It’s certain most of us find happiness when we travel. We’re taking a look at how hitting the road can keep you both happy and healthy…

1. Be stimulated

Travel gives us beauty, colour, perfumes, views, new topics of conversation, and it means that we usually spend more time outside. This stimulates vitamin D production, which helps dispel vague aches and pains. More than half of the UK population has insufficient levels of vitamin D and many have such symptoms as a result.

Daylight also helps readjust melatonin levels – the hormone secreted during the hours of darkness that facilitates restful sleep. Levels fall when you have jetlag (as well as when you age and in irritable bowel syndrome). Good levels appear to offer protection against breast and prostate cancer. Melatonin supplements – which are usually more competitively priced abroad – don’t need to be prescribed in the US.

Top tip: Get over jetlag faster by exposing yourself to as much natural light as possible at your destination – get outside or, if you are inside, then sit by large windows. If you must sleep during the daytime, nap for no more than one or two hours in order to stay awake until 10pm local time.

2. Seek variety

Humans are most fulfilled when they have good social networks. Travel offers opportunities to share experiences with new people. The fact that you’re an outsider also makes you a minor celebrity – you feel special, and have time to take an interest in new acquaintances.

Research shows that happiness spreads better than unhappiness. Meeting fulfilled spiritual peoples can be especially uplifting; for example, happiness is a goal for Buddhists, and some travellers opt to attend enriching self-exploratory courses.

Top tip: Courses and workshops introduce you to kindred spirits and make it even easier to make social links.

3. Get excited

Many travel experiences produce an adrenalin buzz. The body makes endorphins – natural opiates produced during excitement, love, even the consumption of spicy food. The good and bad stresses of travel stimulate endorphin production, as do exercise, outdoor sports and managing something scary, such as a via ferrata or bungee jump. It’s always good to return home with your neurotransmitters stimulated and some goals achieved.

There is also a lot of joy to be had in reflecting on past journeys and experiences as well as planning the next exploit.

Top tip: Water sports such as rafting are invigorating, allow you to see spectacular scenery and stimulate adrenalin. The scarier the challenge you succeed in, the better you’ll feel afterwards – but make sure you’re insured.

4. Eat well

Serotonin is probably the best known of the natural hormones that promote feelings of wellbeing; it’s also key to healthy memory. A diet that increases the ratio of tryptophan to phenylalanine and leucine will increase serotonin levels. Fruits with a good ratio include dates, papayas and bananas, which are cheaper, tastier and more readily available in exotic destinations. Foods with a lower ratio inhibit the production of serotonin, such as whole grains.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure, attachment and love, for appetite control, being able to focus on tasks, and muscle control. Antioxidants, seafood and foods rich in protein, and especially the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine help increase dopamine in the body and the brain. Sources of phenylalanine are high-protein foods such as meat, cottage cheese and wheat germ.

Top tip: Stimulate your serotonin levels by eating dates, papayas, bananas, lean meat, flaxseed, buckwheat, fish and seafood, eggs, sour cherries and dark chocolate.

5. Relax

‘A change is as good as a rest’ is a truism, but new environments make it easier to leave your troubles behind. Stresses stay at the office while you recharge your batteries. You have time – at last – to rest and to enjoy.

Top tip: Water has a calming effect on most people and concentrating on an image of the sea or a river can help if you’re tense on the plane. Being close to animals is also soothing – many trips and safaris allow close encounters.

6. Treat your body

Some people travel with a specific health agenda, while others take the opportunity to indulge in an exotic massage, spa or acupuncture. Indian hairdressers and barbers all offer head massage as part of even the cheapest cut – you emerge from the salon looking and feeling good.

Many tour operators also provide wellness focused itineraries, with gentle activities like yoga and paddleboarding included. Take the stress out of your trip by picking on of these ready-made trips and treat both your body and mind.

Top tip: Seek out a local traditional therapist who can improve your mood through hands-on treatments such as Thai or ayurvedic massage.

If you’re a beginner photographer who got hired to shoot a wedding, keep these important points in mind to prepare yourself mentally.

For a couple, their wedding is probably one of the most important and memorable days of their lives. If you’re a photographer, it’s your responsibility to capture the perfect, precious moments on this day, so they can look back on them for years to come.

Wedding photography can be difficult and stressful, but it’s also hugely satisfying when you do a good job. Use these nine tips and tricks to help you rock your next wedding shoot.

1. Research the Venue

Before you do anything else, you need to become familiar with the location you will be shooting at. Take a trip to the venue before the wedding day; this way, you can make a list of the best places for photographs and understand the overall layout and lighting.

If you waste time looking for the correct lighting because you didn’t research the venue ahead of time, you’ll just end up frustrating the couple.

Take care to visit the location beforehand, so you’ll be able to mentally prepare yourself and avoid any possible chaos on the wedding day.

2. Double-Check Your Equipment

Can you imagine what a disaster it would be if you showed up to a wedding with a broken camera lens? The last thing you want to do is forget something at home or bring camera equipment that isn’t working properly.

To avoid ruining the bride and groom’s special day, double-check all of your pieces of camera equipment before you leave. Always bring some extra bits and bobs, like lights or lenses, just in case something happens.

Besides the wedding day itself, it’s better to check if everything’s working as intended a few days ahead to avoid unnecessary panic.

3. Bring Along an Assistant

Depending on how large and extravagant the wedding will be, you might need to hire someone to give you a helping hand. A lot goes into most weddings, so it’s almost impossible to cover everything yourself.

You don’t want to waste precious time trying to do everything yourself. This could end up annoying the couple on what is supposed to be the most memorable day of their lives.

Your best bet is to bring along an assistant to take a little pressure off. You can make your assistant capture the smaller shots while you have ample time to shoot the more significant moments.

4. Get to Know the Couple

During your first meetings with the couple, take care to get to know them. Ask them questions like, how did you meet? How long have you been together? Do you have any children?

By getting to know them, you’ll show you care about them, and you’re not just after their money. These questions will also help the couple feel less nervous about their big day.

The more you know the couple you’re going to be shooting, the better the photographs will turn out. Won’t you feel more comfortable taking intimate wedding shots with someone you know rather than a complete stranger?

5. Use the Best Camera Gear

A wedding is just one day of shooting, but it requires a range of different types of photography. There are close-ups, venue photographs, portraits, family shots, and romantic bride and groom pictures. You need to capture all of these different shots, plus you’ll be shooting in locations with varying lighting conditions.

To provide the best possible photographs, you’ll need to use the best camera gear you can afford. If you can’t afford all the best gear, consider hiring it for the day. A lot of photographers do that these days.

There’s a ton of equipment to choose from, but the basics you’ll need to include are a full-frame camera, a variety of lenses, and a couple of flashes.

6. Create a Shot List

One of the most helpful steps you can take to be prepared is to create a personalized shot checklist. When you meet the couple, ask them to think about the important photos they want you to capture on their special day.

The couple may not be 100% sure of the specific shots, and it’s your job as the photographer to know what to document during the wedding. You’ll need to keep a standard wedding shot list on hand that you can refer back to throughout the day.

Some of the most popular wedding shots include the groom and bridal party preparations, close-ups of the rings, family portraits, the groom’s reaction, cutting the cake, and many more.

7. Don’t Be Invasive

There’s nothing worse than an annoying, intrusive photographer that won’t give the couple their space. Yes, it’s your job to capture the most memorable moment of their lives, but it’s best to know when to move in closer and when to keep your distance.

A great tip is to buy a high-quality zoom lens, so you can take great shots without being too invasive. Also, always remember to switch your camera’s shutter to silent mode.

8. Capture the Natural Moments

It’s essential to have a wedding shot checklist, but don’t forget to take photos of natural, magical moments. Keep your focus on the bride and groom’s close family and friends, and prepare to snap a shot at any given time.

The couple will truly treasure that emotional shot of the groom shedding a tear or the bride dancing with her father. Don’t spend all your time directing everyone to pose; this will only look awkward and unnatural.

It’s best to give whoever you’re shooting some space and let their behavior come naturally. These shots may not be traditional, but they’re often the ones that the happy couple will love the most.

9. Expect the Unexpected

A crucial piece of advice to remember is that you need to brace for things to go wrong. You’ve done all the proper steps beforehand, but even then, some things may go wrong on the wedding day.

Whether the best man can’t find the ring or the rain starts pouring down in the middle of the ceremony, it’s best not to panic. These moments of chaos can create the most memorable moments that the couple will look back on and laugh at.

Always capture these memories, no matter how stressful they may seem. You’ll be able to photograph some fun moments that’ll end up being everyone’s favorites.

Make Your Next Wedding Photo Shoot Fun and Rewarding

Despite being incredibly stressful at times, wedding photography is worth the effort. Not only will you be able to capture a couple’s most memorable day, but you’ll have a lot of fun doing it too. Don’t forget that a wedding is a celebration, so remember not to take things too seriously.

The more fun and relaxed you are, the more comfortable the people you’re photographing will feel. Keep these wedding photography tips in mind, and you’ll capture amazing photographs that the bride and groom will cherish for a lifetime.

1. Clean bathrooms 24 hours a day: Police Stations, Businesses on park land, Government Offices and Expensive Hotels all have ‘public’ bathrooms.

Police stations have clean bathrooms open 24 hours that you can use, just walk in and ask. They are very clean, generally don’t smell and are not the same toilets used for those in jail so it’s never shady. Besides they are probably the safest bathrooms in NYC. All government offices like the NYC Supreme Court and commercial stores on public or park land must legally let you use their bathroom facilities including Tavern on the Green. Many expensive hotels have immaculate 24 hour public bathrooms including the Waldorf Astoria or the Trump hotels, just walk in. Say what you want about Donald Trump, but I’ve taken many a #2 on his dime, fully enjoying Trump’s soft toilet paper, luxuriously thick hand towels and quality soap.

2. Pay 1 fee for a round trip on the bus: If you live in Manhattan or elsewhere, check the bus map carefully. There is a chance that you can take the bus one direction, and another bus back on the same street that shares the same route as a transfer with your Metrocard, as long as you do it within 2.25 hours between swipes.

3. Never get lost in Manhattan: Just go to an intersection and look for the short side of the block, the next intersection is the next street – if the next street is higher in number, that’s North (obviously this means your right side is East, left side is West and your back is South). Along the long sides of the blocks are streets, short sides of the blocks run the avenues.

4. Never get lost in Central Park: Central Park is huge, so look out for those old black street lamps, they all have a 4 number stamp on the base of them. The first two numbers are the street you’re on. 8910 means you’re on 89th street, 6701 means you’re on 67th street.

5. Top of the Rock at Rockefeller is far better, cheaper, faster for viewing the city than the Empire State building: The view from the Top of the Rock is far better and cleaner than the old Empire State building. The line is usually very short, no more than 10 minutes which makes it very easy to time yourself for a sunset. The Empire State building can have wait times of upwards of 2 hours and is double the price.

6. Get closer to the Statue of Liberty for free: The Staten Island Ferry is free and passes rather close to Lady Liberty, in many ways far better than spending a whole day going there and lining up. Besides tickets to climb the stairs of the statue itself are often sold out or it’ll be under renovations. Take the sunset ride so on your way back you get to see the downtown skyline like you’ve never seen before.

7. Many independent bakers discount their foods 1 hour from closing: Starbucks and other cafe lounging can get kind of pricey. If you’re within one hour of closing, many bakeries and cafes will slash the prices on the food. Wait a little bit after closing and chances are you can probably get a bag full of food for free. NYC has so many restaurants and eateries that tons of food, otherwise absolutely fine for consumption, gets thrown out.

8. There is a free scenic bike/runners path that circles Manhattan: Just run to the riverside and you’ll start seeing it.

9. If a subway car is empty on an otherwise crowded train, don’t get in, there’s a damn good reason for that. Broken A/C, terrible smell, crazy person, etc.

10. Visit the Met without fighting the crowd: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most important in the world but the crowd up the steps of the main entrance can be intense, and there is lots of pressure for you to pay full. Skip the steps and take the semi-hidden handicap entrance to the left of it. There will be almost no people there, no lines, it’s right next to coat check, and they don’t hassle you to pay anything.

11. In any decent NY bar, if you’re tipping well ($2 per drink is minimum really) every fourth round should be free. This is called a “buyback”, is an old NY custom, and it doesn’t hurt to ask.

12. If you’re one of those people who is constantly getting the ‘Swipe again at this turnstyle’ messages, try improving your form by realizing it’s all shoulder and no wrist. Grip the card, and at a medium pace, move your arm through the reader until it fully exits the other side. The two biggest mistakes I see are people doing it too quickly or people ending with a wrist flick before the card completely travels through the reader.

13. It’s safer to ride the train on the conductors car late at night. Late nights on the train sometimes you don’t feel comfortable riding alone in an empty train car and you’re not sure where the train conductor will be?. On the train platform they have a striped bar, black and white, or yellow and red, where the conductor has to stop in order to get the train adequately into the station. They will ALWAYS stop there and like I said a uniformed individual at night may provide comfort to those riding alone.

14. You have a right to ignore people selling or trying to give away something on the street. It’s quite possibly scam or rip-offs. For instance, don’t buy ticket from people selling Statue of Liberty tickets at South Ferry, or Empire State Building tickets near the building or people offering cab rides inside the baggage claim area of the airport.

15. Avoid eating at the restaurants at the vicinity of Times Square. Some of the best food in the city can be found just a few blocks away (map ) at Restaurant Row.

16. Download some audio tours – they’re not more than $3-5 ( if there’s even a charge) and walk a district or neighborhood with one. The best are GPS enabled.

17. Don’t be afraid to ask New Yorkers for directions. Although we can sometimes be assholes, most of us are pretty nice and will help you out. Be direct and quick with your question of the best results

18. You look like a fool yelling/whistling “TAXI” Just step off the curb and raise your hand. If the light is on, the cab is available, if the light if off it’s occupied.

19. Never look crazy people in the eye – Don’t stare. You’re inviting the crazy in if you do.

20. Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk and block the foot traffic of people behind you to take a picture or marvel at whatever. Move to the side. Sidewalks are like freeways here. Don’t block traffic.

Learn 15 easy ways to stay safe from scams, theft, and other common safety concerns while traveling. Everyone should know these simple travel safety tips that can be used anywhere.

From drive-by purse snatchers to identity thieves to much more dangerous criminals like kidnappers and sex traffickers, there’s always some story in the news about someone taking advantage of travelers.

So far in my travels, I’ve never had any serious problems, thank goodness, and the vast majority of travelers will never fall victim to anything more serious than pick-pocketing. Even so, I always keep these safety practices in mind when I travel, and I recommend you do, too.

If you’re planning your next trip and wondering how to travel safely, look no further than these 15 simple and straightforward travel safety tips for your ultimate safe travel guide.

15 simple travel safety tips everyone should know

1. Don’t wear flashy jewelry

Wearing expensive, flashy jewelry is one sure way to make yourself an obvious target for robbery. Leave it at home, friends, especially if you plan to travel to crowded areas!

2. Drink responsibly

This has to be one of the most important safety tips for travelers.

Lots of people enjoy exploring the local nightlife while traveling, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But keep in mind that it’s even more important than ever to drink responsibly when you’re traveling.

When you’re away from home you’re more likely to get lost or end up in a dangerous neighborhood, and being obviously drunk makes you an easy target for scams, robbery, or worse.

Oh, and ladies, never forget the golden rule of safe drinking in public: keep an eye on your drink at all times!

3. Be smart about your money

Any solid resource of travel safety information will tell you that it’s never a good idea to carry huge amounts of cash. Instead, open an account with an international bank or credit card company so you can use local ATMs. If you absolutely must withdraw large amounts of cash at once, leave the bulk of it locked up safely in your hotel or hostel and carry only what you’ll need for the day.

When using ATMs, try to use only those that are attached to banks as these are less likely to have been tampered with by scammers.

Never keep all of your money in one place. Keep cash and credit cards in two or three different places so that if one of your stashes is stolen you aren’t left completely empty-handed.

4. Be aware of popular scams

Research the place you’re visiting to see what the local scammers are up to. Scams range from RFID scanners to ploys using children to play on your sympathy. You’ll be less likely to fall for these scams if you’ve heard about them ahead of time.

5. Know the phone number for emergency services

Be sure to look up the emergency services number for your destination, even before you get there. It’s also a good idea to look up the number for your country’s nearest embassy before you leave. Write them down or save them in your phone so you’ll have quick access to them in the event of an emergency.

6. Use the right bag

Cross-body bags are safer than shoulder or hand bags and can prevent people from grabbing your bag as they run or drive by. There are tons of bags made specifically for travelers with features such as slash-proof straps, RFID blockers, and locking zippers. Invest in a good bag that suits your needs and preferences.

7. Bring travel locks and use them

You can save a few bucks by coming prepared with your own lock if you plan to stay in a hostel. Even if you’re not staying in a hostel, having a travel lock that can secure your bag to your seat or chair while dining or in transit will help keep your valuables safe from theft.

8. Keep digital copies of important documents

When traveling, your passport may be the most valuable thing you carry. In the event of a stolen passport, having a digital copy will help make the process of getting a replacement easier.

9. Try to blend in

Tourists tend to carry larger amounts of cash and valuables and are more vulnerable to scams. Try to avoid being an obvious tourist.

Dress as the locals do, don’t stop abruptly in the middle of busy streets to take photos, and even when you’re lost try not to make it apparent. If you need to ask for directions or consult a map, step inside a shop or cafe to do so.

10. Use reputable transportation companies

Research which taxi companies are reputable before you arrive in a place, and use only those. If you’re ride-sharing using an app like Uber or Lyft, double check your driver’s vehicle information and verify their name before you get in the car with them.

11. Check in with friends and family often

Before you leave let someone know your itinerary, and update them to any changes of plans. Make a habit of checking in with a close friend or family member back home at the end of each day.

I know this can seem like a hassle, but ultimately it’s better to be safe than sorry. If something terrible were to happen, you’ll get help faster if someone knows where you were supposed to be that day.

12. Ask locals for advice

When you check in at a hotel or hostel, ask for recommendations about which neighborhoods are safe and which are not so safe and mark places to avoid on your map.

13. Use apps for emergency alerts

There are a variety of apps out there aimed to provide safety travel information and help travelers safe.

• Sitata is a great app that alerts users to potential dangers or disruptions to travel in real time. It also includes tips for avoiding the latest scams and helps users locate nearby hospitals.
• Smart Traveler is the official U.S. State Department app for travelers. There are many useful features, including notifications for travel advisories and alerts and locations of U.S. embassies. I’m sure there are similar apps for citizens of other countries, but I was unable to find any information about them online.

14. Stay aware of your surroundings

You should always pay attention to what’s going on around you, whether you are in a crowded tourist spot or walking down an empty street.

Would-be offenders often seek out people who are distracted or disengaged from their surroundings to target. This is particularly important for solo travelers, especially solo female travelers.

15. Trust your instincts

If someone or some place is making you uncomfortable, there’s mostly likely a reason. Often our subconscious picks up on things that we aren’t consciously aware of, and that’s where our “gut feelings” come from. Listen to those feelings. They will help you stay safe.

Now that you’re armed with these simple safety tips for traveling, it’s time to get out and explore the world!