MYGREATLISTS.COM

---

#1 Travel with a Netbook Computer

Weighing under 2 pounds and half the size of a yellow tablet, we love our netbook. Over the years we have tried many techniques (carrying a laptop in a separate case, typing on a cell phone keypad, the wireless PDA with the detachable keyboard) and we are convinced that this is the best.

The brand does not matter so much as they all come with pretty much the same features and are constantly improving. We synchronize our netbook with our home computers before we leave so we have our contact lists for email and all of our related documents.

Fast, reliable free wireless connections are available virtually anywhere. We use the netbook for a long list of activities - email, backing up our camera, keeping the travel journal, storing travel guides, managing reservations, listening to the radio, watching television, making Skype calls, having face to face video conversations with our kids - it is even our travel alarm clock.

For around $300 or so the netbook is the perfect solution and it travels well in any backpack.

#2 Lonely Planet Downloads

Download selected travel guide chapters and store them on your netbook computer for your trip. We think this is a fabulous idea. Lonely Planet allows you to mix and match chapters. The cost is minimal but the result is great. Forget about lugging those bulky travel guides around. Just store what you want on your computer.

Or, if you get to a new location and need a travel guide, download it when you arrive. This is the best way to make certain that your travel guide contains the most current version.

#3 Use Skype

When it comes to Skype we are believers! With Skype on our netbook computer, from Spain (or anywhere in the world) we had free computer to computer video conversations with our grandchildren in Maryland.

For less than $3 for the entire month we purchased an unlimited subscription to call any telephone (cell or landline) in the U.S. While talking on the phone is the last thing we want to do on any trip, we checked our home phone for messages every few days, returned a few calls that were necessary, straightened our a credit card issue, changed a few reservations. The convenience was wonderful and the cost miniscule (the less than $3 fee covered everything - there was no charge by the minute). When we returned home we simply terminated the subscription (you can stop and start it as you need to).

How does Skype work? You go to their website and download the software (takes only a few minutes to download and install). Then, immediately you have the ability to have free computer to computer voice and video conversations with other Skype users anywhere in the world. Or, you can add the ability to dial telephones for a small charge.

Since our netbook computer (most all come this way) has a built in camera, microphone and speakers, it is as simple as that. We do recommend that you splurge for a headset with microphone (around $20).

#4 Watch Your TV Using a Slingbox

While television is not our favorite pastime, we admit to enjoying ACC basketball in January and February, the NCAA tournament in March, and the television series "24". The Slingbox is an interesting device in that it enables you to watch your home television from anywhere in the world on your computer (it does a few other things but that is it in a nutshell). If you have setup your home DVR to record selected programs, you can watch these as well. It works for both live TV and recorded programs. So, if you plan on spending February in Nicaragua or some other place, it may be something to consider. We know many may think this is crazy, but traveling is all about compromise!

#5 Kindles and Electronic Readers

Books can weigh a ton so what do you do if you plan to do a lot of reading on your trip? The answer is an electronic reader. These devices will hold more than 1000 books (at last count they offer more than a million selections at great prices) and can store other important documents like your itinerary. With WiFi you can subscribe to any number of newspapers. Although the Kindle is most widely known, there are a variety available today each with distinct features. Search Electronic Readers at Best Buy for more information.

Did you know that you can also download free electronic reader software for your netbook (or any computer for that matter)? Once installed, your computer becomes you electronic reader enabling you to quickly download books and other reading material.

#6 Expedia Reservations

These days there are so many ways to book a trip. Some prefer to sign up for organized tours. We prefer a bit more independent approach. One thing we have learned, though, is that once we have identified where we want to stay, using a travel site works pretty well. Whichever one you pick, it seems that the negotiated prices are the same (or less) than what one would pay if booked directly. We like the advantage Expedia because everything is neatly available on their website and they are available 24 hours a day if changes need to be made.

Another great site is Trip Advisor. The reviews are a wonderful way to figure out where you might want to stay.

#7 Language Courses

Learning a language can be great fun (and real difficult!). We have never had a language problem on any trip - but any number of times we have regretted not knowing more of the language. Learning a local language can add a dimension to any trip and is another way to embrace the local culture. Within the last several years, the internet has greatly expanded the opportunities to learn a language. We enjoy Live Mocha.Com. This site offers a number of free language courses. For the intense student, upgrades and specialized courses and tutors are available on a fee basis. Live Mocha’s courses are well structured and user friendly. Verbal and written exercises are submitted and distributed for review across the globe. In exchange, English speakers critique the work of those learning the English language. The site enables chatting and different languages and is a great way to expand your language skills. Give Live Mocha a try. It’s free and we recommend it.

#8 Get a Debit Card

International currency is expensive! Whether you exchange money when you arrive, buy local currency in advance, use a credit card for purchases, it seems that everyone wants to add a fee. These days we travel with small amounts of cash. ATM machines are everywhere. The question for us is whether to charge purchases such as meals or to pay in cash. Much depends on the merchant. More and more want to charge an add-on fee if you use a credit card. Or, they want to convert to dollars often in resulting in a very bad exchange rate. Our advice is to arrange for a no fee debit card before your trip and use the ATM’s to retrieve funds as you go. This approach seems to balance the concern with carrying too much cash with the concern of paying too many extra fees. Be sure to let the issuing company know that you will be traveling overseas.

#9 Travel Soap and Long Underwear

Ok it is an odd combination, but we want to make a point. Our premise is the fewer clothes you bring, the lighter the suitcase (or backpack) and the easier the trip. For us, when it comes to clothing, everything is about layers. And, the more lightweight, the better. For me, a pair of rain pants, a rain jacket, a fleece, a few shirts, underwear (short and long), socks, zip off pants, boots and sandals, and I am set for most situations. Ginger carries the same basics but adds some simple dressier things for the evenings. Just don’t forget the travel soap (always packets and never bottles), and absolutely always have your credit card! Shopping for clothes can be great fun on a rainy day anywhere.