Questions from answers

On a recent trip to Hawaii with my family technology followed me. I’d like to think that I don’t rely on technology as much as I probably do. So why can’t I at least take a one-week break from it?
Let’s see if I can justify my tech gadgets.
So I brought with me:
Nikon DSLR camera
Canon point and shoot camera
Video Camera
GPS receiver
Laptop
iPod Nano
Jumpdrive

Maybe it’s not as bad as I thought it was, but when we met up with my friend Dave on the last day of our trip, who has the same iPod as me I asked if he brought his, he replied no because he was afraid to lose it.

The jumpdrive I could have probably left home, but it is small and part of a Swiss army knife, which came in handy on occasion
My iPod I have been enjoying as I have been using the Nike Plus system and keep track of my running, which I did go for 3 runs on the trip.
The laptop is a recent purchase as I have never owned a laptop before, but my home computer was slowing down and unable to edit the videos I have wanted to do. When it came to the trip it seemed handy for the kids to watch movies during the flight and avoid some restlessness by them. The hotel had a free wireless connection but that was a bonus, as I wasn’t expecting it. On the way back since the flight was a red eye the kids just slept through the flight
My GPSr is a hobby where I go geocaching, I think it’s a good way to explore new places as it usually takes you to places you would not normally go to. My brothers and I each left a trackable item to see where they end up. I read already that my brother’s item is already heading to California. I think mine might be in Hawaii for a little while.
My video camera, this can be a pain to carry around sometimes, but I like to get video of our travels as it brings a clearer understanding of what a place is like. Sometimes pictures don’t do it justice and I don’t mind editing videos, which make for a good memory of the trip.
My point shoot camera, this is handy to me because then I don’t have to lug around the bigger camera all the time, it has a decent video function on it so I don’t need the video camera all the time either.
My DSLR is a bit cumbersome at times but allows me a lot more flexibility when taking pictures. I think the fact that I bring a tripod, flash and a different lens makes it a bit much to carry around all the time.

If I really wanted to lessen the load, I think I would still bring my cameras since it’s something I enjoy and I really feel that when a trip is over all you have left is your memories and your pictures.

I guess it is a blessing to have this technology, but also a curse when you need to keep track of various items and they become my ‘kids’, something else to think about. Finding a balance to enjoying a trip and using technology as a secondary means rather that a primary means seems to be the way to go in my mind or bring along a photographer/videographer on the trip.

Any thoughts on my list? Is it too much or just right?