|
|
|
![]() |
Travel Advice |
|
|
|
|
Travel Advice - Taking travel notes: books or electronic notes?We have written on the value of keeping a travel journal (see our article titled “Take travel notes”) but have left open the topic of media. Many travelers prefer to use a journal style notebook, writing their thoughts in pen and ink. Others prefer to keep their notes using a Personal Digital Assistant like those manufactured by Palm, Sony, and HP. In the article that follows, we provide an analysis of each method. Written travel journals. Many people find that they can best express themselves using the written word. There is something creative and focusing about using a pen to commit your thoughts to paper. Preparing to write notes takes little effort. Just open the book, click your pen, and start writing. You do not have to warm anything up, learn a special way of scribbling, or focus on anything other than finding the words to create your description of the day’s event. The very simplicity of pen and paper make it the most common method used for taking travel notes. Keep your notes either in a notebook or a journal specially prepared for travel. Many of the travel journal products feature breakouts to list restaurants, hotels, spas etc.
Many people we know find it difficult to keep up with the demands of a written journal. Usually the journal entry is delayed until late evening and the pen soon stops moving, as the writer to-be falls into a sound sleep. There is no way around the fact that writing demands discipline. Electronic travel journals Recently we have begun experimenting with keeping our notes on Personal Digital Assistants ( PDA’s). Pocket PC’s are another excellent choice for note taking.
One of important advantages of having your travel notes in a digital file is that you can edit them later to clarify the points you have made. Sometimes the notes that we take while traveling don’t make a lot of sense; of course, we blame it on jet lag. There are a host of advantages to using a computerized approach to note taking.
There are other reasons for using a PDA on a trip.
Palm or other branded devices that use the Palm Operating System, feature a simple form of creating computer readable letters called Graffiti®. With a little practice, you will become proficient enough with Graffiti® to use it to create your trip journal. If you have a lot to write or just enjoy taking extensive notes, we urge you to consider adding a folding, portable keyboard. Palm offer functional portable keyboards for Palm PDA’s.
Figure 1. A SONY Clie and SONY Foldable Portable Keyboard. One issue with the use of PDAs is that you might lose your notes if your device loses power.
I am note taker and I find it easier to make a log of our travels, and the events of the day, if I do so using a PDA with a portable keyboard attached.
|
|