For anyone supporting businesses and clients, the laptop is the essential work tool — and it often travels with us even on holiday. If that sounds like you, here are a few practical tips.

Before you leave

Update your operating system and antivirus — you’ll be connecting to unfamiliar networks, so your protection needs to be current.
Back up your important files to the cloud or an external drive, separate from the laptop that’s traveling.
Consider whether you really need the laptop, or whether a smartphone/tablet covers you for the occasional urgent email.

While traveling

Your laptop is at risk from theft, extreme temperatures, drops, moisture and sand. Always carry it in a padded bag, never check it in as luggage on a flight, and avoid leaving it unattended in public spaces.

At your destination

If you’ll be connecting to hotel Wi-Fi or a public network, avoid banking transactions without a VPN, and remember to turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth when you don’t need them.

A laptop is a valuable companion — it’s worth a little extra care so it can travel with you safely wherever you go.

I always travel with my laptop