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?

It’s coming up to that time of year when many families start to think about jetting off to warmer climates or simply heading to the Britsh coast to escape reality for a while. An accessory that’s guaranteed to be packed is a camera but instead of just capturing shots of family members in pools and on the beach, why not turn your attention to food photography and capture some mouth-watering images of the plates you’re served and stalls you pass on trips.

1. Where Will You Be Taking Your Photos?

Where you’re working can sometimes determine what equipment you can use. If you’re in a busy restaurant there’s probably not room for a tripod so you’ll have to work hand-held or use a smaller support that can fit on the table. But if you’re out in the street photographing food stalls and the people who run them, they’ll be more room to use a tripod, although if you plan on moving around a lot, you’ll probably better taking a monopod with you as they’re easier to walk with and take up less room.

2. Think About Presentation

Restaurants want to impress you so food is, generally, presented and displayed well already which means you don’t have to play the role of the designer. Do look out for attractive produce though, particularly if you’re at a hotel where you can serve yourself. Make sure fruit isn’t bruised and colours are vibrant. If you’re photographing meat make sure it’s not overcooked and lookout for herbs and pepper grinders as a sprinkling of pepper or a few green leaves can make your photograph looking more appetising. Also, look out for crumbs and sauce that may be sat on the side of the plate as this can distract the viewer.

3. Consider Using Repetition

If you can pick your own food, repetition works well and three items on a plate will often look better than two. Don’t think you always have to centre your subject and if you’re working with tall items such as ice creams and coffees in glasses, switch your orientation to portrait.

4. Backgrounds Shouldn’t Distract

Try and keep your background uncluttered but if you’re in a busy restaurant where this isn’t possible, just use a wide aperture to throw the background out of focus or you could try placing a plain jacket/cloth over a chair and positioning so it sits in the background of your shot. If the chairs are too low use the back of a menu, so long as it’s plain, as your background, placing it behind your plate. If it’s coloured make sure there’s no colour cast on your food/plate, particularly if the crockery is white and a shallow depth of field will help keep all attention on the food in the foreground of your shot.

Don’t forget to take some wider shots of the serving area too. In hotels particularly you’ll find several buffet carts, chefs preparing food and guests deciding what to eat which can make interesting shots.

5. Stick To Natural Light

Use natural light where possible so if you can pick where you sit, choose a window seat or better still, sit outside. You need to avoid using direct flash as your food won’t look very appetising so make sure you’ve switched it off, particularly in low light situations where some flashes will automatically fire.

6. Get Out On The Street

Away from restaurants, you can find small stalls, especially in markets, that make and sell food. If you want to snap a few shots of the stallholder it can help if you actually show some interest in the food they are producing. It’s not always advised to eat the food they’re cooking but you can ask them questions and spend some time actually appreciating their skill. If you’re working close up never shoot without asking permission first and if they say no, just move on to another stall instead of arguing with them. For those who do agree, fill the frame with their face as you’ll find they’ll create plenty of interesting expressions when concentrating on getting their creation perfect.

If your subject is working under a canopy your camera can get confused by the brighter space that surrounds them and your shot can end up a little dark. If this is the case, just lock your exposure and recompose the shot.

If the weather’s not playing ball or you’re on a street that’s shaded from the sun don’t be tempted to use your flash as this can destroy the feeling/atmosphere you’re trying to create. Just try using a wider aperture or a higher ISO and if you find the higher ISOs make your shot a little grainy, try turning the shot black and white as it can work rather well.

Another option is to use a tripod and slower shutter speeds which will blur the movement of anyone who passes through your shot, however, if you’re focusing on someone who is moving between a chopping board and a stove, the blur can emphasise the speed they’re working at. The slower shutter speeds can also be used to capture a few closer shots of flames, just make sure you don’t burn yourself and don’t catch any hot plates and pans by mistake.

Daily conditions are not constant. Sometimes it will be sunny and hot, with temperatures hitting 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius), but then the clouds will blow in at approximately 3 or 4 p.m., and it will rain heavily for about an hour.

On rare occasions, you will fail to observe the sun for a week. There are days when you wake up to a cloud; it sprinkles briefly in the early hours of the day, the cloud lingers, and it seems like it’s about 65 degrees F (18C).

However, there are many reasons to travel to Mexico during the rainy season, even if you don’t plan on doing much more than dipping your toes in the water and enjoying your favorite slots in an online casino. The rainy season in Mexico revitalizes and beautifies the countryside. The rainy season often begins in May or June and continues through October, perhaps extending into November.

Traveling in Mexico During the Rainy Season

You’ll probably get soaked to the skin if you’re caught outside during a severe thunderstorm. There will be moments when the rains are so heavy that it feels like someone has dumped a basin of water at the top of your head if you are out walking and there is nowhere to take cover. In the event of a seasonal rain storm in Mexico, even a sturdy umbrella may be of limited service if the winds are not too fierce.

A thunderstorm’s approach can typically be detected through the foregoing signs: a decrease in air temperature, a rapid increase in wind speed, the possibility of hearing thunder and seeing lightning, and the arrival of dark rain clouds.

If you’re going for a stroll in the afternoon or driving on what seems to be a dry road, keep an eye out for sudden downpours, even from cloud cover that seems benign and has shed no precipitation for hours.

What to Pack

1. Waterproof Shoes

If you must travel to Mexico during the rainy season, please remember this. Poor drainage is a problem all around the country, but it is particularly severe in major areas like Mexico City. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve set out on a day trip only to return home with soaked shoes because I foolishly underestimated the likelihood of rain.

You may be able to keep your shoes dry during the deluge itself, but there will be enormous puddles lying around for the rest of the day.

Make sure you have a pair of waterproof boots or shoes; any traditional leather style will do.

2. Light Clothes

During the wet season, temperatures fluctuate widely. You should pack for both hot and humid and chilly and windy weather. The weather might change rapidly, from bright and warm within moments to a gust of wind the next, necessitating the addition of an extra garment or two to your day pack.

Lightweight slacks, a T-shirt, a tank top, a raincoat, and maybe a lightweight cardigan.

3. Raincoat

A light raincoat is also essential. It will still be warm, so a raincoat with a heavy liner will be too stuffy and uncomfortable to wear. Because of the abundance of precipitation, the air might become muggy and oppressive, particularly near the coast.

Find the lightest waterproof coat you can while still staying dry. A windbreaker won’t work against rain comparable to that of a tropical cyclone.

4. Bug Spray

In the evenings during the wet season in Mexico, bug spray is a need. Due to the high levels of humidity, mosquitoes have flourished. During the rainy season, you should use insect spray whether you’re in the highlands or at the beach.

Places to Visit

1. Cancun

Whale sharks are, in fact, sharks, but they’re a gentle kind of fish that don’t pose any danger to humans. They can reach lengths of 40-50 feet (12-15 meters), making them the longest fish in the ocean.

Whaling in Cancun – the season typically lasts from around June to September, with the peak months being July and August. Because of high demand and limited availability, booking a spot on a Cancun Whale Shark Tour in advance is highly recommended.

2. Tulum

Tulum, Mexico, is a once-quiet seaside town that recently became one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

It’s also risen to the ranks of the priciest in recent years. Since July is one of Tulum’s low-season months, hotels there tend to offer attractive discounts. The weather forecast predicts a brief afternoon shower every day. However, if you’re planning a cheap trip to Tulum, you’ll get more bang for your buck in the summer.

3. Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya stretches along the Yucatán Peninsula between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Yucatan’s ritziest resorts and the country’s most beautiful overwater bungalows may be found in this region. Because of your location on the coast of the Caribbean, you can take advantage of occasional breezes and cool off by swimming in the water.

Final Thoughts

If you must travel to Mexico during the wet season, know you may experience higher temperatures and occasional afternoon showers. While rain is inevitable in Mexico, the good news is that storms usually don’t last long, and the sun swiftly returns.

Since it is the off-season, you should expect fewer tourists during the wet seasons in Mexico.

Hip cities, frozen lakes and the promise of the northern lights – the land of the midnight makes sun for a once-in-a-time travel destination

The land of the midnight sun and the aurora borealis, of achingly hip cities and true wilderness grazed by reindeer, Sweden really is as stunning, spacious and stylish as you imagine it to be.

There’s plenty of space to breathe – at almost 1,000 miles long, blanketed in forest and home to 25 national parks and 267,000 islands, Sweden’s wild places are where to join the locals and hike forest trails and celebrate the solstice in summer, pick berries and go island-hopping in autumn, and ski across frozen lakes in winter (or even be really brave and take a dip in an ice hole, followed by a hot sauna).

Sweden’s cities, by contrast, offer their own brand of Scandi cool – they’re style-conscious, sustainable and home to modern eco-hotels, medieval quarters, word-famous design brands and the last word in Nordic cuisine.

Current travel restrictions and entry requirements

There are no current Covid-19-related requirements regarding testing or self-isolation when entering Sweden, and masks are not required in public as a rule. The Public Health Agency of Sweden recommends that anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 while in the country stay at home and avoid close contact with others.

Best time to go

Sweden’s wild spaces and vibrant cities are rewarding to visit in any season, from joining in the foodie festivities around the summer solstice to gazing up at the mesmerising northern lights in the winter. In May and September temperatures are similar to Britain, and long hours of daylight culminate in midsummer’s vibrant outdoor parties. Summer and autumn are the perfect seasons for hiking, city exploring and island-hopping. December to March is the best time to spot the Northern Lights (but avoid Lapland at Christmas, when it’s crowded and prices can skyrocket) or to take to the slopes at one of Sweden’s 100 ski resorts (except for the last week of February, Swedish half term).

Top regions and cities

Stockholm

Photogenic, inviting, exciting – Sweden’s capital feels like a collection of different cities rolled in one, perhaps because it was built across 14 separate islands, each with their own personality, on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Expect all the ingredients of the Scandinavian Good Life wherever you choose to explore in the city – art galleries and design museums rub shoulders with Scandi boutiques, sustainable dining joints and spirited nightlife.

Gamla Stan (the Old Town) is the achingly pretty but tourist-packed old quarter. Vasastan has a tempting list of indie restaurants to pick from, and Djurgården is the city’s park-filled green lung.

The hip head to Södermalm, regularly voted one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world and packed with cafes, hangouts and the sort of boutiques and brands that have made Sweden world-famous as a design hub. Stroll along the waterfront here to visit the Swedish museum of photography, Fotografiska.

When you need an escape from the capital’s crowds, head to one of the 30,000 islands of the Stockholm archipelago to explore peaceful island villages and go wild swimming off sandy shores.

Gothenburg and Gothenburg Archipelago

Meet Sweden’s sustainability-minded and second-largest city, perched on the west coast and home, so the Swedes say, to the country’s friendliest people. In 2021, Gothenburg was named the world’s most sustainable city for the fourth time in a row, and it’s easy to plan a laid-back, car-free break here, exploring by bike, tram or even electric boat.

Gothenburg is a smorgasbord of canals, bridges, attractive parks, a huge botanical garden and modern public saunas, and Stockholm’s cool little sister is also a hub for thrifted and vintage clothes, surely the most fun way to shop sustainably.

Like Stockholm, Gothenburg has its own archipelago of 20 islands to explore – the car-free southern archipelago and the further-flung but rewardingly beautiful northern islands. Head to Hönö to go on a seal safari, Asperö for sea swimming and Grötö for proper peace and quiet.

Lapland

Sweden’s northern territory conjures up images of skiing across frozen tundra under the aurora in winter, or of berry picking and reindeer spotting in the light of the midnight sun in the summer – and Lapland is every bit as spectacular as you’d imagine. This is a true wilderness, home to elk and bears, wide rivers and swathes of untouched forest, all criss-crossed with hiking trails and dotted with traditional Sámi (the indigenous people of northern Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia) settlements.

Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost town (and home to Sweden’s world-famous Icehotel in nearby Jukkasjärvi) makes an excellent base for exploring the region’s national parks as well as for heading out on husky sledding treks, reindeer safaris and snowmobile adventures.

Best under-the-radar destinations

Jokkmokk Market

The most spectacular market you’ve never heard of has been around for 400 years. In the first week of February, around 30,000 Sámi people and other visitors flock to the snow-bound streets of Jokkmokk in Swedish Lapland for the winter Sámi market to buy and sell traditional wares, socialise after a long winter, listen to ‘Joik’ songs – one of the oldest folk music forms in Europe – and watch reindeer race across the frozen surface of Talvatissjön lake.

Södermanland (Sörmland)

A short journey from buzzy Stockholm, this lovely, laid-back province is home to tiny islands, placid lakes and postcard-pretty towns, perfect for escaping to after a few days exploring Sweden’s capital. Sörmland has long been a favourite escape with Swedes – there are over 400 castles and manor houses dotted through the region that were once the country escapes of the gentry. The canal and café-packed town of Trosa makes the best base, and hikers can tackle a chunk of the Sörmlandsleden, one of the longest walking trails in Scandinavia, from here.

Koster Islands

One of Sweden’s best-kept secrets, this 450-square km national park is an archipelago of green islands, sandy beaches and wild moorland. The two car-free main islands, south Koster and north Koster, both have permanent populations and a smattering of galleries, hotels, campsites and craft shops, and are linked by chain ferry. The area around the preserve is one of the most biodiverse in Sweden, home to 12,000 different species – bring a snorkel to explore the crystal-clear waters of Kosterhavet, Sweden’s only marine national park. A haven for kayakers, wild swimmers, hikers and lovers of the simple life.

Best things to do

Pop out for fika

One of Sweden’s most cherished customs is the ritual of fika – coffee and cake. So popular that it’s both a noun and a verb, fika is more than just an afternoon treat – it’s a daily social occasion combining Sweden’s café culture with its love of traditional cinnamon buns (kanelbulle). Deciding which bakery serves the very best bun is half the fun (Bageri Petrus in Stockholm has repeatedly been named the best in the Swedish capital, while Café Husaren in Gothenburg does a great vegan version).

Trek the Kungsleden

The adventurous should don hiking boots (and pack plentiful bug spray) to tackle a section of the Kungsleden, a 440km trail stretching between Abisko and Hemavan in Swedish Lapland. This is true wilderness, passing through four national parks of birch forest and tundra grazed by reindeer as well as under the shadow of the Kebnekaise (Sweden’s tallest mountain, at 2,099 metres). You can rough it by wild camping along the trail, or plan your trek around the 16 attractive STF huts (some complete with wood-fired saunas) that make simple but comfy stops along the way.

Visit the Vasa

The imposing Vasa is a matter of national pride in Sweden. An intricately carved warship built in the 17th century, she unceremoniously sank on her maiden voyage, but was salvaged from the deep three centuries later and has been meticulously restored to her original, artful glory. Visit her at the Vasa Museum in Stockholm.

Celebrate Midsummer

Midsommar (celebrated on the weekend that falls between 20 and 26 June) is a joyful highlight of the Swede’s summer calendar, when the solstice is toasted with alfresco parties countrywide. Midsummer is all about feasting – traditional fare includes pickled herring and strawberries, all washed down with potent Aquavit spirit. If you’re looking for the full midsummer experience head to Dalarna, where locals dress up in traditional folk costumes, parade with floral garlands and dance around a maypole on the shores of Lake Siljan. Gothenburg and the Bohuslan coast are other solstice hotspots.

Gaze up at the Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis comes alive in dancing streaks of green, pink and purple in the night skies above the north of Sweden in September each year. The best time to see the show is January, when low temperatures make for the most spectacular displays, but the lights are often spotted well into March in Lapland. The Sámi – the indigenous people of Sweden – believed the lights were the souls of the dead, while the Vikings thought that the Northern Lights were the Valkyries taking fallen soldiers to meet Odin, god of war.

Go skiing

Grab your goggles – Sweden boasts 100 ski resorts, ranging from Åre in Jämtland-Härjedalen, which offers black slopes and off-piste skiing and Sälen, Dalarna, northern Europe’s largest ski resort, to small mom-and-pop resorts with just a few runs each. Some resorts are close enough to Stockholm and Gothenburg that you can pop into them for a snowsports day mid-city break.

Getting around

Sweden is a big old country, but it’s graced by a wide-ranging and efficient public transport system. Besides flying from the south of Sweden up to Lapland (1.30hrs), the reliable train service (https://www.sj.se/en/) is usually the best option for short and long-distance travel. You can also chug all the way from Stockholm up to Kiruna, well within the Arctic Circle, on the Arctic Sleeper overnight train.

Sweden’s beautiful archipelagos are well-served by car and foot ferries that often link up with bus and train timetables on the mainland, so island hopping is simple. Bikes are widely available to rent in Sweden, ideal for exploring city streets and car-free islands alike.

How to get there

Most sustainable

The new EuroNight train service (launched in September 2022) is powered by renewable energy and takes passengers from Stockholm to Hamburg in Germany, where it connects with existing Eurostar services, cutting train travel time between Stockholm and London to around one day.

Quickest

Fly from London to Stockholm in 2.30 hours. Arlanda Airport, just north of Stockholm, is the country’s biggest hub and the entry point for most international travellers, while Landvetter Airport is the gateway to Gothenburg. You can fly direct to both Stockholm and Gothenburg with SAS, British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet. Skåne and Malmö are easily accessible via Copenhagen in Denmark, and during the winter, easyJet flies direct from London Gatwick to Åre Östersund airport in Jämtland, on the Lappish border.

Money-saving tip

Sweden has lots of things to shout about – but bargain prices are not usually one of them. To save on expensive accommodation, stay at simple but comfy hostels and cabins run by the Swedish Tourist Association (STF, https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/) – there are 350 hostels, hotels, cabins and mountains stations dotted across the country, with affordable options available everywhere from big cities to rural woodlands or even right under the Northern Lights.

FAQs

What’s the weather like in Sweden?

Varied! Winter and summer differences can be extreme, although in general Sweden has a temperate climate. Summers in the south are pleasingly balmy, while north of the Arctic circle you should expect severe cold (temperatures sometimes reach -30C) and a blanket of snow in winter.

What time zone is Sweden in?

Sweden is in Central European Time (GMT+1).

What currency do I need?

The currency of Sweden is the Swedish Kroner, and card is king – you’ll rarely need to carry cash, even in remote spots.

What language is spoken?

Swedish (Svenska) is the national language of Sweden, with five official minority languages also spoken: Sami, Finnish, Meankieli (Tornedalen Finnish), Yiddish and Romani Chib. Many Swedes speak fantastic English, and travel signs and announcements are also frequently in English.

France is known worldwide for its romantic atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, making it a top destination for couples’ travel. Whether you are looking for a romantic escape, a honeymoon destination, or just a special getaway with your significant other, France has it all. From the bustling streets of Paris to the charming towns of the countryside, France offers endless possibilities for couples to travel.

Couples travel is a wonderful way for two people to explore the world and deepen their connection. Whether you’re newlyweds or have been together for decades, traveling together can create lasting memories and bring you closer together. France, with its romantic atmosphere and stunning scenery, is an ideal destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Traveling with a partner can be a transformative experience, allowing you to create shared memories that will last a lifetime. Couples travel offers an opportunity to escape the stresses of everyday life and explore new destinations, cultures, and cuisines together. It also provides a chance to strengthen your bond and create new shared interests and passions.

France is an ideal destination for it, with its romantic atmosphere, rich history, and stunning scenery. The country offers countless opportunities for couples to explore together, whether it’s strolling along the Seine in Paris, wine tasting in Bordeaux, or taking a romantic walk along the beaches of the French Riviera.

1. Paris ─ The City of Love and Lights

No list of romantic destinations in France would be complete without mentioning Paris. Dubbed the “City of Love and Lights,” Paris is famous for its charming cafés, stunning architecture, and unparalleled beauty.

Whether you are strolling hand in hand along the Seine River, watching the Eiffel Tower light up at night, or enjoying a romantic dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, Paris offers an unforgettable experience for couples.

2. Bordeaux ─ The City of Wine and Historic Architecture

Bordeaux is a city in southwestern France, famous for its wine, historic architecture, and romantic atmosphere. The city boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic center of Bordeaux, with its stunning 18th-century buildings and charming narrow streets.

For couples who enjoy wine, Bordeaux is the perfect destination, with over 60 appellations in the region. Take a wine tour or enjoy a romantic dinner at a local restaurant and indulge in the region’s culinary delights.

3. Nice ─ The Picturesque Coastal City

Nice is a picturesque coastal city on the French Riviera, with its azure waters and colorful buildings. The city offers a variety of romantic activities, from walking along the Promenade des Anglais, enjoying a sunset over the Mediterranean Sea, to exploring the Old Town’s charming streets. With its mild climate, Nice is a perfect destination year-round for couples travel.

4. Lyon ─ The City of Gastronomy and Culture

Lyon is a city located in east-central France, famous for its gastronomy and culture. The city offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and romance. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features medieval and Renaissance architecture, charming cobbled streets, and hidden courtyards.

Lyon is also renowned for its cuisine, with a variety of Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional bouchons. For couples who love food and culture, Lyon is the perfect destination.

5. Strasbourg ─ The City of Charm and History

Strasbourg is a city located in eastern France, near the German border, famous for its charming canals, half-timbered houses, and historic architecture. The city’s historic center, known as “Petite France” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its picturesque canals and bridges.

Strasbourg is also home to the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, making it a hub for culture and politics. For couples who enjoy history and charm, Strasbourg is a must-see destination.

6. Annecy ─ The Hidden Gem of the French Alps

Annecy is a hidden gem located in the French Alps, famous for its stunning lake, charming Old Town, and mountain scenery. The city is often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps,” with its canals and flower-lined streets.

The Old Town features medieval architecture, charming boutiques, and a variety of restaurants. For couples who enjoy outdoor activities, Annecy offers a range of options, from hiking to water sports.

7. Avignon ─ The City of Popes and Romance

Avignon is a city in southeastern France, famous for its rich history, architecture, and romance. The city was once the seat of the Catholic Church, and its historic center features the Palace of the Popes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The palace is a stunning example of medieval architecture, and its walls hold stories of intrigue, betrayal, and romance. The city’s narrow streets, charming squares, and the Rhône River create a romantic atmosphere that will transport you to a bygone era.

Couples can enjoy a romantic stroll along the river, explore the palace’s courtyards and gardens, or enjoy a candlelit dinner in one of the city’s many restaurants.

8. Montpellier ─ The Vibrant City of Arts and Culture

Montpellier is a vibrant city located in southern France, known for its arts, culture, and youthful vibe. The city boasts a charming historic center, with narrow streets, vibrant squares, and stunning architecture.

Couples can explore the city’s many museums, art galleries, and cultural events, or simply soak up the atmosphere in one of the many cafés and restaurants.

The city is also located near the Mediterranean Sea, offering a perfect opportunity for a day trip to the beach. With its lively atmosphere and cultural richness, Montpellier is a perfect destination for couples who enjoy arts and culture.

All in All

In conclusion, France offers a plethora of romantic destinations perfect for couples’ travel. From the charming streets of Paris to the stunning mountains of Annecy, France offers something for every couple.

Whether you are looking for a romantic escape or a special honeymoon destination, France’s most romantic cities provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable trip.

So, pack your bags, grab your significant other, and get ready for a romantic adventure in France, where love and romance are always in the air. Bon voyage!