Here’s Your Digital Packing List for Your Next Trip.
It’s nice to have a packing list for the real stuff so you don’t forget your underwear or your toothbrush, but what about a digital packing list? Before you travel, make sure you have all the electronics you need so that the internet surge doesn’t leave you stumped.
But first unpack
Anyway, how much free space do you actually have? Take a look at your phone (and other devices) settings and delete any large files you don’t need. You won’t leave dirty clothes in your suitcase just because they were left over from your last vacation, so if you don’t have enough digital space, delete your old photos and played podcasts. If you are using Google Photos, there is a “free up space” option in the menu that will delete all photos that have already been backed up to the cloud from your phone.
Download maps
Google Maps is great for offline use if you’ve told him ahead of time which areas to keep. From the menu, click “Offline Maps” and make sure your destination and surrounding areas are covered. Apple Maps and other apps have similar functionality, so be sure to download them before you travel.
Download languages
If you rely on language apps, be sure to download the languages you want to the destination. In Google Translate, simply tap a language name on the screen and you will see a list of available languages with options for downloading them.
Try doing the same for language lesson apps if you plan on studying on an airplane. For example, Duolingo’s premium subscription allows you to download lessons.
Download entertainment
If you listen to music through a streaming service like Spotify, download a few of your favorite playlists. Grab a few recent podcast episodes while you are doing this, and stock up on audiobooks, movies, or whatever else you want to keep entertained.
Install ride sharing apps
When I’m at home, I don’t really need Lyft or other ride sharing apps, but as soon as I land at a new destination, I suddenly wish I had uninstalled them. Don’t be like me; install the app when you are connected to wifi and then when you land you can request a ride and hit the road.
Add airlines and travel apps
Install the TSA app to check waiting times at airport checkpoints, your airline ‘s last-minute seat exchange app, and your mobile passport to quickly clear customs when you re-enter the United States.
Find other apps that may be relevant to your destination. Sometimes conferences have their own application that provides up-to-date schedules and other useful information. Look for digital deals in museums and other attractions ; they may have an app, or you may find out by checking their website that you can get better ticket prices online than in person.
Backing up digital and paper documents
Take a screenshot of your boarding pass. Screenshot of the hotel booking confirmation email. Take a screenshot of your frequent flyer number, contact information for each location you plan to travel to, and anything that has a confirmation number.
If the document exists in the meat space, photograph it. You may need to fill out a form with your passport number later or send a refund receipt. I have a sticker on the inside of my passport with my frequent flyer number and my famous TSA traveler number. And then I have a picture of this page on my phone.
However, remember where your photos are backed up. You might not want all this information to end up in the hands of someone stealing your phone, so consider where you want to back up and if you can set a reminder to delete everything when you go home.
Photos of important objects
If you lose your luggage, photography can help you get it back. If you have been separated from your children, pets or travel companions, their photo will also come in handy. Take pictures of your rental car to prove if the scratch was in place when you received it, and of your own car if you parked in the airport parking lot. I always try to take a photo that clearly shows my car, its license plate and the nearest parking sign so that I can check my phone upon landing and walk confidently straight to point 13g.