Team Nomad

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Categories
    • Backpacking
    • City Breaks
    • Far Away Places
    • Tips
    • UK Activities
Contact Us
  • I’m Crap with Photography – But a Good Camera makes all the Difference!

    I’m Crap with Photography – But a Good Camera makes all the Difference!

    I’m not great with photography. I’m not sure if it’s a patience thing, or a lack of creativity thing. Can I just not be bothered to line up the perfect shot, or am I just unable to see the perfect shot?

    Steve’s really good at stuff like that though. In fact, he’s started an Instagram account for our family and friends, and is deliberately trying to take really cool photos to see if he can get more likes than the last photo posted. Small things and small minds, hey?!

    Me, I’ve taken to taking photos of Steve taking photos, just to amuse myself. Here’s a little sample of my favourites!

     

    Steve photographing a monkey in Malaysia
    Steve photographing a monkey in Malaysia

     

    Photographing hippos in Chiang Mai zoo.
    Photographing hippos in Chiang Mai zoo.

     

    And, finally, photographing the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
    And, finally, photographing the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

    But I do believe you can get some really smashing pics out of a really good camera, even if, like me, you’re not all that knowledgeable on photography! And, despite the camera on your trusty old smartphone being high quality, that’s not the main function of a phone, and a proper camera is always best. Check out one of these four options:

    · Point-and-shoot camera (around $200), easy to use and high-quality images.

    · DSLR (around $550), a fancier camera with better images.

    · Mirrorless (around $500), in between the two above.

    · GoPro (around $400), for the truly action-packed trip.

    If you’re a beginner photographer and are fine with that, the point-and-shoot and the GoPro have the shortest learning curves. Up for some learning? DSLR and mirrorless cameras have automatic settings to get you started, but you’ll need to experiment and practice in order to perfectly capture that sunset.

    If you’re accident-prone or expecting to need a tough camera, the GoPro is your best bet. Point-and-shoots can handle a drop onto a soft surface but won’t hold up if dropped on a hard surface. DSLR and mirrorless cameras are both pretty fragile, although mirrorless cameras are very slightly less likely to break. Traveling light? The point-and-shoot and the GoPro are both small and easy to tote around. DSLR and mirrorless cameras both have lenses that you might want to carry with you, and DSLRs are fairly big and heavy, while mirrorless cameras are about the size of a point-and-shoot.

    For the best picture quality, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have big sensors and interchangeable lenses for very high quality still images. Point-and-shoots also have pretty great image quality, and while it can be tricky to adjust the exposure and white balance right with GoPros, they take really amazing time lapses. The battery life on your point-and-shoot will last you about 190-250 pictures, and DSLRs can shoot still images all day without a recharge. Mirrorless cameras run out of battery incredibly quickly, and GoPros can handle about 2.5 hours of continuous video shooting before dying.

    No matter what your trip entails, you’ll want to capture every moment- and for that, you’ll need the perfect travel camera for the occasion. Say Cheese!

    types-of-camera-for-travel

     

    Becky

    November 9, 2014
    Backpacking, City Breaks, Far Away Places
  • 5 Excellent Reasons for Visiting Prague

    5 Excellent Reasons for Visiting Prague

    If you are looking for somewhere else other than Germany, Holland, France, Spain or Italy; you should consider a trip to the Czech Republic and its premier city Prague.  Although you may not have ever considered heading out that way, that doesn’t stop it being a particularly popular destination for European travellers, and one of the top Stag Do locations in the world.  There are many other cities besides Prague, but for a first time visit, Prague is the place you should go and below you will find out good reasons why.

    Reasonable Exchange Rates

    Compared to European countries, Czech Republic uses its own Czech Koruna as its currency.  This helps to keep spending the cost of things incredibly low in Prague.  The Koruna to pound rate is perfect for a trip to the city as it means you can have a nice time without scrimping and saving too much.

    Mouth Watering Czech Food

    czech food

    One of the more interesting ways to learn about local people and culture is to try the nation’s food.  Czech food by definition is flavoursome and hearty and not very suitable if you are on a restrictive diet.  The dishes you should definitely try regardless of which eatery you choose are potato pancakes, rich beef stews and the delightful bread dumplings.

    Czech Beer

    The best way to wash down all that tasty food is with some critically acclaimed Czech beer.  As wellbeing respected throughout the world, Czech beer is also actually cheaper than bottled water.  There are a large number of bars scattered throughout Prague who all serve Pilsner beer from their taps.  Even if you are looking to try something a bit different, there are various brews of beer available and even a cola-infused beer.

    Karlovy Lazne

    prague nightclub

    Other cities have nightclubs, Prague has Karlovy Lazne.  This is a 5 storey club located in the heart of what is known as Old Prague.  It is referred to as one of Europe’s biggest nightclubs and partygoers are spoilt for choice.  On level 3 you are transported back to the 1970s, while in the basement you can enjoy the bass pounding sound of modern hip-hop. Every level has a different musical genre theme and every level has a selection of different rooms to choose from to party down in.

    The Amazing Architecture

    Regardless of whether you go to Prague for any or all of the above, you should visit Prague primarily because it is one of the most beautiful cities in mainland Europe.  As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre of the city is lined with beautiful cathedrals and buildings.  There are cobblestone roads to walk along and by the river taking in the various views, sights and sounds including the very iconic Charles Bridge.  That is just during the day.  At night the city takes on a more mystical and mythical look and feel.  You should also make the time to climb to the top of Prague Castle and watch the sunset form the city’s highest peak.

    This article was written by the team over at www.trip-guide.co.uk who love writing about and sharing their travel experiences with other travel bloggers.

    Becky

    October 20, 2014
    City Breaks
  • The Stag Weekend: Guide to the Top Destinations in Europe

    The Stag Weekend: Guide to the Top Destinations in Europe

    Planning a stag weekend is one of the best parts of preparing for an upcoming wedding, and Europe is packed full of amazing destinations to suit every preference. These five cities represent some of most excitement and fun that a stag weekend can offer, so make sure they’re all on your shortlist.

    stag2

     

    1) Amsterdam

     

    There are good reasons why Amsterdam is one of the classic stag weekend locations. It has a lot more to offer than just the tour of the Red Light District! Amsterdam easy to reach via a quick budget flight, and it is packed full of wild bars, stunning canals and places to sample the infamous wares at Dutch coffee shops. It’s easy to get to other cities by train, too. You can be in Brussels in less than two hours, so a stag weekend spanning two countries is definitely a possibility.

     

    2) Barcelona

    DSCF2711
    Getting the drinks in on Las Ramblas, Barcelona

     

    Barcelona should be at the top of your list if you’re thinking of going to Spain, as it offers a unique mix of class and party spirit. The weather is beautiful from mid-spring until late autumn, the beer and sangria are flowing, and there are delicious tapas as far as the eye can see. There are miles of amazing beaches to chill out and enjoy some eye candy, and football fans will definitely want to take a trip to Camp Nou.

     

    3) Dublin

     

    You might not immediately think of Dublin when considering European destinations because it is so close to the UK, but many stag weekends have been based around the city’s friendly reputation. Get chatting to locals in the traditional pubs, schedule a round of golf if you’re into that sort of thing, and strongly consider a teary-eyed pilgrimage to the Guinness brewery. For those travelling across by ferry, the party can start in the ship’s bars as you enjoy the epic sea views.

     

    4) Berlin

     

    A stag weekend in Berlin can be as relaxed or crazy as you like; it’s a huge city, and all the central areas have something to offer. Some guys head over for the energizing beer festival, but it’s such a lively place that you can attend some type of event or festival at almost any time of year. Make sure you pack some of your best menswear for the classier bars and clubs, and prepare to try hundreds of different types of sausages on a hungover afternoon.

     

    5) Ibiza

    Partying in Ibiza
    Partying in Ibiza

     

     

    The party island of Ibiza (which is arguably the party capital of the world) is a phenomenally popular place for stag and hen weekends, so you’re sure to meet other fun groups while you’re there. You’ll be surrounded by babes in bikinis, phenomenally cheap cocktails and clubs open until all hours. Remember, Ibiza is the island that never sleeps! When it comes to specific locations, San Antonio is a particularly popular spot for stag parties, but it’s hard to go wrong in any area of this incredible destination.

     

    Alex Outlaw is the marketing director and editorial contributor to the The Idle Man. He enjoys keeping up with the latest developments in men’s fashion, music and contemporary culture. He also enjoys sharing his fashion industry insights through blogging and social media.

    Becky

    September 22, 2014
    City Breaks
  • River Cruising On The Danube

    River Cruising On The Danube

    From quaint villages to spectacular cities, there’s a reason why river cruising is one of the most popular types of holiday. Not only is all your food and accommodation included in the price of your ticket, but you’ll also get to experience multiple destinations during your cruise; you could literally go to sleep in one city, and wake up in another.

    When it comes to specific destinations and rivers, choosing where to take your cruise can be a tough decision. A variety of cruise operator’s offer routes all around the world, including China, Russia and Ukraine. However one of the most popular places to take a cruise this year has been the Danube River. Let’s take a look why!

    Budapest

    budapest
    Budapest is just one of many cities that the Danube River passes through, and if your cruise is docking in the Hungarian capital then it’s an opportunity you simply can’t miss out on. Straddling the Danube, Budapest is a historic city as well as being entrenched in a wealth of culture. With more than enough Baroque, neoclassical, Eclectic and art nouveau buildings to keep even the most traversed holidaymaker busy, there’s so much to do here that it’s hard to know where to start.

    Passau

    passau
    Another place that the Danube River has shaped over hundreds of years is the German town of Passau. With a population of just over 50,000 people, this picturesque landscape is a popular holidaying destination for Germans as well as the wider European community, and it’s also home to the Inn as well as the Ilz rivers too. It was these rivers that put Passau on the map as they became essential Bohemian salt trading routes, subsequently bring a lot of wealth to the town.

    With its high archways, cobbled streets and traditional shopping, Passau offers an Italianate flourish combined with a variety of modern elements. It’s also famous for its great cycling routes thanks to the stunning countryside that runs alongside the banks of the Danube.

    Nuremberg

    nuremberg
    Nuremberg is Bavaria’s second largest city, and one of the most energetic and exciting cities that the Danube River passes through. For many centuries it was seen as the (undeclared) capital of the Roman Empire, and a popular place for German Kings and royalty to keep their jewels. Nowadays it’s a powerhouse in German’s industry sector, offering a vibrant scene of bars, restaurants and shopping locations.

    Stuffed with museums and architectural wonders, Nuremberg is a city jam-packed with culture and history. Because of its affluent connections, it was the go-to place for artists to showcase their work, none more famous than Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) who was actually born in Nuremberg.

    Becky

    September 17, 2014
    City Breaks
  • New Discoveries: France In A Nutshell

    New Discoveries: France In A Nutshell

    If you are travelling to France for a vacation, you might wonder what there is to see. What does this European country have to offer? If you do decide to take a trip to France then, there are many things you should know about the environment and culture. Everything in this country is small and will feel quaint to the experienced traveller. You should expect small villages and beautiful scenery in the southern part of the country. When planning your trip, make sure that you make time to travel around. The country might be quite small when compared to other European countries, but it has many things to see. Before you set off on your adventure, here is France in a nutshell.

    Becky 083

    The Language And What To Know

    The locals are not too keen on tourists. The best way that you can make the locals accept you is by attempting to speak the language. Before you go to France, you ought to make a point of learning some key phrases to use on vacation. It won’t matter whether you are fluent or just know a few words. The fact that you are trying to speak the language will mean so much to the locals.

    Traveling And Getting There

    You can travel to France three different ways. The first way is by ferry. You will still need to show your travel documents on a ferry, so make sure that you get them updated at Liverpool passport office. The second way is by the Eurostar, which is fast, yet expensive. People coming from further afield, though, will need to visit France by plane. There are many major airports in the region from which to choose.

    If you need more information about France’s airports, you can visit Flight Hub Reviews to find out more about your next airport destination.

    Must See Places And Sights

    Whilst in France you should steer clear of Disneyland, even if you do happen to have children. Disney World in Florida is much bigger and better than the one in France. Rather than just visiting theme parks, you should opt to visit the more cultural side of the country. The locals adore art and literature, which means that there are many cultural things you can go and see whilst in the country. Take the time to make a list of the places you want to visit before you go. You will need to buy tickets in advance for some of the larger attractions.

    What You Need To Know About The Culture

    In France coffee is king. It may sound like a ridiculous stereotype, but why do you think that the stereotype exists? The people in France love a great cup of coffee. Be aware that the coffee you will buy in France will be more like an espresso than an Americano. You will need to prepare yourself for hot, strong drinks throughout your stay within the country. Food is also huge in France. French cuisine is the best style of food in the world and the locals take great pride in serving fresh, exquisite food on a daily basis. Whilst on the coast, you must try mussels in a garlic sauce as these are fresh and delicious.

    Paris And Big City Charm

    Paris is the heart of France and as such you should expect everything that you get in a typical capital city. The city is vast and expensive to stay in, but you must stay here for just a few days. There are many things to do within the capital. Culture vultures will have to visit The Louvre and take a peek at the Mona Lisa. You should also visit Notre Dame and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

    Southern France And Catalonia

    The south of France is a stunning place to stay. You can expect countryside and beautiful views, whilst experiencing the authentic regions. Visit Perpignan, which is in both France and Catalonia. The city is not as large as Paris, yet still has much to see. As this region is so close to Spain, you will often find that the locals speak three languages. Many locals speak French, Spanish and Catalan. Make sure that you don’t make any comments about the political state of the region, though, as this is a sensitive topic.

    Thank you to Roisin Byrne for contributing this article, you can catch Roisin on Twitter or Facebook here.

    You can find out more about the programme by clicking here.

     

    Becky

    September 4, 2014
    City Breaks
  • Make Amsterdam Your Next Holiday Destination

    Make Amsterdam Your Next Holiday Destination

    If you’re looking for a city break, you’re bound to be considering Europe. I don’t blame you. Europe is home to some of the world’s most exciting and interesting cities for tourists to explore. Today, Asian cities attract more tourists, but European cities still have a wide appeal. You may feel that Asian cities are worth exploring. Many tourists have never been to the East while they’ve spent countless holidays in the capitals of Europe. You can have a lot of fun in Asia, no doubt, but I’d still say that a European holiday can be an amazing adventure.

    There are loads of great cities in Europe for you to check out. Many would recommend Rome, London, Paris or Barcelona. If you were thinking outside the box, you might try Dublin, Dubrovnik or Warsaw. Today, the focus of my attention will be on Amsterdam. You might not have considered the Dutch capital, but it’s one of the most vibrant cities in Europe.

    6294255716_289e9f98d7_z

    (Flickr, via Google Images)

    The first holiday I ever took without my family was to Amsterdam. I think it’s the perfect city for young travellers. It has a detached, relaxed vibe that gets into your veins and slows you down while you’re on holiday. That might be something to do with the cycling. When you first arrive in Amsterdam as a foreigner, it feels like there are bicycles everywhere. That’s because there are, but don’t worry – you get used to it. The lack of cars puts you into a more sedate frame of mind. It’s the ultimate atmosphere for anyone looking to escape the stress of home life.

    Another great bonus for Amsterdam is the accommodation. It’s a small city, but the Dutch have packed it full of fantastic hotels. Consider looking at Housetrip.com to find some apartments in Amsterdam. There they have some of the most welcoming and innovative appartments in the whole of Europe. The perfect accommodation would look out onto the River Amstel. That’s a picturesque view that other cities just can’t match.

    Amsterdam’s also top of the range for culture. The artistry that populates the city’s galleries is second to none. The Rijksmuseum is an incredible place. You could spend the whole day there. It’s full of amazing art and cultural pieces from the whole of Dutch history. In fact – forget what I said earlier. It would take a week to see everything in the Rijksmuseum! If you’ve not got the time for that, then be sure to see the Rembrandt pieces. They’re extraordinary. Another great destination is the Van Gogh Museum. Dedicated to the world-famous painter, it has an interesting layout. It’s different to most galleries, which rewards tourists who make the trip. Of course, the paintings take centre stage – and for good reason. Last of all, I’m going to give you an offbeat recommendation. The royal zoo of Amsterdam, Artis, is a must for any tourist. I can’t say much more than this – it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

    4589786521_7666d0233e_z

    (Flickr, via Google Images)

    I hope I’ve convinced you to visit Amsterdam. I’d hate for you to miss out on all the fun. If you make Amsterdam your next holiday destination, you won’t regret it. I’m so sure of that – if you don’t like it, I’ll give you your money back myself!

    Becky

    August 23, 2014
    City Breaks
  • Fun Things to Do in Vietnam

    Fun Things to Do in Vietnam

    I think Vietnam is one of the greatest places in all of Asia. It’s steeped in exciting history, and has an unbelievable amount of beauty that just can’t be realised until you’ve seen it for yourself. The people of Vietnam make visiting all the more lovely; they are always cheery and polite. Without further adieu, here are some fun things to do in Vietnam if you’re thinking of visiting:

    Have a Brew With a Local

    There’s nothing better than drinking an old fashioned brew, but what about enjoying one in the company of a Vietnamese local? If you make your way up to the tribal villages in the hills by Sapa, then you’re sure to be invited into their rustic homes for a drink to wet your whistle. You can even view Sapa and many other places with Vietnam tours from Adventure World.

    Learn How to Cook, Vietnamese Style

    Vietnamese cooking is delicious, and learning to cook is lots of fun. This must mean that learning to cook Vietnamese style is the best way to do it! You can find many classes on offer with gourmet chefs, so don’t miss out if you want to take some skills home to impress your friends.

    2

    Photo Credit

    Six Senses Con Dao Beach

    This place is the perfect place to just relax and have some ‘you’ time. You could literally spend hours here just whiling away the days; meditating, relaxing, reading, exploring – you name it! The white sand beach is stunning. You haven’t seen true natural beauty until you’ve seen this!

    Take a Bike Ride

    Riding a bike is very good for us, but in Vietnam it’s so much fun. If you want a unique way to explore, you can’t get better than hiring a bike. Riding through the streets of Hoi An is amazing, and you’ll get to see all of the cultural influences of Southeast Asia as you do so.

    Go on a Cruise

    A private, overnight cruise that is! Wouldn’t you like to explore Vietnam on a traditional Chinese sailboat? You’ll get to see some of the most beautiful places in all of Asia, as well as people kayaking, sea fishing, and more.

    Visit the Egg Mud Baths

    This might sound quite strange for you, but it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Vietnam. It’s around £10 to enter, and within a few moments you’ll be floating in a plastic egg covered in mud. Next to a mountain. Honestly, it’s a lot of fun! It’s also great for your health; it’ll make you look and feel younger, cleanse your pores, and bestow unto you a whole load of minerals. It’s only around 20 minutes, but that’s plenty of time to enjoy all of the benefits floating inside a plastic egg covered in mud has to offer. Afterwards, you can even have a massage before enjoying a nice lunch.

    As you can see, Vietnam is full of fun things to see and do. This isn’t all though; you’re sure to discover a plethora of amazing things to do there once you arrive. Remember to keep your wits about you and you’ll have a fab time!

    Becky

    August 20, 2014
    City Breaks, Far Away Places
Previous Page
1 … 10 11 12 13
Next Page

©2023 All rights reserved.

  • WordPress
  • Twitter
  • Facebook