Any award-winning travel photographer will tell you the best way to improve your skills is to practice, practice, practice.

You might not be able to travel far right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t perfect the art of photography at home. In fact, while we’re all unable to move far, there’s never been a better time to work on improving your creative skillset.

Here’s how you can work on your photography while maintaining social distancing:

•Look around your home for interesting items to photograph and place them in different parts of your house to practice with various lighting options

•Explore your own literal backyard, or a park, and find interesting patterns or colours in nature to capture

•Walk down the road to practice street photography (while maintaining at least a two-metre distance from anyone else, of course), capturing unique angles of buildings or houses

•Photograph your pets or birds in the trees

•Watch online tutorial videos for both photography and photo editing

•Enrol in an online photography class

•Re-edit old photos to try out different styles

If you start working now on brushing up your photography skills, when we eventually are able to return to travelling, you’ll be able to capture all the glory of that first trip abroad.

Here are some of our best photography tips from professional photographers.

3 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Should Travel More If done wisely, a little travel can be a huge benefit to your business.

Travel has had an unimaginably large impact on my career, and I’m sure it will do the same for many of you too (that is, if it hasn’t already). I’m writing this after being in China for the first time and despite having traveled so much before, I’m still in shock at how different things can be. Here’s how travel can help you in your business based on what I’ve seen and experienced.

The contacts

This one is pretty straightforward. When you travel, you’re exposed to a lot of new people, and some can be of benefit to your business. It might sound crude when I word it like that, but it’s not a case of Machiavellian tactics at all, it’s just the way it tends to pan out. As you travel, you collect shared experiences with a wide variety of people. Plus, your pool of potential people to meet is significantly larger. And if you do find yourself far away from home, you’ll often find that those who are in the same situation tend to band together. All of this means that the opportunity to network afforded by travel is second to none.

I didn’t even mention the in-person conferences and other networking events. These can be worth their weight in gold.

All in all, travel gives you access to a lot of people, which is a real benefit.

The insights

In some industries, it’s of practical benefit to travel (a few obvious examples being working in transport or tourism). But even if you aren’t in an industry that lends itself so directly towards travel, there is still a lot of knowledge to be gained.

As said above, it’s the people who can give so much value to your business when traveling. But being specific, it’s the insights that you’ll get. Some directly from those you meet, and some from your own ideas based on your new experiences. Diverse opinions and ideas mean the chance for new, fresh perspectives and unique opportunities for growth. Undoubtedly one of the most valuable parts of travel is the exposure to different methods of getting things done.

The opportunity to reset

This is something I come back to often, but that’s because it’s so true. Travel is the perfect chance to audit the parts of your work that aren’t serving you. If you’re moving away from problematic people who aren’t helping you and your business, then travel will physically put distance between you and them. If you need a chance to make decisions without being influenced, it’ll give you that space. Travel is great for empowering you to solve problems.

Related to this, I also find that travel keeps you in the mindset of constant renewal and reinvention when it comes to work. This is even more common in those remote entrepreneurs living a lifestyle that doesn’t have a firm base. You’re kept on your toes, and your environment serves as a constant reminder of the need for positive forward motion.

Looking for makeup tips to travel light and still look Instagrammable? Here are some tips to a versatile and compact makeup routine while on the go

Travelling is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also pose some challenges when it comes to packing your makeup. You want to look your best, but you also don’t want to lug around a heavy bag full of products that you may not even use. How do you strike a balance between being prepared and being practical?

We gained some insights on this from Soma Khanna, from Ekta Cosmetics Limited (ECL), who has introduced India to global cosmetic brands such as Make-Up Studio, Skeyndor, Jeannot Ceuticals, and Depileve.

Here are some makeup tips for travel that will help you pack light and look fabulous.

What Goes Inside The Bag?

When asked what the key makeup products that travellers should include in their beauty kit for a versatile and compact makeup routine, Khanna said, “When it comes to travel makeup, less is often more. A versatile beauty kit should include foundation or tinted moisturiser, concealer, a multi-purpose lip and cheek tint, mascara, a neutral eyeshadow palette, optional eyeliner, setting powder or spray, and travel-sized makeup brushes.”

She added, “Your beauty arsenal on the road should include brushes for foundation, eyeshadow, and blush, a versatile beauty blender or makeup sponge, and a compact mirror for precision. Keeping blotting papers and a fixing spray handy always turns out to be helpful.”

Combat The Climate

Whether you are travelling to Savanna or Himachal, it is important to choose makeup shades that complement various skin tones and suit different travel destinations.

Perhaps one of Khanna’s most important tips is this:

“Understanding what your skin needs and how it reacts to various climates is the key to achieving correct makeup shades. Earthy tones generally work for all skin types. At the same time, warmer hues suit colder places and brighter lip colours shine in tropical paradises.”

Travelling comes with exhaustion; you get dehydrated, tired eyes or red from sun exposure, and sometimes it shows on your face. You can tackle all these common travel concerns with ease with this one makeup tip by Khanna:

“Combat tired eyes with a reliable eye cream, keep your skin hydrated with a primer or spray throughout the day, and use a green colour corrector to neutralise any redness from sun exposure. In case you feel the need to go the extra mile to hide under eye darkness and exhaustion, go in with an orange corrector before your concealer, and your eyes will look radiant.”

Some must-have products Khanna recommended are waterproof mascara a matte, and a long-wear foundation. “You can look stunning in any climate with makeup essentials like waterproof mascara, a matte, long-wear foundation, setting powder for humid and tropical locations, and a hydrating setting spray for dry environments. Opt for sweat-proof eyeliners and lip products for added durability,” she said.

What’s Trending?

Lastly, you want to look chick while being up to date. Are there any makeup trends or styles that are particularly well-suited for travel in 2023? Of course, there are.

” Expect to see a focus on natural, dewy skin, bold brows, and glossy lips, perfect for a fresh and timeless travel look. If you’re going to Europe, a bare face with minimal makeup and bold red lips also do the trick. Winged eyeliners, sun-kissed cheeks, and a slight shimmer on the eyelids for night looks are also very popular,” Khanna said.

Furthermore, she urged travellers to embrace their natural beauty on the go. “Use minimal foundation or a tinted moisturiser for a lightweight feel, focus on brows, lashes, and lips, opt for neutral eyeshadows, blend impeccably to avoid harsh lines, and add a touch of colour with a lip and cheek tint. Remember to stick to the basics.”

The fresh sea air, the wind in your hair, and the miles of blue ocean stretching out before you. In a way, cruises are the perfect vacation. Unpack once, settle in, and be transported from one amazing destination to the next.

With all the excitement of being welcomed aboard, it can be difficult to figure out how to maintain your usual fitness routine while sailing the high seas. But staying active during your travels is important, not only for keeping up your fitness, but for ensuring you feel physically and mentally at your best so that you can make the most of every precious second of your trip.

Just how do you get exercise on a cruise? Here are some tips from the experts.

Do cruises have gyms? Yes!

Working up a sweat on a ship can be an experience like no other. How often can you take in breathtaking views of mountains or snug harbor towns while working out on the elliptical machine? If you’re seeking ways to get in your workout, the onboard gym facilities are one of the best places to start. Many are situated on upper decks and offer stunning panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows. According to Brian Kelly, better known as travel and loyalty program expert “The Points Guy,” most cruise ships have fitness facilities that are free to use. Going during peak dining times or just before dinner can help avoid the crowds, notes Cruise Critic, while things are likely to be the busiest during mornings and on sea days.

Most cruise ship gyms will include standard pieces of exercise equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, resistance machines, and free weights. There will typically also be space for group classes.

Cruise ship fitness classes

Many cruises will have time set aside for group classes, running the gamut from yoga to Pilates to Zumba to Spinning to tai chi. (Be aware that you may need to sign up in advance for certain more popular classes.) Dance classes are another popular option, with lessons on salsa, hip-hop, swing, cha-cha, waltz, and more being offered throughout the trip. (The rocking and rolling of the ship when the seas are rougher can make balance a bit trickier, so be ready to steady yourself or skip the classes on choppier days.) These can be a fun way to both stay active and try something new — you may even find you want to continue taking these types of classes once you’re back on dry land!

Open deck activities

The gym isn’t the only place to burn calories while under way. In fact, the ship itself can offer many options for working in physical activity. Many ships have open air tracks where you can accumulate some miles walking or jogging while breathing in the salty air. Basketball courts, rock-climbing walls, mini-golf, table tennis, and other similar facilities may also be available, offering additional opportunities to be active.

Taking the stairs as you explore the decks is another option for getting your blood pumping while you investigate what the ship has to offer. According to medical journalist and yoga instructor Rob Dinsmoor, “If you have a pedometer or fitness watch or any kind of walking or running app, you can keep track of your mileage. Strolling the deck also helps keep claustrophobia at bay.”

Using your cabin or a quieter area of the ship to practice yoga or calisthenics (strength-training exercises that use your own body weight, such as pushups, pullups, lunges, or planks) is another option Dinsmoor suggests, along with bringing a jump rope for aerobic activity.

Dive into a workout in the cruise ship pool

Cruise ships typically have a pool on the top, or “Lido,” deck, where revelers can take in the sun and sea while taking a dip. While these locations can often be crowded, visiting the pool facilities during port days or mealtimes can sometimes yield more space to move around and possibly swim some laps.

Active cruise ship excursions

It’s a port day! If you’ve been looking for unique ways to work in your exercise while on vacation, active cruise ship excursions can offer a perfect opportunity. A lower-intensity option could include taking in a historic town on a group walking tour. For the more adventurous, activities such as bike tours, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving can provide a way to get your blood pumping and get a taste of the local sights. (And remember, if your travel companions prefer something a bit lower-key, there’s no reason you can’t go your separate ways for a while at the port and reunite at dinnertime with stories to share about your day.)

Staying motivated to exercise on a cruise

There are plenty of great ideas for getting in your workout while cruising, but actually doing them is where the rubber meets the road. To stay motivated, try setting a daily exercise goal or getting into an activity routine early in your vacation. As mentioned earlier, using a pedometer or fitness tracking watch or app can also help keep you inspired to lace up your walking shoes each day. Working out with a buddy — either someone you’re traveling with or a new friend you’ve made on the ship — can also help to keep you committed to your vacation exercise routine.

Mealtime considerations

Cruises are known for their indulgent meals and around-the-clock buffets. While vacation is a time to treat yourself, balance is key. Choosing healthy options at meals and avoiding endless grazing can help ensure you maintain your weight, feel good, and are well-fueled for all the fun activities you have planned. Requesting half portions, skipping courses, avoiding sauces and dressings, and limiting eating to actual mealtimes are some of the approaches suggested by Cruise Critic.

Happy sailing

On cruises, as in life, moderation is key. Be sure to balance indulgence with restraint and activity with relaxation. And above all, have a wonderful cruise. Anchors aweigh!