Whenever I take a trip of any serious length I don't take a mobile phone or laptop with me. I just feel they are unnecessary. To elaborate... for one thing I love reading so getting through a couple of books a week is one of the best things about travelling. Sure I can see that there would certainly be advantages to logging on everywhere that has wifi, for example finding places to eat or using google maps but there are plenty of other ways to do both those things. Furthermore most hostels and hotels even in relatively remote locations will have a computer you can use to book your next stop off and if not there will likely be an internet café nearby. Counter productive? I disagree it gets you out in the town or city and means you will talk to more locals and other travellers. But what about photos I hear you say? Well of course I take a camera. What about music? - Yes you've got me on that one. I don't have music when I travel which admittedly isn't ideal on long bus journeys, but hey that's more reading time.
Practicalities aside, the main reason I don't take a phone or laptop travelling isn't for clichéd reasoning such as immersing myself even more in a destination - it is just about totally zoning out from the day to day of routine life and being in each moment of being on the road. I personally love the freedom of not being tied to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram almost 24 / 7. I find it really liberating and that it makes for a better travel experience - as if you've really been away from everything.
The photo is from the best travel book I have ever read - strongly recommended as a great road read.
Between Extremes by Brian Keenan and John McCarthy
