✈️ Travel Tech Tips: What to Pack, Download, and Turn Off Before You Go
May 26, 2026
Most travel tech problems are not bad luck. They are the result of skipping a few simple steps before you leave home. A dead battery at baggage claim, no data when you need navigation, the wrong charger for the hotel outlet: all of these are completely avoidable.
In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, Frank Bravo walks through a practical pre-trip checklist covering three areas: the gear that belongs in your bag, the apps to download while you are still at home on Wi-Fi, and the device settings to adjust before you head to the airport.
What you will learn in this episode
- Why a portable battery is the most important piece of travel tech gear you can own
- The difference between a travel adapter and a voltage converter, and when you need each one
- How to download offline maps on Google Maps and Apple Maps so navigation works without any data
- Which apps are worth grabbing before you leave, including your airline app and Google Translate
- Why you should back up your phone before every trip, and exactly how to do it
- How to avoid surprise international roaming charges, including the eSIM option most travelers overlook
- How to turn off automatic app updates so they do not quietly eat through your data plan
- One simple habit for protecting your important travel documents using your phone
Links and Resources
- Google Maps offline maps: open the app, tap your profile picture, and select Offline Maps
- Apple Maps offline maps: available through your profile settings in the Maps app
- Google Translate with offline language packs: available in the app under Downloaded Languages
- iPhone backup: Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now
- Android backup: Settings > Google > Backup
Related Episodes
- How to Use Public Wi-Fi Without Putting Your Accounts at Risk -- May 12, 2026
🎧 Listen to the full episode: YourTechMakeover.com
Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Email Frank at frank@yourtechmakeover.com. More about Frank at BravoITC.com.