Alert Issued to All Vacationers Regarding Personal Devices at the Beach
In the digital age, mobile phones have become an essential travel companion, helping us navigate unfamiliar destinations, stay connected with loved ones, and manage our finances abroad. However, it's crucial to be mindful of potential risks when taking your phone to the beach or going through airport security screenings.
A TikTok user, @travel.by.the.books, advises against putting mobile phones directly into airport security containers or bins. This is because leaving phones out and available increases the risk of theft during screenings. In fact, airport security workers frequently witness phones being stolen due to this oversight.
Travellers should be aware of this increased risk and keep their valuables, including mobile phones, zipped up in their bags during screenings. Comparing and Recycling, a tech recycling company, urges holidaymakers to be careful when exposing their mobile phones to 'sun, sea, and sand'.
When venturing to the beach, it's essential to take protective measures to ensure your device is undamaged. The sun overheating the phone is a risk, which can damage the battery, slow down the processor, and cause screen malfunction. To avoid this, keep the phone out of direct sunlight and store it in a bag when not in use.
Holidaymakers could also consider using a waterproof and sand-proof pouch or case to protect against water damage and sand ingress. Sand and saltwater can corrode charging ports and other phone components, even if the phone is water-resistant. Ensure the phone is dry before charging.
Avoid charging the phone if sand or moisture is present in the charging port, as this can cause mechanical damage or corrosion. For extra protection, store the phone in a microfiber protective bag to help shield it from sand scratches and minor impacts.
After exposure to water (especially saltwater or pool water), turn off the phone, dry it gently with a towel, and place it in a cool shaded area to air dry. Avoid heat sources like dryers or ovens as they can cause damage. For extra moisture removal, silica gel packets can be used to absorb residual dampness.
Seawater erosion is another risk travellers should consider when taking their mobile to beaches. Small grains of sand can cause damage to mobile phone speakers and charging ports.
In summary, keeping the phone cool and shaded, preventing sand and water intrusion with appropriate pouches or bags, and careful drying if wet are essential to protect mobile phones at the beach from environmental damage. Be mindful of your mobile phone during airport security screenings, and always keep it zipped up in your bag to minimise the risk of theft.
The news about increasing phone theft during airport security screenings highlights the importance of keeping valuables, such as smartphones, secure in travel. Furthermore, while at the beach, it's wise to use waterproof and sand-proof cases to safeguard gadgets like smartphones from seawater and sand damage. Employing protective measures for our travel devices, like smartphones, is crucial in preserving them in both travel and leisure settings.
