A laptop to Europe - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

griffster122 · 01-02-2005, 12:15 PM

I've seen that a few Tpunkers bring their laptops when traveling, and was wondering if its a good idea. We'll be staying in Hostels throughout Europe, and so long as we keep it quiet that we have valuables between the other hostel residents, is keeping a laptop in our bags fine? is there a way to secure it better? Any suggestions would be great, thanks!

**beergal** · 01-02-2005, 03:05 PM

to be honest i dont think they are really worth the hassle cos they are a nightmare to carry around everywhere plus there are internet cafe's everywhere even in remote areas like romania

ohknaks · 01-02-2005, 09:55 PM

I honestly wouldn't bother taking it. Its going to take up a huge part of your bag and you're going to be worried about breaking it the entire time. If you want to store photos on it, buy a $200 x-drive instead. If you want internet access, there are computers everywhere in europe.

**kingcrazylegs** · 01-02-2005, 10:18 PM

I'd take it...but I'm a junkie!

**omisan** · 01-03-2005, 09:54 AM

I can't imagine life without my Powerbook since I got it.. until I think of backpacking with it. Then all of a sudden there's a resounding "NO!!!!" in my head. Dunno what it is - I haven't had a problem with theft, carry a bunch of electronics, etc. I guess the widespread availability of internet cafes in Europe lessens my separation anxiety

**butterj** · 01-04-2005, 05:44 AM

id stick to the interent cafe's, your just as likely to break it as to have it nicked. thing is it's just one more thing you have to think about when doing stuff and ive desided to take bare minimum on my next trip otherwise your always thinking where can i leave my bag.

griffster122 · 01-05-2005, 06:24 PM

hmmmm........ internet cafes it is

samperet · 01-08-2005, 01:55 AM

Nope, Im with Kingcrazylegs I'm the kid thats goin on this trip, and the laptop comes ...

**pinion** · 01-09-2005, 11:34 AM

I wouldn't bring a laptop...I don't think its worth spending the time worrying about it the whole trip, cause I'm sure you will. My pack took alot of abuse when I was in Europe. I'd hate to think what would have happened if a laptop was in there

skorch · 01-10-2005, 02:28 PM

The only electronics I'd take would be a camera and a music device. Think of how many extra pairs of socks or underwear you could pack if you didn't take a laptop. The more you have, the less trips to the laundrimat you have to make. Plus, what are you going to do with the laptop? Unless you're taking a phone with you (oh the horror) that you can dial out of to get access to the internet, its pretty much a paperweight. If you want something to dump your camera pictures onto, there are many places that will copy your memory card onto a CD for very little cost. A guy I was travelling with did that in Prague. He got two copies made and mailed one home just in case he lost a copy.

**JiveTurkey** · 01-11-2005, 09:05 PM

I had a hard time keeping track of my watch! let alone a computer! I say just leave it.. there are loads of internet cafe's and you can go to any kodak or photo store and have your digital pics burned to CD.

BrandonCA · 01-12-2005, 01:08 AM

I'm going through the same dilema right now. Ya, I want to use it upload pictures...but that's no big deal, cuz I can use the internet cafes.

The main reason I want it is for journal keeping purposes. I hate to write. I know myself, and I won't write. Looking at a pen makes my hand cramp up..hahaha. So, do I have no written record of my journies, or do I lug around a laptop...grrr...decisions decisions...

**JiveTurkey** · 01-12-2005, 05:27 PM

I think if you weigh out the pros and cons you will see that taking a computer will be more hassel then it's worth... The best wat to keep a journal is to email your friends and family back home every few days. Every now and then I just open my sent box and read through them..