What Technology to Bring on a Family Road Trip
This weekend we are heading out on a three week adventure. The Chapman Road Trip will find us in an RV, going from Boston to Arizona.
Along the way we are keeping a very open schedule with our only major stop being to see an exhibit of Laura's Great Grandfather's paintings in Memphis.
Above is a photo of our current packing list, but with two teenagers along for the ride and me being a gadget lover, I thought it might be fun to share the technology that we'll be bringing along to keep us sane, happy and on track.
Links are affiliate links in most cases. I've got to pay for those teenager's college somehow don't I? :)
I never travel without this because I pay for data access so that I always have a steady connection to the Internet. Ever since I changed phones this has become even more important since it allows me to still use all the iOS apps that I love.
This trip I've been using Roadtrippers to plan out our route and possible stops. The site and app have been extremely helpful. We also plan to use Roadside America, iExit and Camp & RV to help us find places to stay and things to do along the way.
This is the only portable keyboard that I've ever been able to use a valid laptop replacement. It holds a charge for a long time and it allows even my big fingers to fly across it when I want to get typing.
I'm not sure how much writing I'll be doing on it, but I like having a back up if my laptop battery runs out and I need to post something quickly.
I thought about leaving the laptop at home, but I know I'll be using it at a minimum to edit my photos in Lightroom. Plus, if the urge to work on the new book hits, I'll fire up Scrivener and get to work.
Jawbone Mini Jambox Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
When I was given two of these as part of the #VZWBuzz program I'm a member of I knew they'd be coming with us. I thought they sent one for each of my kids, but the reason they sent two is that with the latest firmware you can pair them together for great stereo sound.
The kids have been using them for weeks and the sound quality is quite impressive. Plus, we all get a giggle whenever we turn them on since I've programmed the voices to be different on each of them. They are small enough to throw in any bag and hold a charge for a number of hours. Can't travel without music can we?
Anyone who knows me knows I never leave the house without a camera and as a Samsung Imagelogger this is my current favorite. I'll most likely throw the NX Mini 
Plus, this camera allows me to wirelessly transfer photos directly to my phone
Those are the major pieces of technology we'll be bringing and using.
Sure, my GR1 will be full of chargers, cables and other attachments, but because we will be flying home we can't go too insane on what we bring. Plus, whenever possible we are trying to use one thing for multiple purposes.
What gear am I forgetting?
