Are you a gadget junkie?

Yes, I carry all of it but am a little more nimble with some new technologies than the writer.

Linda, I suppose I'm also a "gear junkie" to some extent. The gear I travel with has evolved over the years, but each item is functional and makes the trips easier in some way. This isn't a complete list, but some of the items I use are: > Cellphone (basic model, not a Smart Phone). Works great for calls and texts to keep in touch with family. > P & S Camera. This is good for short videos, provides a "backup" in case of problems with my other Camera, and good to use at night. > DSLR Camera. One of the things I enjoy most, is taking pictures of the places I visit. The DSLR is one thing I won't compromise on! > iPod Touch. Great for music and good for quick use on the Net, weather and currency exchange rates. > Palm PDA. I'm now transferring some functions to the iPod, however the PDA is still used for my phone numbers, Itinerary details and other essential info. There are still some App's that aren't available on the iPod (ie: Pocket Quicken), so the Palm unit is still necessary. It works better for some things than the iPod (I recently told an Apple employee that they still haven't quite achieved "The Zen of Palm", a comment he didn't seem to appreciate). > Netbook. A new addition to the gear, but one that I'll be taking on every trip. Good for net use (don't have to struggle with foreign keyboards!), E-mail, journalling, Blogging and photo storage. Also contains the main copy of my Itinerary and other travel details (backup on a USB Flash Drive). > GPS. I've found this very useful on a couple of occasions, both when I've rented vehicles and also for walking around cities. > Chargers for the above, and Plug Adapters. My list evolves a bit for each trip, but these are the "core" items.

My international travel kit for an upcoming photo workshop in Venice iPhone (to bet kept on airplane mode and wifi only) iPad (with international data plan but will turn off mail) Unlocked Google Nexus One android phone (getting a local talk and data SIM card) MacBook Air (New version) 1 or 2 DSLRs (battery chargers 3-4 batteries) 3-5 lenses point and shoot camera 2 or 3 portable hard drives 10-15 memory cards and 2 card wallets 3-6 filters GPS unit logging GPS plug adapters (2) power strip extra cables (ethernet, micro/mini usb, power) airport express 2x card reader rolling camera bag for traveling portion shoulder camera bag for while at destination travel tripod several lens cloths sensor cleaner 2x earbuds small portable speaker
ipod nano

Lisa, Wow, that's quite a list of gadgets! Are you packing more on this trip due to the Workshop? BTW, which Photo Workshop are you attending?

I am also an avid photographer when I travel, so I definitely bring along a DSLR w/ lenses, a point and shoot camera, and on occasion a waterproof point and shoot as well, with multiple batteries for each. I usually also have a portable hard drive to load the photos. Aside from that, I like to try to keep the bulk down. So, even though they may be handy, I usually go without a phone, computer, or GPS, etc. If I need internet or need to use the phone, I just go to a cafe or use a phone card. I usually travel via public transportation, but if I was to drive I would likely consider bringing a GPS. Though, I usually bring an iPod Touch as well, which is handy for portable travel guides, or maps and Skype when you have internet access. So, I guess I would be somewhere in the middle when it comes to electronic gear.. maybe leaning toward the upper end (due to my photo interests)...?

The Photo Workshop I am going to is called Venice Within The Frame with David DuChemin and Jeffrey Chapman it begins April 30, 2011. I did a photo workshop in Paris with Peter Turnley a few years ago. My plan is to try to do an international photo workshop every 3-4 years and a domestic one every 1-2 years. After the workshop I will spend another 10 days touring Italy.

I'm the antithesis of a technology junkie; I just got a digital point-and-shoot camera in June. Before then, my electronics packing list included my cell phone and film point-and-shoot camera, plus film, extra batteries, adapter/converter, and phone charger. Maybe I'm one of the few people who is disturbed by this trend, but I'm struck by how many screens people stare at all day - computers, phones, iPods, whatever. It's easy to envision a world where we are literally hooked up to our devices and cannot function without them, and where we can only relate to people though electronics. I try to avoid this at home in the States as much as possible (by not buying an iPod or smartphone or whatever), and I definitely don't want to stare at various screens for half my trip.

"My international travel kit for an upcoming photo workshop in Venice" Too bad you aren't going somewhere a bit more photogenic. (I am kidding).