I’ve taken ten trips over the last year, and my writing came along for every single mile. Whether slicing through fog-draped hills on a train, precariously balancing a laptop and cup of soda in turbulence, or tucked into a hotel room with “character-building” lighting, the work never stopped. I didn’t always write a thousand words a day, but I always produced something.
Travel isn’t just a luxury for me. It’s my driving force. I’m writing this from a hotel room in Arkansas, invigorated by inspiration that only comes from being somewhere else, from inhaling another culture.
My desk back in Missouri is neatly stocked and perfectly ergonomic, but my ideas don’t live there. Some are born there, yes, but others show up at 10,000 feet in the air, or as dictated thoughts during a solo road trip.
I’ve published six books since I first wrote about my travel writing habits a little under a year ago. Traveling isn’t just a hobby anymore—it’s my way of life. But being a writer on the road means mastering the art of packing and learning which tools to take along.
10 Things I Always Travel with as a Writer
My list of gear has evolved alongside my bibliography. Here are the things I use to turn a hotel desk (or a cramped airplane seat) into a work cubby.
My Laptop does all the heavy lifting
Headphones or Earbuds: Vital for tuning out the world
AI-Powered Voice Recorder because my ideas flow faster than my fingers
Reading Glasses because squinting makes my eyes go buggy
Travel Mouse & Keyboard Combo I used to think external keyboards weren’t worth the hassle, but I’ve officially converted. A compact setup saves my wrists and makes a world of difference for long drafting sessions
Digital Notebook, because I lost my precious pen and paper idea notebook on a trip to Guatemala. Now my work is instantly backed up.
A Wrist Compression Brace is essential for keeping carpal tunnel at bay.
My Portable Massage Gun is a must-have for working out the inevitable travel knots and writer’s neck
A Pencil Case, great for pens, highlighters, and random stuff from your desk (like fidget spinners)
Fidget Spinners, because sometimes I need my hands to move so my brain can think
If you’ve never tried writing on the go, this is your sign to give it a go. It’s worked for me through six books and counting. I hope it becomes part of your routine, too.
Thanks for Reading!
Psst… my book, Equality for Robots, is currently the #1 New Release in Classic Science Fiction on Amazon! Have you snagged your copy yet?!
Heads up: some of these links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you buy through them (at no extra cost to you). I only share things I genuinely use and love—plus, it helps support my writing!
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