Holiday travel often means bringing your technology along for the ride. Whether you're taking a laptop to finish some work, a tablet for entertainment, or your phone to capture family memories, your devices can face both physical and digital risks while you're away from home.
A little preparation can help protect your HP laptop and other devices from damage, loss, theft, and cyber threats. Before you leave, take time to secure your accounts, update your software, back up important files, and pack your technology carefully.
Here are practical ways to keep your tech safer before, during, and after your holiday trip.
Packing your HP tech for travel
The first step in protecting your technology is making sure it's packed properly. A laptop can be damaged by drops, pressure, spills, and other accidents that are more likely when you're moving through airports, hotels, cars, and crowded destinations.
Use a protective bag or case
Carry your laptop in a padded laptop compartment or protective sleeve designed for your device. Make sure the bag closes securely and isn't overloaded with other items that could put pressure on the screen.
Keep your laptop away from liquids, sharp objects, and heavy items whenever possible.
Keep your devices with you
When traveling by plane, train, or bus, keep valuable electronics in your carry-on rather than placing them in checked luggage.
Avoid leaving your laptop or tablet unattended in public areas. At airports and other transportation hubs, it's easy to become distracted while checking schedules, getting food, or moving between gates.
Pack chargers and accessories separately
Keep your charger, cables, adapters, mouse, and other accessories together so they're easy to find when you need them.
If you're traveling internationally, check whether you'll need a plug adapter or other charging accessories at your destination.
Consider a privacy screen
If you're working with sensitive information in an airport, airplane, hotel lobby, or other public space, a privacy screen can make it harder for people nearby to view your display.
A privacy screen is especially useful when working with financial information, business documents, email, or other sensitive content.
Digital security on the go
Travel can change the way you connect to the internet. You may use hotel Wi-Fi, airport networks, cellular hotspots, or other connections that you don't normally use at home.
CISA recommends taking additional cybersecurity precautions while traveling, including keeping devices updated and being careful when using public networks.
Update your devices before you leave
Install available Windows, browser, application, and firmware updates before your trip.
It's better to complete updates while you're connected to a trusted network at home rather than waiting until you're traveling. Keeping software current helps address known security vulnerabilities.
Also make sure your security software is current and that your device is protected before you leave.
Turn on multifactor authentication
Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) on important accounts before traveling, including email, financial accounts, cloud storage, and other services containing sensitive information.
MFA adds another verification step beyond your password, making it harder for someone to access an account with a stolen or compromised password. CISA recommends using the strongest MFA method available, with phishing-resistant methods providing additional protection.
Use unique passwords or passkeys
Avoid reusing the same password across multiple accounts. If one account is compromised, reused credentials can put other accounts at risk.
A password manager can help you create and store unique passwords without requiring you to remember each one.
Where supported, consider using a passkey instead of a password. Passkeys use cryptographic credentials and can provide strong protection against phishing.
Be careful with public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi can be convenient at airports, hotels, restaurants, and other travel destinations, but you shouldn't automatically assume that a network is safe because it requires a password.
When possible:
- Use your mobile hotspot or cellular connection for sensitive activities.
- Confirm the official Wi-Fi network name with the hotel, airport, or business.
- Avoid accessing highly sensitive accounts on networks you don't trust.
- Use an organization-approved VPN or other secure access solution if you're traveling for work.
- Keep your device's firewall and security protections enabled.
A VPN can help protect network traffic, but it isn't a complete security solution. Your device, accounts, applications, and the websites you visit still need appropriate security protections. CISA specifically recommends using a VPN or another authorized secure access solution when connecting to third-party networks for work.
Don't plug into unfamiliar USB ports
Be cautious when charging your phone or other devices through public USB ports or computers you don't control.
Instead, use your own charger with a wall outlet or a trusted power adapter. CISA recommends avoiding connections to public charging stations or shared computers when possible.
Be alert for travel-related phishing
Holiday travel creates plenty of opportunities for convincing scams. Watch for unexpected messages about flight changes, hotel reservations, package deliveries, account problems, or payment requests.
Don't click links or open attachments simply because a message appears to come from an airline, hotel, retailer, or travel company. Instead, visit the organization's official website or app directly to verify the information.
Back up important files before you leave
A lost or damaged device is frustrating. Losing the only copy of your photos, documents, or other important files can be much worse.
Before traveling, make sure important information is backed up.
You can use:
- A trusted cloud storage service
- An external storage device
- Your organization's approved backup system for work files
- Automatic photo backups for your phone
For especially important files, consider maintaining more than one backup.
Also make sure you know how to access your backups before leaving. A backup isn't very useful during an emergency if you don't know where your files are or how to restore them.
Physical safety tips
Cybersecurity isn't the only concern when traveling. Your device can also be lost, stolen, or damaged.
Don't leave your technology unattended
Keep your laptop, tablet, and phone within sight whenever possible.
In crowded locations, keep bags closed and positioned where you can see them. Don't leave a laptop sitting unattended on a café table, hotel lobby chair, airport seat, or other public location.
Use your device's tracking features
Before traveling, make sure your device's available location and recovery features are configured.
For Windows PCs, review the available device-location and recovery settings associated with your Microsoft account. For phones and tablets, make sure the appropriate device-finding service is enabled.
These features may help you locate a misplaced device or take steps to protect your information if it is lost.
Lock your screen
Set your laptop and other devices to lock automatically after a period of inactivity.
When you're finished using your device in a public place, lock the screen instead of leaving it open. A strong device password, PIN, biometric sign-in, or other supported authentication method adds another layer of protection.
Be aware of your surroundings
A person doesn't have to steal your laptop to see information on it.
When working in an airport, hotel, coffee shop, or other public setting, pay attention to who can see your screen. Avoid displaying sensitive information where someone nearby could easily read it.
Follow current airport security requirements
If you're traveling by air, check the latest security requirements before heading to the airport. Requirements can vary depending on the screening program and airport.
Under current TSA guidance, travelers using standard screening lanes may be asked to remove laptops and other personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and place them in a separate bin. TSA PreCheck travelers generally do not need to remove laptops from their bags.
Because procedures can change, check TSA guidance before your trip rather than relying on an older travel checklist.
Consider an HP Care Pack
Even with careful planning, accidents happen. A laptop can be damaged by a drop, spill, or electrical surge while you're traveling.
Depending on your HP device and the plan you select, an HP Care Pack with Accidental Damage Protection can provide additional coverage beyond the standard warranty. Current HP Care Pack options include plans for several HP notebook families, including OmniBook 3, OmniBook 5, and OmniBook 7.
Coverage varies by product and plan, so check the specific terms before purchasing. Accidental Damage Protection can cover eligible accidental damage such as drops and spills, but coverage does not generally include theft, loss, or mysterious disappearance.
What to do if your device is lost or stolen
If your laptop or other device goes missing while you're traveling, act quickly.
- Use your device's tracking or recovery feature if available.
- Lock the device remotely when the feature is supported.
- Change important account passwords if you believe someone may have accessed the device.
- Review account activity for suspicious sign-ins or changes.
- Contact your employer's IT or security team if the device contains company information.
- Report the theft or loss to the appropriate airline, hotel, transportation provider, or local authorities.
- Contact your mobile carrier if a phone or cellular-connected device was stolen.
If the device contains sensitive business or personal information, don't wait to take action.
Post-travel care
When you return home, give your technology a quick check before putting it away.
Check for physical damage
Look for cracked screens, damaged ports, dents, loose components, or other signs of damage.
If your device isn't working correctly, stop using it if continued use could make the problem worse and check your warranty or service coverage.
Check your accounts
Review your important accounts for unexpected sign-ins, password changes, or other activity you don't recognize.
If something looks suspicious, change your password and follow the account provider's recommended security steps.
Install any remaining updates
If you postponed an update while traveling, install it after returning to a trusted network.
Make sure your operating system, browser, applications, security software, and device firmware are current.
Clean your device
Travel can leave laptops covered in dust, fingerprints, and debris. Use cleaning products and methods recommended for your specific device.
Avoid spraying liquid directly onto your laptop and follow HP's cleaning and maintenance guidance for your model.
Check your device health
HP Support Assistant can help you manage supported HP PCs by providing device information, troubleshooting assistance, and access to support and updates.
If your device is experiencing problems after your trip, use HP's support resources to determine the appropriate next step.
Holiday travel tech checklist
Before you leave, use this quick checklist:
- Update Windows, applications, browsers, and firmware.
- Turn on MFA for important accounts.
- Confirm your passwords are unique and secure.
- Back up important files and photos.
- Confirm device tracking and recovery features are enabled.
- Pack your laptop in a protective case or padded compartment.
- Keep chargers and accessories organized.
- Save important travel information offline when practical.
- Know how you'll connect securely while traveling.
- Bring the appropriate charger and travel adapter.
- Avoid leaving devices unattended.
- Be careful with public Wi-Fi and USB charging stations.
- Watch for travel-related phishing messages.
- Check your device and accounts when you return.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a VPN when traveling?
A VPN can provide an additional layer of protection when using networks you don't control, particularly for work. However, a VPN isn't a substitute for keeping your device updated, using MFA, protecting your accounts, and practicing safe browsing habits.
Should I put my laptop in checked luggage?
For most travelers, keeping a laptop with you in your carry-on is preferable to checking it. Keeping your device nearby also makes it easier to protect it from loss, theft, and rough handling.
Is hotel Wi-Fi safe?
A hotel network isn't automatically safe just because it requires a password. Treat hotel and other public networks as networks you don't fully control. Avoid sensitive activities when possible, use secure connections, and follow your organization's security requirements when working.
What should I do if my laptop is stolen?
Use available tracking and remote-lock features, report the theft, and change important account credentials if you believe your information may be at risk. If the laptop belongs to your employer, contact your IT or security team immediately.
Does an HP Care Pack cover a stolen laptop?
Accidental Damage Protection is designed to cover eligible accidental physical damage, such as certain drops and spills. Theft and loss are generally excluded, so review the specific Care Pack terms for your device before purchasing.
Enjoy your holiday and protect your tech
You don't have to leave your technology at home to enjoy a holiday trip. A few simple preparations can help protect your HP laptop and other devices from physical damage, loss, theft, and cybersecurity threats.
Update your devices, back up your important information, secure your accounts, pack your technology carefully, and stay aware of your surroundings. These habits aren't just useful during the holidays. They're good practices any time you travel with your technology.
