Is Your Phone Ready To Go Camping?

Is your phone ready to go camping?  Most of us clean the cobwebs out of our RVs, top off the propane, and check the tire pressure, but our phones can use a little TLC too—software updates, adding some new apps, and freeing up space for more photos.  I still use an iPhone 6S, but these tips work for Android and newer iPhones too.

My phone is just as important as my trusty Swiss Army knife on camping trips!  Even out of cell service range, there's still so much I can do. It’s my flashlight, my camera, my map, and tour guide.  But it's also my music, cookbook, library and audio books, and of course games and TV shows to binge watch on rainy days.  So here are a few tips to get your phone road trip ready and stay tuned for a post about some favorite road worthy apps!

Tip 1:  Keep it Charged
It's probably silly to even mention, but when you're driving down the road your phone should absolutely be plugged in and charging.  Period. Don't ask me how I know!

Tip 2: Know Your Data Plan
How much data do you have? Do you know how to find out how much you have left for the month?  Do you know when your plan's turnover date is?  Before I upgraded to an unlimited plan, keeping track of these issues was a major pain.  One of my favorite apps--Google Photos can automatically upload photos to the cloud and free up storage space for more photos, but without an unlimited plan, you have to wait for WiFi access to upload.   Set your app and software updates to manual and wait for prime updating conditions when you're on the road -- strong cell signal on an unlimited plan or strong, secure wifi.  On a limited plan? Be sure to turn off individual apps so they aren't pinging towers and depleting your battery. And set your location dependent apps to 'use location information only when using’—your battery will thank you.

Tip 3: Update Software
You wouldn't hit the road without a first aid kit, so before you leave on an extended trip, give your phone a little first aid and keep it safe with the most current software (iOS or Android) to guard against viruses and hacks.

Tip 4:  Storage Space
I like to leave an empty storage bin in our RV for some souvenirs and it's the same with my phone--I make sure there's storage space on my phone for lots of travel photos. Check your settings for storage space. Are you almost maxed out? Delete those blurry photos, accidental videos, old emails, and apps you don't use.  If you haven't already, consider switching to Google Photos with unlimited free cloud storage--it will free up tons of storage on your phone. Check out my post here about Google photos.

Tip 5:  Organization

How do you organize your phone? Alphabetical order? Similar apps on each screen? Or folders like me? The trick is to organize your phone so it works for you! I'm a folder fangirl and a news junkie.  When I'm checking the news I want all my news apps in one place:  CNN,  New York Times, Huffington Post, Google News, and our local Vermont news apps.

What about websites that don't have apps? There are some websites I check everyday.  Bookmarking them works, but they're a little clunky on small screens.  I love creating  website shortcuts that look just like apps. In my News folder, the icon that says Times Argus, our local newspaper, is just a shortcut since they don't have an app.  Here's a how-to link.

 Does every app need to be in a folder?  No. Pin your frequently used apps to the tray on the bottom of your home screen and just leave other important apps 'folderless.'

Tip 6:  Find My Friends (and Phone)
Here's another safety/security option.  On iPhones 'Find My Friends' allows you to share your location with a friend or family member.  I have this set up with a family member who can always see where we are.  Here's a link to similar apps for Android. 'Find iPhone' is another important app for travelers to help retrieve a lost device. Here's the Android equivalent.

Tip 7:  Phone Accessories 

                                                     Phone Grip
There are a bunch of different styles of phone grips, but a grip is useful if you take a lot of photos.  (Selfie sticks are handy too.)

Phone Case
Definitely a personal choice--if you're a kayaker, you want a waterproof one!  Lately I've been using this one by Vofolen. I can stash a gas credit card and my ID right in my phone case.

Travel Phone Chargers 
Travel phone chargers also come in handy on long hikes or off grid situations.  This one by Jackery charges two phones at the same time!

Hope this was useful and please share your phone tips in the comments below.

Stay tuned for some favorite travel and camping apps including Rosie's favorite—BringFido!