Spain / Italy trip next month... take MacBook?

[buffalo]

Next month I'll be going to Spain and Italy with my Spanish class. I was thinking about bringing my MacBook along with the purpose of uploading photos, emailing parents, and keeping up with the world. Is this an ok good idea, or would I be best to keep it at home? I will be in Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome. How accessible are internet hotspots? Do many cafes have wifi, or is that an American thing? Other than the travel adaptor set, is there anything else I might need?

Thanks for your input!

[netdog]

Why would you travel without it? Just as well not take any pants* too.

(* That's trousers to our English bretheren)

[CPPhoto]

Took the exact same trip last may, (well not as a student)

i bought a 12" powerbook for the trip, and it was perfect. For that long plane ride, 2 batteries was good enough for movies, or itunes shows.

when over there, there's wifi hotspots, starbucks, and internet cafes everywhere.

another good thing is that instead of buying a cell phone to use, you can use skype to call home! (its MUCH cheaper)

now im a photographer, so having the laptop to download images was essential. I recommend getting a bag from crumpler ( i have the sinking barge bag)

its inconspicuous, holds tons of photo gear, a laptop, and a compartment for all your stuff u buy during your days out on the streets.

heres another hint...

when in madrid, do the following:
do NOT wear sandals, or flip flops, (you'll stick out like a sore thumb)
buy your mom and dad something nice from the huge store "el corte ingles" in the plaza del sol

remember to eat lots of tapas, and dont be afraid to go in and start a conversation (if u know enough spanish) patatas bravas, are amazing.

spend a late afternoon in the plaza de espana, have a glass of wine or an amstel, and watch the sun go down.

dont be a tourist...be a traveler (thanks anthony bourdain for that quote)

[wordmunger]

You don't need the whole travel adapter set. You can get a continental europe adapter for $3.25 and it works on all your electronics, not just your mac.

[buffalo]

Took the exact same trip last may, (well not as a student)

i bought a 12" powerbook for the trip, and it was perfect. For that long plane ride, 2 batteries was good enough for movies, or itunes shows.

when over there, there's wifi hotspots, starbucks, and internet cafes everywhere.

another good thing is that instead of buying a cell phone to use, you can use skype to call home! (its MUCH cheaper)

now im a photographer, so having the laptop to download images was essential. I recommend getting a bag from crumpler ( i have the sinking barge bag)

its inconspicuous, holds tons of photo gear, a laptop, and a compartment for all your stuff u buy during your days out on the streets.

heres another hint...

when in madrid, do the following:
do NOT wear sandals, or flip flops, (you'll stick out like a sore thumb)
buy your mom and dad something nice from the huge store "el corte ingles" in the plaza del sol

remember to eat lots of tapas, and dont be afraid to go in and start a conversation (if u know enough spanish) patatas bravas, are amazing.

spend a late afternoon in the plaza de espana, have a glass of wine or an amstel, and watch the sun go down.

dont be a tourist...be a traveler (thanks anthony bourdain for that quote)

When I have it, would I be alright carrying it in an InCase sleeve in my backpack? Part of each day will be with the group, and the other part is free time to wander the cities. I think I would try to keep the MacBook in the hotel room unless I'm taking it to go use the internet. I don't know much about Skype, but after some investigating, it looks to be a good option. It looks to be $0.021 per minute. All I need is the MacBook's internet connection? Do I talk through the built-in microphone?


You don't need the whole travel adapter set. You can get a continental europe adapter for $3.25 and it works on all your electronics, not just your mac.

Where would I find this? At a Best Buy or Radio Shack?

[sunsnewmac]

I was also looking some input about traveling! I will be doing some traveling in Europe soon too and am toying with the idea of bringing my "precious" MB. I am usually a very light traveler who goes "backpacker" style so leaving it in el-cheapo rooms that I stay in is always a danger. Hence my concern.

My boyfriend strongly advises against it, but I can't stand internet cafes.

I would love to hear from other travelers who either brought their MBs and were glad (or mad) they did, or those who didn't bring it and were glad (or mad) they didn't.

Bringing my "baby" would allow me to do practical things like book a room the day before to avoid having to wander around a town aimlessly for hours trying to find somewhere!

Also, I manage my banking online and obviously don't like doing that in internet cafes. I did that a few times on my last trip and survived but still...

Being able to do e-mail, write, and manage photos without sitting in a smelly internet cafe is another good reason to take it.

The drawbacks to bringing it are strong however: possible theft, damage from being moved around so much, and the extra weight, lugging it around for a month. We do tend to move around a bit when we travel. I am totally torn about this.

[phungy]

Ah, I remember when we were all waiting for our Macbooks from Amazon :D . How's the MB treating ya?

[eyebeaz]

I'd be scared to leave my macbook in a hotel room, that's for sure.

[deadpixels]

I'd be scared to leave my macbook in a hotel room, that's for sure.

it depend wich hotel i guess, anyway it's only a laptop, worse thing can happen :)

[buffalo]

Ah, I remember when we were all waiting for our Macbooks from Amazon :D . How's the MB treating ya?

Almost everything about the MacBook is what I used to dream about :D . I got the track-pad replaced, so the only bummer about it is the stuck pixel, but I have since adjusted.

[operator]

Yeah, I also have one stuck pixel - it's a pain in the butt, but not enough to make me return it.

Last year, I traveled with my iBook to Toronto and Portugal. It was perfect - far better than using Internet cafes. I took a lot of photos, and had to empty my memory card four times - the laptop was extremely useful for this. When in Portugal, I stayed at a four star hotel, with a safe in the room, so that's where the laptop stayed when I went out. In Portugal, there were a few internet cafes (high-speed) where I brought my laptop to work. THey give you the wifi password, and you're all set.

Cheap hotel rooms are another story. They rarely, if ever, have safes. (trust me - I've stayed in many $5/night Central American hotels). I've never had my laptop with me in cheap hotels, but when I did stay in those, I'd just pack my valuables towards the bottom of my backpack, leave the pack in my room (out of sight from any windows), and go out (shopping, clubing, surfing, etc.), and hope for the best. I was never robbed. However, you can't really trust hotel staff in cheap hotels, so never leave any signs that you have an expensive computer in your pack. Also, pack your valuables so they are as inaccessible as possible within the pack - it may deter any hotel staff who decide to take a quick look in your bag to see if they notice anything they like. Oh yeah, and there are also locks that you can get to lock you pack shut. These may be useful, but I think they are tell-tale signs of a valuable pack, and also if someone wants to get into your pack bad enough, a simple knife thru the fabric will render the pack lock useless.

I plan to travel extensively in August thru South America with my new black Macbook. I'm somewhat nervous about taking it, but it doesn't matter for two reasons:
1. I need it to work.
2. I refuse to live life in fear.

One tip: get an inconspicuous pack that doesn't look like it has a laptop in it. Those over-the-shoulder laptop bags are a definate NO.

[Cindynjgirl79]

are u staying at hostels or hotels on this trip? if your staying in hostel with just people from school, i wouldn't worry about it. never been to spain, but i have been to italy. not the safest place in the world. keep an eye on it while your there.:o

[Jarcrew]

Careful - us Europeans are notoriously untrustworthy. Hitler, for example.

[Gee]

It's an easy choice I think. Back up all your stuff to disk before you go, make sure your travel insurance covers you, and then take it with you. Worst happens, it gets nicked and then you can get a spanking new one on insurance.

I've travelled a lot with mine, and it's suprising how many people you see nowadays with a laptop, even in some quite remote places.

I agree with the previous posts on security though - not having a obvious laptop-style bag, not leaving the cables in view in your room, etc. If you are worried about leaving it in your room, there's often a safe in hotels. Or, hide it somewhere that a casual thief or the maid won't look (in the shower, if the maid's already been; underneath your suitcase). Not thief proof, but a lot of thefts from hotel rooms are opportunitistic - maid leaves door open, someone scoots in and grabs anything valuable they see.

[CPPhoto]

get the travel adapter that has a voltage converter...you will be better off safe than sorry.

also, you would be fine taking your macbook in a sleeve, not a problem

the "locutorios" as they are called, are easy to find and use, most speak english in them.

id also recommend a kensington lock, or search for a net lock...(its literally steel netting with a lock, so u could wrap your bag in it, and lock it to something secure www.thinktankphoto.com might have it?

also, u can use the internal mic, or buy a cheap 5 dollar corded mic...skypes a great tool when overseas

[juanm]

Hi I live in Spain, and you should be able to find wifi spots quite easily. I've yet to find a building in Valencia without its wifi network.

Have fun! Spanish girls are yummy! Just don't said you intend to vote Republican. Even among the rightists, he's very unpopular. Just avoid politics and you'll be fine, elections are just aroud the corner! :D

[wordmunger]

Where would I find this? At a Best Buy or Radio Shack?

Yeah, Radio shack has them. Your Macbook automatically converts European voltage. Some other electronics will not -- just make sure your plug for your device says it can handle up to 220 volts, and you'll be fine. Otherwise, as CPPhoto suggests, you may need to get a voltage converter to convert from European 220 to US 115 volts.

My phone, camera, and computer all handle 220 volts, so I won't be bringing a converter when I head to europe this summer.

[buffalo]

Thanks for all the replies everyone!

Our group is using EF Tours, a reputable company from what I understand, so I'm pretty confident they're not sticking us in some Spanish shack at nights. When its in the room I will keep it hidden and hope for the best.

[Jarcrew]

Thanks for all the replies everyone!

Our group is using EF Tours, a reputable company from what I understand, so I'm pretty confident they're not sticking us in some Spanish shack at nights. When its in the room I will keep it hidden and hope for the best.

Unless they're reputable because nobody's lived to tell of the bad experiences.

Seen that film Hostel? All of Europe's like that - we pay to torture American laptops. You have to sit and watch while we enduce a load of kernel panics, before filling your computer with pineapple juice so you can't get it fixed under Applecare. Then we stick one pixel and send you on your way - it'll be right in the middle too. You say it won't bother you, but it totally will. That's how we get our kicks.

[masse]

Careful - us Europeans are notoriously untrustworthy. Hitler, for example.

LOL.


If you have stuck pixels there are many applications which are supposed to fix this (seizures are a side effect though).

[maxp1]

I'm in Italy right now with my PowerBook. Spent time in Rome a few days ago. There are less WiFi spots then I thought there would be. In fact very few as far as I've found. There are internet cafes, but they don't seem to have WiFi. Hotels also don't seem to have it. It's weird. Maybe I just missed them and they were right in front of my face.

Don't worry about the voltage converter. The standard power box will handle 220V/50Hz. All you need is a plug adapter. Most electronics these days will handle dual voltages. It should be imprinted on the adapter somewhere. I've got 4 electonic devices an none of them need a voltage converter.

Safety wise Italy/Rome seems fine. There's nowhere we've been that I wouldn't take my laptop. Some friends told me to keep my stuff safe from gangs of theiving children running around but I haven't seems anything like that. Of course we haven't been to any of the seedier parts of the country. Still, I think I would feel safe. Just back everything up before you go just in case.

[Diatribe]

I take my laptop anywhere I travel. I have all my data with me, I have a connection to my friends, I can put the pics from my cam on it, I can write about the trip, I can find out easily about sights, etc. in the place I am at, etc.
I wouldn't ever travel any place without my laptop.

I bought the Apple travel set, which is really nice. I am currently thinking about getting the airline adapter. Just get a protective sleeve and a nice backpack and you'll be fine.

[heySparky]

... I don't know much about Skype, but after some investigating, it looks to be a good option. It looks to be $0.021 per minute. All I need is the MacBook's internet connection? Yes
Do I talk through the built-in microphone?
You can use the built-in mic, but if you do, the person on the other end of the conversation will hear a tremendous echo as the sound from the (crappy) internal speakers will be picked up by the internal mic. I got much better results using headphones with a built in mic.

Something like This (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=103,CONTENTID=10011) or This (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=103,CONTENTID=10012) would give you much higher sound quality.

[Sammis89]

I'm in Italy right now with my PowerBook. Spent time in Rome a few days ago. There are less WiFi spots then I thought there would be. In fact very few as far as I've found. There are internet cafes, but they don't seem to have WiFi. Hotels also don't seem to have it. It's weird. Maybe I just missed them and they were right in front of my face.

Don't worry about the voltage converter. The standard power box will handle 220V/50Hz. All you need is a plug adapter. Most electronics these days will handle dual voltages. It should be imprinted on the adapter somewhere. I've got 4 electonic devices an none of them need a voltage converter.

Safety wise Italy/Rome seems fine. There's nowhere we've been that I wouldn't take my laptop. Some friends told me to keep my stuff safe from gangs of theiving children running around but I haven't seems anything like that. Of course we haven't been to any of the seedier parts of the country. Still, I think I would feel safe. Just back everything up before you go just in case.


The only place you need to really be careful is the subway. I was getting onto a train in rome at the spanish steps station, and 3 girls tried to rob me (I was carrying my Timbuk2 bag) Once I yelled theif, everyone there turned and looked at them, and they ran, but not before giving me the middle finger.

The theifs in the subway try to look like tourists. If anyone looks too touristy, watch out. I was with a large group, and they loved that.

Also, if you carry a shoulder bag, turn it so that the side taht opens faces in, and carry it to your side, not in front of you. It makes it harder to get at.

[buffalo]

Thanks for the replies everyone! It's been great reading everyone's advice and information.

I am re-thinking bringing it though. A friend of mine that went to Italy last year advised against it because of hotel theft. I guess I should ask my teacher, but I'm afraid to because I don't want him to tell me not to bring it.

It should be a great trip whether I take the MacBook or not.

[TraceyS/FL]

The only place you need to really be careful is the subway. I was getting onto a train in rome at the spanish steps station, and 3 girls tried to rob me

Hey - the Spanish Steps is where we had our problems with some kids. We fended them off with the gallon jug of wine we had with us on our way back to play quarters in our bathroom! LOL!! (we were 16-18yo kids then!).

To the OP - i'd ask the teacher. I'm hoping he has experience or can contact the coordinator for recommendations on bringing it. I know i'd want mine with me, but i'd also feel like i would have to bring it with me most times.

Have fun though!!!!!

[GFLPraxis]

Next month I'll be going to Spain and Italy with my Spanish class. I was thinking about bringing my MacBook along with the purpose of uploading photos, emailing parents, and keeping up with the world. Is this an ok good idea, or would I be best to keep it at home? I will be in Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome. How accessible are internet hotspots? Do many cafes have wifi, or is that an American thing? Other than the travel adaptor set, is there anything else I might need?

Thanks for your input!

I didn't have a laptop at the time, but four years ago you could find an internet cafe every other block in most cities in southern Italy. I'd assume the same for Rome.

I also remember virtually every hotel having WiFi.

We went on a road trip from Holland to Italy, and another one from Holland to the UK, both times I took my laptop and it was definitely the right decision.

[kevinwiz]

take it, but don't leave it in the hotel if possible

[nutts]

I travelled around Asia and New Zealand last year for 6 months and I took my ibook (later replaced by a black macbook after I upgraded in Japan) along with me. I was so glad I did as it meant I could keep up with my communications and banking, and download (and backup) my photos, without having to worry about searching out an internet cafe or entering my login details into possibly-vulnerable PCs.

My best tip is to get a good padlock (4-digit combination for example) for your main bag, and keep the laptop in a sleeve locked in that bag in your hotel room when you don't want to carry it around with you. You'd have to be really unlucky for somebody to either take your whole bag (mine was a 65-litre rucsac) or to bust open the lock. You can even get a small chain to secure it to some hotel furniture or other peoples' bags, which I did at times.

I did this throughout south-east asia (and some of the hostels there are pretty dodgy) and my kit was fine. Also by keeping a backup of my photos and important data on my ipod (5G 60gb), which I *always* kept with me, it meant that if something were to happen to the laptop, my data would be fine and my laptop would be replaced by insurance.

In conclusion then; take it with you, don't be too paranoid (but make sure you backup your photos) and enjoy your travels.

[buffalo]

I was at the mall today getting some new ropa for my trip and stopped by RadioShack and got this (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102419&cp=2032056.2032136.2032156&allCount=20&fbn=Brand%2FRadioShack&f=Brand%2F1000094%2F&fbc=1&parentPage=family) $9 plug adaptor. Hopefully my other electronics won't need a voltage converter - that was $40. Along with the MacBook (providing the teacher says it's fine), I will have my Sony Cyber-shot t100, Nintendo DS lite, and possibly my Garmin Forerunner 205.

[EDIT]
Well the Sony and Garmin power chargers both list "AC Input: 100-240V," so it looks like both of those will be fine. The DS charger only lists 120V, so I might have to make due with one charge or hope someone else brings a converter because playing the DS isn't worth $40.

[teleromeo]

Well.
I run a tiny photostore in Belgium and if some american guy would walk into my shop with his MacBook and ask if he can get some internet access I would be delighted to help him for free. My wireless network over there is protected, the one at home is not, I trust my neigbours...

2 years ago we stayed in an italian guesthouse for a couple of nights and the folks over there let me play on the internet with their laptop for a little time to send some emails and check my mail.

All depends on how you act and how willing the people are you will meet.

There are plenty of places where you can have access to the internet. Some of them free, some of them for big bucks.

[buffalo]

Well.
I run a tiny photostore in Belgium and if some american guy would walk into my shop with his MacBook and ask if he can get some internet access I would be delighted to help him for free. My wireless network over there is protected, the one at home is not, I trust my neigbours...
...

Well that's nice. It's my understanding that most of the world isn't to fond of us Americans anymore :confused: ;) . I've been told to act Canadian if possible :D .

[teleromeo]

have a glass of wine or an amstel, and watch the sun go down.

avoid the amstel ...

take some good spanish wine or a real belgian beer, they are the best.

[Silver-Fox]

take it, just be careful with it always keep it safe with you, if you are going to leave some where make sure you can keep it hidden or lock it away. With that in mind it will be worth what you need it for, specially contacting home alot cheaper. anyway good luck

[elithrar]

Don't make the fact that you have it be a sticking point, but other than that you should be fine. In terms of losing it, as long as you've backed everything up and have travel insurance, it won't be a major concern. Use common sense, but don't let utter paranoia ruin the trip either!

[buffalo]

Well, it doesn't look like I will be bringing it along. I just got a reply from my teacher telling me not to take it. Oh well, I guess life will go on :( .

As much as this may be a convenience for you, it is not a good idea. You will have many opportunities to e-mail home. We have never had students bring computers. There are many things to consider when traveling light and with 32 others. In fact, part of my upcoming e-mail includes a sentence about leaving electronics home. IPods or CD players, however, are a must! You should have a camera as well.The concern we have about personal items, especially electronics, is that each year students have either lost or fried (Due to the current difference) them. Just give it a big "beso" and tell it you will return in 12 days. :)

[andylow]

When I travelled to Spain, I just brought camera and some food, very convient. Go to the barcelona (http://www.gobarcelona.biz) which owns beautiful beaches, historical places and pleasant weather. It is so wonderful that I want to buy property in barcelona (http://www.barcelonaproperty.org). I took a lot of photoes and it has become a unforgettable memory.

[qdqd]

The scene is beautiful and the traffic is very convenient in Costa del sol. There are numbers of trains arriving at any town from Madrid. The tourists can arrive at here by sea. The Malaga port is the most important tour port. There are scheduled flights flying to the main cities at home and abroad in Malaga airport. The main tour cities are san sebastian spain (http://www.sansebastianspain.info), mallorca (http://www.mallorcaspain.net), Granada, Malaga and so on.

[portuglish08]

I've never been to Spain or anywhere in Europe for that matter, but I have been in quite a few places in South America. I lived there for a year when I was in High school (2006) and whenever I went on a trip, I took my laptop. I don't think you will have that big of a problem taking it, if you use it a lot at home, take it with you. If I was fine leaving my laptops in the cheap hotels in Rio De Janeiro, Lima, Cuzco, Sao Paulo, and many other places, I'm sure you will be fine taking yours to Europe.
You have a better chance of having your wallet stolen from you than your laptop stolen out of your room. It rarely happens. Have a good trip.