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.

Ah, the lure of the open road! The wind in your hair, the freedom to explore, and… the sound of a toddler crying in the backseat? Yes, road trips with toddlers can be a challenging endeavor, but they don’t have to be a nightmare. With some thoughtful planning and a dash of creativity, you can make the journey enjoyable for everyone involved. So buckle up, because we’re diving into 8 essential tips for successful road trips with toddlers.

1. Plan Your Stops Wisely

When you’re hitting the road with toddlers, spontaneity takes a backseat. Toddlers need regular breaks for various reasons—snacks, diaper changes, or just to burn off some energy. Before you set off, use a map app to identify potential stops along your route. Look for parks, family-friendly restaurants, or interesting landmarks where the little ones can stretch their legs.

2. Pack Snacks… Lots of Them!

When it comes to road trips with toddlers, one universal truth stands out: toddlers adore snacks. To sidestep the feared ‘hangry’ episodes, it’s crucial to have an assortment of nutritious snack options at your fingertips. Think about including fruit slices, cheese sticks, and whole-grain crackers in your snack pack, and perhaps even a special treat. A content and well-fed toddler not only makes the journey smoother but also keeps the parents happy.

3. Create a Travel Activity Kit

Long stretches of road can be boring for adults, let alone toddlers. Keep their little minds engaged by creating a travel activity kit. Fill it with coloring books, stickers, small toys, and even some educational games. Rotate the activities every hour or so to keep things fresh and exciting. This will not only keep them entertained but also give you some moments of peace.

4. Stick to the Routine (As Much As Possible)

Toddlers are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine, and any disruption can lead to meltdowns. While it’s difficult to maintain a regular schedule during a road trip with toddlers, try to stick to usual meal and nap times as closely as possible. Bring along comfort items like their favorite blanket or stuffed animal to make them feel more at home.

5. Safety First

Safety should always be your top priority, especially when road-tripping with toddlers. Make sure their car seats are properly installed and meet all safety standards. Keep a first-aid kit in the car, stocked with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications. Also, have a list of emergency contacts and any important medical information easily accessible.

6. Make the Car a Comfort Zone

The car is your home away from home when you’re on the road. Make it as comfortable as possible to ensure a smooth road trip with toddlers. Pack small pillows, cozy blankets, and consider bringing a portable DVD player or tablet loaded with their favorite shows or movies. The more comfortable they are, the less likely they are to get restless.

7. Be Prepared for Messes

When embarking on road trips with toddlers, it’s a given that toddlers and messes go hand in hand. Anticipate spills, unexpected accidents, and the occasional bout of car sickness. It’s wise to have a ‘clean-up kit’ at the ready, stocked with wet wipes, hand sanitizer, plastic bags for trash, and a change of clothes for both you and your little one. Believe us, you’ll be grateful you came prepared.

8. Capture the Memories

During your road trips with toddlers, you’re crafting lifelong memories. Always remember to capture them. Snap plenty of photos and consider maintaining a travel journal to note down amusing quotes, standout moments, or destinations you’d love to revisit. These mementos will become cherished keepsakes for the years ahead.

There you have it—your comprehensive guide to road trips with toddlers. With these tips in your parenting arsenal, you’re well-equipped to tackle the open road and create lasting memories with your family. So go ahead, start your engines, and embark on an adventure that your family will talk about for years to come. Happy travels!