On this page, we’ll break down the four devices you MUST bring or at least consider bringing. Rather than break them down by device style, we’re breaking them down by type.
Something to Access the Web
A good cell phone or laptop or tablet is a MUST! While you are traveling, you will need to access information on the web on a regular basis. If you are going to be using your phone to do this, call your service provider before you leave and see how much it will cost to get an overseas or international package added to your bill WITH data. If it is too expensive, consider getting a disposable smart phone with data when you arrive at your destination.
If you are going to be using a tablet or a laptop, consider a light-weight version. We always bring our lightest, thinnest tablet or laptop with us when are backpacking. It makes your backpack much lighter and, if it is smaller, it will take up less size. While it might not seem like a big deal, lugging around a 8 lb laptop with cords will get annoying very quickly. Also, lighter laptops tend to have a better battery life.
Something to Read
Many people buy books for their travels. We’ve done this before, but we’ve found that bringing a e-reader is much better. E-readers, such as Kindles or Amazon Fires, allow you to have access to thousands of books (and travel books!) in a light-weight device. Also, these e-readers have very good battery lives. Consider investing in a cheap one for the trip. We’ve been using the same Kindles for nearly 4 years. We would also recommend the kindle liquid ink-versions. These are much easier on the eyes and gives them a break from looking at tablets for a bit.
Even if you don’t bring a device, make sure you bring a magazine or small book with you. You will have hours to spend on a train and sometimes the scenery just isn’t that interesting. Don’t get bored.
Something to Take Pictures and Record Video
One of the most important device you can bring with you is something to record your greatest moments. Some people will bring a camera, but only ever use their phones. That’s fine.
But ask yourself this single question: Will you actually use a camera to record those moments or will you likely just use your phone?
If you will likely just use your phone, then leave the camera at home. No need for the dead weight. Besides, phones as of this post, April 2020, are perfectly capable of recording in 4k and taking high quality photos. Since you will already have your phone on you, this isn’t a problem.
It may not seem like a big deal bringing a camera you don’t use. But think about this. That camera has a charger. It has a plug. It has a plug for your computer. It has some accessories. If you have a GoPro, it has A LOT of accessories! While cords don’t take up a lot of weight, that’s a lot of cordage in your bag getting tangled and being annoying. Save yourself the headache and just ditch the camera if you honestly won’t use it.
If you want a good way to see if you’ll use it. Keep your camera on you for the next week and take videos and photos with it rather than your phone. If you are annoyed, then you probably will be annoyed with it in Europe and switch to your phone.
If you do want to bring a camera, we have an entirely separate post about this. Check it out. We go through the benefits of a DSLR vs. a GoPro vs. traditional light-weight camera.
Something to Make Calls
You will always need something on you to make calls either in the case of an emergency or just to make reservations. Make sure that you have the ability to do that. If you are using a cell phone consider investing in a new chip for your phone that will allow it to use local cell towers. This will save you money and provide peace-of-mind.
If you want to ditch your phone, buy a disposable phone as soon as you land. These are cheap to buy and cheap to use. You can pay as you go. Simply call the number and load money onto the phone. It’s that easy.