Memories are nice, but fading. (More true the older we get.) Consequently, when we take a special vacation, we undoubtedly want to record some of that experience somewhere in addition to synapses of our brains. Plus, it’s hard to show a friend images from our brains. Consequently, we will want to capture some images, either in photographs or video during our travels. Actually the images we capture and our memories go together. Going back to look at images after a vacation can take us back to those great feelings and help us recall some of the things we might have forgotten.

Vacation Photography Ideas

Here are some helpful suggestions for taking photos on your vacation. The information provided here is not about the techniques of photography, but alternatively on the more private side of taking pictures and capturing memories. For those of you desiring a vacation video, these tricks can be useful since the advice is not focused on the technical side of photography.

Create Lasting Vacation Memories

First, unless the central purpose of the travel is photography, do not go into the vacation as if it were an extended photo session being obsessed with every photo you could possibly get. Remember, it’s a vacation! Your goal is not to document every moment, but capture some special or interesting moments. For example, instead of posing people, choose unexpected shots. These will better capture the authentic atmosphere and bring back the enjoyable feelings and fun times when you return to reminisce.

Also, don’t forget to take pictures of the surroundings. Because your vacation is not an everyday occurrence, take pictures to recall the experience such as the grand buffet on your cruise ship, at an all-inclusive or in Les Vegas. On a cruise, some great pictures include the crew, your cabin and the ocean view. Or similar scenes on other types of vacations. But remember to be creative even with these pictures. You may want to spend a little more time locating the best angle, lighting and camera settings on these. Everything you include in the picture including the angle that you shoot it may make a significant difference in reminiscing afterwards when looking at the pictures.

Finally, don’t go overboard. The most expensive camera or video equipment available may supply technically better pictures or video. But unless you are hoping to sell your photos to a magazine, you may find a small digital camera or perhaps even your cell phone much more convenient. After the vacation, top notch picture quality will not be your focus but instead the great time you had on your travels will be. So, relax, enjoy the vacation and capture the memories.

Joel (Doc 2)

PS – If you would like to take your vacation [easyazon_link asin=”2880467217″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”accertruth-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]photography[/easyazon_link] to the next level and focus more on the photography, you may find this book very helpful.

When you preserve the memories of you cruise vacation you make your trip last even longer. want to preserve the memories of your cruise vacation.  The intelligent travel process helps you prepare for and engage travel well. This post will help you take the photos of your cruise vacation and preserve your memories of such a significant trip.

While on a cruise vacation, you will want to take photos as a way to preserve the memories of the wonderful time you had. Photos of sights, views, friends, and events are the types of photos that people take when they are on a cruise vacation, especially those that allow passengers to visit different port cities along the way. For most people a cruise vacation is a trip of a lifetime as most people get to take only one such vacation. Consequently, we want to be able the preserve these very special events in our lives and nothing does that as well as photographs. However, taking photos of your cruise vacation well requires some planning and preparation.  But of course here at Pair of Docs Travel that is exactly what the intelligent travel process does.

Taking Photos During Your Cruise Vacation

Taking photos while on vacation may seem a bit daunting at first, but once you begin, you will find yourself taking pictures of everything you see. Even though some of your pictures will not be worth saving because they were out of focus or they did not have enough light, most of them will tell the story of your vacation.

If you are traveling with a group, not everyone needs to be clicking photos all the time.  You do want your trip documented as it is a great way to remember the trip later on and be able to tell others about it. Depending on the size of the group have two to four people designated as photographers.  Some people do not enjoy taking photographs, but likely some really enjoy it and so ask those who want to do it.  It is best to have more than one person taking photos of your cruise vacation, because one may end up with a bad photo of an important event.  However, with at least two photographers you will likely end up with wonderful photos of the most memorable events. After the trip, share photographs via a photo sharing website or via email.

Remembering Your Cruise Vacation

The problem is that when we return from a cruise vacation, our busy lives take over.  If you are still using a film camera, the film sits undeveloped as the weeks, months or even years go by.  Those who have transitioned to digital usually do get them downloaded to the computer or burned to a CD.  But there they stay as well.  If you want to create something special for your pictures, creating a scrapbook is one way to preserve your pictures and the memories you have of the cruise.

Scrapbooks are very easy to create and can last for many years.  While you can get fancier, you can get by with just some basic supplies such as a water resistant book, photo glue and stickers or other decorative accents.  The next step is to select the photos you want to use and print them out (or get them printed).  After printing your photos, you will be ready to add them to the scrapbook. This can be done any way you want it to be. Use your imagination and have a good time reminiscing about your trip.

If you don’t want to create a scrapbook, but you want to preserve the pictures so friends and family can look at them later, buy an acid proof box and have your photos printed or developed. Placing them in this box will protect them for many years. There are many types of boxes available with pretty designs to choose from.

Mementos to help you preserve the memories of your cruise vacation are not limited to photographs.  Whether you are creating a scrapbook or a box, many other items could be included.  What else did you bring back with you?  Other items might include tickets, napkins, brochures, postcards or even small souvenirs—really any item that will bring back memories. Keep these items in your memory box with your pictures so you will have many stories to tell later on.

Joel (Doc 2)

Pair of Docs Travel uses The Intelligent Travel Process™ to help clients get the most out of their travel experiences.  When you begin thinking about your next trip—whether for a vacation, conference, or business trip—contact Nelia Beth (Doc1) at 262-365-8541 or doc1@pairofdocs-travel.com for services tailored to your interests, needs, and preferences.

This article will be most helpful during these steps in the Intelligent Travel Process™:  Prepare; Enjoy.

Traveling with children can be a challenge.  However, some of the best and most important experiences a family have are when they are traveling together.  Consequently, families gladly take on the challenge.  Traveling with children is another place the intelligent travel process can be a big help.  The intelligent travel process insists that we do not simply hit the road but that we plan and prepare for it.  So if we are traveling with children, then we need to plan and prepare to travel with children.  In this article you will find some helpful trip tips for traveling with children.  These trip tips are not focused on traveling with baby, but with older children.

Trip Advice For Traveling With Children

When you are planning a vacation that includes traveling with children it is best to sit down with them and explain the rules for the time you will be on vacation.  They may be used to certain freedoms at home that are not practical, acceptable or safe while on vacation.  You should have–and they should know–you have different expectations when traveling.  However, children have little chance of living up to such expectations if they are not aware of them.  You should also set up a buddy system in which each child is paired with adult that is responsible for them.  If you have teens that are old enough and responsible enough to be on their own for certain times and places, the buddy rule (now two teens) is a still a good idea.  Moreover, expectations for these times away from the adults needs to be very clear and very clearly communicated.  The ability to communicate via cell phones makes time away much easier and safer than in the “old” days.

Children are not always the easiest to travel with.  Consequently, you need to plan ahead when traveling with children.  Kids are much happier when they are involved in something or are entertained.  Young children are not going to sit quietly for long periods of time.  In this media age of instant entertainment, even older children and teens are unlikely just to sit.  Make a list in advance of the things that your children like to do and that can easily be accommodated when traveling.   Then you simply bring these entertainments tools along with you.

Family Road Trip Tips

For younger children a portable DVD player and some movies can be great if you are traveling with children by car.  It is also useful in the hotel no matter what your means of transportation.  It can also come in handy if you have a rainy day or just need some down time.

Car trips can be wonderful family time together.  However, long stretches with uninteresting landscape will lead to bored and unhappy kids and, of course, the dreaded question, “Are we there yet?”  Be prepared with family activities that everyone can participate in such as songs or games.  Also include activities that the children can do on their own such as video games, notepads, crayons and colored pencils.

Prepare and bring a clean-up kit with you when traveling with children by car.  You have such supplies at home because you know accidents will happen.  Well, they will happen on the road as well.  In fact road conditions such as potholes may make them more likely.  If you have more than one child then the chances of an accident goes up.  At a minimum, your kit should include trash bags, towels, and wet wipes.  You should also have easy access to changes of clothing when traveling with children by car.

Traveling With Children By Air

Air travel, especially with small children, presents its own challenges.  Flying is actually a pretty stressful experience that can cause them become over-tired (because of not sleeping in anticipation), anxious or cranky.  Again, it is key that you talk to your kids before, during and after so that they know what to expect and what is expected of them.  Do not assume that just because your children haven’t said anything that they have no concerns or issues.  A second key strategy is to distract them while you are traveling.  Purchase a couple of new toys and pack them in your carry-on bag and then bring them out (one at a time) to help keep them entertained and distracted.

Meals on domestic flights are now rare.  However, if it is an international flight or you know they are serving a meal, ask the airline in advance for a child’s meal.  It will not be healthy food but at least your child will actually eat what is on their tray.  Also bring your own snacks for before, during and after the flight.  Things that make your child more comfortable will help them handle the experience better.  Traveling with children by air takes some intelligent travel planning.

Hotel Time When Traveling With Children

When traveling with children much of your time will be busy.  However, you are likely to have some down time at the hotel.  Children find it difficult to entertain themselves when they are not at home with all of their play things.  You need to prepare in advance for such times.  So pack an activity bag with toys, books or other activities that they might do in the hotel.  Taking the time to plan and implement this will increase that likelihood that you actually get to relax during such times.

Self-Care When Traveling With Children

When traveling with children, do not forget to take care of yourself.  This is especially important if you, yourself,  are not the best of travelers.  Do not convince yourself that you will get sick as that only increases the chance that you will.  Worrying about motion sickness only makes it more likely.  Do everything you can to lower your stress level.  Instead of getting uptight or letting stressful situations bother you, try to “roll with the punches” if things go wrong .  Things like flight delays or crying children will happen.  They are not the end of the world and you can get past them.

Affairs In Order

Traveling with children, or without them, is a good time to make sure your affairs at home are in order.  Make sure your will is up to date, that insurance is in order and that a trusted friend or family member has power of attorney for you.  You should have designated guardians for your children in case something happens to you. You should also have a medical advanced directive so your wishes are clear and thus can be carried out if you become incapacitated.  Of course, these are not things we want to think about;  but it is important to do so.  Truth is,  serious accidents are less likely to happen on vacation than when one is at home.  Nevertheless, before a vacation is a great time to review all of these things and make sure they are all in order.  It means that you can travel without worries:  which is certainly what you want to do when on vacation.

Please use the comment box below to add your trip tips on traveling with children.

Joel (Doc2)

Best for the Prepare and Book steps in the Intelligent Travel Process™. 

So, beach vacations are in your plans!  Most people love spending some time on the beach basking in the sun,  listening to the surf, or enjoying time in or on the water.  Whether your upcoming trip is spent entirely at the beach  or you only have only one or two days at the beach, the following beach tips will help you.  Part of the intelligent travel process is to plan well for your trips.  Beach vacations are no exception.

Save Money on Beach Vacations

You can save money on beach vacations by following this tip when you book your trip.   Beach vacations are like so many trips–one of the large expenses is the cost of your room.  To save on rooms  for beach vacations, think about if you are willing to book a room without an ocean view.  While it’s nice to have the ocean view, it’s not likely that you’ll spend a lot of time looking out your window at the beach.   Instead, you’re more likely to be on the beach itself.  Now, if you are going on a romantic getaway and want to spend time away from the public’s eye, then it might be worth it to get a room with a balcony so you can sit and enjoy the view or it’s a romantic getaway, then the view may well be worth the cost.  But, if you’re going to spend your time mostly on the beach itself, the view may not be worth the expense.  During your intelligent planning process, think through this decision carefully as it can make a significant difference in the cost of beach vacations.

Beach Tips

The most important beach tip is to prepare ahead of time for the day.  So, before you leave for a sun-filled beach vacation make  sure you pre-pack a beach bag with

• sunscreen,
• towels,
• swimwear,
• non-perishable foods,
• and other items you want for your time on the sand.

If you prepare this in advance, you won’t have to waste valuable vacation time finding or pay more higher prices for these items.

When you are on your beach vacation, be careful with your belongings when you are on the beach. Think about what you will actually use you when you are on the beach and only take with you what is necessary.  In addition, take turns staying with your valuables while others walk on the beach or spend time in the water.  If no one can stay with your valuables, be sure to take items such as your camera and wallet  wherever you go. Do not leave your belongings unattended on the sand when you go into the water; it’s too easy for someone to steal your possessions when you are not looking.  It would be much more convenient if you could simply leave things on the sand unattended knowing they would be safe.  However, that is not the case.  Having valuables stolen while on vacation can ruin the whole experience.  So plan well what valuables you take with you to the beach and develop and implement a plan to safeguard anything that you would miss if would disappear.

If you are on a cruise vacation but plan to spend a shore day on the beach, ask that a picnic lunch be prepared for you. There is no need to take time away from your beach time to find a restaurant or worry if you are appropriately dressed. Plus, why pay for lunch when you can get it for free.  It would be one thing if you are trying to experience the local culture, but if your purpose is fun, sun, surf and beach, why bother?  Simply call up room service before you leave the ship and have them prepare sandwiches for your beach party.  Take it in your bag and have fun!

Do you have beach tips that would help others?  Use the comment box below to share what you’ve done to make your beach vacation more enjoyable.

Joel (Doc2)

© 2013 Pair of Docs Travel.  This resource is designed to help you get the most out of your travel experiences.   In addition, Pair of Docs Travel offers expert assistance when you explore, select, and book for your trip and additional services individualized to your specific interests, needs, and preferences.