This is a post in a new feature on Her Packing List called “The One Little Thing“. Each week, I’ll be interviewing a traveling lady to find out the one little thing she just can’t travel without. This one is brought to you by Caroline of Caroline in the City, who is just now exploring the land down under:
My name is Caroline Eubanks, but you might know me as Caroline in the City. I’m a freelance writer, part time waitress and general jack of all trades.
I’ve been traveling since I was fifteen and have covered most of the United States and Europe. I just started my one year working holiday adventure in Australia.
What one little thing can you not travel without?
I can’t travel without a number of things, including my camera and a multi-purpose scarf, but nothing is as useful as this little notebook I’m writing this post in. They’ve ranged between a red BootsNAll Mokeskine I got for free at TBEX to a bright orange Tag notebook I got for free at work to this one, a set of two black and silver Piccadilly notebooks with pockets (perfect for receipts and business cards) that I bought at Borders.
Why has this one item been so important to you?
These pocket-sized notebooks are important not only in my job as a writer and part time waitress, but I use it to write directions in, as a planner, address book and diary. I’m pretty forgetful, so if I write down the details I will remember it. About 99% of my blog posts are written by hand in one of these notebooks before I post them.
How packable is it? Does it take up much room? Is it heavy?
The most beneficial part of these notebooks is that they take up hardly any room, less than your fancy iPhone. They can fit in a purse, pocket, camera bag or backpack.
Why would you recommend this to your travel friends?
Out of all the notebooks I’ve owned, I recommend the Moleskine small ruled cahiers because the lines keep you organized and the covers can take a beating. However, I also like having a pocket and a band to keep it together, so the Tag notebooks are good for that, not to mention a lot cheaper.
Can you name one incident or situation where you were so happy to have this item with you?
Before I started carrying notebooks, I wrote on napkins, menus and any slip of paper I could find. Now, it’s all in one place. When I took my East Coast road trip this summer, it was good to be able to write down the names of every small town and greasy diner. Plus, I never know when I’m going to get an idea for a blog post or article, so it’s good to be ready when I’m feeling inspired.
How did you hear about this item?
I owned a Moleskine planner before the cahiers, but the TBEX freebie got me hooked on them.
What sort of traveler is this item perfect for?
Pocket sized notebooks are ideal for literally every type of traveler. Broke backpackers can track their spending and plan their route. Business travelers can write down names of important contacts. And, even flashpackers need some sort of backup for when technology fails them.
Little notebooks are a great way to stay organized on the road, so I just want to thank Caroline for divulging why they work for her in particular. Be sure to check out Caroline’s blog, and browse Amazon’s list of pocket notebooks if you’re wanting to buy one for yourself.
Woo! Thanks Brooke!
No, thank you!