Laptop Travel Tips: Keep Your Device Safe on the Go

Travelling with a laptop requires balancing accessibility with security. Your laptop contains valuable data and represents a significant investment—both reasons to take precautions when away from home. From airport security to hotel rooms to working in cafes, different environments present different risks.

This guide covers practical strategies for protecting your laptop physically, securing your data, and working safely while travelling.

Before You Travel

Backup Everything

Before any trip, ensure your data is backed up. If your laptop is lost, stolen, or damaged, you shouldn't lose your work. Sync important files to cloud storage, and consider a full system backup to an external drive that stays home.

Enable Security Features

Make sure these security features are active:

• Strong login password: A password or PIN that isn't easily guessed
• Full-disk encryption: BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (Mac) protect your data if the laptop is stolen
• Find My Device: Enable location tracking to locate or remotely wipe a lost laptop
• Automatic lock: Set the screen to lock after a short period of inactivity

Update Software

Install pending updates before travelling. You don't want your laptop restarting for updates during an important presentation, and hotel Wi-Fi isn't ideal for downloading large updates. Ensure your operating system, browser, and security software are current.

At the Airport

Security Screening

At most Australian airports and internationally, laptops must be removed from bags and placed in a separate tray for X-ray screening. Some airports with newer equipment may allow laptops to remain in bags—follow the signage and security officer instructions.

Keep your eye on your laptop throughout the screening process. Place it in the tray just before walking through the scanner yourself, and collect it immediately after. Thieves sometimes exploit the distraction of security lines.

Carry-On Only

Never check a laptop in your luggage. Checked baggage is subjected to rougher handling, theft is more common, and if your bag is delayed, you're without your computer. Keep your laptop in your carry-on where you can monitor it.

At Your Accommodation

Hotel Room Security

Hotel rooms are not as secure as your home. Housekeeping staff, maintenance workers, and potentially others have access. When leaving your laptop in the room:

• Use the room safe if it's large enough (many laptop-sized safes exist)
• Use a laptop lock cable attached to immovable furniture
• At minimum, hide your laptop in a suitcase rather than leaving it visible
• Enable the "Do Not Disturb" sign if you don't need housekeeping

Connecting to Hotel Wi-Fi

Hotel Wi-Fi networks are typically unsecured and shared with all guests. Assume anything you do on hotel Wi-Fi could potentially be monitored. To protect yourself:

• Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network encrypts all your traffic, protecting it from interception
• Verify the network name: Confirm the correct network name with the hotel—attackers sometimes create fake networks
• Avoid sensitive activities: Don't access banking or enter passwords if you can't use a VPN
• Use your phone: For sensitive tasks, your mobile data connection is more secure than unknown Wi-Fi

Working in Public Spaces

Cafes, Libraries, and Co-Working Spaces

Working in public spaces requires vigilance. Never leave your laptop unattended, even briefly. "Just stepping away for a minute" is when most opportunistic thefts occur. If you need to use the restroom, pack up your laptop or ask a trusted person to watch it.

Screen Privacy

In public spaces, others can see your screen. Be aware of sensitive information displayed—emails, financial information, or confidential work documents. Consider a privacy screen filter that limits viewing angles, making your display unreadable from the side.

Physical Positioning

Sit with your back to a wall when possible, so no one can look over your shoulder. Keep your bag and laptop between you and the wall, not on the exposed side. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if a situation feels uncomfortable.

International Travel Considerations

Border Searches

Customs officers in some countries may request access to your laptop and its contents. Laws vary by country, but border agents often have broader search powers than police. If you're travelling with sensitive business information, research the specific regulations for your destination and consider whether certain data should remain at home.

Power Adapters

Different countries use different power outlets. Your laptop's power adapter likely accepts any voltage (check the label), but you'll need a plug adapter for the local outlet type. Australia uses Type I outlets; you'll need adapters for most international destinations.

Data and Roaming

Mobile data roaming can be expensive. Download maps, documents, and other resources before you travel. Consider a local SIM card or international data plan if you'll need connectivity. Many travellers use their phone as a mobile hotspot rather than relying on unknown Wi-Fi networks.

If Your Laptop Is Lost or Stolen

Despite precautions, theft can occur. Act quickly:

• Use Find My Device to locate the laptop and, if necessary, remotely wipe it
• Change passwords for important accounts (email, banking, etc.)
• File a police report—this is typically required for insurance claims
• Report to your hotel or airline if relevant
• Contact your insurance provider

If your data was encrypted and you can remotely wipe the device, your personal information should remain protected even if the laptop can't be recovered.

Travelling with a laptop doesn't need to be stressful. With basic precautions and awareness, you can work productively from anywhere while keeping your device and data secure.