Recently, the family embarked on a trip to the US. The trip was a “gift” of sorts for Ira… who had turned 18 and graduated from high school. Compared to the 2002 trip, this one was going to be high-tech. We were bringing my netbook to keep in touch with family – through email and facebook. We were going to rent a GPS, as an option to our rentals – so Len and I wouldn’t have to deal/argue about maps and directions.
The following are essential tools to enhance any trip abroad:
a) a laptop / netbook (with wifi capabilities)
b) wifi connectivity
c) a gps – essential for driving around
d) a small compact camera (that also takes video)
Let me explain.
Maybe keeping in touch with family is not a priority – but researching for places to go, sights to visit, restaurants to eat in, making reservations, etc. IS. In 2002, I had so many print outs, that I must have brought a whole tree with me. Facebook kept us in touch with family and friends… we received suggestions through which enhanced the trip.
There were countless times when we had just “ran out of ideas.” Having the netbook around “saved” the day. Of course, having wifi was required. In hotels that didn’t offer free connectivity, I often purchased “pay as you go” plans that gave us that connectivity. This kept the trip from going “stale” and wasting the day away. We always had things to do, places to explore, restaurants to try. Of course, you could always visit an internet cafe (which would achieve the same end). Having the netbook though definitely saved us some time.
A GPS afforded us to be independent… free to change destinations at a moments notice… kept us on track even if we had missed a turn or took the wrong exit (so easy to do) – something that would have rattled us back in 2002… something that would have started an argument at the very least – now, no more. So, for those driving… unless you’re really familiar with the ins and outs, I strongly suggest that you rent a GPS or at least borrow one.
Who goes on a trip without a camera? Not me. Whenever I travel with the family, a camera is always handy. The problem is, my camera is a DSLR… its big, bulky and heavy. Sure, I’d be able to take wonderful shots with it… but my shoulder would have complained to no end. With the compact camera we brought along, it was with us ALL the time PLUS any of us could use it… and it took videos too I might add.
Top of The Rock – NYC
I truly had fun on this trip… so did Len and Ira… thanks to these essential tools…
Recent Comments