Writers, editors, photogs, and bloggers share tips, leads, ideas, news, gripes. PR reps/journos ISO press releases/trips, see also "PR/Marketing." Opinions stated are not necessarily those of Tripatini.
What do you wear to Seven Magic Mountains?
Seven Magic Mountains is an art installation located in the Nevada desert, and the weather can be quite hot and dry. Therefore, it is recommended to wear comfortable and breathable clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, and sandals or sneakers. You may also want to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. It's also a good idea to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated. While there is no strict dress code, it's important to dress appropriately for the weather and…
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Total weight -- under 3 lbs. And while I abhor having to pay for internet access at a hotel, I simply cannot be out of touch for tht long. I try to get hotels to waive or reduce the fee, or just connect every other day, but being totally off grid means triple the catch up time when I get home.
I don't take my laptop out of the country. For one thing, as a Canadian/foreigner, travelling to the U.S. I run the risk of having it confiscated by US customs. A number of travellers have mentioned having their harddrives searched and laptops taken away - sometimes for hours, others for indefinite periods.
And since much of my work involves Europe, I find taking the laptop inconvenient. It's extra weight and extra worry. Plus there's the hassle of different electrical currents and the need for converters. There are plenty of internet cafes where I can dash in and for very little money check emails and empty out the stupid jokes from my inbox. Canadian High Commissions also provide free internet service to travelling Canadians.
I also don't have tight deadlines that require me filing from the road. I keep in constant contact with my editors so they know when I'm home and when I'm away and where and that it may be a while before I can be reached (I do keep a cell phone in London that works all over Europe, so in an emergency they can reach me via it).
On the road I love to take time each day to sit in a cafe or pub and make notes in a moleskin notebook (er, that's a real paper notebook, not a brand of computer). I find my observations and comments are vastly different from the notes I make on a computer screen. I like the "colour" pen and paper contribute.
My other issue with travelling with technology is that it becomes a type of disconnect to the place. If I have my laptop with me, I usually end up emailing the same people I converse with all the time and visit the same websites as opposed to being out on the streets of this foreign destination.
So I travel with my camera, microcassette recorder, pens and paper. It's old fashioned, but practical.
Am so glad to be in contact and to hear all your thoughts. Am going to Copenhagen/Stockholm on the 21st and they're really doing a major "go green" push -- tho as in all press trips it's a forced march mit jetlag. Will be back on the 28th and while am doing it for Everett Potter's Travel Report blog, am looking for any/all assignments that actually might bring money to the till. Know that I'm an old Copenhagen hand and do spirit of place quite well.
Happy trails to all, and will be in touch after September 28th. I don't travel with the laptop as the hotels I'm staying in have (for a fee: fie!) business centers. The weight/adapters are just too much, especially without an immediate deadline.
Any thoughts on whether it's worth it to take equipment abroad, if one isn't blogging but has old-fashioned future deadlines?
Cheers, Mary Alice
Susan Hartzler, Editor-In-Chief of DIY Doggie, is looking for properties to review in the new publication DIY Doggie. The premier issue will be live on the iPhone and iPod Touch with dedicated iTune's applications on October 5. They will add a travel section in the November issue reviewing hotels and resorts that are dog friendly. She's currently looking for a property in New York City to visit in October for the November issue. DIY Doggie will be available for download to 48 million people. If you have any suggestions, please post them here! Thanks!