Tech & travel: Which devices should you bring
Technology has simplified travel in countless ways. The rollout of more robust cell networks means that more people have basic service no matter how far off the grid they wander. Meanwhile, free Wi-Fi continues to pop up in more urban centers around the world, connecting travelers to the internet—and sites that offer cheap flights, guided tours, and more.
From the palm of their hand, most travelers can access just about any service or product from their smartphone. However, just because devices like phones, tablets, and laptops keep us at the forefront of technology, toting them around can be cumbersome and stressful.
And, aside from digital nomads, there may not be an immediate purpose for toting along anything larger than a smartphone. So, which devices will you need to bring with you, and for which types of trips? Let’s take a closer look at three basic rules for traveling with the three devices mentioned above.
Bring a laptop for urban travel Most people who set off on vacation will be eager to leave their laptops behind. After all, many professionals spend their workdays glued to the screen—who wants to bother when there might be a beach or a spa day on the horizon?
But a laptop can come in handy, especially for those who might have a few work emails to catch up on or a small business to monitor. For those sticking to city centers to soak up local culture and history, bringing a laptop is a good choice. Not only does it keep you connected to your world, but city lodgings like hotels and Airbnbs are secure places to leave behind valuables.
Additionally, a laptop is a great way to relax after a long day touring museums or sampling local delicacies. Not everyone will want to hit the town again—especially with jetlag. A laptop is a way to veg out for the night by streaming a movie on Netflix or playing one of the titles offered on PokerStars Casino, for example. The first clues travelers into local tastes when it comes to TV shows and films, while the latter offers dozens of slots titles to help you kick back, from Rick and Morty to 3 Witches.
Opt for a tablet for longer journeys The longer the trip, the more a traveler should consider their packing arrangement. Oftentimes, a trip that stretches on weeks or months means that only the most important items will make the cut, from shoes to cosmetics to electronics. In these cases, stowing a tablet like an iPad is a great way to compromise on space and amenities.
An iPad will easily fit in most long-term packing schemes, whether a backpack or a rolling suitcase. Additionally, they’re easy to tuck away into a more clandestine location for those who plan on staying overnight in hostels and other low-security accommodations.
Best of all, a tablet still carries many of the functionalities of a laptop. So, for those who still plan on responding to a few emails or logging into their bank account, a tablet will get the job done. Depending on your internet connection, tablets are also ideal for streaming a TV show or playing a game of slots, as mentioned above—even while catching a flight or a train to another city.
Photo by Oliur on Unsplash
Keep it simple when backpacking Getting off the beaten path is one of the greatest rewards of traveling. However, the general idea is that the more well-traveled and urban an area, the more license a traveler has to carry pricier items like a laptop or a tablet. Much of this comes down to accommodation. As mentioned above, a hotel has a more stringent hold on security than a youth hostel.
And while this isn’t a reason to fear travel, it’s best to keep laptops and tablets at home when backpacking to more remote locations. First, it’s a lot lighter for someone who may need to hike around with all their supplies on their back. Second, it’s easier to keep charged when facing a journey without electricity or only a few opportunities to charge up. Lastly, it lets a traveler fully immerse themselves in the experience.
