In the early days of photography, taking photos was a rather labor intensive process. The first cameras offered for sale to the public came in the late 19th century but it would be decades before amateurs could easily take decent looking images.
Digital photography revolutionized the way people captured memorable moments and made taking photos far less costly than using film.
Quality digital cameras are now a standard feature on smartphones, and while using an expensive, fancy DSLR camera can produce professional looking images, they can prove quite complicated for most novices to use.
Thanks to smartphones, you can now take great images without needing to know or understand a lot of technical photography jargon. However, there are simple ways you can take your smartphone images from being good to looking really professional.
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If enjoy relaxing at a yoga retreat in Bali, Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala, or praying to gods in far off temples, you may just be a spiritual traveler.
Today, there are endless travel experiences that fall under what could be considered “spiritual travel”. Whether it’s seeking out religious festivals or finding solace alone beneath a remote waterfall, there are many places that can make you believe in the spiritual world.
Spiritual travel can mean different things to different travelers. But even for those who may not be religious or spiritual, there are certain destinations which have the power to bring about raw emotion and really move you in many different ways.
Both man-made sites like Angkor Wat, as well as natural landmarks with a long association with humanity like Uluru, have an almost unexplainable aura of wonder that seem to attract visitors from all over the world.
Here are a few great spiritual places you may want to visit. With an open mind and respect for other faiths and beliefs, there is no end to how much travel can enlighten you to the world around you.
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There are few places left in the world that you can truly call pristine, but that’s just what our Polar Regions offer. They are surprisingly havens for wildlife, and a range of small group tours journey to remote destinations like Greenland and Spitsbergen in the north as well as Antarctica in the south.
Whether you’ve always wanted to witness a vivid aurora or be bathed in 24 hours of sunshine, the world’s Polar Regions offer adventures unlike any other. From walruses and polar bears in the north to elephant seals and penguins in the south, our Polar Regions abound with rare and endangered wildlife.
In addition to witnessing almost unimaginable landscapes and wildlife, there are many epic activities on offer including dog sledding, hiking on ice sheets, mountain biking in Greenland, and kayaking or taking a polar plunge in the icy waters off Antarctica.
So grab your parka because Quark Expeditions, the leader in polar adventures, is ready to help you choose from some of the top Polar Region bucket list adventures.
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Canada may be known for its pristine wilderness which is protected by national parks like Banff and Jasper, as well as the thundering Niagara Falls, but when you’re the world’s second largest country by area, you have plenty of hidden secrets to offer as well.
If you’re looking for some of the more unusual things to do and see in and around Canada’s major cities, check out these fun quirky attractions and activities.
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Long regarded as a playground for the rich and famous, the tiny yet popular Principality of Monaco is welcoming to all types of travelers. Set along the breathtaking Côte d’Azur nearly enveloped by France, the Principality of Monaco has been a symbol of luxury and glamour for well over a century.
While it may be small in size, it packs quite a punch with its iconic annual events such as the Monaco Yacht Show and Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix that attract people from all over the world.
It’s important to understand that Monaco isn’t a destination exclusive to the wealthy. There is a wide range of sights and attractions on offer whether you’re traveling as a romantic couple or a family.
With abundant sunshine and an ever-present ideal warm weather, Monaco is home to many treasures both natural and man-made and plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants to fuel your adventures. So whether you’re thinking of a day trip from France or an entire holiday in Monaco, I’ve gathered some of the top reasons why you should visit this French Riviera gem.
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Portland is one of the most vibrant cities in the U.S. and offers a real hipster hotspot where the likes of coffee, craft beer, and street food take center stage. A city of immigrants and residents who have relocated from other states across America, the cuisine on offer in Portland is needless to say quite varied.
Portland has quickly put itself on the map of top foodie destinations in America. You’ll find everything from local craft breweries and wineries to flavors from India, Russia, and Argentina.
However, one thing most Portland restaurants share is a focus on creating dishes using locally sourced and sustainably-farmed ingredients.
Sadly, the pandemic has already claimed a number of popular spots including Tasty n Daughters and the delicious Thai cuisine of Pok Pok. But until things get back to normal, many of the surviving local restaurants have found ways to offer take-away services or make their in-house dining areas Covid-safe.
These are some of the best restaurants in Portland that have managed to weather the storm and offer some of the finest flavors in the city.
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Needless to say, many of us are a bit on edge when it comes to the pandemic and travel. Travel can always prove to be a bit stressful, especially as security lines have grown longer and overtourism has taken hold of many of the world’s most popular destinations.
With the added restrictions and travel requirements enacted by nations around the world due to COVID, it’s now more important than ever to find ways to make travel as enjoyable as possible.
As the travel industry begins to hopefully get moving again this year, many of us are eager to start planning trips again. After many of us have been forced to remain locked down within our home states or countries the past year, a satisfying vacation is long overdue.
To ensure your first holiday post-COVID lockdown lives up to your expectations, I have outlined some of the top ways you make traveling more rewarding and successful. Whether it’s choosing the right destination, knowing when the best time to travel is, or who you should travel with, there are many things you can personally do to make your next vacation more fun.
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The future of paying for travel may not be with cash or credit cards, rather with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. The tourism industry has embraced this new age way to pay, with travelers already being able to pay for flights, hotel rooms, tours, and more with their secure digital wallets.
There are many advantages to using this decentralized digital currency as a way to pay for travel and as more and more airlines, hotel brands, and other travel-related companies join in on the acceptance, using Bitcoin may quickly become the go-to form of payment for travelers.
The industry is at the forefront when it comes to accepting cryptocurrency and more and more travelers are purchasing Bitcoin to pay for their travel.
Here are just some of the current airlines and travel booking websites where you can use your Bitcoin to get traveling once again.
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Travel involves many moving parts, forcing you to plan carefully and make checklists to ensure everything comes together nicely.
But while you may be in the habit of using packing checklists to not forget the essentials, how much thought do you put into your physical and mental health when traveling?
Staying healthy while traveling should always be your top priority. Should you experience sickness, injury, or a mental illness setback during your holiday, things can quickly become far less enjoyable.
Whether you’re in your 20s or 80s, no-one is immune to falling ill while traveling. Prioritizing your health is not only important for your overall well-being, it can also substantially impact you financially if you happen to require overseas medical treatment.
To assist you in creating an effective travel health checklist, here are the top things to be concerned about when it comes to traveling and your health. You’ll find information relating to getting vaccinations, traveling with medications, and dealing with mental health issues while traveling.
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Many people pack a journal to document their travels, as it offers you the ability to later reminisce about the exotic flavors, sights, and sounds you encounter. More and more travelers, however, are beginning to also get paid for their travel writing.
Whether you’ve scribbled a few lines in a notebook or are an experienced writer, there are many ways in which both amateur and professional writers can earn cash for writing about travel which can help fund continued journeys around the world.
I’ve gone further, and for me it’s become a full-time career.
With a bit of self-motivation and willingness to think outside the box when it comes to landing online writing jobs, you too can join the millions of other travelers that are getting paid for their stories which are helping to fund their future travels. Here are some of the top ways you can get paid for your travel writing.
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Very few adventures ring true to the cliche of ‘adventure of a lifetime’, but climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is one of them.
The highest mountain in Africa, and the highest freestanding mountain in the world, at 5,895 meters this is one hell of a climb.
Kilimanjaro is popular because it’s a non technical climb, and doesn’t require any previous climbing experience to be able to safely reach the summit. You’ll trek through some truly incredible landscapes, and unlock personal transformation along the way.
But just because it doesn’t require technical experience doesn’t mean it isn’t a difficult achievement – it is. So before you start planning, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind.
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The rise of digital nomadism has only intensified in the Covid-era. Being able to work remotely online has allowed many people to escape local lockdowns and relocate to places where the virus is either non-existent or at least under control, rewarding them with the freedom to live more freely.
If you’re not familiar with the term, a digital nomad refers to an individual who chooses to work remotely while traveling. They have the ability to work from anywhere and make the most of their free time by experiencing different parts of their home country or other regions of the world.
Of course, there are many challenges that digital nomads face like finding accommodation and securing the appropriate travel permits or work visas if they are required. But one definite benefit that has come out of the pandemic is that employers are now more open to offering their employees the flexibility of working remotely.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the 9 to 5 routine and upgrade your office view to a tropical beach shaded in palms, check out these top things you need to know before adopting the digital nomad lifestyle.
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One of the newest trends to impact the travel industry is cryptocurrency. Ever since Bitcoin launched the world’s first decentralized cryptocurrency back in 2009, the idea of earning and using virtual money has expanded and now you’ll find a number of other new digital cryptocurrencies to choose from as well.
It’s never easy travelling on a strict budget, and many ways to save involve having to endure a bit of discomfort or foregoing certain luxuries; riding on overnight buses or packing yourself into tight dorm-style accommodation come to mind.
But thankfully, there are a few ways you can save money that don’t involve roughing it. And one of the newest ways you can not only save costs but also make money while travelling is by using cryptocurrency to pay for your travel, and learning how to trade in crypto to become somewhat of a new-age digital nomad (if you know what you’re doing!).
Yes, cryptocurrency now looks to have its sights set on the travel industry. Here’s how you can earn money by trading it while you’re traveling.
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How much money have you forgotten about? Money that’s sitting in your drawers, leftover from overseas trips? Euros, Pounds, Canadian Dollars, Japanese Yen? Maybe you’ve got a couple of Australian gold coins with a kangaroo and emu engraved on them.
Almost every traveler I know returns home with a pocket full of foreign coins. And they either get lost in the washing machine, or go in a draw for ‘when I’ll visit again’. But have you ever visited again? Or have you been sitting on hundreds of dollars worth of coins and notes for years on end? (Though it doesn’t need to be hundreds, I’d love to exchange my currency even if it was only worth 10!)
Fortunately now, there’s a cool app where you can sell your coins to others looking to buy them! It’s called MoneyAtlas (here for iPhone / here on Android), and you can connect with other travelers to exchange your foreign currency, at a price you set! Skip the inflated exchange rates at the airport, and make a deal traveler to traveler!
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Have you ever considered camping without fences on a safari in the most remote areas of Botswana, sharing the same space with wild animals like lions, hippos and hyenas?
Does it sound like an adventure of a lifetime, or is it a little too much of an adventure?
Over 10 days I went on a self-drive remote camping safari in Botswana, driving my 4×4 deep in the bush, carrying everything I needed in my truck – a portable kitchen, 2 spare tires, a toolbox, a tent on top, my camera and tons of excitement. Here’s how you can do it too!
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Last year, international travel became much harder. Barred from landing in many countries, you may have found yourself in a situation where you’re stuck inside with nothing to do and had to cancel your long-planned dream vacation. Luckily, there are still places that are waiting patiently for you to come and explore!
With Telportus, you can now engage in a virtual guided tour. These live experiences are just digital versions of guided tours that you’re used to receiving when you travel, but now they’re happening right in your living room.
You can pose questions to local experts in real-time, pointing out what strikes your curiosity. Check out this video, and below for some of the most epic tours!
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In addition to Byron being transformed by the new groups of people flocking here, severe coastal erosion has begun taking its toll on some of the area’s beaches. The fear is that climate change may make this more prevalent or at least more difficult to predict.
Australia’s most hashtagable holiday destination is definitely under threat both by an overcrowding of influencers and Mother Nature herself, leaving many to wonder how much longer Byron Bay will keep its appeal.
You may want to check out this beautiful coastal gem sooner rather than later before it loses its shine. Here are just some of the reasons people can’t seem to get enough of beloved Byron.
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Many people who suffer from IBS-D are afraid to travel in fear they may have an uncontrollable accident while on a plane, in a taxi, or taking a guided tour. Travel can already be quite stressful but when you add the fear of an embarrassing accident, it often becomes too much to bear.
This build-up of anxiety often triggers intense IBS flare-ups which make the symptoms of the disorder much worse. It’s not uncommon for travelers who develop IBS to resign themselves to the belief that they’ll never be able to travel again.
While there is no known cure for IBS, we have come a long way in finding effective ways to reduce the effects of the disorder. And over 10 years of constant trial and error, we personally, have managed to find a way to still travel while managing it.
With a little extra planning and determination you don’t need to spend the rest of your life locked up in the confines of your house. I’ve gathered some of the best tips for traveling with IBS that are currently out there to hopefully get you off the couch!
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While many of us eagerly await a vacation, those struggling with mental health often feel they may not be capable of traveling. However, the truth is that with effective treatment, those suffering from mental health issues can get back to enjoying taking holidays once again.
Travel can do wonders for our emotional and psychological well-being, but it can also exacerbate certain mental illnesses such as depression, panic disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse, schizophrenia, and OCD.
Thankfully, there is professional help available, and if you’re suffering from a mental illness and would like to prevent it from impacting your travel, I encourage you to learn more about how behavioral therapy from a licensed therapist can help.
In addition to behavioral therapy, which can teach you how to substitute harmful behavioral patterns for healthy ones, aversion therapy which can often treat substance abuse, and system desensitization which has proven effective for treating various phobias, the following are some important things to know when traveling with a mental health disorder.
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Some of our most cherished childhood memories are often family vacations. Travel is a great way to strengthen family bonds and open your kids’ eyes to new ideas and cultures. However, traveling with children can prove quite unpredictable and despite your best intentions can end up leaving everyone stressed if you don’t know effective ways to avoid it.
There’s no shortage of online advice out there focusing on the world’s best family-friendly destinations or money saving tips for families looking to travel on a budget, but there isn’t a lot of guidance on ways to make your family trips more enjoyable for everyone.
There is actually scientific research that has proven taking vacations together can bring families closer and make them happier. Vacations allow us to remove many of the distractions that plague our everyday lives, allowing parents and children the opportunity to communicate with each other and enjoy experiences together without all the normal stresses.
Of course a family vacation can also create conflict if not done properly. This is why it pays to understand some of the best ways you can experience a successful family trip together.
Here are some helpful tips on how you can create positive long-lasting travel memories for you and your family.
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Travel can be stressful at the best of times, but add in having experienced a global pandemic and anxiety can almost seem overwhelming.
While most things that cause us anxiety while traveling are highly unlikely to occur, events like this pandemic are a legitimate concern to take seriously. There’s no doubt we’ll face more virus’ in the future.
If you’re someone that regularly struggles with anxiety, traveling after an event such a pandemic can send terror through your entire body and prevent you from even considering making travel plans.
But thankfully, there are many ways you can learn to control your anxiety which will hopefully allow you travel with much less stress and discomfort.
The first step is recognizing you have anxiety and then seeking out ways to combat it. Getting help from a licensed anxiety therapist can help you recognize whether you are dealing with severe anxiety and can instruct you on how to avoid your triggers as well as offering up solutions on how to reduce your anxiety in order to lessen its impact on your travel.
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After seeing a documentary about climbing Kilimanjaro back in early 2010 and being inspired to make the attempt, I decided to see if I too could muster up enough confidence to take on Africa’s highest mountain.
I made plans to attempt the majestic climb and began preparing myself both mentally and physically for what would become one of the most rewarding adventures of my life.
Not only is Kilimanjaro the tallest peak in Africa, it also just so happens to be the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Situated in Tanzania along the Kenyan border, the mountain overlooks the Serengeti and Maasai Mara Reserve to the northwest and Tsavo National Park to the northeast.
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s seven summits, a collection of the tallest peaks on each continent. That puts Kilimanjaro in the company of legendary peaks like Asia’s Everest and South America’s Aconcagua. The great thing about Kilimanjaro though is that unlike Everest or Aconcagua, it doesn’t require technical climbing skills or specialized equipment such as ice picks or crampons.
While Kilimanjaro may be one of the easier seven summits to climb, it still requires a great deal of fitness and determination to reach the summit. Here’s how to plan out the trek.
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With so many romantic things to do in California year-round, couples never have to spend a boring night on the road.
From epic outdoor activities to harbor cruises, wine tasting, and sunset beach walks, there are many things you can arrange for you and your partner to have a good time.
Whether it’s your first time traveling together, you’re in a long-term relationship and looking to spice things up, or are looking for ways to surprise your partner, we’ve got you covered.
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It remains to be seen if and how the pandemic will affect Ibiza’s upcoming summer clubbing season which runs from roughly the end of May through early October. Most people think of packed nightclubs and giant beach crowds when they think of Ibiza, which doesn’t exactly adhere to the whole social distancing concept.
Thankfully, Ibiza is much more than parties and music. There’s a natural and relaxing side to the island which may now be just what travelers need for planning a stay in Ibiza.
Ibiza is home to many protected natural areas including natural parks like Ses Salines and Amunts as well as the Ses Feixes Wetlands which attracts a great deal of birdlife. There are secret coves to explore, deserted beaches to seek out, and hiking trails to help you get off the beaten trail.
Sections of the island are also historically significant such as the Renaissance walls of Ibiza City’s Old Town and the remnants of early Phoenician settlements. Parts of Ibiza are actually recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of their significance.
Experience the Ibiza you may not have known as I introduce you to some of the island’s relaxing natural locations where you’ll be far removed from the pulsating beats puts out by DJs which will allow you to actually tune in to your own heartbeat.
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Watersports aren’t always easy to learn, and wakeboarding is no exception. The first few attempts on a wakeboard can be really challenging, but eventually, you’ll find your balance and even learn a few tricks in the process.
This isn’t to suggest you have to learn everything on your own though, but you can definitely master some steps as a newbie and expedite your journey to skillful wakeboarding.
These tips can help you improve the speed of your learning curve and make wakeboarding enjoyable even as a beginner.
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