How to Make Friends when Traveling

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Despite all the fun that you can experience when visiting new destinations alone, things can sometimes get boring. Besides, having friends to share the experiences with when on the road can turn the trip into a remarkable adventure. Although it might seem hard making friends when traveling, the following ideas can assist you to build up real connections with so much ease. 

Meet Friends Online 

The internet is today the go-to platform when seeking communities of people with similar interests. There are lots of online travel communities from where you can find other travelers heading to the same destination or with connections to people in those areas. You can check out social media groups and travel blogs to connect with other travelers online.  

Interact on Transit 

Whether you are on the plane, train, bus, or ferry, striking up conversations with the passengers next to you could also easily break the monotony of traveling. However, you should only engage those who are willing to interact with you. Sometimes, you could easily find a travel buddy among the passengers. 

Visit the Local Events 

The local events are usually the best places to freely connect with the people and culture of your destinations. Activities like festivals, sports competitions, or concerts offer an incredible platform for meeting new people. You can also visit the local party spots and food joints for a chance to meet and connect with the locals. Since the events attract other tourists too, you could also make friends with travelers. 

Travelling comes with different kinds of experiences that might sometimes make you timid and cautious about interacting with people. But, you can only make new friends if you shed away the fears and make an effort at connecting with others. Maintain a friendly attitude and wear a happy face when meeting new people. Say hello and smile more often to give a positive impression.
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How to Take Better Travel Photos

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Whether you are traveling around the world or on a weekend getaway on the beach, taking photos is a fun way to document the experiences. The photos can be used for creating your travel album or social media posts. Nevertheless, you should know how to take good quality travel photos. The following are basic tips on how to take better travel photos. 

Composition 

The composition of your photos is one of the key elements to consider when taking them. Composition mainly entails talking photos with patterns that appeal to people. Before taking photos, assess the subject and other objects therein to ensure better contrast. In simple terms, take photos with contrasting images and colors that can tell a story. The Rule of Thirds can help you to ensure better photo composition. 

Unique Angles 

To take better travel photos, you should also try capturing moments and images through different angles. There are some scenes and subjects that can only be best captured in unique angles. Taking photos from different points will ensure creative photos unique to your adventures. 

White Balance 

Adjusting the white balance on your camera will ensure better control of the color temperatures, thereby enabling you to pre-determine the quality of the images. Instead of adjusting the white balance automatically, it is advisable to do it manually. That will enable you to get a more accurate reading of the scenes. 

Hold Steady 

Taking photos when you are shaking can result in poor quality and blurred images. Using a tripod stand is one of the ways to avoid such issues. However, you do not need a tripod to keep the camera in position. Holding the camera steady on a leveled platform or surface can provide the best results similar to when using a tripod. 

The above tips will assist you to improve your photography skills for better travel photos. But, you should also remember that photography is an art that requires regular practice to perfect. 

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The Best Travel Apps to Install in a Smartphone

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Travel apps for smartphones can help with choosing travel destinations, booking flights and hotels, knowing the routes to take during excursions among other essentials for memorable trips. Today, there are numerous travel applications that you can install in your smartphone for various functions. The following are the best travel apps that you should install in your smartphone. 

Google Flights 

Google Flights is an app that enables you to easily find affordable travel deals. Through various travel partners, the app provides a comprehensive listing of the dates when airfares are low. Besides, it also offers notifications of price changes so help you plan trips. 

Hopper

This award-winning travel app is a must-have for finding cheap plane tickets. Similar to Google Flights, it also has options for checking when it is cheapest to fly. The providers say using the app can enable travelers to save up to 40% on flights. You can also book flights via the app, hence greater convenience. 

Airbnb

This is another internationally acclaimed travel app that helps travelers with finding cheaper hotels and accommodations. It has a special feature known as Trips that provide travelers with a list of local experiences including attraction sites and activities to indulge in during their trips. 

Uber 

Now available in more than 173 countries around the world, Uber is an essential travel app for every traveler. The app enables you to request and get cars on-the-go and, pay for the services electronically based on the distance covered. Some of its unique features include ride selection and ride-sharing options. 

Google Maps 

Google Maps is considered the most efficient app for moving around both locally and internationally. Whether you are traveling on a private ride, public transport or foot, Google Maps enable you to easily navigate your destination, search for hotels and attraction sites. The best part of this app is that you can also download directions for use in areas without internet access. 

The travel apps discussed above have proven time and again that traveling can be more stress-free and fun with the right tools. Be sure to check them out the next time you are planning a trip. …

Why Pack Light When Traveling

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Choosing what to carry and how to pack them when going on an adventure is one of the most challenging procedures in planning excursions. Regardless of the goals of your trip, the travel destination and duration of stay, it is always advisable to pack light. Packing way too much when traveling has lots of setbacks that could potentially make your adventure expensive and exhausting. Here are the main reasons why you should travel light.

Saves You Money

Many airlines today charge huge fees for handling luggage, which means having very bulky and heavy bags could cost you a lot of money. Having just a small suit case or carry-on bag can help you avoid the additional travel costs. Several airline carriers allow one carry-on bag and personal item, where you can stuff various items for the trip.

Gives You an Easier Time to Move Around

Carrying heavy and bulky bags will only drag you behind and make it hard to move around. Whether you are on a flight, bus, train or trekking, having light baggage makes your work much easier and will not leave you exhausted.

Saves Time

Quite a number of travelers often spend about 20 to 30 minutes waiting for their luggage to be retrieved. It could even take several hours or days if the luggage is lost. When you have a light baggage, you will not have to spend so much time claiming it upon reaching your destination. Besides, traveling light also means you will take less time packing and unpacking.

Less Chances of Forgetting Your Items

Keeping track of all your things can be challenging if you have many bags and suitcases. However, traveling light ensures that you can always remember everything in the bag, hence, less chances of leaving anything behind when checking out.

Packing light is no doubt a critical element of travel that every traveler should embrace to ensure affordable and enjoyable trips.

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