• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Erin Wright Writing

Writing-Related Software Tutorials

  • Microsoft Word
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • PowerPoint
  • Writing
  • Editing

Five Tips for Writing While Traveling

By Erin Wright

Five Tips for Writing While Traveling | Car with SuitcasesSuitcase? Check! Boarding pass? Check! Comfortable walking shoes? Check! Dictionary? Ummm . . . Some writers travel purely for the purpose of writing. For the rest of us, vacation is usually a break from the keyboard. But sometimes you have to write even when you’re not prepared to do so. Maybe you’re hit by unexpected inspiration or a press release can’t wait until next Monday. Either way, here are five tips for writing while traveling. (Most of these tips are based on the assumption that you’ll have a laptop or tablet on hand. If not, that press release may have to wait after all!)

1. Use your email as cloud storage.

You finished writing the final chapter of your debut novel while waiting at the airport. You want to save a remote backup copy just in case your laptop gets lost or stolen, but you don’t have cloud storage. No worries! Just email the file to yourself. You’ll have a copy of the chapter safely stored in your inbox and your sent folder. And if you’re worried about the security of public Wi-Fi, connect your smartphone to your laptop, save the file to your phone, and then use your mobile email to send a copy to yourself using your regular phone service.

2. Download a dictionary app.

If you didn’t stash a dictionary in your carry-on bag, you can always download a dictionary app on your smartphone or tablet. Dictionary.com and Merriam-Webster both offer respectable free options.

3. Access reference material without a library card.

Most public libraries allow everyone—even tourists without library cards—to read and photocopy material. Of course, you can’t leave the building with material if you don’t have a local library card, but if you just need to do some quick research, don’t be shy about popping into the library at your vacation destination.

4. Access specialty reference material at museums.

Many museums have topic-specific libraries or research centers available to paying visitors. So, if you’re visiting a museum during your vacation, ask if it has any reference material related to your writing. Here is a short list of Chicago museums that have topic-specific libraries or research centers:

  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • The Field Museum (By appointment only.)
  • Pritzker Military Museum & Library
  • International Museum of Surgical Science

5. Use photos as visual notes.

Sure, your phone probably has note-taking capabilities. But why thumb-type notes on that tiny screen when you could be admiring the view? Instead, try to snap pictures that will remind you of what you want to write about. And who knows, the pictures might become part of the document you’re creating!

Further Reading: How to Write the Names of Ships and Boats

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: writing tips

Home » Five Tips for Writing While Traveling

Primary Sidebar

Meet the Author

Technical Writer and Editor Erin Wright

Hello! My name is Erin. I am a technical writer and editor who shares writing-related software tutorials on this website and on YouTube.

Recent Tutorials

How to Create Run-In Headings in Microsoft Word (Indented & Left-Aligned)

How to Insert Text into Shapes in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

How to Export PDF Tables from Adobe Acrobat to Excel (PC & Mac)

How to Insert Images into Shapes in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

How to Align the Periods in Numbered Lists in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

Explore More Tutorials

  • Microsoft Word
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • PowerPoint
  • Writing
  • Editing

Footer

  • Microsoft Word Tutorials
  • Adobe Acrobat Tutorials
  • PowerPoint Tutorials
  • Writing Tips
  • Editing Tips
  • Writing-Related Resources
  • About Me
  • Contact
Email: erinwrightwriting@gmail.com
Phone: 708-669-9503

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

© Erin Wright, 2012–2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this website’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Erin Wright with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.