Travel blogging has many benefits, like providing an income on the road and inspiring people to explore the world.

Over 80% of travel planning is done on the internet—proof that informative travel blogs are a valuable resource. However, if you’re planning to run a professional blog while travelling, you will need a robust and practical laptop.

If you’re looking for the best travel laptops, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we share our top tips for buying the right laptop for your frequent trips, plus a list of the best travel laptops on the market.

The benefits of a travel laptop

Before finding the best business travel laptop, it’s essential to understand the advantages of having one.

Bloggers need access to the internet and a durable laptop if they want to create fresh content regularly and keep their followers updated.

Apart from the ability to work remotely, bloggers also need a good laptop for various other tasks – taking notes while travelling, creating visual content for social media promotion (e.g. Pinterest) and taking online courses to expand their blogging knowledge.

Things to consider before buying a travel laptop

Size

You want a light and small laptop, one that easily slides into your luggage. Screen sizes range between 11- to 17-inches.

Find a medium-sized one that has a big enough screen but won’t take up your entire backpack. Plus, consider the laptop’s weight, especially if you normally travel with just a carry-on.

Software

There are three software options: Windows, Apple OS X, and Chrome (Android) OS. The first two are the most popular as they support many useful programs for bloggers, including photo editing software.

If you’re already familiar with Apple products, it’s easier to get a Macbook, as everything is part of the same system. 

Windows also have a wide range of specifications, but viruses and malware are common. Therefore, you’ll need robust antivirus software for a Windows laptop.

Chrome OS machines are affordable and great for basics, like surfing the web or writing blog posts.

Build quality

Travel bloggers jump from trains to buses that rattle down bumpy roads. Therefore, your laptop must be well-built so it doesn’t get damaged during the journey.

Find a model that’s mostly made of metal as they’re more durable, saving you money in the long run. Also, check the keyboard to see whether the keys are firmly fixed.

Once you’ve found your dream laptop, invest in a proper fitting case for extra protection.

Price

While there are several affordable laptops available, think twice before going for the cheapest option, or you might end up with less storage, and the model will probably weigh more. 

If you’re looking for good travel laptops with decent price tags, browse through last year’s models – these tend to be affordable while having similar specifications to latest ones.

Tip: Remember to also look for the best laptop backpack for travellers to ensure your machine stays safe.

Best travel laptops for bloggers

1. Dell Inspiron True Life

Dell’s model has a 15.6-inch screen alongside a DVD writer and SD card reader so you can quickly transfer media files from your camera to your laptop. A major bonus is that you can upgrade the storage to align with your blogging needs.

This laptop runs a Windows 10 operating system and has all the necessary specifications.

2. MacBook Air 

If you have the budget, a MacBook Air is the perfect travel companion. The design is sleek, has a fantastic operating system, and weighs almost nothing. 

Every blogger also needs Google Drive on Mac to maximize storage, so check the link to learn how to use it.

3. Lenovo Ideapad Premium

Consider Lenovo’s Ideapad for an entry-level laptop, especially if you don’t frequently edit videos.

Instead of upgrading, stick with the basic model as you get a robust processor and a separate graphics card.

If you’re vlogging, this laptop won’t run the video editing software as effectively as other models on this list.

4. Asus Zenbook 14

You can’t get a slimmer laptop than the Asus Zenbook 14. This is possibly one of the most portable notebooks, as it’s the size of an A4 page.

A unique feature is an ErgoLift hinge, which creates the optimal typing position, fantastic for full-time bloggers.

Plus, the battery life is around 10 hours, depending on your activities.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 6

The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 uses a Windows operating system, has 13.5-hours of video playback time, and only weighs 1.7 pounds.

You can also choose from an array of stylish Surface Pro covers for maximum protection. It’s not the cheapest model, but it’s well worth the investment.

6. MacBook Pro 

The 13-inch Macbook Pro is a top-of-the-line laptop that has a wide range of features. It’s one of the sleekest models on the market and has one terabyte of SSD storage, brilliant if you’re storing thousands of photos or videos.

You can also consider the 15-inch as it’s still lighter than most models on the market.

7. Samsung Chromebook 3

A lightweight option for bloggers with a budget is the Samsung Chromebook 3. This laptop has a great design, long battery life, and a hybrid hinge that also turns into a tablet.

You can also install Android apps and use them online, making it a travel-friendly Chromebook.

Recommendation: If you’re a frequent traveller, consider getting a travel insurance subscription that covers your laptop and other valuables. SafetyWing offer travel medical insurance specifically designed for digital nomads and frequent travellers, which you can purchase as a subscription.