Many people take their MacBook® computers with them while they travel. In some cases, the trip involves business, but in other cases, vacationers simply want their trusty laptop by their side for writing or planning their itinerary. While traveling with a laptop puts it at risk of theft or damage, being mindful can prevent its loss and avoid the need for computer repair during travel. Here's how to get to your destination with a computer that's safe and sound.

How to Keep Your MacBook Safe When Traveling

1. Invest in a Rugged Laptop Bag

The most important step is to buy a good laptop travel bag. It should feature one or more shoulder straps for hands-free carrying, so you can negotiate your other luggage. It needs thick padding on the bottom to cushion the device against drops, and it should include a padded sleeve to secure the computer. This keeps it from jiggling around and guards it against impacts. 

Before sliding it into the bag, turn it off and wrap it in plastic to protect against rain, surf, and other moisture. These steps should help you avoid the need for computer repair resulting from accidents of all kinds.

2.  Keep It With You

Instead of checking the laptop bag, carry it onto the plane with you. Baggage handlers expect luggage to contain clothing, towels, and other personal items—not expensive, delicate electronics—and they often don't treat bags with caution. 

Once on the plane, keep the bag beside you. Don't stow it away in an overhead compartment, where it could be impacted by other bags or topple to the floor during turbulence.  

3. Back Up Your Data

Although your computer is a high-end piece of equipment, the most important aspect of it is likely the data it contains. A laptop is replaceable, but the information may be the result of hundreds of hours of effort. 

Before traveling, back up all your sensitive information to the cloud or to another network drive. During travel, save any new data you've generated online or onto an external hard drive. Keep these in a safe location that's separate from your laptop bag as an added precaution.

If your MacBook laptop was damaged during travel, contact the computer repair experts at Experimax King of Prussia in Montgomery County, PA. They offer fast, friendly service and stock a wide selection of pre-owned and refurbished Apple® products. For your convenience, they also specialize in iPad® and iPhone® repair. Learn more about them on their website or call (610) 265-3174 to schedule computer repair. Visit them across from The Cheesecake Factory® at the KoP mall in the same shopping center as Panera Bread®.