Travelling is a rewarding experience that improves our lives, by allowing us to explore new places, and their perspectives and cultures. That is why it is very important to travel responsibly in a way that will protect the people and the environment of the destinations we will visit.

Here are 5 things you should always bear in mind while travelling.

Adhere to local rules and regulations

Before travelling anywhere, make some time to research various essentials like the customs, laws and etiquette of the place you are visiting. In addition to following procedures like visa requirements, entry and exit procedures and such, be very mindful of respecting the local traditions and culture, like greetings, dress codes, gestures, and so on. Most importantly, always make sure to avoid any behaviour that will harm or offend the local populace.

Good hotel etiquettes

Always treat the hotel staff with utmost respect and courtesy when you are staying at a hotel. Be friendly and polite when interacting with them and always give honest appreciation for their services and efforts. And if they have served you well, do not feel hesitant to tip them generously. Make sure to not make any unreasonable demands from them.

Taking any products that are not complimentary

Staying at a hotel or a resort will give you access to certain amenities, and you should be mindful about not taking anything that was not offered as a complementary service to you. Things like towels, bathrobes, toiletries, pillows, blankets and such belong to the hotel and are provided to you for your convenience. Taking them is downright stealing and can result in hefty fines or even legal actions. Instead, you can check with the authority about what is complimentary, and take those with you like shampoo sachets, tea bags, soap bars, and so on.

Be careful of scammers or malpractices

When travelling, always be on the lookout for scams and malpractices that will cost you money and can even cause harm to you. If you see any too-good-to-be-true food or travel deals in a place, make sure to do some research about it; check their ratings to see how authentic they are. It’s a good idea to always check the menu and food prices before you start to order as in many tourist places, food pricing can be quite expensive. Avoid sharing any personal info with anyone that seems suspicious and in case of emergencies, get help from tourist police or relevant authorities.

Not littering and keeping the environment clean

As a responsible tourist, not littering and keeping the environment clean should be one of your top priorities, as this can help you preserve the beauty of any place you visit. It’s a good idea to use a container or a reusable bag to store the trash or dispose of it properly in their designated bins. Go for eco-friendly products that can be reused and easily biodegradable. In case of any natural or historical sites, always refrain from doing things like spitting, defacing murals, or harming plants.

Here’s how to ace photography, the one thing that goes hand-in-hand with travel.

If you’re an avid traveller, chances are you love taking photographs on the trip. The best way to renew memories from a trip is to look at the photos; so it’s only natural that you make a little extra effort to capture those moments with great finesse. Move beyond your point-and-shoot style, and use these tips to take your photography game a notch higher.

Choose the location according to the best time of the day

Talk to a local guide or the locals for places you must visit in their city, and the best time to visit them. Do the recce, find your favourite locations and the best time of day to practice photography. You can also find out if any activities, local events, or festivals are happening during the time of your visit. Know that the best photographs are taken at sunrise and sunset; plan your outdoor shoots accordingly.

Conceptualisation is important

If you’re in a dynamic city, carry several lenses to capture the diverse and never-ending action. After you’ve taken an establishing shot with a great subject, try for the detail shots. You must carry a telephoto zoom lens; it allows you to shoot photos from moderate to far distance, leaving room for detailed and colour abstract shots. If you are taking photos at night-time, increase your ISO to help stabilise your shots. Also, help stabilise low light images by using a tripod.

Create images with impact

A great way to do that is by conveying a sense of motion with your imagery by controlling shutter speed. Suppose you want to click a person walking in front of an interesting background, set your shutter speed at about 1/15 of a second so that the person is slightly blurred, illustrating a unique sense of motion.

Flexibility goes a long way

It’s understandable if you’re overwhelmed by the beauty around you. Use it to your advantage by taking different shots; move around, change your position, look for elevated spots or shoot with different perspectives. A great trick to capture pretty sunbursts in your images on a clear day is by narrowing your aperture.

Exercise good etiquette

Don’t shoot where it is not permitted, or if somebody asks you not to. People like it if you show them how you photographed them, and promise to share their picture over email. You must use long lens for candid shots of people; however, always ask for permission before you shoot.

From accommodation recommendations to knowing the local language, our travel tips will help you plan your Türkiye vacation better

As a travel destination, Türkiye offers several historical places, including the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace Museum, alongside its sandy beaches, expansive deserts, and diverse wildlife. It boasts renowned landmarks, delicious cuisine, luxurious hotels, shopping spots, and thrilling adventures, making it an enticing place for visitors. However, making a travel itinerary before visiting this Middle-Eastern nation will be advisable to avoid any last-minute hassle. Take a look at these easy tips for a smooth vacation experience in Türkiye:

Research Well

Before your trip to Türkiye, it’s essential to do some research and create a checklist of the places you want to visit. Going to Turkey without prior knowledge isn’t advisable.

Know The Language

Learning a few Turkish words would help you communicate with locals, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the cities where English might not be widely understood. It’s a valuable hack for your first trip to Türkiye.

Choose The Right Accommodation

Türkiye offers a range of accommodations, from budget hotels to luxurious apartments. You can pick what suits your budget and preferences. To save money, consider affordable options. Travelling within Türkiye can be pricey unless you plan wisely. For a great first-time experience, consider staying in apartments to enjoy a local feel and good value for your money.

Pack Essential Items

When travelling to Türkiye, remember to bring essentials like a hat for sun protection, sunscreen to prevent sunburn, and personal hygiene and essential sanitary products.

Try Local Cuisine

Turkish food is a culinary delight. If you’re on a diet, consider postponing your visit because you wouldn’t want to miss the delicious kebabs, seafood, and desserts. Indulge in the variety of great local food without feeling guilty.

Use Public Transport

Türkiye has excellent transportation options. You can easily move between cities using public transport like trains, buses, or the metro. Taxis are also available if you prefer. Some buses offer Wi-Fi and can be booked online.

Carry Cash

Do not depend entirely on card payment. Make sure to carry cash with you wherever you go in Türkiye. The main reason to do so is that you might face difficulty finding ATMs in rural areas. To have a stress-free experience, carrying some local currency with you is better.

Explore Local Markets, Not Malls

While Turkey boasts large malls with high-end brands, it’s not the best use of your time if you can find the same stores back home. Instead, explore local bazaars like Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar or Izmir’s Kemeraltı Bazaar for a diverse range of handmade items.

Carry The Right Clothes

Pack clothing that covers your head, shoulders, and legs for visits to holy or conservative places. Keep a shawl or scarf handy when leaving your hotel, and remember to remove your shoes before entering mosques or other religious sites.

Visa Requirement For Indian Nationals

Indian passport holders must obtain either an electronic visa (e-visa) or a visa sticker issued by a Turkish diplomatic or consular mission abroad to enter Turkey.

Traveling by train with your pet can be exciting and overwhelming. But with proper planning, your furry friend can have a comfortable and safe journey. Check out these eight tips for a pleasant trip.

Traveling with your beloved pet can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to traveling by train. With a bit of preparation and planning, you can ensure that your furry friend stays comfortable and safe during the journey. Here are eight essential tips to help you travel with your dog on a train.

Tips To Travel With Your Pet Dog On Train

Book your tickets early: It is highly advisable to make your train ticket reservations as early as possible to ensure that both you and your furry companion have seats reserved. This will help avoid any last-minute rush or disappointment of not finding available seats.

Check the train company’s pet policy: When planning to travel with your pet by train, it is crucial to take into account the specific pet policy of the train company you will be using. It is wise to thoroughly research their rules and regulations to ensure that your pet is allowed on board and that you have met any necessary requirements beforehand. This will help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your furry companion.

Bring your dog’s essentials: In order to prepare for your upcoming trip with your furry friend, it’s important to gather all of the necessary items to keep them happy and healthy. This includes packing their favorite food, plenty of water, some tasty treats, a selection of fun toys, any required medications, a sturdy leash, and an ample supply of waste bags to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. Taking these steps will help to ensure that your dog is comfortable and well-cared for while you’re away from home.

Get your dog used to the train: It is recommended to take your pet dog on train rides prior to embarking on a significant journey to help them become more accustomed to the sensations of travel. This can help to reduce any potential anxiety or discomfort your furry companion may experience during the journey, ensuring a more pleasant and stress-free travel experience for both you and your pet

Choose a comfortable carrier: Make sure your dog has a comfortable carrier that is large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down in. The carrier should also be well-ventilated and secure.

Keep your dog calm: If your dog is prone to anxiety, consider using calming aids such as pheromone sprays or supplements to help them relax during the journey.

Be considerate of other passengers: Keep your dog close to you at all times and don’t let them disturb other passengers. If your dog barks or whines excessively, consider booking a private compartment.

Clean up after your dog: Make sure to clean up any messes your dog makes during the journey and dispose of waste properly.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your furry friend stays happy and healthy during your train journey together. Happy travels!