Stay Cyber Safe While You Travel
A guide for safer journeys in a digital world
By Lee | CyberSafe Coach | In partnership with imabi
Travelling should be exciting but the digital risks that follow us everywhere are very real. Whether you're commuting on the train, heading abroad, or exploring a new city, your online safety matters just as much as your physical safety. The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can stay protected wherever you go.
Here's what you need to know:
1. Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi in cafes, airports and hotels is convenient but it can also be a trap. Cybercriminals can set up fake hotspots or intercept your data on unsecured networks.
Avoid accessing banking, email or sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi
Use your mobile data when doing anything important
Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) if you regularly connect on the go
Always check the exact network name with staff before connecting
2. Protect Your Device if It's Lost or Stolen
Your phone is a gateway to your digital life. If it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences go well beyond losing the device itself.
Use a strong PIN, password or biometric lock
Enable Find My Device or Find My iPhone so you can locate or remotely wipe it
Keep your apps updated - security patches matter more than you might think
Never leave devices unattended in public places
3. Watch Out for Travel Scams Online
Scammers specifically target travellers. Fake booking sites, phishing emails about 'delayed flights', and fraudulent travel insurance offers are all common tactics.
Book through official websites or well-known, trusted platforms only
Check email addresses carefully if you receive travel-related messages
If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is
Use a credit card for online bookings where possible - it gives you stronger purchase protection
4. Think Before You Share on Social Media
Posting "just off on holiday!" tells strangers your home is empty. Even check-ins and location tags can reveal more than you realise.
Avoid posting your location in real time - share those holiday photos when you're back
Check your privacy settings so only people you trust can see your posts
Be aware of what's visible in photo backgrounds: street signs, hotel names, boarding passes
5. Digital Pickpocketing Is Real
Contactless payment cards and passports with chips can be scanned wirelessly by criminals using handheld readers - sometimes without you even knowing.
Use an RFID-blocking wallet or card sleeve
Keep cards and passport in a secure inside pocket
Check your bank statements closely during and after travel
6. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Travelling often means logging into accounts from new locations or devices — exactly when weak passwords become a vulnerability.
Use a password manager to store strong, unique passwords for each account
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your key accounts
Never save passwords on shared or public devices
Always log out of accounts when you're finished
Stay Safe, Stay Confident
Staying cyber safe on the move isn't about being paranoid - it's about being prepared
The same common sense you apply to protecting your physical belongings applies online
With the right habits in place, you can enjoy your journey with confidence
About CyberSafe Coach:
CyberSafe Coach helps individuals, families, charities and small businesses build the knowledge and confidence to stay safe online.