In the article, Christopher Elliott is concerned that an excessive use of technology causes people to lose sight of why they travel. He wants the reader to remember that when you travel solely to tweet of Facebook about it, you start to travel for others rather than yourself and your memories become fake, because you never truly experienced anything. Sure, you were there, but you were looking at life through a camera screen, and constantly updating your status to brag about where you were at the time. I think that Elliott said it all when he asked, "What ever happened to exploring, happenstance, and serendipity? That essential, spontaneous part of the vacation is at risk of extinction." This quote best exemplifies my reasons for traveling to Australia and New Zealand as well. I want to see and to feel all that these countries have to offer, I want to discover things that I have never before experienced, both in the external world as well as inside of me, and I want to enjoy this trip for all that it has to offer.
I have thought about what role technology will play in my travels and have decided that I only need two things. I will definitely be bringing my camera to help document my trip and to capture the moments to help share my trip with others when I come home, and will also need a either a cell phone or a calling card in order to keep in touch with my family while I am gone. After reading this article, I still agree with my decisions, because I don't plan on texting or Facebooking while I am gone; why would I waste my precious time and money? I want to get the full experience while I am traveling, not to get so wrapped up in technology that I miss out on what matters most. It is because of this that I feel that we should set technology boundaries as a class. Sure, cameras can be used to snap pictures everywhere and phones can and should be used in the hotels to check in at home. iPods are fine on the plane and the bus from place to place, but once we hit our destinations I really don't see a reason for them to even be in sight. Restrictions should be set within reason, and based off of necessity versus entertainment.
I'm glad to hear you have no intention of facebooking or texting while you are on this trip. I think that shows that you really understand Elliot's point. You used a quote that refered to the "spontaneous part of the vacation". I feel that you will have even more of those moments when you limit your technology.
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