Travel Tips for China

Posted on 26 December 2018 (0)

China is one of the best travel destinations in the world with plenty of attractions for both solo travelers and group tours. Travis and Dylan over at MT Gutters of San Antonio said once in a youtube interview that if you are planning a trip to China, below are some pointers to keep in mind for a smooth and remarkable adventure.

Be Very Keen When Shopping

China is a hub for all kinds of products and, it is easy to be duped if you are a visitor. Once you make a purchase, the item belongs to you. However, you should first check the particular product that you are buying to make sure it meets your expectations. Avoid products that sellers say will be delivered later after payment.

Some Tourist Attractions are overrated

Although China is a beautiful country with several tourist attractions, some are given so much unwarranted attention. In fact, the reality on the ground might not be what you expected. The most popular tourist attractions are often packed during mid morning and mid afternoon.

Learn a Few Words in Mandarin

Chinese people are generally friendly but, if you want a warm reception, try addressing the locals in Mandarin. As you speak with the locals, war a broad and warm smile.

Avoid Traveling To China during Their Official Holidays

The Chinese people are very proud and usually come out in huge numbers to honor their holidays. So, expect thousands at the tourist attractions during official Chinese holidays. So, be sure to check the dates for their holidays and plan your itinerary outside their holiday calendar to have a great adventure.

The Internet is censored in China

You will obviously want to use the internet and social media to share stories of your trip in China. Since the internet is censored, you will need to have a VPN in order to access sites like Facebook and blogs.

China is a great travel destination but, with certain restrictions that might make your trip a nightmare. To have the best time in China, it is advisable to first do a little research so you have an idea of what to expect.

Photography in Travel: Capturing the Essence of India

Posted on 10 January 2024 (0)

Introduction

India, a land of diverse cultures, vibrant landscapes, and rich history, offers endless opportunities for travel photographers. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene backwaters of Kerala, every corner of India tells a unique story. This guide aims to explore the various facets of photography in India, providing tips, techniques, and insights for capturing the true essence of this magnificent country.

The Diverse Landscapes of India

India’s geographical diversity is astounding. The towering Himalayas in the north provide a stark contrast to the golden beaches of Goa and Kerala in the south. Capturing these landscapes requires understanding the right time of day for the best light. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for softer light and longer shadows, which add depth and texture to your landscapes.

Cultural Richness and Festivals

India’s cultural heritage is rich and varied. Festivals like Diwali and Holi offer a riot of color and are perfect subjects for photography. Capturing these moments requires anticipation and timing. Understanding the festival’s storyline helps in predicting the next move, ensuring you don’t miss the action.

People and Portraits

The soul of India lies in its people. Portraiture is challenging but rewarding. Always approach with respect and ask for permission before taking photos. Candid shots are great, but posed portraits can also capture the essence of a person’s character and environment.

Street Photography in Indian Cities

Indian streets are bustling with life and activity. Street photography here is about capturing the chaos and order, the modern amidst the ancient. Look for unique perspectives and compositions that tell a story, and be ready to capture spontaneous moments.

Wildlife and Nature Photography

India is home to a diverse range of wildlife. National parks like Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh are great for spotting tigers. For nature photography, patience is key. Spend time understanding the behavior of animals and use the golden hours for the best natural lighting.

Photography Ethics and Respect

Be mindful of local customs and privacy. Don’t photograph people in sensitive situations or areas where photography is prohibited. Respecting your subject should always be a priority.

Technical Tips for Travel Photography

Invest in a good DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile zoom lens. A tripod is essential for long exposures, especially in low-light conditions. Always carry extra batteries and memory cards.

FAQs

Q1: What is the best time of year to photograph in India? A1: The post-monsoon season (October to March) is generally the best, offering clear skies and lush landscapes. However, for specific festivals or wildlife sightings, other times may be better.

Q2: What kind of gear is recommended for travel photography in India? A2: A versatile camera setup with a wide-angle and a telephoto lens, a sturdy tripod, and a good camera bag. Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards.

Q3: How can I respect local customs while photographing in India? A3: Always ask for permission before photographing people. Be discreet and respectful, especially in religious and culturally sensitive places.

Conclusion

Photography in India is an adventure that goes beyond merely capturing images; it’s an immersive experience into the heart of diverse cultures and stunning landscapes. With a respectful and mindful approach, photographers can bring back not just breathtaking photographs but also stories and experiences that resonate for a lifetime.

Best Travel Destinations for Beach Vacation

Posted on 05 July 2023 (0)

A beach with a breezy wind and crystal-clear water is a perfect vacation destination. Its environment allows you to escape your busy life, relieve stress, and have fun. Luckily, the world has endless beaches from which to choose when planning your vacation. However, some of these destinations are better than others. Here’s a list of the best travel destination for beach vacations.

Fiji

Fiji has 333 islands, splendid resorts, and sparkling waters. Its expansive stretch of pristine sand makes it a perfect destination for paradise seekers. If you love snorkeling during your vacation, the Taveuni’s coral reefs are your ideal destination. This travel destination has many things to see and do during your beach vacation.

Portstewart Strand, Ireland

Portstewart Strand is among the well-maintained beaches in Northern Ireland. The two-mile-long sandy beach is a perfect destination for a family vacation. The National Trust protects this beach, ranking it among the country’s most-visited beaches.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is a small French Polynesian Island measuring six miles long. Its width is less than three miles. However, this travel destination has many stunning beaches and luxurious resorts with overwater bungalows and green jungles. If you want to stroll along sandy shores or go sunbathing, Matira Beach is your perfect spot. For stunning Mount Otemanu views, go to the Four-Season Resort. Also, you can go snorkeling during your visit.

Coffee Bay, South Africa

Coffee Bay is a fantastic travel destination for an African beach vacation. It’s an exciting and authentic place for adventure lovers. Many people love this travel destination for its breathtaking cliffs, water views, green hills, and rocks.

Strolling with friends, family, or your partner is an ideal way to explore this gorgeous and exotic travel destination. For a side trip, go on a hop-on, hop-off tour to Cape Town. Nevertheless, this destination is an ideal spot for starting your holidays.

Choose any of these travel destinations to enjoy a memorable beach vacation. Nevertheless, take your time to plan your travel to make it more enjoyable.

Travel Tips for Young Adults

Posted on 15 January 2023 (0)

Traveling is good for learning, relaxation, and experience. As a young adult, traveling should be part of your lifestyle. You should find time to travel the world despite family and work commitments. But before hopping into that next flight, consider these essential travel tips.

Plan Well

You will realize that planning well often results in great travel experiences. Planning for your next trip is simple. It only includes considering the most important things before actually taking the trip. For example, what is your travel budget, and how long do you intend to be on vacation? Just ensure that you plan well before the actual day of the trip. You don’t want to start rushing and leave your passport or credit card behind.

Do Your Research

The world is big and full of fantastic travel destinations. You may have heard about significant travel destinations in the media or read about them on the internet. However, other places are worth visiting. You can research by checking travel destinations in countries or areas you have never seen. You can also get helpful tips from family or friends who may have some ideas.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may not seem essential but taking travel insurance is very important. Travel insurance will come in handy in case something unexpected or wrong happens during the travel. For example, travel insurance may cover an injury that you sustain while climbing rocks on your trip. Travel insurance is for the safety and smoothness of your travel.

Conclusion

Traveling can be fun if you take the travel tips above seriously. As a young adult, you will realize that traveling is your sole responsibility, so taking every measure to ensure it succeeds is essential.

Reasons to Travel More When Young

Posted on 01 July 2022 (0)

There is no ideal time to travel. You can travel while young or wait until old age when you have more free time. But before you choose to relax until retirement to start traveling, you should realize that traveling more when young has some advantages. Here are three of the main reasons for you to travel more when young.

You Have The Time

You enjoy numerous advantages when traveling as a young person because you have more time to travel. Let’s say that you are in your early twenties. You have more time to travel than a person in their late fifties if everything else remains constant. The younger you are, the more years you have to travel. You can travel every year for the next 40 years, unlike in your fifties.

You Are More Energetic

While you may see traveling as a leisure activity, it’s not. Traveling involves:

  • Using a lot of energy. 
  • Climbing mountains.
  • Swimming.
  • Engaging in all other sorts of activities.

When you are young, you are more energetic and physically fit to engage in these activities. And this will not be the case when you are old and weak.

It’s More Fun

Traveling is fun. The fun is more when you are younger. Being young means you have more energy, you are more active, and more anxious about life. You are trying to discover things, which pushes you to seek more experiences during your travel. And this will not be the case when you are old and wish to spend more time alone and relaxed.

Conclusion

Please travel more when young because it gives you more benefits and advantages. You are more energetic, explorative and have so much time to continue traveling. As you grow older, all these advantages tend to diminish gradually. So, please don’t wait until it’s too late to start traveling.

Why Some People Get Sick After Traveling

Posted on 13 March 2022 (0)

D you feel sick after traveling? Maybe the vacation gaze is slowly turning to a fade. Nose dripping, constant sneezing, runny stomach, and the sore throat never goes away? Is this the travel reward? How do you prevent it? And do the symptoms go away after medication? Familiarity is good for our immune systems, and the moment we change to a different environment or weather, our immunity gets compromised, and thus sickness sets in our systems. Here are tips to help you whenever you travel. 

Watch Out For That Water

Better safe than sorry. If the preferred destination you are traveling to does not have purified water, or you doubt the water source, you have to boil or purify the water. Bacteria found in water contaminated with fecal matter can cause severe stomach upsets.

Change of Weather

A slight chance of water can affect those sensitive sinuses. If this is the norm for you, consult with your Physician to get you some antihistamine for those irritations. Traveling is a great way to run away from unpleasant conditions. However, a sudden weather change will throw your body immunity off the loop, leaving you prone to illness.

Fatigue

Traveling is exhausting. Even the most relaxing private beaches and private campsites are exhausting, especially if you are the type who is an over-thinker. When you return from your trip, do not go straight to the hard chores you left undone. If possible, get someone to relieve you as your body gets back to its old factory setting!

Excessive Exposure to Sun

The beach is calling! However, don’t spend too much time in open sunlight in the name of getting a vacation, Tan! Remember always to use recommended sunscreen. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause flu-like symptoms, dehydration, and heat exhaustion.

Takeaways

You cannot stay glued to one place because of fear of getting sick when we come back home. If you travel often, you should take precautions to avoid the grumpy side effects after you travel back home.