The allure of a weekend city break — exploring cobblestone streets, trying local delicacies, and visiting world-class museums — is often accompanied by a heavy reliance on digital tools. In 2026, our smartphones have become indispensable travel companions, serving as our maps, boarding passes, and wallets.

However, as travel surges, so do the efforts of cybercriminals who view tourists as prime targets. According to the latest Risk Outlook report by International SOS, cybercrime remains one of the top risks for travellers this year, with attackers increasingly exploiting the relaxed mindset of people on holiday. Staying safe requires a few proactive habits that ensure your digital life remains as secure as your physical luggage.

Securing Your Connection In Public Spaces

One of the most common pitfalls during a city break is the temptation of free public Wi-Fi. Whether in a bustling airport lounge or a charming side-street café, these networks are rarely secure. Hackers often set up “honeypot” hotspots with legitimate-sounding names to intercept sensitive data like banking logins or private emails.

As highlighted by The Guardian, the rapid advancement of AI tools has enabled criminals to automate these interceptions with terrifying efficiency. The most effective defence is a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which creates an encrypted tunnel for your data. If a VPN isn’t available, it is always safer to use your mobile data roaming or a personal hotspot for any task involving a password.

Protecting Your Identity During Account Setups

Traveling often involves downloading new apps—local transit trackers, museum guides, or specialised booking platforms. Many of these services require account verification via SMS, which can be a nuisance and a privacy risk if you are using a foreign SIM or want to keep your primary number private. To maintain a layer of security, seasoned travelers often use dedicated verification services.

For a smooth and private experience when setting up travel-related accounts, a reliable recommendation is to use SMS Pool. This allows you to receive the necessary verification codes without exposing your permanent phone number to local databases that may be prone to data leaks or marketing spam.

The Importance Of Physical Device Security

Digital safety is inextricably linked to the physical security of your devices. In a crowded city centre, “shoulder surfing”—where someone watches you enter a PIN or password—is a real threat. Before you leave, ensure that biometric locks like Face ID or fingerprint scans are enabled, and reduce the “screen timeout” duration to the minimum. Furthermore, the “Find My Device” feature should be active on all electronics. If your phone is lost or stolen, being able to remotely wipe your financial data and personal photos can prevent a bad situation from turning into a total identity crisis.

Practicing Mindful Sharing On Social Media

It is natural to want to share your travel highlights in real-time, but broadcasting your exact location can alert bad actors that your hotel room or your home is currently empty. A better strategy for 2026 is “delayed posting”, waiting until you have left a location, or even until you are back home, to share your photos. By keeping your current itinerary private, you reduce your profile as a target for both digital and physical theft.

By treating your digital hygiene with the same care you give to your passport, you can focus on the sights and sounds of your destination with total peace of mind.