“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.”
-Jack Kerouac
It’s not the destination, it’s the journey, as the famous saying goes. Travelers, journeymen, backpackers- whatever you call them, all are driven by their need to be constantly on the move, to see new places, to experience new things. The art of travel is not merely the art of arriving at your destination– it’s also the art of going there, of moving, of exploring.
The places that you’ll visit and the experiences you’ll encounter are fleeting, but that does not mean that your memories should be too. You need to be able to fully immerse yourself in the journey. Here are some of the essentials that all travelers need to pack to make their trips memorable:
A Smartphone
It might seem a bit unromantic having to lug this obtrusive gadget around while you commune with the great outdoors- but let’s face it, a smartphone is a necessity in this day and age. You have GPS, a communication device, mini-computer, and gaming console all in one. Imagine being stuck in long train rides without anything to do. You just whip out your smartphone and play a round of blackjack on 888casino and your boredom instantly vanishes into thin air.
A Sturdy Journal
Nothing beats the feel of putting pen to real paper. You’re more in tune and connected to your writing (compared to writing on a keyboard or the touchscreen of a smartphone). If you want to write down your travel experiences on-the-go, make sure to pack a handy journal with you. While Moleskines are a popular choice (they are supposedly the journal of great icons such as Picasso and Hemingway), you can also opt for waterproofed options like the Rite in the Rain notebook (which also comes complete with waterproof papers).
A Point-and-Shoot Camera
Travel light. While DSLRs are essential for professional photographers, their sheer bulk along with their high maintenance lenses makes them unfit for traveling over rough terrain. Go for smaller point-and-shoots or micro four-thirds which you can lug around anywhere but can still take professional-quality shots. “Enthusiast” cameras such as the RicohGR, Lumix LX7, or the Sony RX100 are often a good investment for travelers. For those who like to go on adventures and extreme sports, a Go Pro is another good option. http://gopro.com/
A Durable Travel Bag
Get a bag that could keep your clothes, gadgets, and traveling supplies organized even while you’re moving about. It does not have to be expensive- there are a lot of bags out there that can give you durability and dependability at the fraction of the cost. If you’re a fan of Moleskine journals, you’ll be pleased to know that the company also produces its own line of totes and traveling bags. Check out their collection here. Most of their offerings are waterproof with special compartments for gadgets and devices.
