Oh, this is a tough question, Jen. These days when I'm traveling, I almost always bring my laptop, including a trip to Portugal and Paris last summer. I did it for all the reasons you outlined here — all the professional stuff, but the biggest being that I want to continue my regular writing practice — and yet: why not forget the computer and just bring along a paper notebook and write in it whenever I get the fancy? I pose that as a question for me as much as for you. I've been contemplating a digital detox stretch, which means getting off the internet. That's the issue for me more than whether I use a computer or notebook to write.
I just got back from a two-day eclipse adventure where I didn't bring my laptop — seriously?! — and it was fine. I did have my iPhone, though :-)
Martha - it is such a tough one! I'm so relieved to hear you ask yourself that too. I would have assumed after all these years you've sort of decided when to write and when to take a break. Funny. I hope you had an excellent eclipse adventure. I got to watch it right outside my apartment by the carport. Amazing. I'm still undecided about the laptop but I'm leaning on bringing it.
Last year, I traveled for over seven months. It was a challenge to find some kind of balance. I had no routine. Instead, I embraced the daily adventure, and I wrote on trains, planes, buses, and ships. Just loved it. ~ I hope you're having a fabulous trip. And personally, I would take the computer, just in case. 🩷
Oh, this is a tough question, Jen. These days when I'm traveling, I almost always bring my laptop, including a trip to Portugal and Paris last summer. I did it for all the reasons you outlined here — all the professional stuff, but the biggest being that I want to continue my regular writing practice — and yet: why not forget the computer and just bring along a paper notebook and write in it whenever I get the fancy? I pose that as a question for me as much as for you. I've been contemplating a digital detox stretch, which means getting off the internet. That's the issue for me more than whether I use a computer or notebook to write.
I just got back from a two-day eclipse adventure where I didn't bring my laptop — seriously?! — and it was fine. I did have my iPhone, though :-)
Martha - it is such a tough one! I'm so relieved to hear you ask yourself that too. I would have assumed after all these years you've sort of decided when to write and when to take a break. Funny. I hope you had an excellent eclipse adventure. I got to watch it right outside my apartment by the carport. Amazing. I'm still undecided about the laptop but I'm leaning on bringing it.
Love your writing!
Not sure what to say about the laptop versus no laptop dilemma. I usually end up bringing my laptop!
That's so funny...you probably don't even think about it, and it's not a dilemma at all. xo
Last year, I traveled for over seven months. It was a challenge to find some kind of balance. I had no routine. Instead, I embraced the daily adventure, and I wrote on trains, planes, buses, and ships. Just loved it. ~ I hope you're having a fabulous trip. And personally, I would take the computer, just in case. 🩷
I leave next week! I'm still undecided but leaning towards taking it. Thanks for weighing in. Seven months is a long time, you'd need to bring it:-)