Since we’ve had a few down days as we recover from some injuries, we thought we’d touch on a few security related topics and how we’re handling them as we travel.
Keeping valuable personal data secure while traveling…
Before we left on our adventure, we purchased a Virtual Private Network (VPN) package for our phones and computer so we can securely connect to the internet regardless of the WiFi network (pronounced “Wee-Fee” in Spain) we are connected to. We still need to manage our personal banking as well as our travel business, and this has allowed us to do both without the worry of our sensitive information being stolen over insecure networks. It’s also allowed us to watch TV shows and movies on our streaming apps just as we would from home since the VPN connection makes it seem like we are connecting from the US. That’s been a nice bonus on several occasions when we’ve had a lot of down time to fill after the chores were done.
What to do with all those receipts…
When at home, we always shred our credit card receipts once we no longer need them. Since Kara refused to carry the shredder in her pack, we’ve employed a different, but highly effective system. When we have a private hostel or hotel room, we fill the sink with water and soak all the accumulated receipts we no longer need for about an hour. Once thoroughly saturated, most of the ink will have bled out. We then take each receipt and basically make spit balls, squeezing as much water as possible out of each one. Then we place the cache of spit balls on the back of the sink or toilet to let them fully dry until it is time for us to check out. By this time, they have either dried into small rocks or would be so difficult to unroll, any would-be data thief would not be able to decipher the information within. Could a nation-state with unlimited resources be able to crack them? Maybe. But I’m pretty confident this is good enough for a couple of mild-manored world travelers to secure their latest purchases from prying eyes.
Being aware for emergency preparedness…
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service for U.S. citizens and nationals who are traveling or living abroad. STEP allows you to enter information about trips abroad so that the Department of State, via our embassies and consulates, can better assist you in an emergency. You can also subscribe to receive email updates with travel advisories and other information for a particular country.
What are your travel tips/hacks to stay secure while traveling? We’re always open to suggestions and would love to hear your ideas.
This is great information.