Travelling disrupts our routine, time zone differences can disrupt sleep patterns, and simply being in a new location can push us out of our comfort zone. Anxiety begins to creep in at this point. Here’s how you can manage it.

We all enjoy travelling, and now that the world has opened up as a result of the pandemic, everyone has a reason to travel even more, almost with a vengeance! However, travel can be very stressful on both the body and the mind. Travelling disrupts our routine, time zone differences can disrupt sleep patterns, and simply being in a new location can push us out of our comfort zone. Anxiety begins to creep in at this point, causing imbalances and disturbances in our physical, emotional, and mental bodies. Jenil Dholakia, Holistic Yoga and Well-being Coach shares five ways in which yoga can help you manage travel anxiety:

Take deep breaths

Allow the breath to be your best friend before and during your journey. Simply remember to take deep belly breaths whenever you feel overwhelmed by any situation. Deeply inhale through the nose and slowly exhale through the mouth. After 5-10 breaths, you will be in a much better position to deal with the situation.

Yoga on the go

Long flights and car/bus rides can cause stiffness and soreness. Stretches and poses for stress relief include neck rolls to the left and right, shoulder rotations clockwise and anticlockwise, spinal stretches – lateral and twisting, seated marjariasana/cat pose, Uttanasana/standing forward fold, and Adho mukha svanasana/downward facing dog pose. It is critical to restore joint mobility after prolonged sitting.

Mindful mornings

Set aside at least ten minutes each morning to sit in silence. Simply close your eyes and bring your attention to the present moment. Beginning the day in this manner will assist you in calming your thoughts, controlling your anxiety, and preparing you to go through the day in a balanced state of mind. You can conclude the meditation by saying aloud, “I am ready to face the day and I choose to go with the flow.” This will train your subconscious mind to be mindful all day.

Viparaita Karni / Legs up the wall pose

After a long day, this is a great pose to jump into when you’re exhausted, especially if your legs are tired from all the walking. Simply lie on your back on the floor and raise your legs to form a capital L shape against the wall. If you hold this pose for 5 minutes before going to bed, you will fall asleep like a baby.

Nature connection

Spending time in nature is the most healing thing you can do. Spend some time outside of your daily routine in a park or near a natural body. Turn off your phone and surrender with all of your senses. See the various colours and patterns around you, listen to the sounds of birds, waterfalls, and rivers, smell the various fragrances of flowers and trees, touch the soft grass and leaves, and fully immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Allow nature to heal, recharge, and uplift you.

From stunning beaches to breathtaking hikes, explore the beauty of the Golden State.

The supreme sunsets, landscapes, and weather of California inspire getaways year-round to the point that it can feel like the Golden State has no true off-season. For some of us, though, experiencing a destination without the crowds is a must; standing in a grove of redwood trees is inarguably more astounding when you’re not surrounded by busloads of tourists or obsessive selfie takers.

Sometimes, seeing a sight solo means getting off the beaten path. And lucky for anyone who can get to California, the massive state has hidden gems in spades, serene in their quietude most of the time. So, if you’re after solitude in one of the world’s most beautiful places, here are 10 spots to get you started.

1. Lost Coast

An experienced hiker’s paradise, California’s Lost Coast stretches from Shelter Cove to Mattole Beach (about 75 miles), and it’s remote at roughly five hours by car from San Francisco. Unlike, say, Big Sur, there’s no long and meandering coastal highway on the Lost Coast — the terrain is too wild for anyone to bother trying to tame it with asphalt — so adventurers tackle the coastline by trail, often taking three to four days to hike and camp its length. If that’s too ambitious, drive the Mattole Loop instead, stopping to explore Humboldt Redwoods State Park (home to Avenue of the Giants) and the town of Ferndale, recognized by its Victorian architecture.

2. Mono Lake

Otherworldly in a number of ways, Mono Lake is an ancient saline lake on California’s eastern edge. No fish swim here, but brine shrimp do, and those draw myriad bird species that migrate along the Pacific Flyway. Distinct limestone formations called tufa stand out — literally and figuratively — at Mono Lake. See them via a guided canoe tour, or visit the Mono Lake South Tufa area to walk among tufa towers now out of water due to lake recession. This hidden gem may be best reached via Reno, Nevada; it’s about a three-hour drive from there.

3. Santa Lucia Range

This mountain range, just inland from the not-so-hidden gem that is Big Sur, runs from below Monterey and Carmel down to about San Luis Obispo. Big Falls Trail near the south end of the range is a five-mile trek, but paths in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Limekiln State Park — temporarily closed due heavy rains — are where you really want to go to enjoy these mountains, so be on the lookout for their reopening.

4. Salton Sea

Not for the faint of heart, California’s Salton Sea conjures a sense of apocalypse. The state’s largest lake, once a playground for Hollywood names like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, is mostly abandoned today and too toxic to swim in; there’s even a beach covered in the remains of dead fish. Migratory birds rely on the lake, so part of it was officially made a wildlife refuge in 1930 (November is ideal for bird-watching here). Other nearby points of interest include gurgling mud pots, or geothermal mud volcanoes, on the eastern shoreline. This hidden gem can easily be added to itineraries that include Palm Springs and/or Joshua Tree National Park, each about an hour’s drive from here.

5. Point Reyes

Despite its proximity to San Francisco (about one hour north by car), Point Reyes is pleasantly quiet, especially along its coastal trails. Look for wildflowers and endemic fauna on Tomales Point Trail — which rambles for nearly 10 miles on this special, skinny peninsula, delivering gorgeous, foggy views of the Pacific Ocean — and try local cheese at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company. And if you’re willing to brave a crowd just once, delight in fresh oysters at the Marshall location of Hog Island Oyster Company, which sits right on Tomales Bay.

6. Hopland

Located in the southeastern corner of Mendocino County, the lovely town of Hopland makes for an excellent jumping-off point for wildly good wine tasting. Check in at the distinctly charming Thatcher Hotel, which offers a bar, coffee shop, and stylish rooms in a Victorian structure dating back to 1890. Then, make an itinerary that includes tastings at Saracina or Alta Orsa wineries, a day in the hot springs at Vichy Springs Resort, or time among redwoods in Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve.

7. Shasta Lake

This sprawling reservoir might best be experienced via houseboat — and we’re betting you haven’t booked one recently, if ever. Once on board your floating accommodations — consider these on Vrbo — try your hand at all the water sports: swimming, waterskiing, fishing, jet skiing, and more, all with regal Mount Shasta in the background. If you need some time off the water, book a tour of Lake Shasta Caverns or hit the trail. Excellent nearby hikes include the shorter Bailey Cove Loop Trail (2.6 miles) or Chamise Peak for lake views from above.

8. Trinity Alps

Another stunning preserve in Northern California, Trinity Alps Wilderness awes visitors with its alpine lakes and granite peaks. It’s an excellent option for day hiking (try Hidden Lake Trail or Tangle Blue Lake Trail), but also for multiday backpacking trips such as the 18.6-mile Canyon Creek Lakes Trail. This destination is about 50 miles from Redding (which has a regional airport) or 200 miles from Sacramento.

9. Boonville

This Mendocino County town once had its own language — Boontling — and while it’s nearly extinct, the breweries, cheese, art, and antique galleries of Boonville today make it a worthy destination. Hang out at Anderson Valley Brewing Company, a family-friendly and sustainable operation on 30 acres, sampling beers as you play 18 holes of disc golf or just relax on lawn chairs.

Save time (and belly room) for a tasting at Pennyroyal Farm, which serves estate wines, plus sheep and goat cheese made on the farmstead. And spend time walking among redwoods in Hendy Woods State Park.

10. Aptos

You could traverse California’s coastline for months, stopping at state parks and scenic coastal towns, but Aptos, just a 15-minute drive from Santa Cruz, is oft-overlooked. The enclave is surrounded by sea, coastal woodlands, and vineyards. Walk the six-mile Rio Del Mar Trail for ocean views, then wine taste along the Corralitos Wine Trail. The Tasting Barn at Lester Estate Wines is the place to sip and chill — you can even book an estate tour in a cheeky teal 1981 Range Rover Defender. Finally, check out Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Trails here were impacted by recent winter storms, but if they’re open again, don’t miss a chance to hike among redwoods and waterfalls.

Summer travelbrings excitement and adventure, but it’s essential to prepare wisely for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Planning ahead is key, from booking accommodations to organizing activities, to avoid any last-minute stress. Packing light with breathable clothing, sunscreen, and staying hydrated are essential for comfort under the summer sun. Flexibility is crucial too, as crowds and unexpected delays can occur during this busy season. Exploring off-peak destinations can offer a more relaxed experience, while staying safe and connected ensures peace of mind throughout the journey. Ultimately, embracing local cuisine and immersing oneself in the unique flavours and experiences of each destination adds a delightful touch to summer travels.

Certainly! Here are some travel tips for the summer season:

1. Plan Ahead: Summer is a popular time for travel, so it’s wise to plan and book accommodations, transportation, and activities in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

2. Pack Light and Smart: Since summer weather tends to be warmer, pack lightweight, breathable clothing and don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and reusable water bottles to stay hydrated.

3. Stay Hydrated: Speaking of hydration, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re in a hot climate or engaging in outdoor activities.

4. Protect Yourself from the Sun: Apply sunscreen regularly, seek shade during peak sun hours, and wear protective clothing to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion.

5. Stay Cool: If you’re traveling to destinations with high temperatures, try to plan activities during the cooler parts of the day and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces when needed.

6. Be Flexible: Summer travel often comes with crowds and unexpected delays, so remain flexible with your plans and be prepared to adjust your itinerary if needed.

7. Explore Off-Peak Destinations: Consider visiting lesser-known destinations or popular spots during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and get a more authentic experience.

8. Stay Safe: Always prioritize your safety while traveling. Be aware of your surroundings, keep important documents secure, and follow local health and safety guidelines, including COVID-19 protocols if still relevant.

9. Embrace Local Cuisine: Summer is a great time to indulge in fresh, seasonal cuisine. Explore local markets, try new dishes, and savour the flavours of your destination.

10. Stay Connected: Keep your loved ones informed about your travel plans and stay connected with them, especially if you’re traveling solo or to unfamiliar places.

Remember to enjoy your summer adventures and make the most of your travels!

Once you get to know your iPhone camera a bit better and learn how to use the various settings, you will be able to take much better photos.

Plenty of new features are rumored to be coming to the iPhone with iOS 18 this fall, and chances are, this will include some updates within the Camera app. While it’s already a great tool with tons of customizability options and pro camera modes, some might argue that the iPhone camera still isn’t quite up to the same standards as some of the best Android smartphone cameras.

Nonetheless, there’s no denying that you can take awesome photos with an iPhone if you take the time to frame them nicely and choose the proper settings. There are a few things you can do to further improve the experience. These tips include ones that can make your photos better, some that allow for more customization, and a few that are just plain fun to check out.

1. Take Live Photos

Live Photos are a great iPhone feature that captures 1.5 seconds before and 1.5 seconds after you hit the shutter to snap a photo. You can then scrub back and forth on the image to find the perfect still. Yes, Live Photos take up more storage space on the phone, but if you have an iPhone with ample on-board storage along with an iCloud subscription, keeping the Live Photos feature on all the time, or at least during special events, will pay off in spades.

In a group photo situation, you would be able to find a still where nobody’s eyes are closed or the perfect moment without motion blur in an action shot. If someone walked by right when you snapped a photo, you can also scrub past them and get the version of the photo without them.

2. Use Markup to cover faces

You might already be familiar with how to use the Markup feature on iPhone, which is great for adding your own little drawings, text, sketches, and more to photos. You can also use Markup to fill out digital forms, even sign them with your digital signature. But did you know you can use Markup to cover someone’s face in a photo?

It might not be something you thought about before, but besides covering up that ex you want out of your life, it’s considered inconsiderate to post images of other peoples’ children on social media unless you have express permission from their parents. There are also people who prefer not to have their likeness appear online. But how do you share that adorable photo from your child’s talent show or the group photo that includes the person who doesn’t want their visage publicly visible? Easy. Use Markup to cover faces with super-cute Emojis while yours shines through. iOS 17 added new features like Live Stickers as well.

3. Use Portrait mode

Portrait mode on iPhone adds a stunning depth-of-field to photos, but so many people don’t even bother using it. And it’s easy! Hold the camera up to the subject with a lovely background (think the ocean at the beach or trees in the local park), and switch to Portrait mode. It might tell you to move closer or farther away, or you might be advised that you need more light for the shot to work. But then you’ll get an astounding shot where the subjects will appear as though they’re popping against the background.

You can also adjust the settings as you take the picture. Play around with lighting via settings that pop up once you select Portrait mode, including Natural (no filters or editing), Studio (brightens facial features), Contour (adds beautiful and dramatic directional lighting), Stage (you remain in color while the background turns black), Stage Light Mono (black and white with a dark black background), and High-Key Light Mono (grayscale subject with a bright, white background) to yield the desired effect. Portrait Mode only works with human faces for now, and once you select this mode, the Live photo option is automatically turned off until you go back to standard Photo mode. Did you know you can also take a selfie in Portrait mode? That knowledge might be a game-changer for some.

4. Verify lighting

Check lighting to ensure that it isn’t casting shadows or isn’t too harsh or dark. You can do this inside the app by adjusting the exposure (see below) or you can make changes in your environment. If it’s a bright day, for example, you might want to wait until the sun has gone down or when it’s not facing you to ensure you get the perfect shot. If you’re taking a photo of an item that casts glare, place it at a slight angle to help eliminate that.

You generally want a soft light that is positioned in front of the subject and behind you, so you can move around to block out the light, such as with a building or a tree. If you’re indoors, you might need a good source of artificial light. You can do this through a third-party accessory like a ring light or have someone hold a light diffuser to improve the lighting.

5. Shoot from a low angle

This is one of those photography tricks that can make the difference between a good photo and a great one. Instead of holding the phone in front of your face to take a photo (on the left here), or even at your chest level, hold it further down (as with the second photo). This adds a new perspective and can make the subject of the photo shine. Doing so can also present more detail in the foreground of the photo while eliminating distracting detail in the background. If you find holding the phone this way awkward, you can squat or kneel down.

6. Be mindful of composition

Some of us get excited and want to include tons of elements in a photo, but sometimes it’s best to keep things simple with a single subject and a clean background. Empty space in a photo, typically known as negative space, can actually be a good thing. It helps your subject, whether it’s a person or even a delicious dish, pop from the photo.

You might have to wait until you can frame a photo perfectly, like if people are walking by. Be sure to eliminate distracting elements, like your purse or a water bottle, in photos with people. It requires some patience, but the extra few minutes you take to set up the photo will be worth it in the end.

7. Play around with exposure

Most people simply open the camera app and press the shutter to take a photo without thinking twice. But there are adjustment settings worth exploring, including exposure. Exposure controls the brightness of the photo, and it takes some practice to avoid under- or over-exposed images. You’ll see the exposure option when you tap the little arrow at the top once you have opened the Camera app. Tap the +/- circle and you’ll see a slider. Sliding your finger to the right will darken the exposure and to the left will lighten it. You can use this to compensate for lighting, like if there are darker areas in the photo you want to brighten. You can even take long exposure photos to showcase subjects like a moving car or train with a cool, artsy effect.

8. Use an add-on macro lens

Did you know there are add-on lenses for the iPhone? One such lens is a macro lens, available from brands like Hitcase. Pop one of these on the phone, and you can take stunning close-up shots of your new baby, pet, flowers, and more. The level of detail will be stunning and have your friends and social followers believing you took the photo with a DSLR camera.

9. Use square mode for social posts

Have you ever tried to post a photo on Instagram only to frustratingly realize that people or elements are cut off because the image is too wide? Sometimes, even pinching to crop it doesn’t work. Thankfully, the iPhone Camera app has a square mode that is perfect for taking Instagram-friendly photos. In the arrow drop-down menu at the top, select the 4:3 option and then select Square. This will adjust the frame to a square that’s perfectly fitted for Instagram. Now you know everything in the frame will show in all its glory in your next Instagram story or post. This is also great if you’re using instant printers that make tiny, square prints directly from your phone.

10. Use filters

Just like with photo apps, you can apply a filter to any photo directly in the Camera app. You might have an image, for example, that you absolutely love, but it’s over-exposed. Instead of trashing it, losing that moment forever, tap Edit and the three-dot menu at the bottom and scroll through the various filters. The Vivid filter works wonderfully with colorful images of food, for example, making the colors pop. Using one of these might be able to save an otherwise undesirable photo. It will look like you did this on purpose to create an artistic effect; nobody needs to know the truth! A good solution sometimes to save otherwise terrible photos is to use the Mono filter and make it black and white, which can hide imperfections or focus issues.

Explore the camera

The camera on all the best iPhones can do a lot more than just snap the odd candid photo. If you really take the time to get to know all the settings, you can take fabulous photos without having to do a ton of editing or losing out on precious moments. You’ll find that with a bit of practice and know-how, your photos will look crisper, clearer, more engaging, and evoke more emotion.

Even if you’re just snapping shots to share via social media, the difference between a decent photo and a beautifully composed one can be night and day. Take the time to get to know your iPhone camera a little better. You’ll be thankful you did.