In an age when imagery has seen an exponential rise in technology and application in a very short span of time, it is inevitable that capturing moments of everyday life has assumed gargantuan proportions. Moreover, if you are on a trip somewhere, especially if it has anything to do with leisure, it goes on without saying that the shutterbug inside you would be center stage. Not all of us can carry bulky DSLR cameras on trips that emphasize on traveling lightly, and with smartphone technology pushing the boundaries of image quality in the photos they capture, it only makes sense that you arm yourself with some basic photography techniques that will make your photos stand out from the rest. This article is here to help.

Remember the rule of thirds

Composition is everything. If you want to capture beautiful, compelling photographs the rule of thirds is your most basic concept. Most phones have the rule of thirds grid built in and all you have to do is place your subjects on one of those horizontal or vertical lines and that’;; help you in taking much better photos Play around with white balance This is another setting that you can find in the camera app for your smartphone that allows you to adjust the tone of the image in accordance to the kind of lighting you have in your scene. It allows you to capture more natural looking photos. By default it is set to Auto mode, but you can always tinker around.

Keep it clean

Not only your smartphone, but also your shots. More often than not we tend to cram as much things in a photo and that tends to distract the viewer with too much information. Frame your shots so that you have just 2-3 elements in the picture and follow the rule of thirds to tell a fantastic story.

Play around with bokeh!

Most high end smartphones nowadays come with some sort of a portrait mode, a smart method that stimulates the faded background look of a DSLR. While the DSLR does that by simple physics, the smartphone compensates for the lack of the appropriate lens by using depth of field algorithms to achieve similar results. But you can do so much more than just shooting pretty portraits. Try using different objects as subjects while blurring the background. The results will be miraculous if you do it in the night with light sources in the distance, creating a beautiful bokeh.

Try smartphone lenses

If you haven’t heard of this then it’s probably the most interesting accessory you can have for your smartphone. Smartphone lenses are small lens elements that fit above your camera orifice in your smartphone and they are designed to give you a degree of freedom that you can only get in DSLRs, without the bulk and the weight. You can try wide angle, telephoto and macro lenses to see what works best for you. Make sure you buy these lenses from reputable brands, and the difference they make to your photos is night and day.

Go slow-mo

This is an often overlooked but nevertheless an absolute wonder of smartphone technology, and that is the ability to slow time down in your videos. Most high end smartphones have a slow=mo video recorder that records video at a much higher frame rate, and when you play it real time it captures the finer details of a fast moving object that would otherwise be missed by the naked eye. Try shooting water sprays, sports activities and other videos where there is a high degree of action involved, and the results will be astounding.

Take a photo sphere

Probably one of the most immersive of all photo techniques, your smartphone allows you to create a photo sphere, a literal 360 degree photo that you can take if the place you are in cannot be described in mere photos of every angle. The photo sphere will allow you to create a literal “sphere” of photos stitched together so when you view them in your TV or computer, you can actually scroll a full 360 degree. Its a 3D panorama that can take you back to that magical place. Dont overdo it though. It should be used as an exclusive weapon.

Fitness on the go: Vacation time is the best time! Exploring new holiday destinations, and delightful culinary experiences of India, can bring excitement and freshness into your life. But paying attention to your health and fitness goals amid the thrill is crucial. While maintaining an active lifestyle on the go may seem challenging, it is achievable with dedication and discipline. Here are some valuable tips to keep you active and healthy during your travels!

• Practice Moderation in Eating: Whether on a work trip with a busy schedule or leisurely exploring new destinations, you’ll likely be on your feet throughout the day. Opt for simple meals and controlled portion sizes. “My advice is simple: have a hearty breakfast, a medium-sized lunch, and a light dinner while travelling,” adds Miten. While trying new cuisines is a fantastic idea, ensure you eat enough for nourishment and nutrition and satisfy your hunger.
• The Power of Walking: When travelling, exploring new destinations on foot can provide an immersive experience of the local culture and ambience. Whether it’s scenic hikes, city tours, or skipping the cab for short distances, lace up your sneakers and embark on long walks. Not only will you burn calories, but you’ll also enjoy an excellent cardiovascular workout while uncovering hidden gems in each place you visit.
• Pack Healthy Snacks for the Journey: Pack healthy snacks to munch while travelling instead of eating unhealthy junk food from street vendors. From walnuts and pistachios to fresh fruits, Greek yoghurt, popcorn, or salad bowls, having your stash of nutritious snacks will help you survive the stretches between meals without succumbing to hunger or mindlessly indulging in unhealthy treats.
• Prioritise hydration: It’s a no-brainer you must drink plenty of water when walking or sightseeing. Staying adequately hydrated benefits your digestive system helps control your hunger levels, and boosts your body’s metabolism. By replacing sugary drinks, cocktails, mocktails, and colas with water or coconut water, you’ll automatically save 300-500 calories daily.
• Choose Accommodations with Fitness Amenities: When selecting accommodations during your travels, choose places with excellent fitness facilities, such as fully-equipped gyms, swimming pools, cycling options, or other fun and adventurous activities. This allows you to make the most of your leisure time by engaging in activities that keep you active and energised.
• Opt for Fresh and Local Cuisine: Are you craving made-to-order food? Live counters and salad bars are your best allies! Choose to dine at local eateries serving authentic cuisines or visit salad bars offering fresh fruits and vegetables. This way, you can expand your palate while making healthier choices.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy diet while travelling may seem daunting, especially if you’re a food enthusiast. However, by practising mindfulness and making healthier choices one meal at a time, you can transform your travel experience. So, the next time you embark on a journey, try incorporating some of these tips and witness the positive results for yourself. Remember, staying active and healthy while travelling is possible when planning for it!

These foolproof tips will keep all of your plants alive and watered when you’re away.

Even though it’s a vacation, going out of town can be stressful, especially if you’re traveling long distances, or if in-laws are involved. By the time you get your bags packed, kids in the car, pet care organized and travel plans sorted, you’ve probably forgotten how you’re going to water the beautiful houseplants and healthy vegetable garden you’ve worked so hard to grow.

But no need to worry — these four quick and easy methods will help you plan ahead and prevent your plants from suffering while you’re away. And even if you have a black thumb, these tricks are still for you.

Just a note: Only use these techniques for plants that need daily watering, like herbs, vegetables and other common houseplants. Your succulents would rather you let them be when you’re out of town.

1. Try the traditional water wicking method

For this, you need a large water container (like vase or bucket) and some cotton rope. Cotton clothesline, available at most hardware stores, works great.

Cut a piece of cotton rope that’s long enough to fit between the bottom of your water container and into your plant’s soil.

Take one end of the rope and push it several inches below the surface of the soil, close to the plant. Take care not to disturb the roots.

Rest the other end of the rope in the bottom of your water container and fill it with water. Make sure the rope touches the bottom of your container.

The cotton rope will slowly wick water from the container into the pot, maintaining a constant level of moisture in the soil.

2. Create a DIY drip system

You’ve probably seen those glass watering globes you stick into a pot to water your plant. There’s no need to buy them though, because you can easily make your own version.

Start with a clean and empty plastic bottle. For a small to medium container, a water bottle will work just fine. Drill several drainage holes into the bottle close to the top.

Before you head out on vacation, water your plant as normal. Fill the plastic bottle with water, and then quickly turn it over and plunge it into the first few inches of soil in the pot. Make sure the bottle is not too close to your plant and that the bottle is deep enough that the soil covers the holes.

The water will slowly leak out of of the bottle as the soil dries out.

For larger pots, you can use an empty wine bottle. Just fill it up, place your thumb over the opening before turning it over and plunging it into the soil.

3. Give your plants a bath

For pots with good drainage, you can give them a bath while you’re away. Well, sort of.

Fill up your sink or bathtub with a few inches of water and lay a towel inside to protect against scratches. Rest your potted plants in the sink and leave them there while you’re gone. The soil will draw water up to the roots, keeping the plant hydrated for up to one week.

Take stock of the lighting conditions near your sink or tub — if your plants need a lot of sunlight, don’t keep them in a dark bathroom.

4. Turn a plastic bag into a greenhouse

This method seems unconventional, but it works wells for longer vacations.
Get a clear plastic bag big enough to cover your plant and its pot. Add stakes to the pot to prevent the bag from clinging to the plants. Some say that the bag should absolutely not touch the leaves, but a little bit of contact is OK.

Water your plants as normal, being sure not to overly saturate them.

Place the plant into the bag, pulling the bag up and around your plant. Blow a bit of air into the bag before you seal it to help the bag balloon around your plant. It’s just more insurance that the bag won’t press up against the leaves.

Leave your plant in an area with indirect light (direct sunlight will heat up the bag and likely kill your plant). This mini greenhouse will capture water as it evaporates and drip it back into the plant.

Travel activity is on the rise as more Americans are on the go this year and engaging in so-called “revenge travel” to make up for trips not taken during the pandemic lockdown. By all means enjoy these trips, but also remember to stay safe — and that includes keeping your money secure while you’re out and about.

While cards are a staple for financial transactions, there may be circumstances where it’s appropriate to carry actual cash as well. Here are some tips on how to keep your money safe while you enjoy your travels.

Stick to credit cards…

One way to stay financially safe while traveling is to use credit cards. They come with zero liability protection in case your card is stolen or compromised, as well as other consumer protections. For one, you can dispute fraudulent charges and billing issues. If you use debit cards, you will have fewer protections and could find yourself on the hook for losses (though you’ll still want to keep a debit card with you for withdrawing cash at ATMs).

Different credit cards offer various travel perks (such as free lounge access, lost luggage compensation and travel insurance), so it can be a good idea to take two or more cards that align with your needs. It’s also smart to have more than one card handy in case you lose one. Cards issued by the Visa and Mastercard networks tend to have wider global acceptance than those issued by American Express and Discover.

As a safety measure, make copies of your cards to store your card information for reference in case you lose your physical cards. Don’t rely on using a mobile wallet rather than your physical cards, in case you lose your phone while traveling.

…But hold some cash, just in case

Even though it’s safer to rely primarily on credit cards, it’s still a good idea to have some cash available as a backup — and not just because it’ll come in handy if your cards are stolen. Smaller restaurants and retailers might insist on cash, and you could need cash to pay for smaller transactions with street vendors. Also, if you’re somewhere off the beaten path, cash is likely to be a more readily accepted mode of payment.

You can pick up cash before traveling by exchanging your U.S. dollars for the currency of your destination, for a fee, at a bank or credit union. At your destination, you can also get local currency at an ATM or at the airport right after your arrival (though, if you have to use an ATM, take the time to find one in a safe location).

That said, when you do carry cash, keep it safe. Opt for a money belt you can wear around your stomach, which can help you store your cash in an inconspicuous manner.

Let your bank know you’re traveling

Before heading out on your travels, notify your bank of your travel plans — especially if you’ll be traveling abroad. That way, it will know not to decline transactions that seem suspicious. You can do this over the phone, by contacting a representative or online.

Keep in mind that banks often utilize fraud prevention measures that could be triggered if they see activity on your card account that isn’t in line with your typical spending patterns. Your issuer could then suspend your account while contacting you to verify the charge, potentially putting you in a tough position while traveling.

Since you don’t want to have a card transaction declined unexpectedly and be left without any means of paying for your purchase, keep your bank informed about your travel plans. Then, when it sees any charges you make while miles away from your homebase, there shouldn’t be an issue.

Set up account alerts

While notifying your bank of your plans, see if you can sign up for credit card account alerts at the same time. When you set up purchase alerts, you’ll get text, email or push notifications whenever your card is used. Then, if your card is somehow compromised and someone uses it for an unauthorized transaction, you’ll know about it in time to take action.

If you get a notification about a transaction you don’t recognize, immediately notify your issuer so that it can look into the matter and freeze the card if necessary.

Freezing your credit may also be a good idea, so that no one can fraudulently open credit card accounts in your name while traveling. If needed, all three credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — allow you to briefly thaw your credit freezes in order to apply for credit. Once the thaw period expires, your credit will be re-frozen, protecting you while you’re away.

Be on the lookout for scammers

Tourists on vacation can be an easy target for scammers, which is why it’s important to be watchful of your belongings and cash.

One popular scam is credit card skimming. This is common at gas stations and other places that have ATMs, as ATMs can be set up to capture your card information and enable scammers to use it for fraudulent transactions.

To protect yourself, prevent people nearby from seeing your personal identification number (PIN) when you enter it at the ATM. Further, don’t give your passport or credit cards as a security deposit to tour operators or others, and avoid overindulging at local bars. Doing so can cause your judgment to be compromised, allowing unscrupulous people to take advantage of you.

Pickpockets also present a hazard to unsuspecting tourists. Based on tourist reviews, popular tourist spots such as Barcelona, Paris and Rome tend to attract pickpockets looking to prey on tourists, so be careful in these types of destinations. Pickpockets may operate alone or in a team, with one person distracting you while their partner looks to take your wallet.

Be watchful when shopping with street vendors too, as they could compromise your credit card or give you incorrect change. And while most merchants are reputable, some may well team up with pickpockets and distract you while their partners ply their trade on you.

Consider getting travel insurance

You may also be wondering if travel insurance is worth it. This sort of insurance offers protection against medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost baggage.

However, note that a number of credit cards also come with travel insurance benefits that protect you from the fallouts of canceled flights (including a potential hotel stay) or lost baggage, assuming you use the card to book your travel. Medical expenses that your health insurance won’t pick up could also be covered by your credit card’s travel insurance.

If you’re on an extended international trip, though, it may be a good idea to take out a separate travel insurance policy. These types of policies are available on a one-off or annual basis, and they can be used to cover any shortfalls between your card’s travel insurance and your medical insurance. Take the time to evaluate any travel insurance or card benefits you already have access to before deciding whether a standalone policy will be worthwhile.

What to do if you’re robbed abroad

As a tourist, you may be vulnerable to being robbed. Be especially careful when you’re in a crowded area, as pickpockets could sense an opportunity to take advantage of you. That said, it may not even be a physical assault that you fall victim to. You could have your card information or other sensitive personal information stolen if you use unsecured public wi-fi, use an ATM with a card skimmer or lose your cards.

To minimize the impact of an attack, don’t carry more cash than you anticipate needing for the day. Also, be careful with your mobile phone, as it contains a lot of information about you, potentially including your credit card and bank information.

In case you do end up getting robbed, immediately contact the local police station and file a report. You should also get a copy of this report for when you file an insurance claim. If your credit card is stolen, get in touch with your bank — and if it’s your passport that thieves get away with, get in touch with the nearest U.S. embassy ASAP.

If your credit card information or other personal information is compromised, it’s also a good idea to keep a watch on your credit report (assuming it hasn’t already been frozen). That way, you’ll know right away if a fraudster takes out credit in your name.