If you use iCloud backup on your iPhone/iPad then you can set up a new iPhone/iPad quickly with all your personal data and settings without connecting to a comp

If you use iCloud backup on your iPhone/iPad then you can set up a new iPhone/iPad quickly with all your personal data and settings without connecting to a computer or the old device. So you can already drop your hardware in a lake and not mind, as long as it's been backed up recently. (Which it probably hasn't been if you're vacationing at a lake.) You can also remote-wipe lost hardware to prevent others from getting your personal data off of a discarded device.