While small in size, Qatar’s capital is larger than life. With skyscrapers, souqs, a replica Venetian town and luxury hotels, Doha is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations in the Middle East. Whether you’re there on a layover or spending a few days, here are the top things to do in Doha, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

Get cultured at the Museum of Islamic Art

Housing a collection of Islamic art spanning over 1,400 years, the Museum of Islamic Art is an absolute must-see in Doha. Designed by the same architect who was responsible for the Louvre’s glass pyramid, the museum is a work of art both inside and out. Don’t miss the diamond and emerald-studded necklace that once belonged to Shah Jahan, builder of India’s Taj Mahal, and the panoramic views across the bay. The best part? The museum is free!

Step back in time at Souq Waqif

Doha’s spiritual heart, Souq Waqif is a journey back in time before skyscrapers and hyper-modern hotels made Doha what it is today. Translating to “the standing market,” the Souq Waquf was built on the site of an old Bedouin marketplace and is a treasure trove of beautiful fabrics, fragrant spices and ornate trinkets. Popular attractions include the exotic animal market, camel pen and falcon handling. The souq is also a great place to try local cuisine at one of the outdoor cafes.

Walk or bike along the Corniche

A 4-mile promenade extending along Doha Bay, Doha’s horseshoe-shaped Corniche is a favorite among locals for an evening stroll. Whether you choose to bike or walk, the Corniche is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the city. Gaze out towards the water to see the traditional wooden dhow boats lining the Bay.

Feel like a celebrity at The Pearl Qatar

The ritziest address in Qatar, The Pearl is a manmade island with yacht-filled marinas, luxury residential towers, 5-star dining and designer shopping. Stroll past pretty pastel houses and canals of the Venetian-inspired Qanat Quartier and enjoy a meal at one of the lively restaurants and cafes in Medina Central. It’s no surprise they call this the Arabian Riviera!

Go on a desert adventure

With Doha’s proximity to golden sand dunes, it’s totally doable to book a half day or full day tour to the desert. A favorite activity is driving in a 4×4 vehicle through the sand dunes, known as dune bashing. For a more relaxed experience, you can also go camel riding or enjoy a typical Bedouin feast under the stars. Another favorite is a visit to the UNESCO-certified Khor Al Adaid, also known as the “Inland Sea.”

Head for the mall

Going to the mall in Doha is no average experience. At Villaggio Mall, visitors can sail an indoor canal, glide across the ice at the indoor Olympic-sized skating rink and go for a thrilling ride at the indoor theme park. Of course, shopping here is top notch with 220 high-end stores plus plenty of dining options. When it’s too hot out, this is one of the best places to get relief in Doha.

Where to Eat

Dining in Doha is world class, with some of the best restaurants in the world including Alain Ducasse’s Idam Doha, Hakkasan, Nobu and Gordon Ramsay’s Opal. Brunch is another favorite activity, with hotels hosting indulgent feasts fit for a king. You’ll find Qatari cuisine similar to other Middle Eastern cuisine with an emphasis on rice, meat and locally grown dates. Try Qatar’s national dish known as machboos, a rich stew of seafood or meat and spiced rice.

Travel tips to Qatar:

• While drinking alcohol in public is strictly prohibited, visitors may drink at licensed hotel restaurants and bars.
• Since Qatar is a conservative Muslim country, women should avoid wearing revealing clothing and men should wear long shorts or pants.
• Qatar in the summer can feel like being in a pizza oven. For cooler, more comfortable temperatures, travel from late September to May.
• Most visitors rely on taxis and Uber to get around Doha.

Is a Smartphone Camera Good Enough?

Photography, as we know it, is in a very interesting place right now. The technological advances that have been made by smartphone makers have many people wondering if their smartphone is as good as a dedicated camera like a DSLR. Serious photographers know that it’s not. However, for an increasing number of people, the quality that you get from a smartphone camera is good enough. Herein lies the challenge for the future of photography. Is good enough the new normal?

The Rise of Smartphone Photography

Every time that Google, Apple, or Samsung releases a new flagship smartphone, they go to great pains to highlight the improvements that have been made to the camera. They dazzle us with the latest tech specs, show us their new capture modes, and wow us with sample images that look like they couldn’t possibly come from a smartphone. Why? Because the quality of the camera in a smartphone is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, factor that drives consumers to upgrade their phones.

All the top smartphone manufacturers want you to know that they have a camera that is worthy of your money. Apple encourages iPhone users to share their best photos on Instagram with the hashtag #ShotOniPhone and will often share the best of these images in TV ads for the iPhone. Google recently partnered with John Legend to film a music video that was shot entirely on the Google Pixel 2, and Samsung struck a deal with the International Olympics Committee to give every athlete the chance to record and share their best memories on a Galaxy Note 8 at the 2018 Olympics. Smartphone cameras are good for business.

Can a Smartphone Replace a DSLR Camera?

So, is it marketing hype or are the best smartphone cameras actually capable of being a good replacement for a DSLR from Nikon and Canon, or a mirrorless camera from Sony or Olympus? From the perspective of a professional photographer, with high-end gear, the answer is clearly no. You will not see professional photographers using smartphones as their main camera at weddings and sporting events. But what about amateur photographers? What about parents, teens, and everyone else? Could an average person with little or no formal training really take better pictures with a DSLR than with a modern smartphone? That’s a little less clear.

A DSLR Is Better Than a Smartphone

Dedicated cameras have a lot of versatility and will likely always be able to do things that a smartphone can’t. For instance, you can’t attach a 200mm telephoto lens to your smartphone, and even if you could, you would probably look kind of ridiculous doing it.

The resolution of photos taken on DSLR and mirrorless cameras is also much greater than the resolution of smartphone cameras thanks to their larger sensors that number up to 40 megapixels or more. What about the megapixel myth, I hear you cry? It’s true. More megapixels does not mean a better photo, but that brings me to my next point. The sensors in dedicated cameras are much larger than smartphone cameras and that means they can let in a lot more light and produce better photos, with more dynamic range, in low-light scenarios.

A DSLR will also typically give you more creative control when it comes to exposure. You have absolute control over your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings so that you can create those blurred waterfalls and beautiful bokeh backgrounds. Smartphones can simulate a lot of these scenarios, but they are only as good as the software that they ship with.

Finally, DLSR cameras have great batteries that should easily last you a day, or more, of shooting, and if you do happen to run out, you can quickly swap in a spare battery and continue shooting like nothing ever happened.

A Smartphone Is Better Than a DSLR

Case closed? Not yet. Your smartphone is not going to give you the range of a 200mm telephoto lens, but what it lacks in range, it makes up for in spontaneity. People carry their smartphones everywhere they go. That’s less true with a dedicated digital camera. Just think about how many photos you would miss if you didn’t have your smartphone with you.

A DLSR with a 200mm lens on it is going to be great in many scenarios, but it’s also going to be heavy, a little cumbersome, and it will add extra weight to your neck and shoulders. Done shooting with your smartphone? Stick it in your pocket and move on.

Hi-res smartphone sensors are not going to be commonplace in smartphones for a while, but most people don’t need that much resolution unless they are printing poster-sized pictures. If you’re printing photos at 6×4, 5×7, or even 8×10, your photos will look great when taken in decent light. If you prefer to view your photos on a laptop to TV, you are equally well served.

The batteries in today’s smartphones tend not to last for more than a day, but that works out fine because we all charge our phones on a regular basis, and if you do start to run out, battery packs can be used to top you up when you need it. And, at the end of the day when you are finished shooting, you can edit your pictures in Lightroom, post the best ones on Instagram, and backup your photos to the cloud without ever removing a memory card or connecting your phone to a computer. Try doing that on your DSLR.

The Best Smartphone for Photography?

Smartphone photography definitely has its pros and cons, but for many people, the cons are not as big as they used to be. With that in mind, you may be wondering which smartphone is best for photography. A good place to start is the mobile camera reviews from DxOMark. Since 2008, DxOMark has been scientifically measuring the image quality of smartphones, lenses, and cameras. On their website, you can see the top-performing cameras from all manufacturers and compare one against the other with raw specs and sample images. They use state-of-the-art equipment and give each smartphone a quality score that you can use to compare it to its rivals.

Conclusion

In the end, it all comes back to the notion of good enough. Is a smartphone good enough to meet your photographic needs? Two or three years ago, the answer might have been no, but today, a smartphone is a go-to camera for millions of people. Proof can be found when you look at the number one camera brand on Flickr for the last several years. It’s not a Nikon, Canon, or Sony. It’s the iPhone.

A DLSR is not a bad choice, or in some way worse than a smartphone, it’s just becoming more of a niche product. It’s a camera for specific people in specific situations because convenience is a huge factor here. Professional photographer, Chase Jarvis, is fond of saying, the best camera is the one you have with you, and I believe that this is exactly the world we live in today.

Of course, there’s nothing to say you can’t have your cake and eat it. The smartphone can be your everyday camera for spontaneous moments of sharing creativity while your DSLR can be reserved for those occasions when you know you are going to need a serious camera with the highest quality pictures you can get. The choice is yours.

Lakes, mountains and coasts offer some of the most spectacular hiking trails. But let’s not forget about waterfalls. Offering so many incredible treks with endless photo opportunities, we’ll talk you through our top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world. From Angel Falls in Zambia to Guffloss in Iceland, find inspiration for your next waterfall walk below.

1. Plitvice Falls, Croatia

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is the country’s most popular tourist destination. With nearly 1 million visitors every year, Plitvice Falls consists of a series of waterfalls from 16 different lakes. And with roughly 8 unique trails to choose from, you can take your pick of 3km to 18km routes. If you’re after a challenge, head to the Upper Lakes and Veliki Prstavac where you have the option to explore the whole park.

2. Niagara Falls, Canada & USA

Located on the border of both Canada and the US, the Niagara Falls are both impressively long and high. What’s more, most people aren’t aware of the fact that the falls are actually made up of three different waterfalls – the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. For a leisurely family stroll, the Niagara Recreation Trail takes between 1 to 2 hours for each section, so remember to pack a rucksack full of snacks and water! For some of the best views of the falls, embark on the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area Trail, which can take up to 2 hours. And if you’re there in the spring, look out for the annual hawk migration.

3. Iguazú Falls, Argentina & Brazil

Experience the thundering sounds of the Iguazú Falls located on the Argentinian/Brazilian border. Consisting of 275 cascades, the Iguazú Falls is considered the largest waterfall in the world. It was also declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011. So, whether you’re on a gap year in South America or you’re simply holidaying in Brazil, you won’t want to miss the Iguazú Falls – one of the most picturesque waterfalls around the world.

4. Dudhsagar Falls, Goa

This incredible four-tiered waterfall is located on the Mandovi River in Goa. Reaching 310m in height, the Dudhsagar Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in India. If you’re looking to head on a trek before you reach the falls, you can take the train and get off at Kulem or Castle Rock station. Otherwise you can arrange a private taxi to drop you off close to the entrance of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. While you’re there, why not take a dip in the deep pool of water at the base of the falls? Either way, it’s a good idea to take some swimwear with you just in case.

5. Yosemite Falls, USA

One of the world’s tallest waterfalls, Yosemite Falls is a must-see if you’re camping in the valley. You can spot these falls from various places around the valley, serving as a reminder to go and visit. Looking for an adventure while you’re there? Try hiking to the top of the falls! Although, be warned it will take you all day so make sure to prep all your travel accessories before you begin your journey. For a less strenuous waterfall hiking trail, with a lot of the same views, try the Columbia Rock trail instead – this should only take you a couple of hours.

6. Gullfoss, Iceland

You’ll find the iconic Guffloss waterfall in the canyon of the Hvita river in Iceland. In order to get the most out of this waterfall, it is generally viewed from above. The huge masses of water seem to disappear and transform into an ethereal mist. And contrasting with the bright green lands that surround the falls, it provides a range of dramatic photo opportunities. While hiking down to the crest it can become quite misty, so you’ll want to have a waterproof jacket handy for the trip.

7. Victoria Falls, Zambia

Widely considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls around the world, Victoria Falls has been attracting tourists for years. However tourist numbers have dwindled amid the fears that the waterfall is drying up. But local authorities insist that although they have experienced a drop in water levels, the waterfall is not in danger of vanishing just yet. And with the end of the dry season approaching, the falls are still well worth a visit if you’re travelling to Zambia.

8. Ban Gioc-Deitan Falls, Vietnam & China

Arguably some of the most interesting waterfalls in Vietnam, the Ban Gioc-Deitan Falls are fed by the Quay Son River, marking the Chinese border. Lush green forests line the backdrop to the falls, giving the appearance of a tropical paradise. Luckily, if you’re staying in Hanoi this waterfall is pretty easy to get to; just jump on a bus and it’ll take you right where you need to be! Having said this, it’s not recommended that you travel during the wet season (June – August). Instead, the best time to visit is between September and October to experience much calmer waters and a more relaxed atmosphere.

9. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Regarded as the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, Angel Falls in Venezuela is a sight to behold. The water begins to drop at a cleft near the summit of the Auyán-tepui tabletop mountain into Devil’s Canyon. Being so remote, there are plenty of areas to camp near the base of the falls for a truly adventurous experience, with an option to sleep overnight in one of the hammocks. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers one of the most exhilarating travel experiences, as you have to fly to get to the location. Be warned though, as the pilot sometimes flies pretty close to the top of the waterfall – so it’s not for the fainthearted!

10. Sutherland Falls, New Zealand

New Zealand’s best waterfall, Sutherland Falls, may be tricky to access but it’s well worth the effort. You can choose between two travel options; head to the falls on foot via the Milford track (this takes 4 days) or take the easier option and catch a scenic flight via plane or helicopter. One of the highest and most captivating waterfalls around the world, the Sutherland Falls offers a real mystical and breathtaking travel adventure – whichever route you decide to take to get there.

It’s always fun to explore a new place, especially if that place has an interesting history or community, or is shrouded in mystery.

And it is even better if you were to go without reading up too much on the destination prior to your visit. Just get basic information like how to get there and where to stay.

Of course, there are many types of travellers: Some would want to know and plan for everything beforehand, while others – like myself – prefer to just… wing it. Fortunately for me, I usually end up getting the best experiences from travelling this way.

One example is when I walked through the Sea Of Trees or Aokigahara in the Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan. I was in Tokyo a few days earlier for work, and had extended my stay. From the city, I took a bus to Lake Kawaguchi or Kawaguchiko, which is about two hours away.

Kawaguchiko is near Mount Fuji, and even though I wasn’t going to climb the mountain, I thought it would be a nice place to explore and hike. It was only when I got to the train station at Kawaguchiko, and ruffled through the tourist brochure, that I realised just how close I was to the infamous Aokigahara forest.

OK, cool.

The brochure was very useful and it gave me all the details I needed about hiking to Aokigahara. (Many of us now would just Google or check an app for information, but don’t dismiss the value of a physical tourist brochure, especially if there is no WiFi available in the area!)

I got on the tourist bus that would take me to the starting point of the Aokigahara walking trail, or so I thought. I must have missed the stop because when we got to the end of the route, it did not look like the picture in the brochure. I was the only one left on the bus so I asked the driver, “Aokigahara?”

He looked at me, nodded and pointed at the door.

OK.

There was a visitors’ centre or something at the place, but when I went into the building there was no one around I could speak to.

OK.

I found a trail behind the building that led into the forest. There was a sign in Japanese which I could not read, but since it did not have the “No Entry” symbol on it, I figured it was safe to enter the forest.

The trail was clear and looked like it had been properly built for walking or hiking purposes; it was also big enough for a whole horse carriage to go through.

As I was trying to decide which direction to go, an elderly man and a teenage boy suddenly appeared and the former cheerily said “Ohayo!” (good morning). “Tourist?”

“Yes.”

“OK, enjoy!”

I took another path, one that had a little more light than where the men went. It was a wonderful trail and very easy to navigate, as long as you stayed on the path. Every now and then I came across distance and direction markers, but none were in English. No big deal, I thought, because I seemed to be going the right way… until I came to a section that… felt different.

Suddenly the beautiful forest was all quiet, and I could no longer hear the insects, bugs and small animals. The air also felt… it felt like there was no air, no breeze. Had I accidentally walk over to the “forbidden” part of the forest?

(The forbidden zone is clearly marked, although there is no large barrier – just a rope – that would prevent anyone from walking in.)

I started to get a little paranoid and looked around, but then I didn’t want to “see” anything so I stopped and kept walking instead.

There was more vegetation in this part of the woods, and the tree roots grew everywhere so the path was no longer clear. I had to stop every few meters to make sure I was moving straight forward and not to the left or right.

It was a little eerie but I was mostly afraid of getting lost than anything, as my phone signal was also very weak.

About 20 minutes later, I finally came across a sign nailed to the root of an interesting-looking tree with a pinkish bark. Again, I had no idea what the sign said, but it was a welcome sight nonetheless.

There was a bench nearby so I sat down and took a lunch break. As I was eating, I heard some children laughing in the distance… it was a group of schoolboys and their teachers having a field trip in the forest.

“Konnichi wa!” some of them said as they walked past me, a few bowing their heads.

“Hello!” I replied.

One of the boys stopped, smiled and said, “Good afternoon.”

I continued my walk, all the way to the Saiko Bat Cave Information Centre, which is the actual starting point of the Aokigahara walking trail. I had missed the Bat Cave tour (yes, there are some caves you can explore here), so I went back into the forest to see how much further the trail would take me.

As it turns out, it took me back to where I started. Perfect.

For a pictorial guide on how to get to the Aokigahara walking trail, check out the Yamanashi Prefecture tourist website (shorturl.at/awAJP).