Safe Travels

Travel should feel inspiring — not stressful. A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to protecting your devices, your data, and yourself. Especially in large cities or international destinations, the combination of digital awareness and physical caution makes all the difference.

Essential iPhone Security Settings

• Check under “Settings” -> Apple Account (first setting with your picture)
  • “Find My” -> “Find My iPhone” is set to “ON”.
  • Under “iCloud”:
    • Ensure photos, contacts, passwords and notes (at least) are saved to iCloud and backed up .
    • Ensure “iCloud Backup” is turned “ON”. Confirm backup completion or click on “Back Up Now” before departure.
• Check your settings under “Settings” -> “Face ID & Passcode”
  • Enable “Stolen Device Protection“. It adds an extra security delay when critical changes are attempted outside familiar locations.
  • Use a strong passcode, at least 6-8 characters. Click on “Change Passcode” if you have a shorter one.
  • Set “Require Passcode” to “Immediately”
  • Limit “Allow Access When Locked“. Disable everything non-essential. Especially “Control Center“.
• Software fully updated
  • Check under “Settings” -> “General” -> “Software Updates” if your IOS is up to date.
• Disable Airdrop
  • Under “Settings” -> “General” -> “AirDrop” click “Receiving Off” before departure.

Essential To Know

• Verify Apple ID access
  • Kown your Apple ID email
  • Know the password
  • Confirm recovery email and phone number are correct
• Verify your main mail account access
  • Kown how to log into your main email account from another device.
  • If something happens, your email is the key to everything else.

Using a Burner Phone – Best Practices

In higher-risk destinations, some travelers prefer a secondary device.

If you use a burner phone:

• Set it up as a new device, not a full restore.
• You may connect it to your Apple account, but:
  • Disable most synchronization.
  • Sync only what is absolutely necessary.
• Manually save emergency contacts.
• Do not connect Apple Wallet to your main credit cards.
• Install only essential apps (e.g., Uber/Lyft, maps, airline app).
• Avoid installing social media or banking apps unless necessary.

Minimalism is security.

Documents — Digital and Physical Copies

Create digital copies of:

• Passport
• Visa
• ID / Drivers License
• Travel insurance
• Credit cards (front only, never CVV)

Store them securely in encrypted cloud storage.

Also keep printed copies hidden in your suitcase.
Losing your passport abroad without documentation can turn into a stressful and complicated process.

Preparation prevents escalation.

Bank Cards & Payments

• Log out of banking apps you don’t need during the trip.
• Set daily transaction limits.
• Remove payment cards from Apple Wallet if not required.
• Consider using one reloadable travel credit card.
• Keep a backup card separate from your main wallet.

Reduce exposure — reduce risk.

Physical Security — Simple but Effective

Technology is only one part of the equation.

• Do not store your ID or credit card inside your phone case.
• Use a phone security cable or lanyard in crowded cities.
• Keep valuables in a waist pouch worn under your shirt.
• Avoid using your phone near street edges or traffic lights.
• Don’t walk and text — always stay aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid empty streets at night.

Situational awareness is your best defense.

If Your Phone Gets Stolen

Act fast. Order matters.

1. Use Find My
2. Activate Lost Mode
3. Initiate remote wipe
4. Call your bank and block cards
5. Change your email password first
6. Then change all other passwords

Your email account is the master key — secure it immediately.