Travel Blogs: Safely Share Your Vacation Adventures Online
by Sharon Miller Cindrich
Move over postcards! Today there's a better way to share your travel experiences with friends and family. Travel blogs have become great vehicles for chronicling all your vacation experiences and photos, even video, and posting them for all to see. And the beauty of a travel blog is that friends can learn about your trip as it unfolds hour-by-hour or day-by-day on your blog, instead of waiting to read about it in a postcard a week after you've returned home.
Security is always a top priority when traveling. Keeping your luggage locked, your spending money protected and your personal identification secure while you're on the road is critical for ensuring safe, and enjoyable, travel. You also need to consider security priorities when setting up a travel blog.
The first step is to select a blogging program with good security features. Whether you choose a program specifically designed for travel blogs, which includes interactive maps, or a free blogging tool, look for programs that offer guest address books, private profiles and password protection. These basic security options will allow only your invited guests to follow your journey and gain access to your private entries.
Connecting on WiFi
If you're traveling with a laptop, it can be convenient to update your travel blog at the airport, train terminal or bus terminal between connections or during delays. Most travel terminals today offer a WiFi connection, as do many restaurant franchises and public libraries—some towns even offer free wireless network access.
But be careful. Some hackers will set up what looks like a free WiFi network to gain access and information from unassuming users. Whether the network you're using is free or costs a fee, travelers should be wary when connecting and follow these steps to stay safe:
- Disable automatic connections. Some laptops are set to connect automatically with an open network. Instead, set your connections to manual, so your laptop will only connect with the network you choose.
- Verify the hotspot. Beware of unfamiliar hotspots that claim to be free and check to make sure they truly are legitimate. Before you connect, identify the names and locations of trusted WPA (WiFi Protected Access) networks in your area by using an online hotspot directory over a secure network. As an added precaution, ask an employee to verify the name of the local network at any establishment where you connect remotely.
- Power down when working offline. If you're loading photos, writing your blog or working offline in any way, power down. There is no need to expose your network to possible intrusion when you're working offline.
- Don't ignore browser prompts. When pop-ups prompt you to verify your connection or allow access, make sure to read them carefully. They might be indicating a security breach.
On a Local Area Network (LAN)
Cyber cafes, hotels—even friends' houses—offer opportunities for you to log in and update your travel blog. And no matter how familiar the friend or the cafe, you'll want to take these precautions when using an unfamiliar computer:
- Look for a network you trust. Many hotels offer Internet access in the room, often for an additional fee. It may seem expensive—especially when other networks pop up offering free access—however, there is no guarantee that these other networks are secure. Stick with a network supported by the hotel and pay a bit more for the extra security.
- Change your password. By changing your password regularly, you decrease the chance that a stranger can log into any of your accounts.
- Erase your history. Once you've visited your blog, or any other site, erase the browser history to reduce the chance that the next user can access your account.
- Log out completely when you are finished. After your Internet session, make sure to log out completely and shut down any programs you've opened. An open account can give the next user access to your private information.
Finally, no matter how you're connecting, be cautious about the information you share online. You can't always count on friends to log out of your blog when they visit your site and you never know who might be reading over their shoulder.
Avoid detailed travel information about your exact location, lodging details, specifics about your finances or travel arrangements. Use caution when giving out information about anything you've left behind—an empty home, a parked car or children. If you want to communicate something specific to a friend who is picking you up from the airport or pet sitting at your home, pick up the phone.
Taking these basic precautions and practicing safe Internet habits will help you chronicle your summer adventures and share them safely with friends and family at home. Bon voyage!
