When preparing for a vacation, seasoned travelers often emphasize the importance of not overpacking, a common mistake among beginners.

While it’s tempting to be prepared for any situation, stuffing your suitcase with everything you own isn’t the solution.

Traveling with just a carry-on can also save you money on flights. Here are some key tips to master the art of packing efficiently.

Choose the right carry-on luggage

In addition to size, important variables to take into account while choosing a carry-on bag are weight, durability, and convenience of usage.

When you are fitting all of your necessities into one carry-on luggage, durability is also crucial. So, invest in a high-quality alternative.

It should be sturdy enough to store all your belongings safely, yet light enough for you to carry it around.

Roll your clothes

The best approach to optimize the space in your carry-on is to roll your clothes, instead of folding them, this will also ensure fewer wrinkles.

Rubber bands can be used to secure your rolled garments and keep the items in the baggage in a more organized way.

Another alternative is to use compression bags to store the items in minimal space.

Swap full-size items for smaller versions

It is always better to carry the mini versions of your belongings. This would help make space in the luggage.

For instance, instead of a large and heavy laptop, travel with a mini tablet.

Similarly, many travelers opt for mini versions of their toiletries and other personal items.

The idea is to carry just enough for the trip.

Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves

You will need to pack only the clothes you’ll use because you only have room for a carry-on.

Spend some time carefully considering each item before you begin packing your suitcase.

Ask yourself, “Will I utilize this enough to justify bringing it with me all the way here?”

Sometimes, making cuts may involve making difficult decisions. Make sure to carry only your essentials.

Choose accommodations with laundry facilities

Ideally, you should pack only one week’s worth of items in your carry-on.

Therefore, to reduce clothing bulk, consider doing laundry at your destination so that you can reuse the clothes.
Before booking your accommodation, ensure it provides washer and dryer facilities to boarders.

Additionally, carry stain-removing wipes or liquid in mini containers to freshen up your clothes.

A tripod is an essential part of an arsenal carried by any travel and nature photographer so you need to make sure you have the right one.

The basic function of a tripod

First, let’s quickly examine what a tripod will do for us. First and foremost, it supports our camera, attached lens, and some of the other gear, like a flash unit, etc. It helps us position our camera at an odd angle at times. It helps us get higher than our typical shooting stance, and get lower at times for macro work. The most appropriate tripod for you will depend on your shooting style and choice of subject matter. There is not one tripod out there that is better with every subject matter; on the contrary, many tripods are specialist.

So, what areas should your tripod excel to be useful for outdoors shooting?

If you are planning to shoot nature, there are certain aspects of the outdoors which your tripod will have to endure, which it would not, if it was used indoors.

1. Moisture is an enemy of photography gear. If you plan to shoot landscapes in the wilderness, wild animals, birds, etc., your camera and you will end up in some wet environments. As such, you have to make sure that your tripod choice reflects this fact. Many manufacturers build tripods specifically meant for the outdoors, and they are built to be moisture resistant if not proof.

2. The terrain is always a concern outdoors. A good tripod should have spiked feet, simply because you will often end up on loose soil, dirt, and other surfaces that will be uneven, and require sharp spikes to secure the tripod, and attached gear. You can buy spare spiked feet from manufacturers if you don’t have any.

3. The load is a very important aspect to consider. How heavy is your camera and your heaviest lens? Are you planning on getting larger heavier lenses in the future? While it is tough to predict, always try to plan ahead. Your choice of a tripod will reflect your future purchases. Always, make sure your tripod has at least 30% of capacity for future upgrades to your equipment. If you plan to shoot wildlife, you will have some really heavy lenses, and a tripod will have to support them and allow you to pan smoothly when shooting animals in action.

4. Weight is probably the main determining factor in your purchase. Remember, when you travel and explore, you will have your tripod with you, and depending upon how much walking you do, the weight of your tripod will be more or less important to you. However, always aim for the highest ratio of weight to load. In other words, look for lightest tripod rated for highest weight. Outdoors are often rough environments and every pound counts.

5. The flexibility of shooting positions is important when you change subject matter on the fly. If you are like me, you will shoot macro, landscapes, panoramas, and perhaps even some animals, depending on the time of day and weather. If so, a flexible centre column is a must feature. Look for a tripod which allows for multiple positions of the centre column. A tripod should allow you to get low, and have more than one-foot angle. The best tripods for this job will offer up to three different angles for the feet, which will allow you to get very low if need be, to shoot flowers, insects, etc.

How much money?

Choosing a tripod is not easy. Some manufacturers do make things easier and group them into specialities, like outdoors, studio use, etc. Do as much research as you can, because there is no one ideal model that suits everyone. Remember the old saying: “You get what you pay for”. This is very important when deciding how much you are willing to pay. Keep in mind, a huge budget will not always mean you get the best tripod, but it will mean that you do have more choices.

Do not look for a cheap tripod, which you think may suffice. Your shooting requirements will change, and within a year or two, you will be shopping for another one. Strongly consider carbon fibre as they are lighter than any alloy, more durable, will not bend, and flex under the weight of your gear, and do not rust, corrode, or are adversely affected by moisture. They are more expensive, but without a doubt worth the extra money. Look at this purchase as a long-term investment in photography. After all, your images will only be as good as your shooting ability and your gear

This place is full of beautiful landscapes, memorable monuments, and interesting cities ready to “enchant” any visitor. The legendary country of Mexico has been a great “crossroads” of different cultures over the centuries, with its reputation far surpassing the country’s boundaries. A destination that lends itself to exceptional and unforgettable experiences and should not be missing from every traveler’s list. We decided to honor this special place by mentioning some key points that the aspiring traveler should know in order to be quite prepared for what they are going to encounter.

A few words about the country

Mexico is located on the American continent and, in particular, North America. It is found in the south of the United States of America and north of the Caribbean islands. It has a population exceeding 126 million inhabitants and, like the US, is divided into 31 States. This is a fully Spanish-speaking country; however, the accommodation of tourists is facilitated by the good use of English by a large portion of Mexicans, mainly due to the border with the USA. The national currency is called the Mexican peso.

The Mexican nature

The landscapes of Mexican nature offer stunning images with shocking features that are rarely found anywhere else. They are characterized by different tones of beauty and diversity, as in the territory of Mexico, we find from tropical forests and vast jungles to the huge coastline and “unsurpassed” deserts. Beautiful valleys surrounded by despotic mountains and raging rivers are also there. In all this, Mexican nature has the opportunity to highlight the “magic” and the variety that characterizes it with the existence of numerous species of vegetation and fauna. Separate and rare animals have the opportunity to live in their natural environment and to preserve species that on other continents tend to disappear, despite the fact that many jungles and forests are not very far from habitable areas.

The famous Mexican cuisine

The popularity of Mexican cuisine and its popularity in the world is easily proven by simple research in restaurants around the globe. Nowhere, however, does the taste and quality of Mexican delicacies “reach” the unrivalled authenticity that we find in their “homeland”. Delicious, traditional dishes directly from the “source” from which they were first prepared to captivate every visitor, despite the well-known to all of us Hot Chili that often characterizes them. Among other things, the most popular dish in Mexico is the burrito which consists of meat, fish, or legumes covered in tortillas. This is followed by the well-known tacos, where thin pieces of roast on the spit are served with the accompaniment of tortillas, onions, and often pineapples. It is also worth mentioning the excellent pozole soup. This recipe has green chilli, cumin, garlic, chicken, and corn.

The fascinating liveliness of people

A walk through Mexican cities is enough to convince the visitor of the constant tension of the local population and the pleasant atmosphere created through it. The Mexicans are spontaneous and proud of their country. Local and traditional music can be heard frequently and loudly, and locals invite ecstatic tourists to dance without a second thought. They think it is a big deal that people come from all around the world to their country and this obliges them to show their best and most helpful self. This can be found in the countless and diverse kinds and temperament catering establishments – from sophisticated restaurants to simple taverns and street foods which offer a wide range of choices to the visitor. They will usually promote Mexican flavors in food and alcohol to tourists because they simply believe this is the best choice.

Risks

Finally, I have to mention the risks that must be considered by the visitor. The country of Mexico has unfortunately been famous for several decades for the flourishing of drug cartels and the great corruption that exists. These factors contribute to the existence of sometimes uncontrolled crime, organized and not, but also the small fights on the streets of the city by minorities of the population. However, the relevant surveys show that the country is not a destination of the maximum high-risk scale, and the risk differs radically depending on the region. In any case, a trip to Mexico is an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. The diversity of cities, the “meeting” of many historical cultures in one country, and its liveliness rank turn Mexico into a must-see destination for every traveler. It is suggested, however, that the visit be organized and under the guidance of experienced and prepared staff.

There are a variety of ways to stay healthy in the skies!

When traveling during the pandemic, passengers had first-hand exposure to the variety of health precautions that could be taken to ensure a safe flying experience. In this article, we’ll break down five of the best ways to ensure a happier and healthier experience while in the skies.

1. Staying hydrated

While most travelers do not think of flying the same way they would taking a high-altitude hike or skiing some of the highest slopes, elevation is certainly a factor while flying. Aircraft cabins are usually only pressurized to a height of 8,000 feet, which can lead to the same symptoms of elevation sickness.

Furthermore, even some of the most modern aircraft, such as the Boeing 787, known for its passenger comfort, are only pressurized to an elevation of 6,000 feet. Passengers should take care to drink plenty of water throughout their journey in order to avoid becoming dehydrated.

2. Come prepared

Everyone knows that aircraft are cesspools for germs and disease, however by arriving prepared with appropriate sanitizing equipment, you can be sure to lower your risk of contracting an illness. Make sure to bring sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer, which you can use to wipe down all the seat’s hard surfaces (including the tray table) and sanitize your hands before eating.

Some carriers do provide passengers with personal sanitizing equipment, in addition to regular cleaning performed by the airline itself. United Airlines, for example, provides passengers with a personal wipe sanitizing upon boarding most flights.

3. Perform in-seat calf raises

Immobility is a major factor leading to passenger discomfort on aircraft, with a lack of blood flowing to ankles, knees, and hips causing vein thrombosis. This condition many experts refer to as economy-class syndrome.

But, as scientists at Northwestern University’s Medical School have recommended, simply performing calf raises at one’s seat is enough to get the blood flowing to all three lower body joint areas. Furthermore, simply walking to the bathroom or taking a journey down to the end of the plane can be enough to ensure good circulation, given immobility on a long ride.

4. Keep time zones in mind

When flying between time zones, one’s circadian rhythm is led astray by the difference between the actual clock and one’s body clock. Keeping an eye on what time you are arriving at your destination in their time zone, one can do their best to avoid unnecessary symptoms of jet lag.

One common traveler’s tip is to set one’s watch to the time zone of the destination, encouraging one to begin living their life and planning their sleep as if in the destination. However, in an age with Wi-Fi on planes where digital clocks adjust progressively to the new time zone, the strategy is often forgotten.

5. Eat smart

Unsurprisingly, given the change in pressurization between the Earth’s surface and an airliner’s cruising height, our digestive system reacts differently than it normally does. Specifically, fatty and acidic foods can be difficult to digest.

Therefore, make sure to eat light, but avoid ever feeling too hungry. For passengers in first or business class cabins, more food options can cause passengers to pay closer attention to what they eat in order to avoid bloating or upset stomachs.