Mobile phones, tablets and headphones are as important as sunscreen and beach towels for most holidaymakers jetting off to the sun.
The gadgets you rely on at home will likely to top of your packing list, but it pays to ensure you make a few checks and do a little bit of pre-planning before you set off to prevent a post-holiday shock when your bill comes in.
Getting organised before you go also mean you won't be caught out by poor mobile signals and you're all set should you be unlucky enough to lose your phone while you are away. There are also some bits worth downloading before your trip, including TV shows from catch-up apps and offline maps so you can explore new areas without a phone signal.
Read more: Five tips for families to sit together on holiday flights without paying extra
The experts at Which? have come up with a list of tech travel tips to make sure your devises are protected when you are away.
1. Don't forget about roaming costs
If you're planning a trip abroad, keep mobile fees in mind. Check your provider's website in advance and bear in mind that if you're outside of your allowance or travelling outside of the European Union, costs can be eye-watering. Most of the major networks apart from O2 have reintroduced roaming charges for travel within Europe, so the easiest way to avoid charges while abroad is to simply turn roaming off. Your provider should send you a text message when you leave the country, reminding you of the potential charges.
Phones will usually try to connect automatically to the nearest signal which is dangerous if you have automatic updates switched on, leaving you at risk of running up a huge bill without realising. As a general rule, it's best to stick to wi-fi while you're abroad if possible. If you need to use your mobile data when you're on the move, keep track of how much you're using and don't tether your laptop to your phone without setting a data limit first.
2. Don't assume you'll have access to your favourite TV channels
Even if your accommodation has a TV, you'll probably be limited to basic channels from the country you're exploring. But there are still ways to stay up-to-date with your favourite show by preparing your devices in advance. Download TV episodes to your phone, tablet or laptop before you set off – BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and Netflix all provide offline features. However, there might be additional fees, such as £5.99 a month to download through ITVX.
If your holiday home has a smart TV, you can cast content that you've downloaded from your smartphone onto the bigger screen. The YouTube mobile app also has cast built-in. Alternatively, you can link a HDMI cable between your laptop and the TV.
3. Remember your plug adaptor
Forgetting a plug adaptor or bringing the wrong one can be a travel nightmare. To avoid problems, make sure you pack the correct adaptors in your luggage. You can check on line using a website such as Skyscanner.
4. Download maps in advance
If you rely on your smartphone to help you navigate new areas, we suggest you prepare some offline maps before your trip. That way, you'll be able to use Google Maps even if you're in an area without a phone signal. There are plenty of free map apps that have offline features, including Maps.me and Google Maps. Unless you update or delete them manually, offline maps will automatically be removed from your phone after a year.
5. Don't swim with your 'water resistant' phone
It's tempting to take some snaps on your phone by the pool or on the beach, but remember that 'water resistant' and 'waterproof' are two different things. Take Apple's latest release, the iPhone 14, for example.
The mobile is labelled as 'water resistant' and has an IP68 rating, with Apple claiming it'll survive at a maximum depth of six metres for up to 30 minutes. The tech giant adds that '[splash and water] resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear.'
In other words, 'water resistant' phones aren't invincible. You're better off playing it safe, either by limiting your phone's contact with water or investing in a waterproof pouch. They're available on online marketplaces such as Amazon for less than £20.
6. Don't let your powerbank overheat
Your powerbank doesn't need a tan, so keep it out of the sun and don't abandon it on a car dashboard during a sweltering afternoon. When a powerbank is exposed to heat for too long, it'll induce chemical reactions in the battery and cause the charger to deteriorate.
7. Don't just store your travel documents digitally
Storing travel documents on your phone or tablet is undeniably convenient, but if you don't have physical copies, you're in trouble if your device stops working or if you lose it. Put together a folder containing must-haves such as hotel details, directions to important locations and flight documents if needed.
8. Don't let sand destroy your camera
A sunset over a sandy beach makes for a beautiful picture, but you can't show off your photography skills if sand damages the inside of your camera. Be extra careful when you're taking your camera to a beach, such as changing lenses underneath the cover of a blanket to prevent any accidents and investing in a UV filter to protect the lens from scratches.
9. Set up location tracking on your phone
For peace of mind, it's best to set up location tracking on your mobile before you head off. If your device goes for a walk without your permission, you'll be able to track it down (or wipe your files) remotely.
If your phone is stolen, report the theft to the police and tell your network provider so it can cancel your phone Sim. You'll also need to consider your mobile banking accounts and change critical passwords.
