
Whether you’re budget backpacking around Europe or jet-setting across the globe, having a computer while traveling is nearly a necessity. To help you wade through all the different options we’ve assembled a list of the best laptops for travel. This guide will feature the best laptops, ultrabooks, tablets, smart phones, and other electronics for traveling.
Before you start looking at laptops, we should first look at what kind of things you want to do with a laptop. Do you just want easy access to the web and email or do you want to edit photographs and video? Do you want something to fit in a small bag? Do you want an Apple or a PC? Are you going to be living out of a backpack and moving cities every 4 days or are you going to spend a greater amount of time in one location? We will address all these issues in this guide.
Criteria for Finding the Best Laptop for Travel:
- Size — If you’re backpacking around, you have limited space to carry stuff and a laptop is a bit bulky. Obviously, the smaller laptop will suit your needs better. The biggest screen size I recommend is 13″.
- Weight — I suggest limiting the weight of a laptop around or under 3lbs (1.36kg). Once you get much above 3lbs the laptop becomes much more difficult to carry around.
- Performance — Not everyone needs the top-of-the-line technology. Most travelers just want the ability to surf the web, check facebook, chat with people back home, and edit/store photographs.
- Price — The more you spend on a laptop, the less you have to spend on traveling.
Macbook Air
Unless you need the ability to do a lot of intensive video editing, the MacBook Air is one of the best fully functional laptops for travel. The 11″ model is one of the lightest computers available and it weighs only 2.38lbs, so it doesn’t add much weight to your bag. Additionally, the Macbook Air
I also prefer using Apple’s operating system more than Windows. Another thing to consider is that there are Apple Stores in most major cities in Europe, so you can take your computer there if you have a problem and your AppleCare protection is good worldwide. I had a problem when I was in the UK a few years ago and a certified Apple repair facility fixed my computer at no charge.
But at $999 the Macbook Air might be a little out of some budget travelers’ price range. Although, Apple products do have a reputation of lasting a long time (I’m still using my 6-year-old Macbook), so it’s a good choice if you want a laptop to use after your trip. Although, when compared to other “ultrabooks
Samsung Chromebook
Acer Aspire One AO756-2626 11.6-Inch Laptop

The Acer Aspire One
iPad and iPad Mini

Ok, this is not a laptop but I believe that the Apple iPad
Weighing in at about 1.4lbs, the iPad is light enough to carry around as you explore a city. Although, if I wanted something small enough to carry around all day I would pick an iPad Mini
Iphone, iPod Touch and Smartphones
Some travelers just want the ability to surf the web, send emails, use apps, and use other basic functions. In this case I would choose a smartphone or an iPod touch. Modern iPhone
Do you have a favorite computer that you travel with? Let us know!

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