| The iPod can be a wondrous device. It is smaller than | | | | guide audio program. You can walk around Manhattan |
| a deck of cards (or a pack of gum depending on | | | | while a soothing voice describes all the landmarks |
| your model), and you can pop in your headphones at | | | | around you. |
| any time to listen to music. On a daily basis, we might | | | | CONS |
| use it while driving, walking, exercising, relaxing, or | | | | Despite all the great things about traveling with an |
| throwing a party. An iPod is even more useful while | | | | iPod, there are some drawbacks you should keep in |
| traveling. Unfortunately, there are also some | | | | mind. |
| drawbacks to this. This article will discuss some of | | | | 1. It can be rude |
| the pros and cons of travelling with an iPod. | | | | The first benefit we talked about was how you can |
| PROS | | | | use the iPod to block out annoying people. |
| 1. Block out annoying people | | | | Unfortunately, this has a flip side. When you DO want |
| This is especially useful if you are flying on a plane. | | | | to talk to someone else, they can be turned off by |
| Some people don't bring any entertainment with | | | | the fact that they are only receiving half of your |
| them onto a long plane ride. Instead, they want YOU | | | | attention. You may need to ask them to repeat |
| to be their entertainment. So they'll attempt to talk | | | | themselves because you couldn't hear them over |
| to you about the latest celebrity gossip and their | | | | your music. If you are at a checkout counter, a |
| husband's grandmother whom they are going to visit. | | | | grocery store, or anywhere else where you might |
| If you are a naturally social person who likes to talk | | | | need to interact with people, you might want to |
| about these things, then you are in luck. Otherwise, | | | | consider putting your iPod away. |
| simply pop in your headphones and you can tune | | | | 2. You'll miss out on the new environment |
| them out. This method works best if you combine it | | | | One of the greatest benefits of traveling is that it |
| with closing your eyes. Most people won't engage | | | | gets us out of our everyday bubble and allows us to |
| you if you have headphones on. You can even put | | | | experience life from another perspective. However, if |
| your headphones on without any music. Other people | | | | you're listening to the same music that you listened |
| won't know that you can still hear them, and they | | | | to when you were back at home, then you haven't |
| won't bother you. | | | | left your bubble! You're missing out on the sounds of |
| 2. Improve your mood | | | | nature, the bustling city streets, and the children |
| One of the most amazing things about music is its | | | | playing on the playground as you walk by. These are |
| ability to improve your mood. If you are feeling | | | | the sounds of life, and you're missing out on them if |
| stressed out from the hassles of travel, simply fire | | | | you've always got your headphones on. |
| up some of your favorite music. This can be | | | | 3. Anti-Social |
| extremely comforting. Long lines and heavy traffic will | | | | It's not just that wearing your headphones all the |
| be less of an issue for you when you can put on | | | | time is rude, you'll also miss out on a lot of everyday |
| your favorite music and just zone out. | | | | sociality. There's a good chance that when you walk |
| 3. Educational | | | | down the street with your headphones on, you |
| Music isn't the only thing you can listen to on your | | | | rarely meet anyone new. You won't be able to chat |
| iPod; you can also listen to audio books and other | | | | with new people in line at the coffee shop or that |
| educational programs. An audio book is a great way | | | | interesting person sitting on the park bench next to |
| to catch up on the latest bestseller even if you don't | | | | you. If you never take your headphones out, there's |
| have time to sit down and read. If you are traveling | | | | a good chance you'll never meet anyone new ever |
| to an unfamiliar area, you can often buy a virtual tour | | | | again! |
