The packing has begun. I have no idea what to pack, but at least I have started collecting almost anything I may or may not need for the trip. Notebook. Meds. Headphones. Camera. Snacks. The only thing I cannot decide on is if I will bring my laptop on my trip. Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. I only have three more
This vacation is totally

One of my biggest decisions is if I should bring my laptop on vacation. Now, I have no intentions to do any work while on vacation. None. Nada. Zip. However, there are so many other things I can do so much faster on my laptop vs. my phone. Typing. Uploading photos. Facetime. Texting. We will have internet in the evenings, and assume I will have some quiet time I can fire it up and get things done.
I did break down two weeks ago and polled everyone but those involved with the trip on laptop vs. notebook. Here is what I asked on Facebook:
OK – my mystery trip is in TWO WEEKS. PACKING dilemma. I want to pack my laptop so I can type, stay awake during the flight and save pics, etc. Many are telling me to unplug. I have NEVER not traveled with my laptop.
The end results of this very scientific poll were:
- Laptop: 33%
- Notebook: 67%
Of course, a few people did point out that I would probably end up taking both a notebook (already purchased last weekend) and the laptop. Sometimes I am a bit too predictable. Here are some of the reason to take the laptop or to leave it at home.
TAKE IT: I can type really fast, so would be able to type up some posts pretty quickly. I can also upload all my photos from my camera and post easily (and ensure if something happen to the camera I have them saved). Texting/Facetime would be a tad easier when I did have wifi connections.
LEAVE IT: It’s a heavy laptop. I could actually unplug for an entire week. How often does one have a chance to do that? I can do MOST things on my phone (the laptop is always faster, tho).
Well, I have three days to decide. At least, instead of panicking about not knowing where I am going I get to focus on what to actually pack, including said electronics. I do get to panic about what clothes to pack for temperatures between 50s-60s with occasional rain showers. And shoes. I need to decide on shoes. So. Many. Decisions.
Be certain you follow my Instagram – you’ll know there first!
The idea of taking a mystery trip sounds so cool! I don’t know if I’d be able to wait that long to know where I was going though :p
Personally, I hate traveling with a laptop because it creates so much extra weight (which I always struggle with when packing) and I always get paranoid about it being stolen. And if you’re trying to unplug and not work, I’d recommend leaving the laptop behind-it’s definitely what I would do!
I leave everything home but my phone. It’s nice to unplug every once in awhile.
Bring it! How exciting! Have fun!
You’ve got us hooked! We will have to keep reading to see where you went and if you took your laptop. Very engaging post.
LOL…you’ve probably already taken this trip and maybe you’re even home already but I’m having fun living vicariously through your posts!! I too raised 4 boys and always said “I live in a girl free zone.” LOVE your blog name “Irish Monarchy.”
The thought of going on a mystery trip is exciting! I am jealous!
When my husband and I go out of town, we bring our laptop so that we can watch Netflix or upload photos. So, I would say, bring it!