What’s In My Cruise Bag?
Some of you already know that hubby and I are currently cruising the South Pacific islands. It is another dream come true for us and one we have waited for for some time now. In preparation for the cruise I had to make smart choices about what to take and what not in order to work mobile and run my business but without the weight and bulk of a traditional laptop computer.
At the last minute I received a 33,000+ words eBook job that I just couldn’t resist. Besides that I put all other work on hold for the time being as I also want to enjoy my holiday. So I had to find ways to be able to write on the boat whenever I wanted to without having to log around a heavy laptop.
Here is what I decided upon to make this happen:
- My Asus EeePc netbook
- A full size, flexible silicon keyboard that allows me to type away in earnest without added weight.
- 2 USB memory sticks 8GB and 4GB ready to use with Linux and loaded with portable apps.
- Saved offline Firefox bookmarks to allow me to work offline without spending half a fortune for continued Internet connections.
- A Kensington lock to keep my relatively netbook safe if I jump into the pool in between working spurts.
- My Telstra USB modem to work with while in Sydney before and after the cruise.
- My digital camera for happy holiday snaps both over and under water.
- My two trusted Moleskine books with all the info I need.
- Plus various charger and adapters to keep my digital gear powered up.
I believe that these gadgets are plenty to run my business while on the road. It allows for optimum mobility without the cumbersome bulk and weight while keeping me connected with the WWW.
Now if you excuse me, I have a cruise to catch. 
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Brett Legree | Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
Have fun on your cruise!!!
Oh, and how do you like your flexible keyboard? I’ve been thinking of getting one myself, actually, when I get my netbook.
(Big hands… good for chopping wood and stuff, but maybe not so good for netbooks)
Enjoy your trip Monika!
-Brett
Davina | Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
Oh, well la-di-da… you have a cruise to catch. I hope you didn’t miss it on our account. Hmph! I like how you snuck in that mention of jumping into the pool in between working spurts too. Real smooth. We’re expecting another snowfall here in Vancouver.
Have a fantastic time Monika!
You deserve it. Cheers.
liz | Jan 28, 2009 | Reply
One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to “Leave my laptop at home when I travel” but reading your list of gadgets kind of wets my appetite.
Enjoy your cruise and don’t forget to post some photos!
-Liz
Nathalie Lussier | Feb 26, 2009 | Reply
I really liked your suggestions for portable technology. When I was traveling in China, I brought my laptop. The compromise between me & boyfriend was that we would only bring one for the two of us. Now, we’re both pretty addicted. So it required a little bit of practice to be adults and share.
But I might consider getting a mini portable type of computer in the future.
Enjoy your cruise, it sounds completely fantastic! Oh, and grab some sun for those of us up North.
Monika | Feb 27, 2009 | Reply
@ Nathalie: Yes those netbooks are very addictive indeed, you shall see once you get your hands onto one. I’m actually already back from the cruise and I did grab tons of sun and fun.
I wrote a post about the experience too. Maybe I can bottle up some sun from here and send it via the good old fashioned bottle post.
Cath Lawson | Mar 2, 2009 | Reply
Wow Monika – that’s a huge project to take on a cruise with you. Anyway, f… the writing. Please, please, please tell me about the cruise – what was it like, what did you see, which cruise line did you go with?
I would love to go on a cruise (I did a four night Disney one a few years ago and it was awesome) But probably Europe would be more within my reach. I would love to do the South Pacific but unless I get to move to Australia – that will be a long term dream.