Pack When Traveling With Electronics

Packing electronics also means packing some extras, whether that be chargers and a battery pack or protective gear. We’re breaking it down for you.

For Your Smartphone, Tablet, and E-Reader

Smartphone cases – Pack a case for your smartphone that will keep it protected from bumps, drops, and scratches. Trust us – those iPhone screens were made to crack! If you’re going to be active or near water, try a case from Otterbox.

Backup battery– In addition to your phone charger, you can pack an extra battery pack that plugs into your phone and charges it. Other versions are solar-powered. This is a great addition if you know you’re going to be using your phone a lot while you are away from your accommodation for the day.

E-Reader and Tablet cases– If you have a tablet, you might want to try a case that stands up so that you can watch movies.

Screen protectors– Whatever product you bring, it should have some sort of screen protector to protect the screen from getting dirty or broken.

• Check out this post: How to Use Your Phone While Traveling Abroad

For Your Laptop

If you’re bringing a laptop with you on your travels you are going to want to bring a padded case that will survive the bumps of trains, planes, and automobiles.

Back up your documents and photos with a USB drive or external hard drive before you leave.

For Your Camera

Whether you’re packing a DSLR or a simple point-and-shoot, your camera is an important item to protect while traveling. 

• Bring a lens cloth to clean off dirt and grime. 
• Camera bags should firstly protect your camera while also being versatile enough to carry other items in. Pro tip: you can turn any bag into a camera bag.
• Tripods are another item to pack for stable photos.

Remember, if you have a relatively new smartphone and you are only taking photos for the memories, you probably won’t need to bring a camera.

Chargers and Universal Adapters

Don’t forget to pack all the chargers that go with your electronics, along with a universal adapter for your chosen destination. 

Make sure that the voltage lines up because an adapter is not the same as a converter. You can try one plug that changes for different countries or buy a set of multiple adapters. 

A surge protector is also good to bring so you can charge many things at once.

Organizational Tools and Other Essentials

Grid-It – Keep your cords and chargers organized with a Grid-It’s bands and zippered pocket.

PacSafe Bag – PacSafe is a great choice of travel bag if you’re carrying expensive electronics. The anti-theft additions and slash-proof material will give you some peace of mind while traveling. 

Insurance – Any time you bring electronics on your travels (and every time you travel anywhere actually) you should have some sort of insurance coverage to protect you against theft, injury, baggage delay, flight cancellations, and any other form of mishap.

Waterproof Pouches– You can purchase waterproof cases for your camera, phone, and tablet so that you can take underwater photos.

Lock – If you’re storing your valuable electronics in a locker at your hostel, it’s better to bring your own lock, either combination or key, rather than counting on having them provided.

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How to Pack Your Electronics

1. Priority number one for packing your electronics is to make sure you have them cushioned, dry, and temperate. How you place these items in your luggage will depend on your luggage style. 
2. Our biggest tip, however, is to keep anything important and expensive on you at all times. That means placing your big cameras and laptops in your carry-on luggage. Not only does this ensure your items will not get jostled around, but it also means they won’t get lost if the Bermuda Triangle should swallow your suitcase.
3. Have a separate pouch for your cords and cables to keep them organized. 

When flying, have your laptop in a case that is easy to get out for security screening.

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Tips for Traveling with Electronics

Here are a few extra tips for traveling with your electronics

• Protect against power surges: Make sure you use a surge protector or voltage converter to protect your electronics from power surges or voltage fluctuations in different countries.
• Use a protective case: Make sure any electronics in your bag are in some sort of protective case to keep them from getting damaged.
• Pack electronics in your carry-on: This way you can not only keep an eye on them and ensure they don’t get stolen, but you can also make sure they aren’t jostled too much in your bag.
• Back up all important data before your trip: If the worst-case scenario does occur and something is stolen, damaged, or lost, at least all of your data will still be stored on the cloud or an external hard drive safely at home.
• Check travel insurance coverage: Make sure whatever travel insurance you choose covers you if your electronics get lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip.
• Update software and security before traveling: Make sure all of your devices have up-to-date security software and anti-virus protection to protect against any cyber threats while traveling.

What electronics are you bringing with you on your travels, and how do you plan on protecting them? Let us know in the comments below.

• PREVIOUS – Day 20: Health and Hygiene Packing Considerations
• NEXT – Day 22: Extra Travel Tools and Other Unnecessarily Necessary Gear