Quick Links

• Download Maps Offline

• Think About Using an eSIM

• Ensure You Have Enough iCloud Storage

• Research Apps for Local Exploration

• Back Up Your iPhone Data Before Departure

• Consider AirTags for Suitcase Security

• Confirm Find My Is Enabled

• Create a Travel Folder of Vital Apps

• Organize Your iPhone Accessories

• Prepare for Offline Amusement

Ready to be prepared for your vacation before you embark? There’s quite a bit of preparation you might need to do prior to your departure, and the best place to start is by getting your iPhone ready for the journey ahead.

You can get your iPhone all set for your trip by paying attention to a few critical settings and downloading apps that can simplify potential challenges along the way. Here's everything you need to know.

Download Maps Offline

Storing essential items on your iPhone is vital for a seamless trip, especially when visiting areas with limited connectivity or needing a backup for important items in case of connection disruptions. One crucial item to download in this context is maps of locations you intend to visit. Once you've outlined your itinerary using your preferred navigation app, prevent unexpected connectivity issues by downloading these maps onto your iPhone.

To download a map in Apple Maps, locate a pin of interest, then select More > Download Map > Download. To view your downloaded maps, tap on your profile picture > Offline Maps. You can enable "Only Use Offline Maps" if you prefer to see only your downloaded maps (even online). Apple Maps offers travel guides for major tourist spots that you can use to organize your travel. You can also download Google Maps offline as well.

Consider Using an eSIM

For international travel, changing SIMs for consistent connectivity is essential. The ideal method is to use an eSIM (digital SIM) integrated into your iPhone, allowing you to effortlessly switch between SIMs and plans for eight or more eSIMs. To utilize an eSIM and enhance international travel, you must satisfy certain eligibility criteria, including:

• A wireless carrier that supports eSIM
• iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later
• Connection to a Wi-Fi network for a new iPhone

If you own an iPhone 14 or later, you will automatically be able to set up eSIM even without a Wi-Fi connection. To add an eSIM on your iPhone, navigate to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. eSIMs can also be transferred, or you can convert a physical SIM to an eSIM. If your carrier permits it, eSIMs can be activated via a QR code or a link.

Another consideration while traveling internationally is enabling data roaming if your carrier includes international roaming on available data plans. If your carrier does not support data roaming, ensure it is turned off to avoid additional costs from roaming charges on your mobile account.

To do this, go to your iPhone's Settings > Cellular. Select the number you wish to modify if you use Dual SIM/eSIM. Turn on "Cellular Data" and tap "Cellular Data Options." Turn off "Data Roaming."

Ensure You Have Enough iCloud Storage

Checking iCloud and device storage is a must before starting your trip, particularly for storing photos, videos, documents, and other valuable content. With your iPhone, you typically receive 5 GB of free iCloud storage, but you can upgrade to more storage for a monthly fee.

Check how much iCloud storage remains by going to your iPhone's Settings > Apple Account > iCloud. Tap here to see if your storage is full and what is using up space, to assess and clear any clutter. You may also be prompted to upgrade to iCloud depending on how many items you have to save to iCloud. iCloud storage can be purchased starting from $0.99.month (50 GB) to $59.99/month (12 TB).

Research Apps for Local Exploration

When I'm planning a vacation, I keep my essential travel apps close at hand. These assist me in packing, planning sightseeing, and traveling more effectively. You can use packing apps like Packr to create organized lists of what you need to bring (with suggestions), make a travel itinerary with TripIt, and monitor your travel expenses with a travel budgeting app like TravelSpend. A wide range of third-party travel apps are available on the App Store.

I also use outdoor activity apps such as AllTrails when I embark on more adventurous trips to uncover local trails and parks. I try to research and find apps that can help me immerse myself in the local culture during my travels. Resources like Yelp and even social media can guide you to local eateries, shopping centers, and hidden gems.

Back Up Your iPhone Data Before Departure

In the worst-case scenario of losing your iPhone during your vacation, you don’t want to lose all your stored information. The best approach to handle this hypothetical situation is to ensure your iPhone is backing up to iCloud before leaving home. This will help preserve data that typically isn’t synced to iCloud automatically, such as your iPhone’s settings and the arrangement of your home screen.

To back up your iPhone, go to Settings > Apple Account > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Toggle on "Backup This iPhone." When you’re connected to the internet, iCloud automatically performs a backup of your iPhone daily. You can activate "Back Up Now" to do a manual backup. Logging into your iCloud account will let you view your backup.

Consider AirTags for Suitcase Security

For extended trips involving numerous suitcases and travel items that may be hard to manage, think about purchasing AirTags. These can be attached to your keys, backpacks, suitcases, and other carry-on items. Then, these items can be tracked on your iPhone’s Find My app.

You can share your AirTag details with up to five individuals, making it easier to keep track of belongings when traveling with friends or family. AirTags can also be attached to items like your wallet (or even a document file/case), so you don’t have to worry about losing essential cards and documents.

You can buy a single AirTag for $29 or a four-pack for $99, and personalize them with engraving if desired. Don’t forget to grab some keychains or other holders if you want to attach them to keys and so on.

Apple AirTag (4 Pack)

Need more AirTags? You can pair up to 16 AirTags with a single Apple ID account.

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In addition to AirTags, a safety app on your iPhone that can be crucial for monitoring your phone’s location is Find My. This allows you to share your iPhone’s location with your fellow travelers or other Apple devices, such as a Mac or Apple Watch, that you own.

For instance, when I travel, I share my device’s location with my family and friends, and have peace of mind by tracking my MacBook in the app so I know nothing is misplaced.

You can add items to which you’ve added an AirTag in your Find My app to keep track of all your things in one place. When you move away from the range of an AirTag or device that’s connected to the Find My app, you get an alert on your iPhone so you’re able to immediately identify any loss.

Create a Travel Folder of Vital Apps

A good rule of thumb when preparing for a vacation, beyond downloading specific travel apps, is to create a travel folder on your iPhone for quick access. I usually create a

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