Technology can make our lives easier and better than ever before – as long as we keep it safe and secure. A data hack, or a loss of your phone or other device while travelling, can quickly put an end to the lighthearted fun of a holiday on the beach. Here are some tips to help you stay in control of your phones and data while you’re travelling overseas.

Bring along the right items

Is your suitcase or backpack secure and of good quality? Make sure your luggage has a lock for the important compartments, and uses enough padding or cushions to prevent your delicate devices from rattling around during transport. It’s also good to have luggage that isn’t too flashy, as you don’t want to attract any extra attention.

It’s also important to pack those bags with only the things you will really need and use. If photography is your hobby, for example, consider not bringing tons of gear. Just carry the necessities, and not the entire arsenal. More equipment means more opportunities for items to get crushed, damaged or lost while you’re travelling.

Get into the right habits

Pay special attention to where you are. Crowded, tourist-filled places present an excellent opportunity for pickpockets – especially if your attention is diverted by some public attraction or spectacle. Keep in mind that countries like Thailand are generally safe, and the vast majority of visitors encounter no such issues, but it’s always good to stay mindful and take the right precautions.

Along the same lines, we recommend always trying to use trustworthy Wi-Fi connections, particularly when carrying out sensitive tasks online (such as banking and online shopping, for example). Hotels, restaurants, and other businesses generally have reliable connections; public or non-password-protected connections tend to be less secure. Alternatively, get a travel SIM card so that you can stay online virtually all the time, and let your phone connect to the internet directly through one of Thailand’s major cellular data providers (companies such as True, AIS, and dtac).

The safest place while you’re travelling is your hotel room, so use it to your advantage. Make use of the hotel safe, or luggage room, as much as possible. Leaving your valuables in these types of secure locations tends to be far wiser than carrying them around with you in and out of taxis, and on various other adventures. At Centara hotels, all of your products will be safe in your room while you’re out travelling.

As always, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A bit of extra preparation beforehand, and a decision to stick with street-smart habits, can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your phone and sensitive data as you go overseas. By keeping your items secure and protected, you can spend more of your time enjoying every moment, immersing yourself in the experience of travelling around Thailand, and – best of all – using that technology to capture the perfect photos and video, then sharing it with your friends and family.