Suitcases are being zipped up and passports are being dusted off; international travel is well and truly back. In fact, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics saw monthly departures increase by 53,150 in May. Much like the rest of the world, Australians are itching to travel overseas again, but after a more than two-year travel hiatus, it seems our carry-on essentials may need some updating.

Whether you’re waiting to check in, get through security, or you’re attempting to fall asleep in the most unnatural of positions, we can all agree that flying is not the peak of comfort. So, if the dreaded long-haul flights are the only thing stopping you from spending 72 hours in Paris right now, don’t worry because we’ve got a couple of carry-on must-haves that will come in clutch during your travels.

Without compromising on style, these flight essentials will have you looking and feeling your best, wherever you’re flying in the world.

Cotton jersey T-shirt

This short-sleeved crew-neck T-shirt is the perfect basic for a long-haul flight or never-ending airport queue. Keeping comfy whilst making a statement, this cotton t-shirt is embellished by a Max Mara ‘The Cube’ logo.

Oversized knit cardigan

This beige Danni Cardigan by Lisa Yang is the ultimate minimalistic piece. With a rib knit Y-neck and cuffed sleeves, this 100 per cent cashmere cardigan exudes coziness. Easy to slip on and off, this piece will keep you warm on the flight and make sure security checks have never been easier.

Stylish track pants

These crepe track pants have been sent from the airport-style Gods in the form of Stella McCartney. The pants are a high-rise style and cut for a loose fit, then tapered at the hem so that movement is unrestricted and you can stretch (as much as you can) in your seat.

Neck pillow with memory foam

This neck pillow has been specially designed for the longest of journeys and the most uncomfortable of seats. With interior memory foam and cooling gel, you’re almost guaranteed a good night’s sleep. With a drawstring included, this neck pillow can be easily tied to carry-on luggage to ensure a no-fuss experience.

Canvas low top trainers

Whether you’re trying to get your steps in up and down the aisle or you’re running to terminal three, these Jimmy Choo sneakers have got you covered. The platform sole, padded ankles and canvas material mean you’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds while you’re in them. The signature Jimmy Choo Hawaii-Style trainer is embroidered with silver-star eyelets, pearls and a Jimmy Choo embossing.

Silk sleep set

If you find it difficult to sleep on the plane, this Silk Sleep Set from Slip is exactly what you’re missing. The luxurious travel kit includes a travel pillow, black Slip silk pillowcase and a matching silk mask. All are crafted using long fibre mulberry silk and non-toxic dyes, so you can rest easy on fine threads.

Designer backpack

In terms of stylish carry-on luggage, you can’t go past a Louis Vuitton backpack. Featuring the classic monogram canvas, the Montsouris Backpack is compact, modernised and comes with adjustable straps for any kind of occasion. With inner pockets and a magnetic buckle, this backpack is the pinnacle of practicality that comes with Louis Vuitton’s classic exterior style.

Designer passport holder

For the modern and practical traveller, a passport holder is a must for any trip. We recommend matching your carry-on to your passport cover with this chic Louis Vuitton holder that will slip easily into your LV backpack or pant pocket.

Glass water bottle

Staying hydrated is an important part of any journey. Packing your own water bottle will ensure you don’t have to waste money and plastic on overpriced bottled water, all while looking put-together and stylish.

This glass water bottle by Prada is the perfect travel companion. Decorated with an engraved lettering logo and sheathed in a silicone case, this water bottle is chic and sleek – exactly what you need to slip easily into a carry-on.

Travel beauty kit

One of the worst things about long flights is the potential upending of your daily skincare routine, leaving skin feeling dry and irritated come touch-down time. Coming to the rescue is this Departure Travel Kit by Aesop. Ensuring your skin remains cleansed and moisturised no matter what part of the world you’re in, this kit includes toothpaste, mouthwash, hand soap, moisturiser and more skin goodies to keep you feeling fresh.

Candid Photography is a new and refreshing take on wedding photography. Think photojournalism meets traditional photography. The photographer wanders the wedding with an eye on capturing moments of emotions.

Traditional Wedding Photography involves taking pictures of the participants of the wedding by setting up poses or by taking simple images of the events. The photographer will instruct you to sit in a particular place, stand against a specific backdrop or pose in group pictures.

Should I hire only Candid Wedding Photographers? What about the Reception, don’t I need Traditional Photographers? What is the difference between Candid Photography & Traditional Photography?

These are the most common questions we get from couples.

Selecting a photographer for your wedding is an important decision. We understand that it can become overwhelming considering you are so busy making many decisions like selecting the wedding planning team, caterers, make-up artists, florists etc. All at the same time.

Here’s a guide on the differences between Traditional Photography and Candid Photography that will help you find the right mix.

What is Candid Photography?

Candid Photography is a new and refreshing take on wedding photography. Think photojournalism meets traditional photography. The photographer wanders the wedding with an eye on capturing moments of emotions. A grandmother beaming with pride, a groom catching a glimpse of a bride in-between ceremonies, a child laughing or a mother silently crying tears of joy.

The focus is on unobtrusively capturing as many touching and poignant moments as possible so that years from now you have an emotional cross section of your wedding day.

What is Traditional Photography?

Traditional Wedding Photography involves taking pictures of the participants of the wedding by setting up poses or by taking simple images of the events. The photographer will instruct you to sit in a particular place, stand against a specific backdrop or pose in group pictures.

You would recognise this style of photography when you look at the wedding album of your parents. The wedding pictures will appear staged. Fixed poses and eye level wedding images.

What are the differences between Traditional and Candid Photography?

1. Focus

The focus of the Traditional Photographer is Coverage. They aim to get as much of the event as possible ensuring that every ceremony is documented, even if that means asking a couple to repeat a certain step or look into the camera while an important ceremony takes place.

In a wedding event you would see them meticulously taking pictures of the ceremonies. They will aim to cover all the wedding puja items and paraphernalia too. They are really good at creating a comprehensive album of your events and the people who attended.

The focus of the Candid Photographer is Emotion. While the couple are the stars of the day, there are people (close family & friends) for whom this wedding is also a special day.

The candid photographer will weave in and out of events to follow the actions of these people

Also, the couple puts so much effort in selecting the venue, outfits, jewellery, décor; hence the emphasis is given not only to the ceremonies but also on a lot of other details like getting ready shots, décor shots, behind the scenes of various ceremonies, etc

2.  Training

The Traditional Photographer has a clear focus on covering as much of the event and people as possible. So, he does not need to master advanced techniques. He needs to be rigorous and ever present.

The Candid Photographer has to master working with lights, multiple lenses and equipment like reflectors. Indian weddings have varied light conditions and a good candid photographer needs to be technically trained to ensure that all the photos she delivers are consistent, whether it is bride’s dimly lit dressing room or a banquet hall cocktail event or a seaside mandap.

These varied light conditions demand a dedication to constantly train with new equipment and the latest techniques.

3. Equipment

Due to the different demands on candid photographers and traditional photographers the equipment they use is different.

Candid Photographers invest in a variety of lenses (expensive ones called Prime lenses) because they need to be at the cutting edge of photography. For example, 1Plus1 Studio has invested in the highest quality of Canon cameras and lenses. We’ve also invested in the DJI drone instead of renting lower quality drones.

4. Editing Process

The Traditional Photographer shoots tens of weddings a month. Due to time constraints, he can only do very basic edits to the photos. What you receive is often a vast collection of mildly corrected photos.

The Candid Photographer makes time to sit and make significant edits to the pictures she shoots. Good composition & colour grading is what makes an image great! We have invested in Adobe Lightroom and Final Cut Pro to ensure that our photographers have access to the best tools.

Because of the premium they put on a high-quality output, Candid photographers spend a lot of time on colour corrections, curation and other creative edits.
The candid photos that are delivered should appear thoughtful and personal.

What Should I Choose – Candid Wedding Photography Or Traditional Wedding Photography?

If you are going to have an intimate wedding ceremony, say 50 guests then just candid wedding photography will do. At any numbers greater than this you should consider a company that does both. 1Plus1 Studio insists on providing both services because this allows our respective teams to do what they specialise in.

The Traditional Photographer is free to create a comprehensive coverage album.

The Candid photographer is free to create a curated cross section of the wedding’s most important moments and occurrences.

From how to communicate better to food recommendations — these easy tips will help you prepare for your trip like a pro

One of the most attractive holiday destinations in Southeast Asia, travelling to Vietnam can be fun if you know what you’re getting yourself into beforehand. Learning all about the local customs, culture and transportation in advance will not only help avoid problems during your trip, but also make it a memorable one.

1. When to visit

Being a Southeast Asian country, the first thing about Vietnam you should take into consideration are its seasons. It has a tropical monsoon climate. The weather is hot, humid and sultry with an adequate dose of Vitamin D during the day with an average temperature of 26-28°C. However, during winters, Vietnam gets quite chilly with a strong breeze and the temperature ranging between 18°C and 23°C. The best time to visit the country is between November and April, ensuring you soak in the warmth of the sun while also enjoying the cool weather.

2. Local Transport

Book your flights in advance to save a few bucks on the flight fares. While most metro cities in India have flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, try to get a direct flight to avoid long flying times. Make sure you have a car to pick you up at the airport because many flights out of Kolkata can reach the cities late at night when transportation could be a challenge.

Remember, it is best to rent a car via your travel agent or hotel along with a guide because taxis can be very expensive for short rides. Though it’s legal for foreigners to hire motorbikes that are 50cc or less, it is best to avoid that because of the lack of familiarity with Vietnam’s road rules. You can also walk around the streets to experience the local culture.

3. Communicate better with a translation app

While Vietnam is ready for all the tourism it is getting, language can be quite a barrier. You may come across local people who could speak phrases of English, but it is better not to count on it. Most of the locals depend on Google Translate to communicate with foreigners in English. The best thing to do would be to buy a local sim card at the airport — the service providers have many data plans for you to choose from and are quite pocket friendly (Rs 2,000-4,000) depending on the kind of plan you opt for. The best part? Accessibility to the internet when you’re out exploring via Google Maps. It will make for a much more pleasant experience than getting lost in a city that does not speak your language.

4. Food restrictions

If you’re a vegetarian, Vietnam is probably not a country where you can binge to your heart’s content. The food culture here is heavy on seafood and meat. They only seem to consume vegetables as an accessory to their mains — afterall, this country does put eggs in their coffee too! However, the country has convenience stores at every corner. Much like Thailand’s 7-Eleven, Vietnam has Circle K stores. The convenience stores have a lot of snacks like chips, ready-to-eat sausages, fresh bakery breads, a wide variety of instant ramens and dairy products like flavoured milks and yoghurts for you to feast on. You could also visit European-style restaurants and cafes for vegetarian meals and snacks like crepes. Try a variety of tofu stir-fried dishes along with salads to get a taste of the local cuisine.

5. How much to tip

Like in every other tourist destination, tipping is always appreciated in a developing country like Vietnam. Though it is not mandatory, your local tour guide, driver and hotel staff may sometimes try to coerce you into paying tips. However, we recommend you hold your ground and tip only if you want to. Also, the amount should be entirely a personal preference.

The reality of traveling is that there are risks involved, and it’s important to be aware of these so you can protect yourself. Your unfamiliarity with a culture or language could potentially lead to unpleasant experiences with others who may not have your best interests at heart. It’s important to educate yourself on the common travel scams in order to recognize them if they are attempted against you. So guard yourself against potential pitfalls by doing plenty of research, being informed, and being alert, but don’t deprive yourself of all the incredible things traveling has to offer.

What are 10 tips to stay safe while traveling abroad?

How can you stay safe in another country? You need to be extra careful and know the typical tricks of scammers. The following tips will help you.

#1 Taxi and Tuk Tuk

Traveling can be one of the most rewarding experiences when it is done right, but there are unscrupulous drivers who take advantage of unsuspecting travelers every day, overcharging for fares and taking them to places where they get a commission for bringing business. To protect yourself from taxi and tuk-tuk scams, it’s important to first use only official licensed services from trustworthy sources. Try calling for a licensed taxi or hailing one from an official rank, ensuring you know how much the fare should be in advance. If traveling by tuk-tuk, ask your accommodation if they can recommend someone reliable. Be firm but polite about where you want to go and if the driver doesn’t want to take you there, politely decline their offer and find another one.

#2 Money Changing

Money-changing scams can be frustrating and costly, so how can you avoid them? When exchanging money, check that you have been given the correct amount of change before leaving the exchange booth. Pay close attention to the denominations accepted as many currencies have bills that look similar in color and design. It is important not to accept torn, worn, or damaged notes as it can be difficult to get rid of them later. Financial institutions offer services for travelers where your purchase will be accurate and reliable another way to protect yourself against money-changing scams.

#3 Fake cops

Fake cops appear to be quite prevalent, so how do you protect yourself from becoming a victim? Most of the time, these scammers will ask for your personal ID and then issue you a phony fine. Never give them your ID or pay any fines on the spot. If they are uninformed and appear to be legitimate authorities, it’s wise to ask them for their ID in return. Instead of handing money over, insist that you’ll go to the police station to deal with the matter appropriately.

Another way to avoid scammers is to call the police station. You will be able to verify the legality of the actions of the police or confirm your fears. Only you will definitely need a call recorder app iPhone. If you use a call recorder like iCall you will have proof. We hope you won’t need this proof, but it’s better to take care of it in advance. Just download iCall Recorder before making a call and you will be more likely to protect your rights. Play the recording through the call recorder at the embassy or real police and you will be sure how lawful the actions of law enforcement agencies are. Another plus is that the application has a free trial version.

#4 Beware of obsessive people

Knowing how to avoid being scammed is an important part of traveling. Many con artists will approach tourists offering helpful advice or inviting them to a place, but the intentions behind this are always suspicious. For example, in Lee’s experience arriving in Delhi, he encountered someone who tried to give him the wrong directions in order to get him to visit a travel agency which they’re likely affiliated with. It’s crucial that you’re aware of how to protect yourself against such misleading behavior – often simply trust your gut instinct and you won’t go wrong!

#5 Rental Scam

In today’s world, rental scams are a common occurrence. Whether it’s a rental car in Jamaica or a bike in Singapore, travelers must be mindful of how to make sure they stand up for themselves and avoid being taken advantage of by shady operators. The best way to ensure that you are never faced with this kind of scam is to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before you rent it and take pictures of any existing damage that may have been present beforehand. Once the hire operator has seen these photos, it creates evidence that you’re not responsible for any damages that may occur during your rental period, protecting yourself from overpayment demands when you return the item. To further protect yourself from unscrupulous practices, have all agreements written down and always keep a copy for your records; then if something seems off, you’ll have all the proof that you need to stand firm and fight back against rental scams. The same applies to hotel rentals, here is one of the telling stories.

#6 Fakes instead of souvenirs

When seeking out authentic local handicrafts and goods on your travels, it’s important to consider things like who has crafted the item and how sustainably sourced the materials are. Unfortunately, scams exist in numerous places around the world where tourists can purchase what appear to be locally-crafted items that turn out not to be authentic at all. These mass-produced items are often created by workers in poor working conditions earning low wages. To avoid being scammed, it’s wise to research how to shop for souvenirs ethically and sustainably before hitting the town.

#7 Avoid ‘very good’ deals

It can be difficult to avoid being scammed, as many of them start by offering something that looks too good to be true. If it seems suspiciously cheap or free, then it’s probably just a ploy. Greed is an emotion that scammers often exploit, so if you start to feel tempted by what you are offered, take a step back and properly evaluate the situation before rushing into anything. A great example of how not to act can be seen in the Gem Scam in Bangkok. There they offer high-quality real gems at discounted prices and sell them off with the promise of huge profits; however, this is usually just a lie and the buyer will find themselves having wasted their money on nothing but fake stones.

Conclusion

Now you know more about how to avoid scammers when traveling. By following the advice above and being mindful of potential scams, travelers can ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable adventure. From playing the recording through call recorders to researching ethical souvenir shopping habits, these simple steps will help keep your travels stressed.