Guest Post On Motivation: The Procrastinator’s Plan For Travel
November 4, 2009 by Anil P.
Filed under Guest Post
There are countless ways to get yourself traveling but if you’re a procrastinator like myself take a look at my guest post for Mary and Sean’s Adventures about motivating ourselves to travel. It’s the procrastinator’s plan that’s simple, to the point, and kind of fun (for planning anyway).
It was a pleasure to write the guest post for Mary who provided the wonderful guest post Remedy For the Port Travel Blues: 7 Ways to Bring Your Trip Back Home back in September. There was quite a lively conversation in the comments on that post which I think you’ll enjoy reading. Mary and Sean’s Adventures is a wonderful travelogue with lots of fun videos and is certainly worth a click over.
Thanks again Mary, it was fun to collaborate and trade guest posts!
The Tech Guide For Travel
My latest blog (and last one for a while) is a place where you can experience the geeky side of backpacking. The Tech Guide For Travel is a site all about the hardware, software, and hacks to make you the ultimate digital nomad. The blog is brand new with a few posts ready and many more waiting to be published. I thought I’d give you all a chance to take a look around before the fun begins.
What’s The Difference Between Tech Here and The Tech Guide For Travel?
I won’t stop posting about technology, software, and other gadgets here on foXnoMad. The Tech Guide For Travel will be the place though where I dive right into the details of nifty hacks, review gadgets, and tackle the age old question – Mac or Windows – all of course from a traveler’s point of view. There will also be some cross over between foXnoMad and the Tech Guide For Travel.
Why The Tech Guide For Travel?
I get a lot of questions about technology and many emails about various products, services, apps, websites, and programs – so many that I can’t fit them all here on foXnoMad. I love technology and have many years of experience as a computer security engineer and am excited to create a blog that’s all about the technology that makes traveling even more fun.
Here are two posts already up on the Tech Guide For Travel:
- My Interview With Raz Carcoana About iPhone App Travelholic Confessions
- 5 Ways To Get Your Gadgets and Software For Less
Be Prepared When Things Get Rolling
The Tech Guide For Travel gets rolling full steam next week and will be updated every Tuesday. You can be prepared and help the blog grow by providing your feedback and comments on the posts or in an email.
- Don’t miss future posts by subscribing to the Tech Guide For Travel RSS feed or weekly email updates.
- Consider a Guest Post. Dying to write about travel and technology? Consider submitting a guest post and I’ll let everyone know about it. I’ll also return the favor with a guest post of my own for you.
- Links. If you’ve already emailed me about a link on Travel Blog Advice, I’ll be adding you to the Tech Guide For Travel links page shorty. Otherwise shoot me an email I’ll be sure to add you.
- Ideas. Have any ideas for a post or question about anything tech and travel related? What about optimizing your travel blog code or jailbreaking your iPhone? Send me an email and if applicable I’ll set up a post to answer your question.
Coming Up
I can envision expanding the Tech Guide For Travel to a few more posts per week than just once on Tuesdays but for now I’ll pace myself. I’m very passionate about travel and technology and I can see the Tech Guide For Travel growing into something bigger with your help.
I hope that you’ll take a moment to check out the Tech Guide For Travel and consider subscribing to be ready for some brand new posts about the geeky side of backpacking.
As always, I appreciate all of your support. Many, many thanks again, -Anil
The Advantages Of Traveling Without An iPhone
I always travel with a laptop and I’m a big believer that technology makes a traveler’s life easier, including the iPhone, but if you don’t have one there are a few advantages you can take away. There are a number of great iPhone apps for travelers it’s true, but some things a beat up old Nokia can do that an iPhone can’t.
Doesn’t Take Hits Well
The iPhone is a well designed piece of hardware that Apple has done its best to make compact and durable. While the stainless steel back well suited to a fall the sensitive touchscreen on the front is easily damaged or destroyed. You’ll have to protect the screen (Invisible Shield is a good option) and likely put it in a protective hard cover for the rest of the iPhone. An basic Nokia might not be able to do much in terms of booking a hotel room like HotelPal, or quickly finding a place to potty like SitOrSquat, but it can be dropped, take a knock, and keep on going.
Expensive Data Plans
Almost every traveler I know who takes their iPhone with them ends up with a very expensive bill their first month or so. That’s because the data plans for the iPhone are costly and you’ll be charged a lot more for roaming. It’s better to turn off the iPhone’s data roaming option when you’re outside of your home area and use the iPhone’s built-in wireless. Use the iPhone version of NetStumbler to find hidden wireless networks (airports and bus stations are a good bet) and make your calls with Skype to avoid outrageous charges.
Attractive For Thieves
The iPhone is a sleek piece of equipment that Apple has done an excellent job marketing. It’s one of the most recognizable gadgets in the world which means that you’ll grab the attention of pickpockets along the way. If you don’t have an iPhone and carry around a basic Nokia or other common mobile phone you don’t have to worry that someone may target you specifically for your phone. (Try to uglify your iPhone to keep it undercover if you have one.)
Repairs and Replacements Are Costly
The iPhone lithium-ion battery will give you about 80% of it’s maximum charge after 400 recharge cycles. While Apple will replace a battery if it dies completely (under a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty) you’ll have to send the phone in – something that can be difficult if you’re traveling. iPhone batteries are not something you usually have to worry about for the first 3 years and extended batteries and third party replacement kits are available in case you need them.
Some Other Ways To Make Yourself Feel Better About Traveling Without an iPhone
- They Take Up Time. Having an iPhone means it’s much harder to disconnect, which can be a good thing or a bad thing at various times.
- You’ll Rely On The Built-In Camera. iPhone users tend to neglect their digital cameras in favor for a quick shot with the iPhone which has a decent camera but certainly not a replacement for the real thing.
- You Won’t Stop Fiddling With It. With your eyes peeled to your iPhone you’ll be missing out the scenery around you especially on buses, trains, or wherever else you can distract yourself.
There are some advantages of traveling without an iPhone but even more ways to reduce or eliminate the disadvantages. There are many free and useful iPhone apps for travelers and plenty of others you can install on a jailbroken iPhone (or iPod touch in most cases). For maximum flexibility though you can take both your old beater phone and your iPhone and use as needed.
[photos by: J.Baker, cdresz, Archie McPhee's Seattle]
