DOES THE THOUGHT of travelling and losing your tech connection (or getting hacked!) terrify you? Here’s how to protect yourself online when you’re on a trip, whether for work or for a vacation.

Roaming charges

High roaming charges can take the shine off an otherwise productive work trip or a relaxing vacation. Canada’s wireless rates are among the highest in the world, according to a survey conducted earlier this year by Rewheel, a telecom research company based in Helsinki.

Make it easy on yourself by investing in a dual-SIM phone, such as the Samsung Galaxy S22+ or the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max. Then pick up a SIM card at your destination, which would allow you to use your phone via a local number and service provider, as well as check your home number in Canada for messages by toggling between the two SIMs. You can even forego roaming charges altogether by relying on apps like Signal and WhatsApp to make calls and send text messages.

Keep it private

More than 70,000 cyber-crime incidents were reported to police in 2021, according to Statistics Canada. But there are ways to stay cyber-safe. When you use your devices at an Internet cafe or via a shared Wi-Fi network, always assume that your data is not secure. Consider a virtual private network (VPN) service to encrypt your information and identity when you go online. You can also set a location that is different from where you are. This avoids restrictions based on geography, involving sites that let you log in only from your home province.

You can also learn ways to protect yourself further, though, via cyberconIQ^® (caamanitoba.com/cybersecurity-education), which provides personalized cyber-security lessons, free of charge, to CAA Members.

Arrive prepared

Make sure your devices have enough battery power when you arrive at your destination, so you can access your reservations, maps and travel documents. Take advantage of power ports on the plane or at the airport. And for convenience and peace of mind, purchase a portable power bank like the Radiant^® 314 Rechargeable Lantern.

Locked and loaded

A cable lock or lockable compact bag is a low-tech but smart way to fend off thieves. Consider Travelon’s Anti-Theft Greenlander Small Crossbody Bag, with its slash-resistant mesh barriers and RFID-blocking material—ideal for safely stashing tablets and headphones, as well as travel documents and currency.

Keep these tips in mind, whether you’re travelling for work, you’ve opted for a digitally nomadic lifestyle or, perhaps, you just want to stay connected while away for the weekend. Speak to a CAA Travel Consultant when planning your next trip. Or stop by for a visit—many of our locations carry essential travel gadgets and gear.

CAA has your tech accessories!

Visit shop.caamanitoba.com for a selection of road-tested gadgets to help keep all your devices working while you’re in transit.