kaira4116

Hello! I'll be spending the month of January in Montevideo, Uruguay for a Spanish Immersion program. We'll stay with a family and take classes at a school nearby.

I'm torn as to whether or not to bring my computer. It's a month long trip, and I'd like to be able to check emails and update my blog. I won't need the computer for schoolwork. Supposedly, there will be one or two computers to use at my school, but past experience says those are always in high demand. So in that sense, I'd like my laptop.

On the other hand, I don't know how I feel about traveling internationally with it. It's annoying to travel with domestically, and could streamline the process by not bringing it. And, walking will be my mode of transportation in montevideo. I don't know how smart it is to carry a laptop around- I wouldn't do it downtown here, so probably shouldn't there, in a place I'm unfamiliar with.

What are your thoughts on traveling with technology? How do you keep it/yourself safe?

crellston

I am currently travelling with an iPad and would not be without it( although i wouldnt go out an buy one just for a month) I travelled previously with a laptop on a round the world trip and it did become a bit of a pain to carry around.
I found Montevideo to be one of the safer cities in South America but you still need to be careful. Dont use a laptop case, that is just advertising! Put the laptop in one of those sleeves for protection nod stuff it in a daypack , the older the better,

There is certainly less to worry about without carrying technology and from memory, there are lots of Internet cafes in the city.

thursdaysd

Like crellston I am now traveling with an iPad, but I have previously traveled with a netbook. Not sure I'd want to take a laptop - too heavy. Nor do I take the iPad out on the street - it lives in my hotel room.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

In general in my travels, I'm seeing fewer Internet cafes than I did in the past. As more and more people (travelers and locals) use smartphones to access the web and E-mail, I think there's less need for a public place with public computers. They still exist, but they're not on every block the way they used to be in heavily traveled places.

I'm not specifically addressing Montevideo.

janisj

Perhaps consider an iPad mini. Lighter/cheaper than a full sized one and you'll find it sooooo useful. E-mail, Skype, taking photos, GPS, heck - even posting on Fodors

Plus you can load books/magazines

Orlando_Vic

I travel with a netbook. With Skype, MS Office and Photoshop Elements, I have everything I need.

_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

jhubbel

As a writer, I travel with a Samsung Notebook computer, which is basically just a very small laptop. I go everywhere with it. It lives inside a carry on bag, which I lock up carefully in a private space when not in use. I have never had problems EXCEPT when I was on LAN airlines and the lady in front of me tipped her chair back and the combination of her chair and my table ate my computer screen. It was funny but now I have to buy a new notebook. This rather argues for what Janisj says about an iPad, so keep this mind.

You are only as vulnerable as your habits. Leave it around unwatched, goodbye. Make a big show of it in public places, goodbye. Be more private, more surreptitious, smart. Nearly all of us have some sort of technology but the more isolated you are, the more rural you are, I suggest that a) the harder it is to get signal, and b) I'd be more circumspect about showing it off.

I'd take the kind of shoulder bag that is thief resistant- which means visit REI and pay about eighty bucks for one that has steel webbing, steel in the shoulder strap, and can't be cut open so all your stuff spills out. Good investment.

If you feel strongly about your connectivity, bring along some technology- but consider the above excellent ideas which suit travel better and remember to protect your investment. Technology travels too- often away from you.

My bet is that once you have that smaller, lighter, sweeter back up technology for travel, you will thank the stars you got it.

Graziella5b

I have traveled recently with mu iPad to Montevideo, I was delighted to find out that there is free wifi at the airport.
I used both the regular pre embarcation area with free wifi and the Vip lounge which was very pleasant
With good food and great ambulante.
I used the iPad at the hotel etc but was careful not to used in the street.

mlgb

I've downsized to an iPod Touch since I don't need the phone service. I won't be heartbroken about losing a $400 device, either. You can get a refurbished one for $129.

Graziella5b

Good for you. however for me it is Not only the money, its the bad feeling. Please be careful Anyway,
Good luck

loribarber1

My husband and I just got home from an 8.5 month trip around the world, which included Uruguay, and brought our tech: laptop, ipad, etc. I wouldn't hesitate to travel without them.

kaira4116

Thanks for all the input. I think I'm going to purchase a Samsung Galaxy Tab (~$200) for my trip- it's cheaper than an IPad or laptop if lost, and much more discreet/lightweight. It will also be useful for taking notes in class there or upon my return, and has the built in camera for skyping home since I won't have a cell phone while in Montevideo. My momma still isn't so keen on the idea of me traveling; despite this not being my first trip it will be the longest so far, so I need to be able to check in with home or else have a SWAT team knocking down my door, ha ha.