Best Travel Photographers - 5 Names You Must Know

Oddly angled pictures of my husband, cats, flowers. Headless or legless portraits on back drops of, what seems to be, mountains. Blurry landscapes shot with me Canon 5D, from a moving car (sometimes including my reflection in the windshield – no artistic effect intended). That’s what my travel photography amounts to. And even though these pictures will never grace the cover of National Geographic, they make for one hilarious slideshow!

Travel photography (even as inept as mine) is an amazing way of capturing those unique (or the completely ordinary) moments, way of preserving the memories of the land far far away (or an hour’s drive away). Travel photography embraces a large spectrum of people, cultures, locations and ideas. Travel photographers capture these relationships in all their raw beauty so that audiences the world over can experience something they may not see in the flesh.

Below are the Top 5 travel photographers whose work has taken the world by storm.

Christopher Testani

Christopher Testani grew up in picturesque New York, where he studied his passion for cinema and photography. Starting out, he was an assistant to photographers Mark Seliger and Ilan Rubin before venturing out to make name for himself. His work has been featured in publications such as AFAR, Glamour, Destinations, Bon Appetite and Esquire. Testani made it onto PDN's list of 30 Photographers to Watch in 2012.

Tim Clinch

No matter where Tim Clinch goes he doesn’t seem to settle. When he isn’t working, he splits his time between his three homes in Bulgaria, France, and England. Forbes, Town and Country, and Home and Garden are just a few well-known publications that have displayed Clinch’s work. One of his latest adventures involves collaboration with food writer, Kate Hill, focusing on South West France and its sharp food culture.

Marie Takahashi

A jack-of-all-trades, Marie Takahashi is not just a travel photographer but also an interior and food photographer situated in Tokyo. She has been highly noted as an artist to look out for, with her photographs creating a buzz in a number of Tokyo publications such as Hemispheres and AFAR.

Emily Mott

From the west of Sussex, photographer Emily Mott has had her pictures admired in a huge range of publications that include The New Yorker, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveller, Esquire, Vogue UK, GQ, Wired and Savure. She is defiantly worth a Google!

John Huba

John Huba’s stark photographs give his audience an amazing insight into his subject's culture. His photographs ring with visual authenticity. When first starting out in the photography industry, Huba studied under famous fashion photographer, Bruce Weber. It was then that Huba first discovered his passion for travel.

When it comes down to the difference between between amateur and professional travel photography the line can be a little smudged. When you’re on your next trip, seek out situations that inspire you or really spark an interest. These are the moments that other people are dying to see because only you will see them unless they are photographed. But having said that, try and put down your camera from time to time, and enjoy the view unobscured by your camera lens.

Journalist and copywriter, Emma Williamson, is passionate about photography and its impact on others. She has written a number of articles relating to photography and travel in both New Zealand and Australia.

Top Five North American Holiday Destinations

America is a holiday makers' paradise. From the Rockie Mountains running like a spine through the continent to the deserts of Arizona and California, America caters for every taste from active holidays to sun holidays, shopping sprees to family fun. Whatever the choice - whether a short city break or mountain climbing - remember that a holiday insurance package can be found that will offer security and value. 

In a land that offers so much by way of contrast and experience, choosing the top five holiday destinations presents a challenge. Adding shopping, history, fun, sun and scenery into the mix helps to narrow the field. 

1. New York
The Big A is the melting pot of the world, and is also a wonder of the world. Visit the iconic National September 11 Memorial and museum which draws crowds of curious visitors and yet is still imbued with a haunting sense of shock and loss. Contrast that with the raucous blaring of taxi horns, the vendors selling everything from designer knockoffs to food, the dizzying choice of shopping experiences, helicopter rides and ferry trips, skyscrapers and narrow Greenwich Village streets - New York is without a doubt the most exciting venue in North America. 

2. Orlando, Florida
No list of the best North American destinations can exclude Orlando, Florida. A family holiday of choice, Disney World offers days of family-friendly activities. And when you are all 'Disneyed' out, there's Orlando - the 'City Beautiful' as it's called - still to explore and enjoy. 

3. Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon
The contrast between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon couldn't be greater. Las Vegas is brash, busy and full of brassy life. The Grand Canyon on the other hand is arguably the most beautiful place on earth. Hauntingly powerful and majestic, once seen it will stay in your memory forever. Combining a visit to the two venues feeds all of the senses in one memorable holiday, and that can't be bad! 

4. California
The West Coast of the United States must be experienced to be believed. The ambience, the culture and the attitude to life in the westerly State of Californian are starkly different from the energy and bustle of the East Coast. Starting in Los Angeles visit Hollywood and Rodeo Drive just for sheer curiosity value. A coastal tour from Los Angeles to San Francisco offers scenery of incredible beauty or combine your visit to LA with a drive into the wild heat of the Mojave desert. 

5. Washington DC
The last of the top five destinations in North America is the nation's capital, Washington DC. The magnificent White House is the centrepiece of DC, a lush eighteenth century mansion and home to the President of the United States. However DC has more to offer than it's admittedly beautiful architecture and national monuments. A stroll through historic Georgetown on the waterfront will satisfy even the most discerning of shoppers while the Smithsonian Institution offers the biggest museum in the world. Washington DC also acts as the gateway to the pretty State of Virginia, giving access to famous places such as Arlington Cemetery where the late President Kennedy is buried or Mount Vernon, the beautifully preserved home of George Washington.

James works in SEO for a prestigious marketing company in the UK. With years of experience in copywriting he enjoys writing about travel, insurance, finance and health.

How To Tip In South Africa Like A Local

South African Money There’s always a bit of confusion about the appropriate tipping etiquette when you’re holidaying in a new country. Not knowing who to tip, how much and when can leave you feeling awkward, and you might run the risk of offending those you really don’t mean to.

If you’re holidaying in South Africa, here are a few guidelines to help you out.

Restaurants
The minimum tipping standard is ten per cent of your bill, although anything upwards of 15 per cent is normal. This is just a basic tipping amount, so if your service was above and beyond you may want to consider tipping more. Just be aware that in many restaurants, a surcharge is added to bills of large groups. In which case it’s not necessary to include a tip – unless you want to reward excellent service or if the surcharge is less than ten per cent.

It will usually indicate if that’s going to be the case somewhere on the menu, but as it’s not always easy to spot, you may want to enquire about it if your party is larger than six persons.

Petrol Attendants
Petrol stations in South Africa are not self-servicing. You will be attended to by a petrol jockey who besides filling your tank, will likely also wash your windows, check your oil and water, and pump your tires. A silver coin tip (R2 or R5) is acceptable, especially if your attendant performed these additional services.

Bartender
This depends on whether you are paying at the bar are putting drinks on tab. For single drink orders, a silver coin tip should be enough. On a tab, however, the same rules apply as for an eating bill.

Car Guards
Public parking areas very often are watched over by car guards. Sometimes they’re official, and sometimes they informally offer their services. You don’t have to tip them unless you agree to have your car watched. You’ll often be grateful for their services though, because South Africa has its issues with crime in some areas. How much you pay is up to you. For short parking stays a silver coin tip may be sufficient, while you may want to consider paying more for longer stays, especially in dangerous areas at night.

Porters
For help with your luggage in airports, trains or hotels, a tip of about R3 to R5 per bag is customary.

Hairdressers
A tip of about R10 is usually given to the person who washed your hair, and a ten per cent tip can be given to your stylist.

Newspaper Vendors
People selling newspapers on the side of the road can be tipped as well. It need not be a lot, just round up the price and don’t take back your change.

More Tipping Advice
Finally, when tipping, generally it’s not polite to ask for change. The exception of course being with restaurant bills, where you usually have the option of writing down how much change you would like back. If you’re paying by card, always specify to your waitron beforehand how much you are tipping, because you won’t be able to give your tip after the card has been swiped, unless you swipe again or have spare cash on you. For other situations it’s useful to always keep a collection of silver coins in your bag in your car to hand out as where needed.

Featured images:
 License: Creative Commons image source 

Queenie Bates is a writer and researcher based in Cape Town. She used to work in the service industry herself, particularly in hotels in Cape Town Waterfront, and so for a long time lived in on very little besides tips.

Top 5 UK City Breaks

If you’re thinking about taking a city break in the UK this year, consider these five awesome destinations.

London

It would be folly to write about the best city breaks in the UK without mentioning London. The capital city is home to many iconic sights, from the Yeomen of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace and Beefeaters of the Tower of London to the red telephone boxes which are dotted around the streets. Whether you’re into good food, shopping or history, there’s always something interesting to do in London. Visit the quirky markets in Camden, hang out like a hipster in Shoreditch, or eat strawberries and cream with the hoi polloi in Kensington Gardens. London has a reputation for being expensive, but it is actually a great place to visit even on a budget. There is so much to do for free here, from world class museums to special events.

Liverpool

Forget your preconceptions - this industrial city has undergone a massive makeover since being named a European Capital of Culture in 2008. The regenerated Albert Dock is full of classy cocktail bars and fancy restaurants, while the dynamic new Liverpool One shopping area has changed the face of the town centre. Liverpool is very proud of its musical exports, and there are plenty of museums and tours focussing on the legacy of The Beatles.  Why not snap a pic beside the statue of John Lennon before jumping on the Yellow Duckmarine tour bus: once it’s shown you the sights of the city, it plunges into the Mersey.

Glasgow

While the population of Edinburgh doubles in the summer due to tourism, it’s easy to overlook Scotland’s rougher, tougher, second city. Don’t. The vibrant nightlife, huge arts scene, and laid back attitude make Glasgow a great place to visit. Enjoy the local banter at the famous Barras Market, or relax in one of the classy wine and tapas bars of the Merchant City. There are lots of hotels in Glasgow near the SECC, airport, and Hampden Park, so if you’re staying in Glasgow you can find the perfect place.

Brighton & Hove

Bohemian Brighton and Hove combines the best of the British seaside with everything you could want from a city break. Stay in Hove, where many of the beautiful Regency townhouses have been turned into short term accommodation. Hove has its own selection of posh bars and restaurants, but you’ll find more things going on in Brighton.  Spend a cheesy afternoon enjoying an ice cream and the rides on the pier before browsing the quirky shops in The Lanes. If you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle there is always the beach to sit on and relax.

Belfast

Just a short skip over the Irish Sea, this underdog city has plenty to offer city breakers. Belfast is  putting its troubled past behind it, and lots of money has already been poured into the waterfront regeneration project in the Titanic Quarter. Enjoy high tea at the Merchant Hotel, learn about the city’s history on a walking tour, and head up to the Dome at Victoria Square for the best views in town. 

Leo Spirati is an Italian born Briton with a passion for travel.

Best Cold Destinations To Escape Summer Heat

Not everyone enjoys hot weather. Summer can sometimes bring in weather so hot, that even air conditioning seems inadequate. If you are fed up with heat, humidity, and prickly heat, there are a number of places in the world that offer a respite from sweltering temperatures. Getting away from summer highs has long been a practice with humanity. Romans escaped the heat of Rome during the summer by fleeing to their villas, especially those along the coast. There are a number of options, worldwide, to let you cool off when the heat has gotten you down.

• You can hardly go wrong if you travel to Finland. This country in Scandinavia has summer temperatures that seldom go above the 60s or 70s. Finland is a country of lakes and forests, and gives you not only pleasant temperatures, but also beautiful scenery. Nearly anywhere in Finland will provide you with an escape from the heat, and accommodations are available in every city and town.
• For those who really hate the heat, a trip to Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska will certainly cool you off quickly. Glaciers offer natural air conditioning that keeps the temperatures in the park in the 50s and 60s all summer long. The Glacier Bay Lodge and other hostelries in nearly Gustavus let you enjoy your trip in comfort. Camping is also available at the park from June through September.
• While the Northern Hemisphere swelters during June through September, the Southern Hemisphere is enjoying its winter. South America is home to a variety of climates, and one place to cool off, and even ski in summer, is in Chile. There are plenty of great places to ski in Chile, including Valle Nevado, Portillo, Pucon, and Termes de Chillan. These offer slopes, lodging, restaurants, and instruction.
• If you would like to spend at least part of the summer in a cool city, travel to Auckland, New Zealand. World class lodgings, dining, and shopping are all available in Auckland, and exploring the surrounding areas, rich in wildlife and history, is especially enjoyable when the temperatures never get above 74. Sailing and tours to meet marine animals are also available.
• The Alps in Central Europe are not only picturesque, but they are also cool during the summer months. While we generally associate the Alps with Switzerland, they also run through parts of Italy, France, and Germany. Because of the elevation of the mountains, the temperatures seldom rise above 70, making these mountains the idea getaway for those who are ready to escape sweltering heat.

The world is such a big place that getting away from an uncomfortable summer isn’t too difficult wherever you are. When the ‘dog days’ of August have begun to get you down, pack up your bag, make your reservations, and spend some time in a cold summer vacation destination.  Being humans, we are never satisfied – in the winter, we seek hot destinations and in the summer we go somewhere cool, so why not make an adventure out of it!

Noc enjoys writing about travel and technology and uses Travel Advantage Network for summer and winter retreats.

Interesting Reasons to visit Manila

Cosmopolitan yet deep rooted in tradition, cool yet bursting with energy, and chaotic yet filled with vitality Manila, the capital of Philippines has a multi dimensional personality. The city is home to several places of tourist interest but these are not explored much due to poor publicity machinery.  In the recent decades, the number of footfalls to this city has increased significantly.  But if you have any apprehension regarding tourism potentials of Manila here we are giving reasons to visit Manila.

So pack your bag, put on your sturdy shoes and book a cheap ticket to Manila that rewards visitors very well.

Because it is home to Intramuros
Intramuros is a world in itself. This 16th century old structure founded by Spanish is silent spectator wars and natural disasters. Also referred as walled city this structure forms the historic core of Manila.

Because it offer ride on Jeepneys
Call it cramped, call it uncomfortable or be bitterer by saying them smoke spewing but jeepneys are backbone of city’s transport system. These jeeps are painted in bright colours and ply from one destination to another. A ride on these jeepneys offers an insight into the real life of the locals.

Because it houses San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church is the most ancient church in Filipino capital and one of the few structures that escape unscathed during destruction of Intramuros in World War II is the oldest church in the Philippines. A trip to this church is highly coveted among the tourists.

Because it offers great shopping experience
The city of manila offers excellent shopping options and bargain is the order of the day. From designer labels to locally made stuff that malls and markets of Manila sells it all.  With some of the greatest shopping centres of Asia dotting this land the visitors are sure to get a great shopping experience.

Because it is home to Bay Walk
Bay Walk offers a panoramic view of Manila Bay. This large promenade is flooded with restaurants, entertainment hubs and play area for the kids. A large number of tourists get gathered here for a stunning view of Manila Bay. The area is highly thronged by tourists and locals during sunset.

In addition, the city has several galleries, museums and night out option that you will find interesting. Search and book a cheap ticket for Manila and explore the city on your own.