I am now preparing for a trip to Salt Lake City next week. I'll be attending the annual conference of the National Genealogical Society. While in Salt Lake City, I also hope to spend some time at the Family History Library doing research.
Over the years, I have made many trips to libraries, courthouses, and genealogy societies. Once I arrive at my destination, I often have found that I should have carried "one more thing" with me. I have now created a checklist of those "things that I may need.” I always verify the genealogy trip packing list when packing my suitcase. Most of the time, I can squeeze all of these items into one carry-on suitcase that easily fits in an airliner's overhead baggage compartment plus an “over the shoulder” bag or a backpack that fits under the seat in front of me. With the recent price gouging by airlines for checked luggage, use of carry-on luggage can save a lot of money.
I thought I would share my packing list and also ask if you have further suggestions.
Over the years, I have made many trips to libraries, courthouses, and genealogy societies. Once I arrive at my destination, I often have found that I should have carried "one more thing" with me. I have now created a checklist of those "things that I may need.” I always verify the genealogy trip packing list when packing my suitcase. Most of the time, I can squeeze all of these items into one carry-on suitcase that easily fits in an airliner's overhead baggage compartment plus an “over the shoulder” bag or a backpack that fits under the seat in front of me. With the recent price gouging by airlines for checked luggage, use of carry-on luggage can save a lot of money.
I thought I would share my packing list and also ask if you have further suggestions.
The following is a list of things I might take on a genealogy research trip. I don't take every item on every trip; the exact list will depend upon where I am headed. For instance, a trip to a cemetery might end up with different items to be packed than a trip to a genealogy library. However, here is my complete list of things that I might take on a trip:
What's on your packing list? Please offer your suggestions in the comments section below. If enough suggestions are received, I'll publish an updated list in a future newsletter.
1. Laptop computer. I use the computer for multiple purposes, including recording notes of my new discoveries. I also have my entire genealogy database on the laptop, in case I want to look something up. Of course, I also want to be able to access email and the Web while traveling.The above is my list of "don't leave home without it." Admittedly, the list varies, depending on my planned destination. I don't take every item with me on every trip. However, all the above are "candidates" of possible items to pack.
2. Cell phone. Actually, I never leave the house without my cell phone. There are too many uses to list here, but I will point out that I keep my entire genealogy database on the cell phone as well. It is very convenient to use and, unlike Windows or Macintosh laptops, does not require a long time to boot up and become ready for use.
3. GPS – This is one of the handiest gadgets I own. If jumping into a rental car in a strange city, the GPS guides me to the hotel or to the convention center. (Hint: enter the destination address[es] into the GPS before leaving home to save time and confusion in the rental car company's garage.) I also take the GPS with me to every cemetery I visit in order to record the exact location of tombstones.
4. Wireless 3G modem. I admit to being a geek, but I hate to be isolated from the Internet. There is email to check, and I may want to look up something online as well. Many libraries now offer free wi-fi Internet connections, but not all of them do. Some hotels also charge $10 a day or more for online access. Airport waiting lounges also offer wi-fi networking with prices ranging from free to as much as $20 a day. For anyone who travels frequently, a wireless 3G Internet connection can be a money saver.
5. Portable scanner. I take the portable scanner only when I suspect I will have an opportunity to use it. However, there have been a few occasions where it has proven useful. Admittedly, I do leave it home most of the time.
6. Copies of my "to do" list, research notes, lists of questions to answer, and sources to check. Most of these items are on my computer, but I still find that a printed list on paper is easier to use.
7. A jump drive (also known as a thumb drive or flash-drive or any of a number of other names). In many libraries, you can copy images of microfilm or download material from the computers. The charges for downloading to a jump drive are always cheaper than making photocopies, and sometimes the charge is zero. In addition, you end up with a higher-quality image than those made by typical photocopy machines as found in libraries. Having a digital image also makes it easy to later import that image into your favorite genealogy program or into an email message you are creating. Ideally, the jump drive should be empty when you embark on your journey. Some libraries have software protection that look for viruses and other problems stored on jump drives. If your jump drive has an .EXE file stored on it or any other files that the library's computers do not like, you might not be able to store their data on the jump drive. Starting with an empty jump drive solves the problem.
8. Pens, pencils, and notepaper. I have recently switched to a Pulse Smartpen and its matching tablets of paper that automatically save my handwritten notes into the computer when I return home. However, the old-fashioned pens and paper will suffice for most purposes.
9. Camera. I find lots of situations for use of cameras, both indoors and out.
10. An extension cord with a triple outlet on the end for plugging in multiple devices. Many libraries have power outlets in the strangest places! That is especially true for older courthouses and other buildings that were built before the days of electricity. Hopefully, your laptop battery will suffice; but, most laptop batteries will not last through an entire day's research at the library. The same extension cord may also come in handy in your hotel room where power outlets often are found only under the bed or behind the television set.
11. Money, preferably in quarters and one-dollar bills. Many libraries still use coin-operated photocopy machines, and having a roll of quarters can be a big help as well as a time saver. Of course, on longer trips, I also use those quarters at the local laundromat. The Family History Library in Salt Lake City and a few other libraries have switched to a "debit card" system in which you purchase payment cards. However, many smaller libraries and courthouses still use coin-operated photocopy machines.
12. For trips to a cemetery, I always take water, a camera, sunscreen, and bug repellant. In some areas of the country, a snakebite kit would also be recommended. If it is a rural cemetery, possibly outside of cell phone range, I also take two FRS walkie-talkies (assuming that I will have a companion with me when visiting the cemetery). "Emergencies" can happen, whether it is a twisted ankle, a bee sting, or some other annoyance. Being able to communicate with someone else can be critical in some situations.
13. Carry a large purse. For men, purchase a "messenger bag" which performs the same function as a lady's purse but gives a macho appearance. Whatever you call it, you'll need a large carrying case for your electronics, camera, cell phone, notepad, lunch, and more. I also use it as a carry-on bag for travel on the airlines.
14. Suitable clothing. I follow the rule of "always dress in layers." I find wearing two or three layers of lightweight clothing (a lightweight shirt plus a heavier shirt plus a light sweater plus a windbreaker, etc.) works better than wearing a heavy jacket and also requires less space in a suitcase. If traveling to another part of the country, you might not be prepared for local weather conditions. Pack clothing in layers! I also take only one pair of shoes; namely, the shoes that I am wearing. I then pack clothes to match those shoes. Carrying an extra pair of shoes consumes a lot of space in your suitcase! You only need one pair. Make sure they are comfortable and suitable for extended walks.
15. Umbrella. Again, the weather may be different than you expected. Walking from a hotel to a library can be unpleasant if you are drenched with cold rain. Of course, cemetery trips can be equally unpleasant in bad weather. Conversely, an umbrella can also keep the hot sun from burning your face and neck. Purchase one of the compact umbrellas that easily fits into a suitcase or even into a large purse.
16. Lunch. You might not get a lunch break, or you may become so engrossed in research tasks that you skip the lunch hour. You can pack whatever food you prefer, but keep in mind that refrigeration may be a problem. Don't pack any lunches that are perishable. I usually pack trail mix. It tastes good, is easy to pack, lasts days or weeks without refrigeration if stored properly, and is much healthier than candy bars or some other snacks.
17. Duct tape. You can fix anything with duct tape. I found a small roll of duct tape at a local drug store and now keep it in my suitcase at all times. I have used it to patch suitcases that were damaged by the airlines, to hold a clothesline over the hotel room shower, to hold a balcony door open on a cruise ship, and for a number of other purposes. Try to find the small rolls; carrying a full-sized roll of duct tape takes up a lot of room in a suitcase.
18. Itinerary: E-ticket printouts for airlines, rental cars, and hotel reservations. Again, this is typically stored on the laptop computer, but I find it easier to have printouts when standing in front of the check-in counter.
What's on your packing list? Please offer your suggestions in the comments section below. If enough suggestions are received, I'll publish an updated list in a future newsletter.
