Traveling with a laptop

I only take my laptop if I go to Europe or Asia for business but when I do I take it in a separate bag that looks like a large purse. Not one that looks like a laptop bag. I also take another piece of hand luggage. I have never had any problems anywhere I have gone in Asia or Europe. Perhaps to be on the safe side take a piece of handluggage that would take if the laptop if necessary. From all the past posts the problem destination seems to be London/UK.

Steph,

I only travel with a Laptop when taking domestic trips (ie: North America). I don't intend on EVER travelling in Europe with one, unless this is needed for a specific purpose such as "business". These have somewhat of a "worry factor", especially when staying in Hostels.

I believe Rick's newly designed "Back Door Bag" has an inner pocket or whatever, so that's likely where he stores his Laptop during travel.

I'm not familiar with the air travel regulations in China, but in Europe many of the airports (especially the U.K., as mentioned in the previous Post) only allow ONE carry-on Bag, so having a Laptop bag as well as a purse or whatever is NOT an option.

One option would be to store it with your checked luggage, using clothes for padding. Of course with checked luggage, there's always the possibility it could be lifted by unscrupulous baggage handlers. The other option is to take it as carry-on, if you have a bag that can accomodate the Laptop.

Good luck!

I just returned from an American trip and took my Rick Steves roll on as my carry-on and placed my computer inside. If you can get it, your clothes, an extra day bag all inside your carry-on and take it on the plane with you, you'd be okay, but as I've said in other posts and as those here have said, I don't intend to take my computer with me to Europe. It is more trouble than pleasure and I enjoy the cafes that I share with other travelers.

Steph, I have my own business and for the most part, can't live without my laptop. My wife and I just returned from 3 weeks in Northern Italy and Switzerland and I didn't take my laptop with me. I was able to access my website and email through the Internet. Thus, I was not really out of contact with my customers. Still, we were out on vacation and I only went onto the computer at the hotel in the evenings or early morning. Strange to your question, we are currently planning our 2008 trip to China. I definitely will not take the laptop to China. In my planning and reading websites, I simply sense to much risk of losing it to thieves. Besides, I inform my customers and they can live without me for 3 weeks. Leave it at home.

NEVER EVER pack your laptop!!!

always carry it on board with you.

Thanks for you suggestions everyone! It's much appreciated. I think I'll pack it in between my clothes in the carry-on - should be enough padding I hope. I'll also pack a colapsable bag for it in case it's needed.

Steph,

Obviously the negative comments haven't deterred you from travelling with your Laptop. It would be interesting to hear of your experiences when you return, regarding any problems you encountered or other tips.

Good luck and happy travels!

For sure Ken, I'll post when I get back and let you all know how it went. Hopefully all will go well :)

Steph, your laptop must be accessible in your carry-on -- you will be asked to remove it from the bag and have it screened separately. Don't bury it so deeply that you will hold up the security line while you dig it out.

Good point Nancy. My clothes will be packed in Rick Steves Pack-Mates so all will be organized and easy to get to.