Preparing For Travel: Get Your Game On!

Traveling and gaming can go hand in hand, with many people turning to video games to pass the time during long journeys or travel downtime. If you're looking to combine your love of travel and gaming, there are a few things you should consider to ensure a seamless experience. Firstly, choose the right device for your needs, such as a smartphone, portable console, or gaming laptop. Ensure your device is fully charged and invest in a portable battery pack to avoid power outages during gameplay. Select games that don't require an internet connection, as Wi-Fi can be unreliable or costly when traveling. Bring along some travel games that are quick and easy to pick up and play anytime. Use headphones to avoid disturbing others and be mindful of your surroundings to stay safe. Additionally, protect your online security by using a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Lastly, be mindful of your battery life and carry a portable power bank to recharge your devices on the go. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy gaming while exploring new places.

Choose the right device: A smartphone, portable console, or gaming laptop

When it comes to choosing a device for gaming on the go, there are a few options to consider: a smartphone, a portable console, or a gaming laptop. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to weigh your options before making a decision.

Smartphones are a popular choice for gaming, as they are lightweight, portable, and can replace multiple devices. They can be used as a camera, map, translator, and a way to stay connected with friends and family. Additionally, there are hundreds of useful travel apps available, including currency converters, translation tools, navigation helpers, and guidebooks. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of smartphones is their battery life. It is rare to find a smartphone that will last more than a day of normal use, and long trips can result in a dead phone before reaching your destination.

Portable consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck, are also a great option for gamers on the go. They are dedicated gaming devices that offer responsive controls, downloadable games, and long battery life. For example, the Nintendo Switch provides around three hours of playtime on a single charge. These devices are easy to carry and can provide hours of entertainment during long journeys. However, they do require additional upkeep and may add some heft to your luggage.

If you're looking for a device with more utility, a gaming laptop might be the best choice. Laptops offer versatility, powerful performance, and larger screens, making them ideal for running intensive tasks like gaming. They also have more storage space and it is easier to backup photos and files. However, laptops can be more expensive, heavier, and more fragile than other options. They also require a lot of power, which can be a concern when travelling.

When choosing the right device for gaming while travelling, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Factors such as battery life, portability, performance, and cost should be taken into account to make an informed decision. Additionally, it is worth considering the availability of charging options and the durability of the device when travelling. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can select the best device to enhance your gaming experience on the move.

Pack a power bank: To recharge your device on the go

Power banks are a great way to ensure your devices stay charged while you're travelling. They're especially useful when you're away from a power outlet or don't have access to a wall charger.

• Choose the right power bank: Select a power bank that's lightweight and has enough capacity to fully charge your device. Look for power banks with a capacity of at least 2,000 mAh and up to 10,000 mAh. This will give you enough power to charge most smartphones multiple times.
• Pack any necessary cables: Make sure you have the right cables to connect your device to the power bank. Most power banks come with a USB charging cable, but it's always a good idea to double-check. You may also need a USB-C or Lightning cable, depending on your device.
• Fully charge your power bank before your trip: Before you head out, make sure your power bank is fully charged. Check the LED lights on your power bank to see when it needs charging. Most power banks have 4 LED lights that will shut off as the battery diminishes. Wait to charge your power bank until only 1 or 2 lights are on.
• Bring a wall charger or laptop: You can charge your power bank using a wall outlet or by connecting it to a laptop or computer. If you're using a wall outlet, simply plug the larger end of the USB cord into the wall adapter and the smaller end into your power bank. If you're using a laptop, connect the smaller end of the USB cord to the power bank and the larger end to the laptop's USB port.
• Check the charging time: Don't leave your power bank charging for longer than necessary. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to know how long it will take to fully charge your power bank. Most power banks charge within 1-2 hours.
• Avoid overcharging: Only charge your power bank as long as necessary for the LED lights to stop blinking. Overcharging can decrease the lifespan of your power bank's battery.
• Charge your device and power bank simultaneously: If possible, plug in your electronic devices while your power bank is charging. This will increase the battery life of your power bank and ensure that it's ready to use when you need it.
• Use the correct cable: When charging your power bank, use only the cable that came with it. Avoid using a different charging cable that is not designed for your power bank.

Use a VPN: To protect your data and privacy

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a great way to protect your data and privacy while travelling. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, preventing it from being monitored by malicious actors or hotspot owners. It hides your real IP address and location, allowing you to access your usual services, no matter your location.

When choosing a VPN, look for one with a large network of servers across the world, high speeds, strong security features, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions. Some recommended VPNs for travellers include NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.

To use a VPN effectively while travelling:

• Install the VPN app before you leave and save the manual configuration instructions.
• Log in and choose a server. For region-locked services, select a server in the required country.
• If you encounter issues, try a different server or connection protocol.

Using a VPN will help keep your data secure and allow you to access familiar services while on the move.

Benefits of Using a VPN While Travelling

• Bypass restrictions: Some countries have internet restrictions or censorship. A VPN lets you access the open internet and bypass these limitations.
• Access geo-filtered content: Websites often provide content based on your location. With a VPN, you can choose your desired location and access content as if you were there.
• Protect personal information: Public Wi-Fi networks are insecure and can leave your data vulnerable. A VPN encrypts your data, protecting it from potential hackers on the same network.

Tips for Choosing and Using a VPN

• Look for key features: When choosing a VPN provider, ensure they have a good reputation, fast servers, a wide range of server locations, and an easy-to-use interface.
• Try ExpressVPN: This is a popular VPN with servers in 94 countries. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and allows up to five simultaneous connections.
• Install the VPN app: Download and install the VPN app on your devices before you travel. This ensures you have protection from the start of your journey.
• Choose the right server: When connected to a VPN, select a server that suits your needs. For regular browsing, a nearby server is best for speed. For accessing region-locked content, choose a server in the required country.

By using a VPN while travelling, you can protect your data and maintain your privacy. It allows you to access familiar services and bypass restrictions, enhancing your online security and freedom.

Avoid motion sickness: Take breaks, adjust settings, and use AC/open windows

Motion sickness, or cybersickness, is a common problem for gamers, especially when playing first-person shooters or games with super-realistic graphics. It can cause dizziness, nausea, sweating, headaches, and even vomiting. The exact cause of motion sickness is not known, but it is believed to be due to sensory conflict, where the brain receives conflicting information from the eyes and inner ears, causing disorientation and a stress response.

To avoid motion sickness while gaming, it is recommended to take breaks often, approximately every 15 minutes. Taking breaks allows the brain and body to build up a tolerance to the stimulation and prevents overloading the senses. It is also beneficial to adjust the settings of the game to make it more comfortable for you. Look for settings such as "Motion Sickness" under Graphics or Game Controls and turn them on. If your game doesn't have this option, you can manually adjust the settings.

• Set the player view to 'First Person' or 'Front'.
• Set the 'Field of View' to 90 and adjust from there. Some people find increasing the FOV helpful, while others find reducing it more comfortable.
• Reduce player speed to the lowest possible setting.
• Turn off the view bobbing option, which simulates realistic running and walking.
• Reduce mouse sensitivity to decrease the speed of on-screen movements.

In addition to these adjustments, you can also try using the AC or opening windows while gaming to ensure a constant supply of fresh air, which can help alleviate motion sickness symptoms. Keeping the room well-lit can also help reduce eye strain and remind your brain that you are in a room and not just seeing images on a screen.

Play offline: Ensure games don't require an internet connection

Playing games offline is a great way to pass the time while travelling, especially if you have spotty Wi-Fi or no internet connection.

If you're a PC gamer, you can use Steam's Offline Mode to play games without an internet connection. This is perfect for when you're on the move and don't want to rely on unstable connections. However, it's important to note that you need to set up Offline Mode in advance, as it won't work otherwise. To enable Offline Mode, first launch Steam while connected to the internet. Check the "Remember my password" box so that you automatically sign in the next time. Go to "Steam > Settings > Account" and ensure that "Don't save account credentials on this computer" is unchecked. Click "OK" once done. Make sure there are no pending downloads or updates in the "Downloads" section, as these could interfere with your offline play. Launch the games you intend to play offline to ensure there are no further updates or installations needed, then close the game. Now, you can launch Steam in Offline Mode by going to "Steam > Go Offline" and clicking "Enter Offline Mode". With this enabled, you can play your games without an internet connection. Keep in mind that many Steam features won't be available in Offline Mode, and any game requiring an active internet connection or using an external launcher won't work.

For mobile gamers, there are plenty of offline Android games available on the Play Store. Some notable mentions include Pocket City 2, a premium city-building game without in-app purchases or advertisements, and Final Fantasy VI, a classic RPG with great touch controls. Dead Cells is another excellent option, offering a smooth roguelike platforming experience with various performance settings. If you're a fan of puzzle games, Monument Valley provides a slick and responsive experience, challenging you to interact with levels to guide your character to their goal. For a farming and life simulation experience, Stardew Valley offers a casual or deep gameplay experience, with hundreds of hours of replayability. Lastly, Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a turn-based RPG with a 30-hour campaign that can be played entirely offline, providing a console-quality experience on mobile.

So, whether you're a PC or mobile gamer, there are plenty of options available to play games offline while travelling. Just make sure to prepare in advance to ensure a smooth gaming experience on the go!

Frequently asked questions