As a blogger, it is your job to write compelling content that keeps readers coming back each and every day. Coming up with new, interesting things to write about means you have to get out from behind your desk and go experience things. That often requires travel. Travel blogs are wildly popular, but heading off to distant lands doesn’t mean you can skip deadlines. You’ll have to keep blogging during your travels, and that means hauling your laptop along for the ride. But how can you keep that laptop safe when traveling by plane, train, automobile or donkey?

The first part of your strategy is an absolute necessity, and that’s backing up your hard drive. If your laptop is accidentally damaged somewhere along the way, you could lose some or all of the information off your internal drive, and if that data isn’t backed up, there may be no way to get it back. Your best bet would be to purchase two external hard drives. Buy a large one that’s meant to stay with your desk to leave at home, and back up everything on your computer before you go. Then buy a smaller drive that’s designed to stand up to bumps and bruises, and back up everything again. Take the rugged drive on your trip, and regularly back up your laptop when you have some down time. That way you have the ability to back up new files, photos and music you pick up while in transit, as well as the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that all your information is safe back at home.

Next, you should pick up a sturdy laptop case. You’ll find laptop cases at a wide range of prices, but it doesn’t do to skimp here. Look for something that’s soft on the inside, but sturdy enough on the outside that it will protect your laptop from damaging falls or other accidents. Remember, the padded sleeve alone isn’t enough. It may be pricey to purchase a rock star laptop case, but your readers are worth it.

In addition to the laptop case, you should also pick up a bag to keep it in. You don’t want to trek around the globe with your computer tucked under your arm. A comfortable bag designed to hold laptops is the best way to go, and make sure it has a shoulder strap. The safest place for your laptop will often be slung across your back, so shop around for a backpack style bag if at all possible.

Remember when you’re a stranger in a strange land you’ll also be the target of possible thefts. You don’t need to be paranoid about this, but people will notice the savvy blogger with his fancy laptop sitting outside a coffee shop. So if you’re heading out for a relaxing day abroad without your computer, make sure you secure it somewhere in your hotel room. Don’t simply leave it on your desk, because that’s just asking for trouble. This is doubly true if you’re going the cheap route and staying in hostels. If your laptop won’t fit in a locker, consider a bag that has a steel, bike-style locking mechanism. This will allow you to chain your bag to the heater or the bedpost, making 100% sure it will be there when you return from your night out on the town.

Finally, you could also choose to buy a separate laptop specifically for travel. This is a great option if you have a high-end laptop you use at home, or if your laptop has a large screen. That may be great while at your desk, but portability is the name of the game while traveling. Leave the expensive pro laptop at home, and buy something small and cheap, with a Cisco GLC-LH-SM installed. It won’t be sexy, but it will be serviceable, and for blogging on the road that’s really all you need.