How to safely pack your electronics for a trip
Safely packing your electronics for travel involves more than attaching a case and crossing your fingers. If you’re traveling with one of thebest Chromebooksor an Android tablet, you’ll want to take extra steps to ensure your fragile device is safe.
This guide walks you through every step of packing your electronics for travel. From choosing the correct bag to organizing your items for security checkpoints, we’ll help you get your electronics to your destination in perfect condition. Then, when you’re on the way, you’ll want to kill some time with one of thebest Android games for your phone or tablet.
Check travel rules before you go
You must carefully check the travel rules before reaching for your suitcase. There’s no point in carefully packing and securing your devices if you can’t bring them through security. For example, theFederal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricts lithium-ion batteries, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devicesin the plane’s cargo hold. This law means that a bag with a power bank won’t be allowed on a plane.
If you’re traveling internationally, double-check the travel restrictions in your destination country before you go. Many restrictions are universal, but double-checking costs nothing and can save you time and money.
Only pack essential electronics
It’s easy to overpack, but bringing an unnecessary tablet is more risky than a spare shirt. Think about your trip itinerary and what you will or won’t need. Think about if you can use one device for multiple jobs. Many of thebest Android phoneshave fantastic cameras you can use instead of a digital camera, and an Android tablet can do the work of your laptop in a pinch.
However, there are some essentials for any trip.One of the best portable power banks is a must-bring. You’ll want to keep your phone topped up wherever you are, and a spare charging cable or two for your phone is always a good decision (A USB-A to USB-C adapter is a must!).A universal adapterand a surge protector are good things to keep in your luggage when you travel to foreign countries. Many of these devices can be picked up in airports or other transit hubs, so don’t fret if you forgot to pack them.
Pack your electronics in your carry-on
Always pack electronics in your carry-on or personal item. The FAA prohibits lithium-ion batteries in the plane’s cargo hold, so anything with one (which is most modern rechargeable electronics) must be carried with you. If you don’t have a carry-on, ensure your personal item can fit your devices. Choose bags with plenty of internal pockets and compartments so that you can organize your devices for easy access.
Organizing your devices can also help when passing through security checkpoints. This always happens at airport terminals, but you can expect it for any form of public transportation. Pack your devices so that they’re instantly visible upon opening your bag and can be pulled out quickly for inspection.
If you carry a lot of electronics, spend a few bucks for a foldable duffel bag (preferably in a bright color) that you can use until you get through TSA. Once you’ve reached the gate, move your electronics to your carry-on bag, and put the foldable duffel bag in a pocket. This can save you from digging through your bag to find that elusive device. Roll up the cables neatly and tie them with a rubber band to avoid tangles.
Keeping your electronics in your carry-on helps prevent loss or theft. If you always have it on hand or within sight, it’s less likely to go missing.
Secure your devices before you go
After you’ve decided what to bring, ensure your devices are protected from loss or theft. Packing them inside your carry-on for visibility is a good start, but there are additional steps you can take to keep them secure.
Securely password protect your devices
You probably have a password set for your device, but is it a secure one? If you haven’t taken them out of the house for a while, it’s a good idea tocreate a new strong passwordfor it.
Track your electronics
Tracking devices come in many forms. Your Android phone has a Find My Phone feature, but physical tracking devices can help you find your electronics even when they’re out of battery. These tracking tools (for example, Tile) can locate your bag within meters. All you do is download the respective app on your phone.
Bring appropriate adapters
When traveling to a different country, bring an appropriate adapter and check the voltage requirement of your device. If you bring an item with a higher or lower voltage requirement than your destination’s standard, you can permanently damage the internal electronics, even with the appropriate adapter. Most countries use a voltage twice that used in the U.S., so travelers to and from the U.S. should be cautious.
To check the voltage information of your device, read the label near the power supply. If this information isn’t provided, check the device’s support website. Devices that don’t support different voltages need a voltage converter which can often be found at airports if you forget to buy one beforehand. There are plenty of options, and most are designed specifically for travel.
Pack your electronics with care
You secured your device and chose the right bag. Now you’re ready to start packing. We covered a few steps in this article, but there are more steps you could take to prevent accidents.
Buying protective cases for your electronics is essential to prevent damage. Many options are available, but we recommend going for hard shells, like theseheavy-duty Galaxy S22 ultra cases. (These brands make the same cases for multiple phones, so it’s worth a look if you don’t own an S22.) These can be bulky but provide the best protection for your devices. You can always swap them out for a thinner case upon arrival.
Cushion your devices with clothes for extra protection (but keep them easily accessible). Use pockets and compartments to store electronics. Don’t let your devices rattle around in your bag.
Get ready for your next adventure
Careful preparation can make the difference between a successful trip and a disaster. But when planning your next trip,Google has all the tools you’ll need for a perfect vacation.
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