Have Laptop Will Travel

Some Tips for Buying a Good Cheap Laptop

Originally posted on October 27, 2011 @ 4:55 pm

There are a number of different approaches to buying inexpensive laptops. The bottom line, though, is that if you need a laptop that performs well and don’t have a lot of money to spend on one, that is definitely possible in this day and age. It arguably makes sense to spend a very moderate amount of money on a technology that is produced in abundance, especially if these fairly troubled economic times (or some other situational factors) have resulted in your not have much extra cash to burn. With this in mind here are some approaches to finding cheap and decent laptops that will stand by you for a while. Pick and choose which ones seem be the best suited to your budget and requirements. [Read more…]

Best Places to go Backpacking Before Studying Abroad

Originally posted on July 17, 2013 @ 11:20 am

Have you always wanted to go backpacking in another country, but couldn’t decide on the right time to go? Consider taking the backpacking trip you’ve always dreamed of before you spend a semester studying abroad.

Yes, you could postpone your backpacking trip, but what if other plans get in the way while studying abroad? While you may not regret those choices, you may regret not being able to go backpacking while you had the chance. With that in mind, here are some of the best places to go on a backpacking adventure.

Mexico

Mexico is an ideal destination for students with a tight budget. Choose from dozens of hostels to spend the night in, or camp out on one of the many remote beaches to truly get in touch with nature. If you need a break from walking, take advantage of Mexico’s affordable bus transportation system.

Visit Chiapas to learn about Mexico’s rich history – ruins, temples and shrines can be found throughout the area. Backpackers in Mexico can experience both the popular tourist attractions, like beaches and city landmarks, and the local gems that make the country so unique.

New Zealand

Backpackers who want to experience nature’s beauty will find it in New Zealand. With trails that snake into towns, cities and wilderness, you’ll always find adventure. Since New Zealand is such a small country, traveling is a breeze – rental cars, bus systems and domestic flights are all affordable options.

New Zealand has no shortage of activities to do and places to see. Hike through one of thousands of trails, or test your endurance by trekking one of the Great Walks, which can take two to four days to complete. Sporty types can partake in the area’s many athletic opportunities, including biking, kayaking and skiing. Tolkien fans can visit Middle Earth – or, at least where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed.

Vietnam

Backpackers experience a diverse culture and landscape when traveling in Vietnam. It’s the perfect place for those who want to experience everything – mountains, cities, fishing villages and beaches are a few locations Vietnam offers. Travel in Vietnam is inexpensive.

No trip through Vietnam would be complete without visiting Ha Long Bay. Referred to by the Vietnamese as the “Bay of Descending Dragons,” the bay is comprised of around 3,000 limestone islands. For a view of city life, trek through the capital city of Hanoi, where you’ll find a mix of ancient temples, wartime museums and bustling markets.

Before you go

It sounds romantic to hop on the plane with nothing but the clothes on your back and the change in your pocket and go where the wind takes you, but being a bit more practical will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

If you haven’t already started the process, apply for a passport at least two months before your trip, since processing can take a while. Make copies of your passport and itinerary for your family, and protect yourself with a student health insurance policy in case of an emergency. Pack the essentials – weather-appropriate clothes, first aid kit, map/compass – or smartphone/charger, sunscreen and food and water.

Don’t let finances or fear of the unknown keep you from experiencing an overseas backpacking adventure. If you plan ahead and are determined enough, you’ll be able to see what these historical places have to offer. Perhaps this adventure will make next semester’s foreign studies class that much easier.

Online Connectivity While Traveling

Originally posted on February 29, 2012 @ 2:01 pm

Work and family obligations require most people to be constantly in touch even while traveling.  Even with the possession of a top-of-the-line laptop, no substantial work can be done without proper Internet connectivity.  This then renders bringing the laptop useless.

To ensure that the additional burden of carrying a laptop does not go to waste, travelers should do some research on the place of destination with regards to the availability of wireless connection.  The initial point of information is usually the hotel or hostel wherein the travelers intend to stay.  This makes sense since this is probably the place where laptops will be used most often away from home or work.  It has to be made clear however whether Internet connectivity is provided through free wi-fi connection or through a business center paid by the hour.  Wi-fi connection is also sometimes limited to a specific area in the hotel only which will make it impossible to have the convenience of staying in the room during laptop use.

Travelers who find themselves in such an inconvenient situation can look for an Ethernet jack on the room walls if they have their Ethernet cable on hand.  With these two, wireless connection can be established.  This option however will not always be available in all places of accommodation.  Ethernet connection may require configuring the Internet protocol to the connection at one’s specific location.

Many travel guidebooks already include information about connectivity options since most travelers are understandably concerned with its availability.  Before leaving, laptops should be made Internet-ready primarily by checking if the wireless card and Ethernet jack are properly functioning.  An external attachment known as the WLAN hardware that makes it possible to create one’s own wireless signal can be brought along just in case it is necessary to use it.  A laptop can provide the most flexibility when traveling with documents and other important files contained in it but sometimes it is only as good as the connection it can access.

Work Laptops Aren’t a Safe Zone

Originally posted on August 9, 2012 @ 11:15 pm

Our dependence on the Internet affects both our careers and our personal lives. When travelling with a work laptop, there’s more to worry about than losing an expensive piece of equipment. If you drive a company car, you’re not supposed to take it to the beach for some surfing; if you translate that policy to all of your employer’s property, you see the problem. The difference is that your boss doesn’t follow you to the beach. [Read more…]

Easy Language Learning for Travel

Originally posted on May 2, 2012 @ 8:49 am

Traveling in foreign countries is more fun when you are able to communicate freely with locals in their native language.  You are able to learn more from trips abroad without the language barrier that most often limits the experience that can be derived from a place.  But what is the easiest way of acquiring a working knowledge of a foreign language that can be put to good use in travel?

Educational language programs used on computers can be just like learn Thai in Bangkok.  Foreign language software such as Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur provide interactive learning in a manner that is most convenient to the learner.  Through combined use of text, video, and audio, learners are able to get a good grasp of the foreign language through integration of these three elements with the end purpose of gaining the ability to hold a conversation in the desired language.

Learning need not stop while on travel since learners can go back to previous lessons at any time.  A traveler who intends to have a more lengthy stay in a foreign place can also consider an online course.  The learning modules are typically provided in a pre-determined progression.  Students can keep track of their lessons through emails.

If a traveler is on a serious quest to mastering a foreign language, nothing beats complete immersion even while in the process of learning.  This can be made possible by enrolling in a professional language school.  Interaction is not only limited to the best teacher but will include interacting with other students who are equally eager to learn.  The key to truly mastering a language is using it as often as possible.  Those who need frequent brushing-up on their lessons can always depend on their chosen computer foreign language software.