Technology – your travel partner

The Balance team, led by cruise director Deborah Hutton, is about to take off on an exciting river cruise through France. To help you get organised for this or any overseas trip, here are a couple of technology tips to help you travel safely.

1. On a note app (I recommend Evernote) create a separate note (or photo) for each of these items:
   a. Your passport
   b. Your travel insurance
   c. Emergency numbers
   d. List of your travel items – clothes, shoes, hats (I also recommend taking a photo of these items arranged on your bed before you pack them).
   e. Your travel itinerary/tickets
   I recommend Evernote as it will synchronise these notes with your tablet and your computer. If an unfortunate event happens you will have a copy at your finger tips (also available via the internet) as well as on your home computer so family and friends can help you if necessary.
2. Record a “missed called message” on all devices that doesn’t quite tell the world you are on holidays but says something like “I will be in and out of range for the next couple of weeks. If urgent please send an email message to me@playtime.aaa or call nnn nnn nnn”. It’s important not to advertise that you are way from your home if no-one is there to protect it.
3. When you arrive at your departure airport, turn all your devices (phone and tablet) to airplane mode. This will save battery and ensure you aren’t hit with roaming charges when you land.
4. Calling home – don’t even consider it from your mobile phone unless you have:
   a. visited your mobile phone provider and purchased an overseas travel package;
   b. gone to Australia Post to get one of their mobile travel cards;
   c. purchased a SIM card when you land in France/Europe;  or
   d. set-up a chatting app (such as FaceTime, Skype) when in WiFi range.
   For options (b) and (c) check before you leave that your phone is unlocked (this means you can place another SIM card in it). If it is not you will need to pay your phone provider to unlock it.

Lastly, place all your cables and a power adapter in a pencil case. I also suggest putting a tag on the zip with a number clearly marked on it so you know how many cables you have to collect when packing each time.