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Travel photography on iPhone Pro tips and tricks using Photos app
photographytravel

Travel photography on iPhone: Pro tips and tricks using Photos app

Explore iPhone’s Photos app for travel photography and passport size photos. Use Live Stickers, browse by location, and identify landmarks with Visual Look Up. Enhance travel memories with animations and effects.

Summer is here! With sunny skies and warm weather, it’s the perfect time to pack your bags and explore new places. Whether you’re jetting off to a far-flung destination or taking a road trip closer to home, capturing those travel memories is essential. Here’s a guide that will show you how to use your iPhone’s built-in Photos app to take your travel photography to the next level.

How to use iPhone Camera for passport size photos

If you are applying for a visa, you need passport size photos. While it is always recommended to visit a studio for a professional photo, you can also use an iPhone to do the same work in case of emergency.

  • Get a friend, family member, or use a tripod to take a well-lit photo on your iPhone.
  • Make sure nothing covers your face and switch your phone to Light Mode.
  • Tap and hold on the subject in the photo to separate from the background.
  • Copy and paste this image into a new note in Notes.
  • In Notes, take a screenshot of the image and open it in Photos.
  • Edit and crop the screenshot.
  • Use the rectangular icon in the top right corner to choose your desired aspect ratio.
  • Adjust the image to ensure you’re fully in frame.
  • Hit Done, and your new ID photo is ready to upload.

How to use Live Stickers in photos

iPhone users can breathe life into their travel photos with Live Stickers.

  • Open the Photos app and tap a photo to view it full screen.
  • Touch and hold to trace around yourself, then tap “Add Sticker.”
  • Choose animations or effects and share them in Messages, add them to other photos, or use them on social media.

How to find image in Photos app

iPhone users can quickly browse photos by location in the Places album.

  • Select a location on the map to see all your photos taken there.
  • They can also use Visual Look Up to identify landmarks, art, and plants while exploring a new city.
  • Take a picture of what you want to identify and open it in Photos.
  • Look for the Info button at the bottom (circle with an “i” inside).
  • If information is available (for plants, pets, landmarks, etc.), a star symbol will appear.
  • Tap the Info button, then “Look Up” at the top of the photo information to discover more.
  • Visual Look Up works for videos too! Just pause a video on any frame and tap the Info button.
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6 travel hacks that will save you money on your next trip
Lifestyletravel

6 travel hacks that will save you money on your next trip

A new report by Expedia reveals some top tips to help maximize your savings in 2025

Do you know the best day to book your next flight to save money? Or what month is the cheapest to travel? Every dollar counts when you’re planning your next vacation. Expedia just released its 2025 Air Hack Report with several tips for maximizing your savings when booking air travel.

The report is an analysis of billions of data points and an extensive air ticketing database, through a collaboration with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and Official Airline Guide (OAG). It offers useful insights for travellers looking for the best travel deals.

Book your trip on Sunday

What day of the week you book your flight on doesn’t really matter. Or does it? It’s a myth that still persists despite evidence from ARC’s global airline sales database which says that booking on a Sunday can keep more money in your wallet. It can save you up to 10 per cent compared to booking on a Friday, according to the report.

Book ahead, but not too far ahead

There’s a sweet spot when it comes to booking ahead. Booking too far in advance can mean you’ll likely pay more. According to ARC, travellers who book between 63 and 72 days before departure saved 44 per cent on domestic flights compared to those who booked just a few days before leaving.

When booking international flights, you can maximize your savings by booking 43 to 54 days ahead of departure. The worst time to book — especially for international flights — is between six and 12 days in advance of your trip.

The day of the week you leave can save you money

The day of the you choose for departure can save you money. In fact, leaving on a Thursday for international travel can save you up to 8 per cent, compared to those who depart on a Sunday — the most expensive travel day. Domestic flights were cheapest on a Friday, saving you up to 23 per cent, compared to Monday — the priciest day for domestic travel.

Travel during the summer months

It’s a myth that summer is the most expensive travel period. According to ARC’s data, July is the cheapest month for economy tickets. You can save up to 11 per cent by travelling in July compared to March — the most expensive month.

It’s also the cheapest month for premium flight tickets, so if you’re considering upgrading, this is the month to do it. If you’re looking for premium, you might want to avoid September — the most expensive month for premium tickets.

“The peak of summer is the cheapest month to fly, and booking too far out can actually cost you money — these realities fly in the face of advice floating around the internet,” said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations. “It makes sense to trust the billions of data points from across the world and every airline that go into the Expedia Air Hacks report.”

Take advantage of price tracking tools

Many travel websites like Expedia, have price tracking tools which can alert travellers to price changes or when to book to get the most savings.

Bundle your travel services

Websites, like Expedia, offer a wide variety of travel products — flights, car rentals, hotels and even some recreational activities. It can be cheaper to book them all together. Booking them through the same service can save you money. It also makes it easier to keep track of your itinerary.

Travel is a one-of-a-kind experience — whether you’re investigating a new destination close to home or travelling across the globe. Make every dollar count, wherever you’re headed in 2025.

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Which Countries Offer The Best Work-Life Balance 7 Places To Explore
travel

Which Countries Offer The Best Work-Life Balance? 7 Places To Explore

Whether you’re looking to make a change in your own life or simply seeking inspiration, these countries show us that work-life balance is within reach.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the right balance between work and personal life has become a dream for many. Long hours, constant deadlines and the pressure to stay connected often leave little time for family, hobbies or even rest. Yet, in some parts of the world, people manage to enjoy fulfilling careers while still having plenty of time to relax and recharge. These countries have built systems that value happiness as much as hard work, offering lessons for the rest of us. From shorter working weeks to generous holidays, let’s look at the nations that have truly mastered the art of balance. Check them out below!

Here Are 7 Countries With Great Work-Life Balance:

1. Finland

Finland regularly tops global happiness rankings. With a 35-40-hour workweek, Finns prioritise work-life balance and enjoy generous parental leave and flexible working hours. Finns embody the concept of ‘sisu’, a cultural trait that encompasses determination and resilience. This mindset helps them navigate life’s challenges while valuing simplicity and quality time with loved ones, often unwinding in nature.

2. Denmark

Denmark, too, offers an amazing work-life balance for its residents. The standard workweek is around 37 hours, and people rarely stay in the office late. Danes enjoy long leaves, flexible working options and a strong focus on family time. Evenings and weekends are usually reserved for relaxation, with the cultural concept of hygge, a cosy and stress-free lifestyle, at the heart of their daily lives.

3. Netherlands

In the Netherlands, part-time work is common and widely accepted, even for full professionals. Dutch employees enjoy some of the shortest average working weeks in the world, often around 30-35 hours. This gives them more time for cycling, socialising and spending time outdoors. Employers also respect personal boundaries, with little expectation to check work emails after office hours.

4. Norway

Norway’s strong economy and focus on social welfare allow workers to enjoy shorter hours without compromising productivity. The country offers generous vacation policies, and outdoor activities like skiing, hiking and fishing. Norwegians value ‘friluftsliv,’ a lifestyle that celebrates open-air living, ensuring that time away from work is spent connecting with nature.

5. Sweden

Sweden has experimented with shorter working days and continues to prioritise employee well-being. The idea of fika, a daily coffee break with colleagues, shows how Swedes blend productivity with relaxation. With long parental leave policies and an emphasis on equality at work, Sweden encourages people to enjoy both their careers and family life without compromise.

6. Germany

Germany is known for its efficiency, but it also values free time. Employees usually avoid unnecessary overtime and the culture strongly supports disconnecting after work hours. In fact, some companies even discourage emailing staff outside office time. With generous paid leave and public holidays, Germans make the most of travel, family gatherings and leisure activities.

7. New Zealand

New Zealand has recently gained attention for adopting flexible work models, including the four-day work week in some companies. Its stunning landscapes encourage people to spend time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, surfing or simply relaxing by the sea. The balance here comes naturally, as both work and play are equally celebrated.

What Is The Average Workweek Like In Countries With Good Work-Life Balance?

Countries that prioritise work-life balance typically have shorter workweeks, ranging from 30-40 hours. This allows employees to have more time for personal activities, family and self-care.

How Does Parental Leave Impact Work-Life Balance?

Generous parental leave policies enable parents to care for their newborns and young children without sacrificing their careers. This support helps reduce stress and promotes a healthier balance between work and family responsibilities.

What Countries Have The Shortest Working Weeks?

The Netherlands stands out with an average workweek of 29 hours, followed by countries like Denmark, Norway and Germany, which have workweeks ranging from 35-37 hours. These countries prioritise employee well-being and recognise the benefits of a shorter workweek.

Whether you’re looking to make a change in your own life or simply seeking inspiration, these countries show us that work-life balance is within reach.

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How to Plan the Perfect Family Trip to Toronto
Lifestyletravel

How to Plan the Perfect Family Trip to Toronto

Canada’s biggest city is a great choice for kids of all ages — and the parents will have fun, too.

Finally ready to take that family vacation? With new exhibits that invite kids to explore the country’s history — plus classic Toronto outings that parents can enjoy — Canada’s biggest city is ready to welcome the whole clan. Here’s how to plan the perfect trip for kids of all ages.

For Younger Children

Little Canada, which opened in August 2021, features miniature models of Canadian cities, like the European-style buildings and cobblestoned streets of Old Quebec, and landscapes, like the towering Rocky Mountains. With moving cars, trains, and boats, thousands of LED lights, and mini people “walking” the streets, the installation brings the country’s attractions to life. Your child can even become a part of these little settings, thanks to an on-site scanner that prints tiny 3-D versions of visitors.

At Black Creek Pioneer Village, costumed interpreters demonstrate what life was like in the 1860s. Kids can try out a musical instrument, work alongside a tinsmith, or take in a collection of more than 2,000-period toys.

For Teens and Tweens

The EdgeWalk lets kids aged 13 and older circumnavigate the famous CN Tower, walking along an outdoor platform 116 stories above the ground (don’t worry, harnesses and safety gear are provided).

Fashion-forward teens looking for activities closer to the ground will love the Queen Street West neighborhood, with its vintage-fashion shops and quirky cafés. They’ll also be steps from the MuchMusic building, the former studio of the iconic Canadian TV channel, which, like MTV, launched the careers of many famous VJs. Stroll by and tell the kids about the good old days of waiting to actually buy an album on CD.

For Kids of All Ages

Take the whole family to the Bentway, a year-round trail and outdoor event space under the Gardiner Expressway, just steps from Lake Ontario. Check the website for seasonal offerings, which range from an ice-skating track in the winter to a roller-skating rink in the summer.

When the kids have worked up an appetite, head to Kensington Market to sample foods from around the world, including Swedish coffee, Baja-style tacos, and Jamaican patties.

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