From previous travel in Thailand, Kajsa Stolberg
John mentioned a few weeks back that he’s planning on taking a trip to India this spring and I have the great pleasure of putting my travel experience to use (not to mention an excuse to study a new culture and organize my findings!) Here’s the preliminary list of things to do, in no particular order…
The basics: Visas, required/suggested shots and basic safety tips. If you plan on going to India, check out these sites: VISA, HEALTH.
The interesting stuff: stumbling upon unexpected cultural differences is half the fun, but it’s especially important for me to respect the customs of the the country that I’m visiting. A perfect example of this is the appropriate dress expected. Even with the heat, I would not wear short shorts or mini skirts as a female traveling in India. John, on the other hand, won’t draw extra attention to himself unless he’s dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow.
For the time being, I’m reading books on Indian customs and culture, and the history and present day conditions that one can expect. I also have a few friends that have traveled, lived, and studied in India so I can have first-hand personal experiences and advice to draw from – like bring your own roll of TP and drink only bottled water.
There’s an endless list of preparation that can be done for this trip, but this is a start.
And now here’s where you come in! Visit the blog and comment with any recommendations for travel or travel-related ideas and have a chance to win one of three Spudz Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloths packs.
The rules:
Comments must be made on the blog… Facebook doesn’t count!
The drawing will take place on January 15th.
A random number will be picked based on the number of comments.
3 packs will be given away (one per household).
Winners must contact Batdorff photography with your mailing address if chosen.
As for the giveaway, John uses these handy little lens cloths himself. We’re excited to hear your travel preparation tidbits!
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John is an award winning landscape and travel photographer who splits his time between Chicago and Montana. His work has been featured in National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole. John loves the outdoors and traveling, and sharing his images with others.
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A big travel tip I would give people/you is pack everything you can in checked baggage yup I said check Im not saying pack laptop or cameras in checked but after that 1 change clothes and medication, and tooth brush etc…. Now here's why they do run out of room fast with carry on and you dont want your camera and other equipment to go under.
You can always buy clothes if you have to
and cameras can go under seat and laptop on lap
Ok heres another one Get a netbook not a laptop you dont need a big laptop along with you and a net book you can download your picks and still do online/and with that get a online account for your photos that way anything does happen you have your work backed up twice
my third is get a good rain coat for you and your camera and camera case if you don't have a water proof bag The camera raincoat for me also worked as a double to keep hand warmers wrapped in to keep my lenses and cameras from fogging up and getting condensation build up with keeping things semi warm they where always ready
with my other tips thats from learning the hard way I had equipment in my carry on and laptop a big 17 inch and Man was it a head ache lugging all that stuff around when small works just as good
Pack light, Can't stress this enough, it's hard enough to carry all the camera gear.
I have never traveled to India, however I have been to Israel, Australia, England amongst others. Here are my travel recommendations: 1) Keep a xerox copy of your passport and/or other ID in a separate place from your originals just in case the originals disappear; 2) a no-brainer, but allow an ample amount of time in the airport as security will be very tight; 3) make sure to bring OTC meds (e.g. Pepto Bismol) that you aren't sure you will be able to find there, 4) all carry on liquids should be 3 oz or smaller AND put in a sandwich sized ziploc bag (a must for us contact lens wearers), 5) check on your tripod; it may have to go under the plane if it is longer than a certain length (someone from my camera club wanted to take it on board and couldn't b/c it was too long). 6) Most important: HAVE FUN!!!!!
Useful travel tips;
Use scrunch bags, holds alot of stuff[ cabela sells them in camping]
Take dramamine, pepto, immodium and tylenol with you
Roll everything
Gold bond powder is great
Take some cheap one shot cameras and get friendly with the natives, let them shoot
Dump your shoes out every morning
Watch where you step
Take alot of cotton clothes
Relax and enjoy
[...] April 2009 Print This Post Email This Post « Travel prep: India [...]
Great tips…thanks. Fun is at the top of the list.
I'm still working on this one…;)
Great tips…thanks.
I think that for me these days.. the biggest thing to remember is to make sure all the batteries are charged and IN THE photobag. I hate to get out shooting then realize a couple of them needed charging.
I'm trying to get better organized so that I can make sure things are prepared. It is hard sometimes though!
Gene, I know exactly what you mean. Good advice…