Taking a laptop with you is good because in some kind situation you can find a solution from searching the net and also can talk with your friends and family online and also can do online transfer in case you need some money.

But safety is what you do to take care of your laptop.

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Yes I think it is worth the risk, personally I don't travel without a laptop, this includes both business and holiday/personal trips.

For Holidays yes a laptop is great to do banking online, but also to keep in contact with your friends/family, great to backup your holiday photos/movies and also to find the best restaurant or hotel in your area.

In terms of laptop safety when traveling, I use these rules:

• When in your hotel room always lock it away in your in-room safe (provided its big enough to hold your laptop, many are)

• When transiting or flying always keep your laptop on you, this includes airlines lounges (never trust anyone you don't know!)

• Take a laptop lock with you so that you can secure your laptop and other valuables, if you need to take a sleep at an airport

• Ensure you have adequate insurance to cover your laptop along with other valuable gear (Camera & Video Camera) you take on your trip.

Regards

 Normally I would advise against taking a laptop on a simple holiday or vacation because it is pretty easy to find an internet shop and they are pretty cheap.

You do have some security issues when you use cheap hostels and especially dorms. I think a fellow tourist would rip you off first! Even in hotels with security box storage most of the time the box is too small to fit a laptop.