My Itchy Travel Feet | The Baby Boomer's Guide To Travel

Traveling With an Amazon Kindle

by Donna Hull on 2009/10/15

Amazon KindleAre you a Kindle user? I haven’t purchased one because I admit that I like the feel of a book in my hands. But as Alan and I have cruised from Vancouver to Singapore, I’ve noticed many passengers using them.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Amazon electronic book reader, users purchase books, magazines and newspapers from the Amazon store. When the Kindle is turned on, it automatically searches for a wireless signal, then downloads books and subscriptions that are waiting in the user’s Amazon queue. The device holds up to 1,500 books. I like the fact that it never needs synching. Now, Amazon is offering a Kindle that combines wireless connections for domestic and international travel.

Amazon Kindle DXWhen baby boomer cruisers, Sue and Jack, showed me the Kindle DX, with its larger-size, I became a convert due to the sleek look and feel of it. They raved about downloading their favorite books as well as subscribing to newspapers and magazines. Jack, who travels frequently on business, told me about downloading books from his Amazon account directly to his IPhone the time that he forgot to pack his Kindle DX. But, the biggest plus for voracious readers like Sue and Jack is the room they save in their luggage. The Kindle DX holds up to 3,500 books. They even use it to check their email. However, be aware that the Kindle DX version costs about twice as much as the regular Kindle.

Do you travel with a Kindle? Post a comment to tell me about your experience. Guess what I’m putting on my Christmas list?

This is not a paid post. Amazon has not offered me the free or discounted use of a Kindle. However, if you purchase through the link included in this article, which I’ve included for your convenience, My Itchy Travel Feet receives a small percentage of the sale.

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Tagged as: Amazon, Baby boomer travel, baby boomers, books, Kindle, luxury cruise, product reviews, travel, travel products, travelers

  • pen4hire
    HI Donna: Now that they have lowered the price on the the smaller (6" diagonal vs. 9") version, it seems to me the $279 6" one with the International WI-FI is the best buy. I know the bigger ones look snazzy, but they don't have the International Wi-Fi YET--and when they do, its going to come with a big price tag. Watch for my review on a holder with a built-in light for a notebook and a Kindle.
  • Hi Donna:
    I bought a Kindle a few months ago - the regular one. I still like the feel and look of a real book, but the Kindle is great for travel. The regular one fits in a purse so you can always have it handy and never run out of things to read.

    I really like the feature on the amazon site that lets you download a sample of the book before you decide to purchase; I have quite a few "samples" to still go through. I haven't subscribed to any newspapers or magazines on it and imagine the larger one is better for that, but I haven't seen the DX so I can't compare.
  • marthaandme
    I have one and originally bought it so that I could put travel guides on it, allowing me to easily carry them with me. Well, that isn't a very good use of the Kindle unfortunately. It is difficult to navigate through books - it's slow, and takes a lot of clicking around to get to an index and go back and forth to pages. I gave up on that. It's also difficult to see some maps on it. I do like having it for reading - it's compact and light and if I finish a book, I can just download another.
  • Definitely on my buy list.
  • Definitely on my would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to have it list, but despite the recent International release, NZ isn't a country they included.
  • I am considering a Kindle but just don't feel it can replace a good old book which you can take out anywhere (not as attractive for thieves either). I'm waiting to see what Barnes & Nobles' new competitor will look like which I believe is being released in a few weeks.
  • I don't use the Kindle - just yet. I am a book, newspaper and magazine junkie ;-) I even send books back home when I am on a trip...yeah yeah I know. But on my next big trip I already have in mind to get one so I don't have to carry any guidebooks with me...and then, maybe, I'll get used it...though I doubt I will give up browsing through local bookstores where ever I am (and giving away cloth and other stuff to make room for more books...ahhh) ;-)
  • dani4suitcases
    I have a first generation Kindle and I can't say enough good things about it. During 9 months of travel I read well over 100 books. I often forget I am reading a device and reach to turn the page or have flipped it over to read the back cover synopsis. Outside of the US, you can still get your reads without the international version via computer and USB cable.
  • Kathleen
    Lov e, Love, Love my new Kindle....got the second generation last month and while I miss the feeling of a good book I really love not having to run to the book store and hope they have what I am looking for. The sample books are great as it allows me to know if I really want to Read that book or if it is a waste!!! Also had Amazon tell me yesterday that I had already purchased a book I had asked to sample.....oh my mind if I could only remember where I put it!!!
    Most important is I am planning on a Regent Cruise 16 days thru the Panama Canal over Christmas and New Years sooooo loading up my suitcase with books is no longer going to happen (and I subcribe to the one book a day on vacation theory!)
    Just gonna load up my Kindle before I leave and throw it in my tote!!!
    I am free from all those lovely books on vacation.... Happy Cruising! :-)
  • ottsworld
    I just recently saw one of these and they do look like a space and back saver! Would love to try it, but not sure that I want yet another electronic device to tote around...then again I would like to lighten the load! Let us know if you get one!
  • Kathleen
    Just got back from cruising the Panama Canal on the Seven Seas Mariner....and as I looked around at my fellow cruisers I saw so many with a Kindle....of course I had mine and loved how convenient it was! No heavy books to drag in my suitcase and no risk of overweight bags (that used to be a big problem).
    My only concern now is that they will come out with great new features on the next generation and I will want to buy another Kindle! So I am going to try to be happy with the one I have now and really love....
    Oh and the Christmas and New Years cruise thru the Panama Canal was wonderful and the Mariner was beautifully dressed for the Holiday Season. Our second Regent cruise and we booked another while on board.
    Happy reading and happy cruising!
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