Getting the technology ready to take with you on vacation can be time consuming and frustrating.
Here are my 4 steps to easy travel tech prep:
1. Decide which devices you will be taking.
Be smart about what you will really use and how you will use it. Fewer is better but take what you need.
For my upcoming trip to Italy, I’m taking an Iphone 6, a Lenovo Yoga laptop, a Nikon camera, aFitbit and a Skyroam mifi device. I also have a small rechargeable battery
2. Prepare each device for your trip.
This step can be time consuming so allow a couple of days to get all your devices ready.
A. Nikon Camera: get a new SD card and charge the battery in advance.
B. Iphone 6: Back up the phone to your home computer or cloud service. I use the Kindle and Audible apps so I download the books and podcasts I will want to listen to along the way.
In addition, check out any travel apps and make sure they are up to date and downloaded: I like the Rick Steves walking and museum tours on his audio channel. Trip Advisor and Google Trips also have travel guides, among others.
Some Netflix movies can be downloaded but make sure you have enough storage on the phone to save them.
IPhone travel tips: For travel abroad: When boarding the plane, turn off cellular data use, data roaming, push notifications. Set mail to “Fetch.” Keep phone on airplane mode. WiFi can be used while phone is in Airplane Mode.
Check with your carrier and choose an international calling/data plan that will work for you.
C. Lenovo Laptop: Charge the battery before travel. Make sure cloud services are up to date and necessary passwords for any sites are in a place that can be accessed. This computer needs an SD card reader dongle, so I will include that.
D. Fitbit: Charge in advance.
E. Skyroam MiFi Device: Charge in advance and log on to purchase credits needed. Set up the login on the phone or computer.
F. Rechargeable Battery: Charge in advance.
3. Collect charging cords for each device. Bring the correct electrical adapters for the country you’ll be visiting.
If devices can share cords, that can save space. Check with the manufacturer’s requirements for charging your devices.
I usually take several plug adapters so I can plug in and charge more than one device at a time.
4. Organize for Carry On and Checked Bag
Carry On:
Camera, laptop, phone and battery go in carry on. Use one small bag for phone, battery,and computer chargers along with at least one adapter. (Don’t forget headphones!)
Checked Bag: 
One small bag for remaining cords and chargers and extra adapters. Leave this bag near the top of your luggage. If your luggage gets searched, the cables will be easily checked and the rest of your clothes won’t be pawed through….
And your travel tech is ready to go!
Have fun preparing for your travels!
