Our natural instinct as social creatures is to share most, if not all, of our experiences with those dear and familiar to us, be it family, friends, boyfriend or girlfriend. But backpacking is unchartered territory for most of us. There is no “normal” when you travel, and depending on how comfortable you are way outside…
Destination: Singapore
Ask any Singaporean about their home country, and the most common answer would be “it’s boring”. I take that with a big grain of salt – the Singaporeans are a practical, skeptical and self-deprecating bunch for the most part, and they aren’t going to toot their own horn much. Besides, they are usually so busy…
Travel Photography: What to Shoot?
In previous posts about photo gear, we talked about what cameras and lenses I recommend for travel photography. But what should you be photographing? In other words, what are you buying all that gear for? The easiest and most obvious subject is nature and sights. It won’t require permission from anyone (usually), and you can…
Why You Should Travel Solo As a Woman
In one of the recent posts, I wrote about pros and cons of traveling with a boyfriend. A lot of women I talk to want to travel and have the means to do so, but hesitate to go anywhere alone. They want to wait for their friends to become available to join them, or hope…
The Story or a Photo: Into the Vortex (Chicago)
Cloud Gate, better know as The Bean, is one of the most popular sights in Chicago, the city that’s not short of picturesque spots. Despite being only 13 years old, it’s one of the top locations for photographers form around the world. The way its mirror-like surface bends and twists the surrounding Millenial Park and…
Destination: Carrizo Plain
‘Tis the season for California wild flowers again. Photographers and tourists from all around the country flock to a few coveted spots to watch the bloom (superbloom some say), such as Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Anza-Borrego State Park and Carrizo Plain National Monument. And that’s the spot I would like to talk about. Approximately equidistant…
Should You Travel With Your Boyfriend?
One of the toughest decisions you’ll have to make as a traveler is whether to take your boyfriend or girlfriend with you on a backpacking trip overseas. If you’re a woman, it’s most likely a no-brainer – if you have a boyfriend or even a close male friend, go with them or ask them to…
My Top 10 Most Memorable Journeys
When people ask me, what was the best trip I’ve ever had, I can never answer with ease, as there were so many great ones. As someone who enjoys the road as much as the destination, and road mishaps as much as smooth sailing, it is not easy to pick even the 10 best –…
The Story of a Photo – Butterfly (Armenia)
Winter started early – I entered Armenia overland in late October and the next day it started snowing. When I reached Tatev, high in the mountains, it was freezing cold. I secured accommodation at a nearby guesthouse and went to visit the nearby monastery complex, one of the best-known in Armenia. The medieval cathedral stood…
Destination: Indonesia
Indonesia is probably the most rewarding country for an adventurous backpacker in the region of Southeast Asia. It’s no surprise: it is by far the biggest country of South East Asia. Home to 3 of the world’s 10 largest islands, it possesses thousands more, most with at least something of interest. I have visited various…