As well as portraits and shots of beaches why not take a few photos of the plates of food you purchase? After all, getting your smartphone out before you chow down is the normal thing to do nowadays, isn’t it?

A holiday is not just about the destination. It’s also about the journey

It’s holiday time and many readers will be heading to their favourite spots for a well-deserved break.

There they will take hundreds of selfies because the digital realm has made photography almost fool-proof and inexpensive.

But a holiday is not just about the destination. It’s also about the journey.

So why not include your faithful ride in your holiday snaps?

Below are some tips to take beautiful travel pictures, which include your 4×4, car or bike.

Road trip

On your way to wherever, there is bound to be an excellent photographic opportunity.

Whether it’s a long, empty stretch of road with some scenery alongside, or an interesting signboard showing the way, keep an eye out and take time to stop for a memorable moment.

Remember to park the car in such a way so it’s not in the way should another vehicle pass.

Smartphone or camera, use the timer function to get everybody in the shot – including your faithful steed.

A tripod will come in very handy.

Get creative

Instead of taking your pics from the same old boring angles, try something different.

Get down on the ground.

You will be amazed at the difference an angle change can make.

Also, you don’t need to include the whole vehicle.

A shot along the car’s side, showing the road ahead, can be just as pretty.

In motion

We have all seen those stunning landscape pictures that feature a vehicle heading towards the photographer in the distance.

These take some effort because when such a photo opportunity presents itself, you will have to drop someone at a strategic point to take the pic.

However, when you see the end result, the slight delay will be worth it.

To avoid your money-related woes turning you into a Grinch, take some time to manage your financial concerns

The holidays are often billed as the happiest time of the year, but between the gifts, the end-of-year tips, the decadent feasts, the frequent parties, and the travel, they can also be among the costliest. All of this to say, if you’re feeling a little financially stressed out amid all of the merriment, it’s not surprising. You’re also far from alone — according to a Bankrate survey conducted ahead of the 2023 holiday season, “54% of holiday shoppers say they expect to feel some financial burden in the upcoming holiday season.”

To avoid your money-related woes turning you into a Grinch, however, it’s important to take some time from the festivities to address and manage your financial stress.

1. Get clear on your ‘holiday values’

Before you get too wrapped up in the holidays, “take a minute to set some guardrails for your finances” and “determine your holiday values,” suggested Ally. For instance, you may determine that your priority for the holiday season is spending quality time with your family, giving back to your community, or simply decompressing after a long year.

Once you know what you want your holiday season to be all about, you can “use that foundation to build your budget and determine where you want to spend your money” — and also “avoid getting caught up in the moment once you’re in the throes of the holiday spirit,” advised Ally.

2. Be communicative

While you may feel concerned that talking about your financial stress will be a downer on your holiday season, it’s actually a great opportunity to be honest with your loved ones and connect. This can include keeping an open line of communication with your partner to make sure you’re aligned on your budget, and also being realistic with loved ones about your constraints.

“If the holidays give you financial stress and anxiety, talk with your loved ones about an alternative format to holiday spending and gift-giving this year that takes the pressure off of everyone,” Ilian Georgiev, CEO and co-founder of personal finance app Charlie, told Bankrate. According to Georgiev, some ideas worth tossing out include working to “reduce spending by setting spending limits” or even to “skip the gift exchange altogether and focus on celebrating with your loved ones.”

3. Think outside the box for gifts and decor

As Nerdwallet noted, “buying new holiday decor every year can be expensive, especially if you go all out on ornaments and lights,” so you might consider “reusing or repurposing existing decorations” instead. You could even get crafty by making homemade ornaments, adorning an existing houseplant with lights, or DIY-ing a wreath.

You can apply this principle to gifts as well. For instance, “giving secondhand gifts is a cost-effective option,” highlighted Nerdwallet, or you might consider gifting experiences, something homemade, or even just offering up your time, according to U.S. News & World Report. You can extend that creativity to wrapping your gifts, too.

4. Keep your emotions and your financial decisions separate

There’s nothing wrong with feeling your feelings, but when it comes to your finances, allowing your emotions to intervene can lead to some decisions you’ll later regret. This includes saying no to guilt. Because as Nerdwallet pointed out, “while it is nice to give people gifts, it’s not a necessity, especially if it’s overwhelming or you can’t afford it.”

Especially if you know you’re already stressed out, this might be a good time to stay off social media, too. As Ally underscored, “social media is rife with potential stressors,” from a stream of “can’t-miss deals” to “the constant danger of comparing your holiday plans to what everyone on your feed is posting.” Remember that even if emotional spending feels good in the moment, it’s likely only going to compound your financial stress later.

5. Plan to balance things out with a future spending pause

If you’ve already done some financial damage this holiday season, remember that there’s always next year. “To help you recover from large holiday expenses, consider minimizing spending a few months after the holidays,” Nerdwallet recommended.

You can also use your spending this year to better plan for next year. Because as Nerdwallet pointed out, “spending more during the holidays isn’t a terrible thing if you financially plan for it.”

Packing smart for effortless style

Packing for a trip can be a daunting task, especially when trying to strike the perfect balance between style and practicality. For a 5-day trip, the key is to pack versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Here’s a list of five essential clothing items that will keep you looking and feeling your best throughout your adventure:

Neutral t-shirts

When you’re prepping for a quick 5-day adventure, curating the perfect capsule wardrobe becomes the key to effortless on-the-go style. Among the handful of essential pieces that make the cut, neutral-colored T-shirts rise to the top. These versatile staples—crisp whites, sleek blacks, and timeless navy blues—are the foundational pieces for your trip. They aren’t just garments; they’re the versatile canvas for mixing and matching, seamlessly pairing with jeans, skirts, or shorts for a range of looks that effortlessly transition from casual daytime explorations to evening outings. These T-shirts are the reliable companions that lay the groundwork for your travel style, ensuring you’re prepared for any adventure that comes your way during those exciting five days.

Versatile jeans or pants

A carefully selected pair of jeans or pants stands as a non-negotiable in any traveler’s arsenal. Picture finding that perfect fit—comfortable yet stylish, adaptable to suit any activity on your itinerary. Opt for a style that seamlessly transitions from casual to more formal settings based on your day’s adventures. While classic dark-wash jeans are a reliable go-to, keep an eye out for lighter-colored chinos or khaki pants, especially if you’re headed to sunnier destinations. These versatile bottoms not only complement various outfits but also ensure you’re prepared for any climate or activity, making them a savvy addition to your travel wardrobe.

Comfortable shoes

Exploring a new destination calls for reliable and comfortable footwear, and it’s a travel essential you simply can’t skimp on. Consider slipping a trusty pair of sneakers or walking shoes into your luggage—they’re the true companions for wandering through new streets, offering both support and cushioning for those long exploratory walks. And if your itinerary involves a mix of activities, don’t forget to toss in a pair of sandals or flats that effortlessly toe the line between style and comfort. These versatile options can seamlessly transition from casual strolls to more refined outings, ensuring you’re prepared for every step of your journey.

Lightweight jacket or sweater

Even amidst balmy weather, the unpredictability of climate calls for a smart addition to your luggage—a lightweight jacket or sweater. This savvy inclusion prepares you for unexpected weather changes, ensuring you’re ready for any cool breeze or chilly evening that might surprise you along the way. Beyond its practicality, a versatile jacket or sweater effortlessly elevates your ensemble, adding that extra touch of style and sophistication to your outfits. So, even in warmer climates, this piece becomes your stylish safety net, offering both functionality and a fashion-forward edge to your travel wardrobe.

Simple dress or skirt

When it comes to evening outings or special moments during your travels, having a simple dress or skirt on hand can be an absolute game-changer. Picture selecting a style that not only complements your figure but also serves as a versatile canvas for accessorizing. The quintessential black dress stands as an obvious choice that exudes sophistication, effortlessly transitioning from casual to dressy with the right accessories. Yet, if you’re feeling a bit bold or vibrant, why not opt for a more colorful option? A splash of color can add that touch of adventure and personality to your ensemble, ensuring you stand out while making a statement during those memorable evenings or special occasions on your trip.

The holiday season can be stressful enough before adding travel to the mix. Coordinating ground or air travel and planning accommodations, even if you’re simply staying with loved ones, is often just the beginning and health and safety concerns can fall by the wayside.

For example, the highest incidence rate of cardiac mortality for the entire year occurs between Christmas and New Year’s Day, according to the American Heart Association, and more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year in the United States.

If you’re among the 62% of Americans who plan to travel this holiday season, according to research conducted by IPX1031, consider these tips to protect your health and safety.

Plan Ahead

planning can help ensure you’re prepared to handle any unexpected challenges or delays when you depart. Check the weather before heading out – including at your destination – and travel around any anticipated storms. Leave early to account for potentially heavy traffic and plot your path in advance to ensure you’re aware of any road closures or construction, which can allow you to find alternate routes, if necessary, rather than trying to adjust on the fly.

Ensure Your Family is Up to Date on Vaccines

Routine vaccinations can help protect you from infectious diseases that can be easily spread when around a large group of people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the seasonal flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. Other vaccines, such as the COVID-19 vaccine or booster and measles vaccine, can help protect not only your health, but your loved ones as well.

Learn CPR

Only about 40% of people who suffer from cardiac arrest receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, from a bystander, according to the American Heart Association. However, immediate CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

Just in time for the holiday season, revamped Hands-Only CPR training kiosks, which provide an overview of Hands-Only CPR followed by a practice session and a 30-second test, are available in airports, hospitals and other locations around the country. With the help of a practice mannequin, the kiosks give feedback about the depth and rate of compression, as well as proper hand placement – factors that influence the effectiveness of CPR – and teaches the two simple steps:

1. Call 911
2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest of the individual experiencing cardiac arrest until help arrives

Many of the Hands-Only CPR kiosks, as well as the Hands-Only CPR campaign, are supported by Elevance Health Foundation. To find a kiosk along your travel path, visit heart.org/handsonlycpr.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Car trouble is a common culprit during holiday travel. To help avoid potential issues, have your vehicle checked before embarking on an extended trip. Check tires, the battery, headlights, windshield wipers and any other parts that may be adversely impacted by winter weather. Also ensure your vehicle is equipped with essentials like a spare tire or inflation kit, jack, jumper cables, blankets, a first aid kit and a flashlight in case of an emergency.

Pack a Health Kit

If you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, it may be difficult to quickly get a refill at your destination, so be sure to pack enough to last your entire trip, plus extras in case you encounter any travel delays. It may also be helpful to pack other essentials including hand sanitizer, a first-aid kit, cold medicine, aspirin and your health insurance card in case of any unexpected injuries or illnesses while on the road.