Data backup while traveling is often underestimated. Whether as a travel blogger, content creator, or regular vacationer – anyone who goes on travel often has valuable data with them. From travel photos and videos to documents and personal information: they can quickly get lost or stolen while traveling.

Good data backup is therefore essential and more important than you might think. In this article, you will learn what measures you should take to securely store your data while traveling and how to protect yourself in the event of loss or theft.

  • 1. Backup before departure
  • 2. Cloud storage while traveling
  • 3. External storage media
  • 4. Storing data while traveling without a laptop
  • 5. Encryption of devices and files
  • 6. Data backup while traveling – The right password
  • 7. Data backup while traveling – Password manager
  • 8. Regular backups while traveling
  • 9. Data security in public networks
  • 10. What to do in case of loss or theft?
  • Data backup while traveling – Our conclusion

1. Backup before departure

Before you even pack your bags, you should make sure that all important data on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet is backed up. It’s best to create a full backup of your devices on an external hard drive or in the cloud. This way, all your files are protected even in the event of a hardware failure or theft on-site.

Our tips:

  • Use external hard drives with high storage capacities to back up large amounts of data.
  • Use cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or PCloud to access your data from anywhere.

2. Cloud storage when traveling

Cloud services are not only useful for preparation, but also a good choice when traveling. This way, you can regularly back up your newly created content, such as photos and videos, to the cloud and have access to it even if you lose your device. However, make sure you have a stable internet connection and enough storage space.

Data security in the cloud:

  • Activate two-factor authentication for your cloud account for additional security.
  • Encrypt sensitive data before uploading it to the cloud. Tools like VeraCrypt can help you with this.

3. External storage media

In addition to the cloud, you should also consider external hard drives. External hard drives or SD cards are useful companions when traveling. Regularly save your most important data there as an additional backup. Make sure you don’t always keep your storage media in the same piece of luggage as your devices – this minimizes the risk of total loss in the event of theft.

Tip: Use robust, shock-resistant SSD hard drives that can withstand the harsh conditions of travel. We transport our memory cards and hard drives in robust cases.

  • SanDisk 1 TB portable hard drive*
  • SanDisk 2 TB portable hard drive*
  • Case for SanDisk hard drive*
  • SanDisk Extreme PRO 128 GB memory card*

4. Store data on the go without a laptop

Many cameras are already Wi-Fi-enabled. This allows you to connect your smartphone to your digital camera and copy the photo data directly to your phone, for example. Even if you only take photos with your smartphone, you can save the images directly to a USB stick or hard drive. To do this, use the “OTG” function. “OTG” stands for “on-the-go.” This function allows you to connect your phone directly to USB devices.

There are OTG-capable USB sticks and cables* that, in addition to the standard USB port, also have a micro-USB port for phones and tablets. With this cable, you can connect USB sticks and card readers (Ugreen USB card reader*) to your tablet/smartphone. This allows you to access the USB stick using your phone’s file manager and copy the images accordingly.

Another option is a multifunctional mini-router*. With this device, you can copy your photos from the SD card directly to a USB stick. This router provides connections for USB storage and SD cards. You can control the storage process using an app on your smartphone or tablet.

You should read all the detailed information about the storage process and procedure before your trip. Important information: The router also works great as a battery pack if your phone runs out of power (power bank) or as a Wi-Fi router and repeater.

5. Encryption of devices and files

Security goes beyond data backup. Ensure that your devices and data are inaccessible to unauthorized persons. Encrypt your hard drives, USB sticks, and other storage devices. Modern operating systems often offer integrated encryption solutions, such as BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (Mac).

Steps for encryption:

  • Activate device encryption in your laptop or smartphone’s settings.
  • Use a password manager to create strong and unique passwords for all your accounts.
  • Macbooks: Here we use the Bitwarden password manager
  • iPhones: Here we use 6-digit codes + facial recognition

6. Data security while traveling – The right password

Let’s be honest, we have fewer unique passwords than we should. Whether it’s online banking, Facebook profile, Instagram, Amazon, email, or PayPal – good passwords are the key to a secure online identity. Criminal hackers, however, are just waiting to find the one loophole in the system.

We’re constantly being told not to be careless with digital access keys. Yet there are always people who are careless with their passwords. Take a look at the list of the 25 most insecure passwords! We hope yours isn’t on it!

Tips for Creating Passwords

1. Password Length

So what should you consider when choosing a password? The longer a password is, the more combinations an attacker would have to try to crack your “code.” So don’t be afraid to use more characters than usual. Length is more important than complexity (at least 10-12 characters). Safety First!

2. Order of your password

The order is important, but your password should be as “illogical” as possible. Characters should be chosen randomly, not in a logical order (example: 12345). Use as many different characters as possible, such as: “Ubs792nYkjdls”.

However, you should avoid “Ä”, “Ö”, “Ü”, and “ß”, especially because keyboards are completely different abroad. And how are you supposed to remember all those complex passwords? Very important: never write them down on a piece of paper and put it in your wallet or anywhere else.

There are smarter ways to do this these days. For example, a so-called password manager. Here you can securely store all your passwords. You only need a “master password” with which you can access the database. This means only remembering one password and having hundreds of passwords at your fingertips. Cool, right?

3. Hacker Strategy

Hackers aren’t stupid, though, and use various strategies. One of these strategies is the so-called “Dictionary Attacks.” Here, vocabulary in specific languages and subject areas is automatically combed through.

With the so-called “Common Word Attack,” you try out common words and character combinations that are often used as passwords. So avoid long words and sentences, such as “I live in Berlin” or “boat license.”

4. Avoid common combinations!

Words from the Duden dictionary combined with numbers (Hallo1988 or H4llo) are also unsafe. Zip codes, phone numbers, birth dates, or the names of children, parents, and pets are also not recommended.

5. Don’t use the same passwords!

Change your passwords regularly and don’t reuse old passwords. Especially if you use many online services that require email registration, you shouldn’t always choose the address you use for important emails. Important: Using the same password for different services is a no-go!

6. Avoid the “autofill” function!

Have you saved passwords so that you don’t have to enter them again when logging in? Generally very convenient and comfortable. But what if your laptop or smartphone gets stolen and strangers now have access to your accounts? It’s hard to imagine. Forgo this automatic function and enter your data again and again.

7. Data Backup While Traveling – Password Manager

You should, of course, carefully consider and create this master password. To do this, read the previous section carefully again. You can also generate a complex password using the password manager. You can save your main password as a key file on a USB stick or save it in another way. But be careful here too!

Important to know: all your data is always stored encrypted! However, these programs usually encrypt not just your passwords, but the entire database. Ideally, strong encryption algorithms are used. The passwords are therefore stored encrypted on the server. The password is only decrypted with your master password.

Of course, you need permanent access to your passwords. In case of damage, we therefore recommend regularly making backups. Because if you don’t know any of your individual passwords, it will be very difficult and costly to access them.

A master password in your browser also allows you to adequately protect passwords. And without entering this master password, you cannot use the saved passwords. Many managers offer a security check function. This way, you can see directly whether your passwords are well chosen or poorly chosen.

8. Regular backups on the go

Depending on the length of your trip, you should regularly create backups of your data. Especially on longer trips, it is advisable to create backups every few days or at least weekly. This minimizes the risk of losing a lot of data at once if something happens.

Tip: Automate the backup process by using apps and programs that synchronize your files in the background to external storage media or the cloud.

9. Data security on public networks

When traveling, you will often rely on public Wi-Fi networks – whether in a café, hotel, or airport. However, these networks are often insecure and a gateway for hackers who want to gain access to your data.

Protective measures:

  • Always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet connection and surf securely.
  • Avoid accessing sensitive data (e.g., online banking) over unsecured networks.
  • We have been using the provider NordVPN* on all our laptops and smartphones for years.

10. What to do in case of loss or theft?

Despite all precautions, it can happen that you lose a device or it is stolen. This is where being prepared helps:

  • Activate “Find My Device” functions on your devices so you can locate them in the event of a loss and, if necessary, remotely lock or delete them.
  • Ensure that your data is encrypted and protected with strong passwords to prevent misuse.
  • Store copies of important documents such as passports or visas online in the cloud or on a secure USB stick so you can access them in an emergency.

Backing Up Data While Traveling – Our Conclusion

Backing up data while traveling is an important point that you should not neglect. With proper preparation, the use of cloud storage, external storage media, and encryption techniques, you can protect your valuable data from loss and theft.

With regular backups and security measures like VPNs and two-factor authentication, you can ensure additional security and enjoy your trip with less worry.