Summary
Does it feel like your suitcase is never quite big enough when you’re packing for a vacation? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Wrestling with zippers and bouncing up and down on duffel bags is a common challenge when we travel.
With that in mind, here’s one important travel accessory that weighs virtually nothing and is small enough to fit in even the most overstuffed carry-on. A USB flash drive might seem mundane, but it can be remarkably useful when you’re traveling. Here are five reasons why.
Storing and Securing Vital Information
The last thing you want is an emergency while you’re on vacation; however, unfortunate events do happen. Travelers often experience theft, lost luggage, and other inconveniences, making it crucial to have access to vital information when needed.
Emailing copies of important documents to yourself is a good practice, but it’s wise to store them on a USB stick as well. This way, you won’t need to log into your email on someone else’s device or an insecure hotel computer if your phone or laptop is missing. Key documents to save include:
- Scans of your passport and driver’s license
- Travel insurance details, including policy numbers and phone hotlines
- Booking confirmations for transport and hotels
- Emergency phone numbers for family, friends, banks, credit card companies, airlines, and your embassy
It’s crucial to keep this data secure. While you can purchase specialized USB drives with extra security features, a cost-effective approach is using a free app like 7-Zip. Simply organize all important documents in one folder, and utilize 7-Zip to zip and encrypt the folder. For more robust security options, Veracrypt is a good choice, though it requires more setup work.
Backing Up Photos
In practical terms, files stored in only one location are files you may not mind losing. This holds true for photographs as well. While flash drives aren’t recommended for long-term storage, they’re great for making quick backups of daily photos, especially if you’re not carrying a laptop or tablet. Just use a computer at your hotel or an internet café to copy images from your camera to the USB drive, and you’re good to go.
Getting Things Printed
Although travel apps and smartphones have reduced the need to print documents, there are still instances when you will require a physical copy while on the road.
Documents like bus tickets, boarding passes, copies of your passport, and proof of onward travel are all candidates for printing. Particularly in Europe, budget airlines often impose steep fees for printing boarding passes at check-in, making it wiser to complete this task beforehand.
Simply copy the required documents onto your USB drive and provide it to someone at the nearest business center, internet café, or print shop. This typically costs very little and takes just a few minutes, which can save you significant time and money.
Extra Storage for Entertainment
While small, lightweight tablets and laptops are excellent for travelers, they often lack sufficient storage space. Many tablets have only 16GB or less, and even small laptops may come with just 128GB, making it difficult to load enough movies, music, and other entertainment for a lengthy vacation.
A brand-name 64GB USB flash drive, usually priced around $20, is an excellent way to ensure you have enough entertainment options for long-haul flights. Fill it up before you leave with shows and documentaries you rarely find time to watch, equipping yourself for a dozen hours in coach.
Sharing With New Friends
One of the most beneficial aspects of carrying a USB drive during your travels is its simplicity. When socializing with new friends from your tour group or hostel, someone will often suggest sharing all the photos captured during the day.
Instead of promising to email hundreds of pictures or downloading low-quality versions from Facebook or Instagram weeks later, use your flash drive to copy images for those interested. Especially with a plethora of photos to share, this method is much faster and significantly easier.
