Top 10 Places You're NOT Allowed to Visit

10-RAF Menwith Hill, UNITED KINGDOM. This Royal Air Force base is the largest electronic monitoring site in the world. If there is a plot hatched or a missile launched, they hear about it first. Whether or not they tell is another story.

9-Club 33, Disneyland, Anaheim, California. This club is so exclusive, with a Member's only VIP section in the New Orleans Square section of the park. The waiting list is so long, it's over a decade to make it through!

8-Bohemian Grove, California. It looks like a normal campground from the outside, but you have to be one of the handful of the most powerful people in the world just to get in.

7-Vatican Secret Archive, VATICAN CITY. Although you can order most of the papers, the "secret" ones actually belong to the Pope himself.

6-Lascaux Caves, FRANCE. Only a handful of scientists can enter this cave which is lined with paleolithic artwork scrawled on the walls.

5-Pine Gap, AUSTRALIA. This is the only Australian location that won't allow people to enter, or people to fly overhead lower than 18,000 feet.

4-Metro 2, Moscow, RUSSIA. Built by Stalin, this is a secret underground system for use by only the Russian Secret Service.

3-Room 39, Pyongyang, NORTH KOREA. Believe it or not, this is a North Korean government-controlled front for drug dealing and smuggling.

2-Mezghorye, RUSSIA. This is where Russia keeps it's "deadhead" nuclear missiles. It is so well-protected that an entire two battalions are stationed there.


And the number one location in the whole world where you cannot go is.....


1-Area 51, Nevada. This American Air Force test site might be famous, but it's extremely closely guarded. In fact, because it's kept so secret, there are conspiracy theories ranging from alien work to secret weapon research. Of all we know, it could be where they go to hang out to get drunk and play cards, but who's to know?

Top 10 Cleanest Countries

The numbers are the country's score on the "Environmental Performance Index." The letter grade is that old-fashioned school grade to show how relatively close some of them are.

10-Columbia, 76.8, C

9-Cuba, 78.1, C+

8-Austria, 78.1, C+

7-France, 78.2, C+

6-Mauritius, 80.6, B-

5-Norway, 81.1, B-

4-Sweden, 86, B

3-Costa Rica, 86.4, B

2-Switzerland, 89.1, B+


And the number one cleanest country in the world is.....


1-Iceland, 93.5, A-

Top 10 Youngest Countries

10-Croatia. Created October 1991

9-Bosnia Herzegovina. Created April 1992

8-Slovakia. Created January 1993

7-Czech Republic. Created January 1993

6-Macedonia. Created April 1993

5-Eritrea. Created May 1993

4-East Timor. Created May 2002

3-Serbia. Created July 2006

2-Montenegro. Created July 2006


And the youngest country in the world is.....


1-Kosovo. Created February 2008!

Top 10 Smallest Countries

As if Rhode Island isn't small enough for me, here are the ten smallest countries on the face of the planet:

10-Maldives Islands, Indian Ocean 115 square miles

9-Seychelles Islands, Indian Ocean 107 square miles

8-St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean 104 square miles

7-Marshall Islands, Pacific Ocean 70 square miles

6-Liechtenstein, Europe 62 square miles

5-San Marino, Europe 24 square miles

4-Tuvalu, Pacific Ocean 9 square miles

3-Nauru, Pacific Ocean 8.5 square miles

2-Monaco, Europe .7 square mile


And the number one smallest country on the entire globe is...


1-Vatican City .2 square mile!


Just for the record, Rhode Island is 1,044.93 square miles. How are these others for small!

Top 10 Hottest Places in the World!

If you don't like the 21 degrees with a chance of flurries, how about a little bit of heat? Here are the top ten hottest temperatures ever recorded on Earth.


10-Agha Jari, Iran. 128 degrees

9-Ahwaz, Iran 128.3 degrees

8-Tirat Zvi, Israel 129 degrees

7-Areouane, Mali 130 degrees

6-Timbuktu, Mali 130.1 degrees

5-Kebili, Tunisia 131 degrees

4-Ghadames, Libya 131 degrees

3-Death Valley, California 134 degrees. You just knew it was here, didn't you?

2-Al' Aziziyah, Libya 136.4 degrees


And the hottest temperature ever recorded on the face of the planet is....


1-Dasht-E Lut Desert, Iran 159 degrees!

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities

Although some of these are still popular despite the dangers lurking around nearly every corner, you should seriously consider what protections you have when you visit one of these ten international cities of danger:


10-Rio de Janeiro. Despite being the future host city of the Olympics, it still has it's share of problems. However, things have been getting much better recently, and I totally expect this city to be falling off this list soon enough.

9-Detroit. Apparently a bad reputation isn't the worst of their problems; it's actually true!

8-Karachi, Pakistan. With wars all around and their own serious problems and security issues, this one shouldn't be too much of a surprise.

7-Grozny, Chechnya. Refugees may be returning, but this Russian area is just still too problematic.

6-New Orleans. It seems like ever since Katrina and the failed infrastructure New Orleans has seen its share of problems. Unfortunately, much of its problems are coming from within.

5-Cape Town, South Africa. Despite such a beautiful country and such amazing residents, the city and country is having some serious issues.

4-Mogadishu, Somalia. Pirates and corruption. Who needs more reasons?

3-Baghdad, Iraq. Actually still central to much of the conflict in the Middle East, Baghdad just can't seem to get much better.

2-Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Neighboring El Paso, Texas, is doing very well and still remains reasonably safe. But, over the border it's a completely different story.

And the number one worst city due to some unbelievable dangers of murders, rapes, corruption, and who knows what else...


1-Caracas, Venezuela. Missiles, floods, axis of evil support, unemployment, failing health care, corruption, murders, rapes.... The list practically has no end!

Top 10 Worst Tourist Destinations

If you can't decide where to go on your next vacation, here are the top 10 locations which you should seriously avoid:


10-North Korea, and I have a feeling this will soon be going up the list


9-Sudan, I haven't heard much lately, so we'll see what happens with this one


8-Guantanamo Bay, why would anyone want to go here anyways?


7-The Congo, a notoriously difficult place for anyone for sure


6-Antarctica, which is becoming more popular but nevertheless still very dangerous


5-Zimbabwe, which even I didn't realize was bad enough to be so high up this list


4-Afghanistan, which is finally having more good weeks than bad and I expect it to be falling down the list fairly soon


3-Chernobyl, yes, there is still some residual nuclear mess in the area


2-Somalia, although many of the pirates are at least at sea rather than on land


and the #1 place you should seriously avoid if you can help it...


1-Baghdad, at least until the whole mess gets straightened out a little bit better


Hopefully you have some safer vacation ideas other than these 10. Make sure to book your pleasant vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Top 10 Most Popular Tourist Destination Countries

If you have trouble deciding where to go on your next vacation, here are the top 10 most popular tourist destination countries.


10-Mexico 21,500,000 annual visitors, although this may be subject to change


9-Malaysia 23,600,000 annual visitors, one I never would have expected


8-Germany 24,200,000 annual visitors, how many are there for the beer?


7-Turkey 25,500,000 annual visitors, I never knew it was this popular


6-United Kingdom 28,000,000 annual visitors, and can you blame them?


5-Italy 43,200,000 annual visitors, with so much there I'm not surprised


4-China 50,900,000 annual visitors, although I have a feeling that this will change soon too


3-Spain 52,200,000 annual visitors, which is another one that I never realized was so popular


2-U. S. A. 54,900,000 annual visitors, isn't that convenient?


And the #1 most popular tourist destination country is...


1-France 74,200,000 annual visitors! Who knew pomme frites and The Louvre were so popular?


So, when you are ready to take on one of these very exciting locations, or perhaps another that didn't quite make the list, make sure to book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com first!

8 Reasons You Need a Vacation

Despite the fact that the United States has one of the lowest number of vacation days in the world at only 13, medical and social experts insist that vacations are actually vital to your life and your work. Here is what they have come up with for reasons for actually taking that long-awaited vacation.

1-You would live longer? Vacations actually lower your stress levels, which alone can add years to your life. Framingham actually had a study of 12,000 men over nine years and discovered that those who took more frequent vacations actually had less stress, and women were actually 8 TIMES less likely to develop heart disease!

2-Vacations actually renew and reinvigorate your. A full third of workers actually feel better and more productive about their jobs after they return from a vacation. And, naturally, if you feel good about your job, you probably won't burn out.

3-As I mentioned before, vacations dispel your stress and refuel your body.

4-Vacations obviously get you out of any rut at work that you may be encountering. And getting out of that rut will actually "ignite innovation," according to psychologist Maynard Brusman. Creativity very frequently occurs outside of work and working hours.

5-Although the typical vacation lasts only a week, those who actually vacation for at least 10 days instead are actually more satisfied with their jobs than those who vacation for only 7 days.

6-With the new lack of stress, you'll have more family and friends time that you would never have back at the office. Vacations strengthen marriages and friendships, and of course children enjoy them as well.

7-Even after only a three days on vacation, people actually sleep an average of an hour more each night, and when they return home, they are still sleeping an hour more!

8-You can finally enjoy life!

Now that you know you really NEED to vacation, let's get it booked. Simply go on over to www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

9 Tips for Surviving a Long Flight

Sooner or later you will experience a flight that is longer than your usual 2 or 3 hour flight. Some last as long as 12 hours, and others even 16 hours or more! How can you possibly survive such a long period of time? Here are some very good ideas to help you get through those obscenely lengthy flights.

A- Dress very comfortably. Wear loose clothes so you can move around in your seat and in the aisles with much more ease. Make sure to wear socks and bring a thin blanket with you in case the airline no longer carries them, and sometimes the air is rather chilly up at 30,000 feet.

B- Don't eat salt or sugar before or during your flight. Sugar makes you tired, and salt dehydrates you. Bring a couple of energy bars, rather than feasting on airline peanuts and pretzels.

C- Drink water, especially while you are in flight. In fact, it's best for you to have a small cup of water every hour you are in the air. Of course, stay away from alcohol, which is itself a dehydrator. Also, to help prevent unnecessary dryness, use some moisturizer, at least on your face.

D- Charge all of your batteries before you leave home. Although, there are a number of airports which special "charge stations" where you can plug in and recharge what you need.

E- At least attempt to sleep on the plane. Use a good medication, earplugs, neck pillow, eye masks, of whatever you need to help you to fall asleep. Bring your own chamomile tea to really help you relax naturally. When you are not napping, however, do so exercises in your chair or walk around the cabin to stretch at least every 2 hours.

F- Don't sit in the last row if at all possible. They are closer to the engines and the rear bathrooms, making them rather noisy and smelly.

G- Paper or plastic. Take paperbacks or magazines, rather than hardcover books, or instead opt for those plastic computerized books which are often compact and are becoming considerably less expensive now.

H- Take only one carry on bag if at all possible, preferably with enough empty space to be able to hold also you magazine, water bottle, and airport souvenir. Your hands will be free, and both you and the people behind you in the security line, will be much less stressed.

I- How do you fight jet lag? Before you fly, make sure to sleep well, exercise, and don't drink alcohol before you get on the flight. If you are flying east, go to bed progressively earlier than normal the week before you fly. If you are flying west, go to bed later. When you arrive at your final destination, do your best to stay awake until their night time.

And where else can you book the most reasonably long-distance airfare available today? At www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

5 Best Cruise Ships for Water Activities

Although you are in the middle of the ocean, the closest most cruise ship passengers get to the water is many decks above it. Here are some ships that actually get you into the water!


Safari Explorer (American Safari Cruises)

Let's start with the smallest of the group. It's basically a 36-passenger yacht that cruises hidden coves and inlets in Hawaii. Water sports offered include kayaking, water skiing, snorkeling, and even sailing small vessels. Guests include naturalists who lecture on local culture, fauna, and boatmanship. This ship even has a wine library for tastings and whirlpool tubs and balconies!


Sea Dream II (SeaDream Yacht Club)

A retractable marina complete with snorkeling equipment, waterskis, sailboats, personal watercraft, and all sorts of other water paraphernalia, is the foci of the exterior while marble baths and multijet massaging showers are the favourite parts of the interior.


Star Clipper (Star Clippers)

Unlike the other ships in this group, Star Clipper actually has guests raise the sails, climb the masts, and even sometimes actually steer the ship! Sailing, sportfishing, and diving are all exciting options on this amazing ship.


Ti'a Moana (Bora Bora Cruises)

On another small vessel, kayaking and snorkeling are actually assisted by local guides, so you're almost sure to get a much better and much more attractive experience. The company might not be popular in the States just yet, but the many followers who use them hail from Australia, Europe, and South America. The Polynesian decor really highlight the best the region has to offer. Meals are not at set times, which is often good if you are going for a later-timed water event. Note: The crew actually washes your bathing suits every night to be ready early the next morning!


Wind Surf (Windstar Cruises)

The big daddy of the ships for today's theme, Wind Surf is able to hold a bit more gear, and considerably more passengers. Even with a full load of 312, though, there is still ample room onboard for their sports platform completely stocked with sailboats, banana boats, water skis, and snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, and diving gear. And the best part of this ship out of the water is the fact that it has TEN masseuses onboard. And, at set schedules, you can even steer the ship for a time while the ship's at sea.


Why wait any longer to get into the water? Book your vacation today at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Blog #100 Special Edition

www.kingarthur.myttn.com

King Arthur Travel

100th blog special event!

If I get at least 8 bookings in 4 months, which is by March 21, 2011, someone will win the following certificates:

$500 in casino benefits in Las Vegas

3-days for you and a guest in your choice of American/Mexican destinations

$1,000 in restaurant savings

$1,000 in grocery savings, and

if i get 10 bookings, I'll even throw in a cruise!

Where else can you get a 1 in 8 chance of receiving almost $3,800 in prizes, or a 1 in 10 chance of receiving almost $5,000 in prizes?

Only at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and only until March 21, 2011!

Good luck!

Arthur

P. S. There are sometimes small taxes or fees that need to be paid, but you would have to pay them anyways. :D

The 6 Best Ships for Land Lovers?

These six cruise vessels are the best options for those who like to spend longer time at port and/or to scout unusual destinations:


Arethusa (Grand Circle Cruise Line)

The smallest of the six, the Arethusa goes to the Red Sea, which is quite novel for any cruise ship to do. The land-and-sea itinerary combines Luxor, Saudi Arabia (which is rather new to boating tourists), the Sinai Peninsula, Petra, Amman, and the Dead Sea. Some programs include a Bedouin camp lunch, a carpet making school visit, and a Jordanian family dinner.


Azamara Journey (Azamara Cruises)

The largest of the six, the Azamara Journey sails routes that are almost never on regular cruises' itineraries. Their Panama Canal cruise includes shore excursions in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, a trip to the summit of the Mombacho Volcano Cloud Forest, and another to the mouth of the cone at Masaya Volcano National Park.


MS Fram (Hurtigruten)

The only cruise ship to visit western Greenland, the MS Fram includes shore excursions to places usually accessible only by helicopter. Hike the Arctic hillsides, drive a dogsled, and get very close to natural glaciers. The autumn in the Northern Hemisphere brings the ship down to Antactica, and therefore has stops in Britain, Canadian Maritime, the Eastern states, and even Central and South America!


Nautica (Oceania Cruises)

Long port stays make this ship's itineraries particularly attractive. The Black Sea, Mykonos until almost midnight, and overnight stays in Saigon, Hong Kong, and Shanghai are some of the most exciting stops.


Viking Surkov (Viking river Cruises)

River cruising is becoming much more popular, and much less expensive, especially compared to hotel rates in Moscow and St. Petersburg. You can spend 4 nights in Moscow and 5 days in the Svir and Volga Rivers cities, as well as 3 days in St. Petersburg, and that's just on the river cruise! In the vilage of Kishi, the Transfiguration church has 22 domes and no nails! Historians and political scientists are onboard to help you get as much learning out of your vacation as possible, too. Note, Moscow's port is almost an hour away from city center.


Yangzi Explorer (Abercrombie & Kent)

A brand new ship, the Yangzi Explorer hosts an expert in river history, geology, culture, and politics. Highlights include the Three Gorges lock system, and a daytime cruise of the Xiling Gorge.


It's not fun and exciting only onboard a cruise ship, but as you can see, a lot of the excitement is also on land too! Book your next cruise today at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

4 Best Cruise Ships for Nature Lovers

Kapitan Khlebnikov (Quark Expeditions)

As if the name doesn't suggest exotic enough locations, Kapitan was one of the first vessels to bring nonscientists to Emperor penguin rookeries, circumnavigate Antarctica, and transit the Northeast Passage. Kapitan is truly an icebreaker. You get to places which are otherwise inaccessible, and when the ship can go no further, onboard helicopters and Zodiacs can! The Kapitan also has luxuries which include a heated indoor pool and sauna. Animals seen from the decks include polar bears, musk oxen, and the rare Leptev walrus. All voyages include scientific experts.


MS Hanseatic (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises)

Five star amenities abound onboard the Hanseatic. Solomon Island snorkeling, Papua New Guinea jungle walks, and Komodo dragon visiting are highlights of their 25-day "So Close to the Gods" trip. Their 21-day Japan to Alaska voyage include crested murrelets on Rishiri To, Japan, sea eagles and brown bears on Siberia's Kamchatka peninsula, and rare whiskered auklets in the Aleutian Islands. Also included on your itineraries are necessities such as parkas, bicycles, fishing and snorkeling gear, and microscopes. Note: This is a German Cruise line, so practice up or bring your bilingual dictionary with you.


National Geographic Islander (Lindblad Expeditions)

The smallest of the vessels, carrying only 48 passengers, has exclusive access to National Geographic field sites in the Galapagos Islands. There is no sleeping late, however. You actually have to get up by 7:00 to prepare for a very full day. Kayaks, Zodiacs, snorkeling gear, and wet suits all await your usage during your explorations. On land, you can see tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies. A pre-dinner discussion in the lounge even gives you a review of the day's exciting events.


Spirit of Endeavor (Cruise West)

Cruise West's smaller vessels are able to get into the Alaskan waters' wilderness or narrow fjords and shallow inlets. Also unlike the larger vessels, Spirit of Endeavor also makes more frequent port stops, giving you much more time to explore the lands. Humpback whales are so frequent and expected that Cruise West will refund you $250 if you don't see a whale in their summering spots. Stops also include national forests and parks, small seaside towns, and other Alaskan, Western Canadian, and Northwest American ports.


When you are ready to book one of these exciting nature-loving cruises, make sure to check out www.kingarthur.myttn.com first!

3 Best Ships for Romance

Paul Gauguin (Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

French Polynesia is no stranger to this romantic vessel. The staff sets up a hammock for your nap after setting up a meal on a table in the sand of a gorgeous tropical beach. Room service will also bring your meal directly to your balcony, which have the rooms onboard have. You can even get a helicopter to take you to a private island or a much more remote dining destination. Libraries and lounges onboard make for a pleasant quiet atmosphere, while most areas around the ship showcase beautiful artwork and photographs.


Royal Clipper (Star Clippers)

The Royal Clipper is a replica of a 1902 windjammer, and showcases that history in the most lovely, romantic way possible. In the wheelhouse, the captain himself shares exciting sea stories every morning. Balconies are hidden on each side of the bow, and a track up the mast to the crow's nest reveals a comfortable settee. Note: no casinos or floor shows, but instead the focus is on impromptu guitar and steel pan shows under the sails.


Wind Spirit (Windstar Cruises)

The smallest of the three ships, this 148-passenger ship has more room than people. Chaise lounges don't clutter the decks, but they are very sufficient to section off your own area. The hot tub is always romantic, especially under the stars. And on this ship, also, you can get to the crow's nest, but this time for a lounge on a hammock. Because of it's small size, the ship is able to take you to much less crowded ports where you can often get on your own there as well. As an additional bonus, a sports deck drops down at the stern to allow for scuba diving and snorkeling when the ship is anchored near a coral reef.


Forget all the other chit-chatter. Before you get too romantic out there, make sure to book your next cruise on one of these amazing and romantic cruise vessels at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

3 Best Ships for Late Night Partying

Some cruise ships often have the reputation of being known otherwise as "party ships." And sometimes, that can ring quite true. Just as some colleges are known for partying more than others, some cruise ships are known for the same. Here are three that Conde Nast Traveller recommend.


Carnival Freedom (Carnival)


This large ship has the large party atmosphere to match. There is a great poolside band and nightly parties on the lido deck. (That's the deck with most of the pools, for those who have not yet cruised.) This new ship is not concerned with high class, but is instead focused more of the fun and the festivities aboard. Crazy Olympic pool parties, Karaoke Madness, The Newlywed Game, and even adult comedy shows abound on this massive vessel. With 22 bars and lounges, and music ranging from disco to easy listening, the Carnival Freedom surely is a massive party on the sea!


Crystal Serenity (Crystal Cruises)

Serenity is known for its more luxurious night life. The Galaxy Lounge puts on amazing Broadway shows while the Avenue Saloon hosts white-gloved waiters with finger foods while you listen to some great jazz or piano music.


Easy Cruise Life (EasyCruise.com)

The smallest of the three, Easy Cruise Life is a no-frills party ship with the emphasis on "party." Unlike the other ships, this one is famous for arriving before noon, but staying until early morning, which even leaves party hours in port! Late night djs even help you to continue the party for hours afterward. Note, also unlike other cruise lines, the food on Easy Cruise Life is not included.


Book your party today at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

4 Best Ships for Multigenerational Family Cruising

It's one thing to go on a cruise with people your own age. It's another to go with people younger or older than you. But it's an entirely new story to go in a multi-generational group. Here are What Condes Nast Traveler chose as the 4 best cruise ships for multi-generational travelers.


Carnival Splendor (Carnival)

Carnival is amazing with kids, and they keep them well taken care of and protected. The kids really enjoy their time onboard the Splendor with programs designed for them (Camp Carnival-Ages 2 through 11; Circle C-Ages 12 to 14; and Club O2-Ages 15 to 17). The spa is very large, for adults who like to be pampered. There are 4 separate pools, for kids of all ages, I guess. And there are 22 completely different bars and lounges onboard that one ship for those of legal drinking age. The Promenade Deck and interior halls are favourite walking places for the older generations, too.


Crown Princess (Princess Cruises)

The Captain on this amazing vessel is legally able to perform your wedding ceremony, should you desire in the ship's beautiful chapel. Kids greatly enjoy colouring their own t-shirts, teenagers perform in their own talent show, and other adults participate in activities that include the golf simulator, wine tastings, and their ScholarShip at Sea program. The Sanctuary is an adults-only retreat with massage cabanas, waiters, and lots of room to relax. Note, connecting cabins are only via the balcony.


Liberty of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

The largest of these four amazing vessels, Liberty has numerous connecting rooms in multiple categories. The water park and miniature golf course is a big hit with the 12-14 year old group. Adventure Ocean is created just for the younger group, and they do enjoy their scavenger hunting and science classes. There are two whirlpool on the edge of the ship in the adults only section.


Noordam (Holland America)

The Loft and Oasis decks are those most popular with the teenagers because they are exclusively for their own use. The Loft has a television, internet, video games, and karaoke, all set in a New York City apartment theme. Oasis is a sundeck complete with waterfall, a snack machine, and dancing. The size of this ship is small er than the others, which means the grandparents don't have to walk so far to get to supper. Activities for the other adults include a demonstration kitchen, library, spa, salon, and the Crow's Nest which is a daytime lounge and a nighttime club. Two very nice pools are also included.


Book your next cruise at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Travel Photography: Travel Hints

As I conclude my series on travel photography, I thought it best to end with tips for traveling with and acquiring photographic items.


X-Ray Machines

Most likely, your camera will be safe from a couple of passes through the machine. However, higher speed film and film that had been exposed more than 5 times, does have a risk of ruin. On the other hand, x-ray machines used on checked baggage is considerably stronger and far more frequent (due to terrorist threats recently), and there is a very good chance that your film can be damaged beyond repair. So, the best thing for you to do is to actually carry on your film and photographic equipment. Well, at least the film. Your film can be hand-inspected if you request, although it will take a bit extra time for the already overburdened guard. In some international countries, you have to let it go through the machine, whether you like it or not.


Checking Equipment

Unless you have a small point-and-shoot camera (which you wrap in a thick wool sweater in the center of your suitcase), don't check your camera, equipment, or film!


Film

How much film should you bring? Some need only two rolls a day, if even. Some upwards of 15 rolls, or more! Always bring more than you need. And, if you're fortunate enough to have digital cameras, make sure to bring extra memory cards, just in case.


Batteries

They're not always easy to find or even available in tourist areas. Bring extra.


Customs

Some countries limit the amount of film and photographic equipment you can bring across their border. Bring receipts for film and cameras, and register your camera with the U. S. customs before leaving your home airport.


Processing Film

You can have your film processed abroad if you want, but keep in mind that some places are less expensive, and some are more expensive. You can even make your own postcards!


Buying Equipment Aboard

This isn't exactly the best idea, but it's sometimes necessary if yours gets damaged or lost. However, you can always pick up a few disposable kinds just in case, and for excursions where you wouldn't take your good equipment, such as rafting and rainy day hiking.


Minitripods

Always a good idea in lieu of those large clunky things. Some are only 6 inches high and can be rested vertically as well as horizontally. Beanbags, believe it or not, are also used to hold up and cushion long lenses.


Now all you need to do is book that amazing photographic vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Travel Photography: Cruises

After reading so many tips on how to photograph different places and group sizes, I think I'll make it much easier for you to photograph your cruise by making a simple list:

1-Lighting is all over the place onboard a cruise. Bright upper decks, shady interior rooms, and even the rainy weather and rough seas can play a major part in your photographs.

2-If your camera allows them, bring wide-angle and telephoto zoom lenses, accessory flash, and both fast and slow film speeds. Point and shoot cameras are fine when you are more interested in eating the midnight buffet than photographing it, which is certainly something you must do at least once.

3-Alaskan inland passages, Bahamian islands, and European rivers are huge scenic opportunities. So is coming into and leaving port, which are usually at not the best times (such as arriving at 7:00am and departing at 10:00pm).

4-When you can, work from the upper decks and on the less windy side.

5-Plan when and where you will photograph by looking through the ship's daily calendar first.

So, now that you're ready for that cruise, waste no more time and book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

5 Best Ships for Gourmet Dining

One of the most impressive things I have found on my cruises is the amazing array and quantity of choices of food. Not only that, though. I was completely overwhelmed by the quality of the food too! Here are five other ships where cuisine reigns supreme.


Crystal Symphony (Crystal Cruises)

Sushi might be the specialty of the house, especially since this ship has two Nobu Matsuhisa restaurants, but the exquisite wineries of the world cater for this ship that serves up some of their best masterpieces. Their Ultimate Vintage Room hosts very high-priced specialty dinners with a 7-course meal and 13 very rare wines. Of course, if you just want an ice cream cone, you will still have your choice of 30 options on deck 11!


Eurodam (Holland America)

The second-largest ship on today's list, the Eurodam really gets to shine with such exciting things as their Culinary Arts Theatre, Restaurants Tamarind and Canaletto, and private poolside cabanas. The theatre hosts cooking demonstrations and classes, lectures, and candy making. The restaurant Tamarind focuses on multi-Asian specialties while Canaletto chooses Italian.


Norwegian Jade (Norwegian Cruise Line)

Choices abound onboard the Norwegian Jade with twelve restaurants (french, Italian, Tex-Mex, Spanish, Japanese, multi-Asian, sushi, steakhouse, and of course a buffet). Although the food cannot be rated as highly as some of the others on the list, the range and quantity of options for such a reasonably-priced cruise onboard the Norwegian Jade certainly makes up for it many times over.


River Cloud (Sea Cloud Cruises)

This 90-passenger cruise ship uses produce directly from the ports of call and showcases some amazing treats of local delight. Itineraries include wine-tasting and vineyard tours, famous chef-prepared meals, and even classical music concerts. Unlike the others on this list, this specific cruise ship also takes a great deal of pride on the decor of the suites which have teak and marble all over.


Seven Seas Voyager (Regent Seven Seas)

Famed French culinary institute Le Cordon Bleu is the training course for the chefs onboard this vessel, especially in their supper-only Signatures restaurant. La Veranda makes tantalizing North African cuisine while Latitude's focuses more along the lines of a family-style French and Vietnamese infusion. Compass Rose even has some delicious vegetarian entrees in a spa-style restaurant. Some itineraries even include cooking workshops and farmers' market tours.


If you like to eat, and who doesn't, you will love cruising! Book today at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

3 Best Luxury Cruise Ships

Cruises, especially those of the past, give the impression of luxury living and fine dining onboard an exquisitely crafted work of art. Fortunately, some modern ships maintain such luxury and help every guest relive the times of yesteryear with the luxurious life.


Seabourn Legend (Yachts of Seabourn)

It's known as "Caviar in the Surf" for a reason. Uniformed stewards carry trays of caviar and champagne for the appetizer course of the ship's beach barbecue! By the end of the first day, they know your name, and by the end of the second, they know your favourite chair and wine. Attendants even draw your bath for you, complete with your preferred soaps and oils. You can even have a fabulous flambe under the stars after a delectable dining experience.


SeaDream I (SeaDream Yacht Club)

Only 55 couples are onboard this ship, plus the staff of only 95! They personalize their service just for you. Always someone around. They even clean your sunglasses, spray you with cold water, and offer to massage your shoulders before you need to ask! And the chef is also known for asking for your favourite meal, and places it on the menu just days later! There is nothing onboard for children, so they're also out of everyone's hair.


Silver Whisper (Silversea)

Personalized pillow choices are only the beginning! Your minibar even includes your favourite drinks (even alcoholic), and it's complimentary. The most expensive suites even come complete with a professional English butler. Yes, even though the cruise line is technically Italian. The butlers unpack (what a chore you don't have to do!), reserve a vehicle for you in the next port, and even arrange for a cocktail party right in your own stateroom suite. And for an additional fee, you can have a six-course meal complete with specially-chosen wine pairings created by professional sommeliers.

When you are ready to experience such an exquisite lifestyle onboard such exquisite ships, make your reservations immediately at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

6 Best Ships for Onboard Learning

There are a number of reasons why people go on cruises, but only a handful of passengers go for the educational experiences onboard. The smaller vessels are far more equipped and have a much more educated clientele than do most of the larger ships when it comes to instruction and education onboard.


American Queen (Majestic America)

Although most Mississippi River cruises are populated by gamblers, the American Queen is more populated by historians. Civil War battlefields in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri are frequent visitor favourites, while Mark Twain fans can relive his childhood in his own hometown. Even Native American and Amish farms are evident along the scenic itinerary. And there is always the prides of Iowa, the John Deere mansions.


MV Mozart (Peter Deilmann)

Classical music fans agree that the best place to study and hear it is right at the source of the composers' inspiration, on the Danube River. Daytime sightseeing of such relics as concert theatres and famous pianos (such as the one belonging to Beethoven), and evening classical music concerts are just what each passenger enjoys.


Oberoi Zahra (Oberoi Hotels)

This small ship which cruises the Nile River includes both Thai massages for your body and an onboard Egyptologist for your brain. Unlike the other Nile cruise ships, the Oberoi Zahra sails for a full week at a much more leisurely pace. Even each guide isn't for the entire ship of 54 passenger, but instead stay with just 6 people or so per guide. And specific to this ship is a stop at Dendarah Temple.


Queen Mary II (Cunard)

Certainly the largest of the educational vessels, the Queen Mary II have rotating guests that travel onboard as guests of the cruise line. Famous novelists, scientists, bridge lecturers, and planetarium workers abound onboard this especially lovely and massive vessel. Even London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts hosts a special onboard acting class for those wishing to participate.


River Countess/Dutchess (Uniworld)

Eastern European rivers are not ignored by these exciting ships which travel longer itineraries and to far more countries than do the others. Local universities provide lecturers on Eastern European history.


Seven Seas Mariner (Regent Seven Seas)

This particular cruise ship has a worldwide itinerary, and world-class educational experiences ranging from photography to yoga to French cuisine. Classes and lectures range from food and wine to architecture and onward to literature. Unfortunately, though, some of the classes have fees, but they are well worth it when you see who is teaching them and the quality of small group education that you receive.

When you are reading for the exotic and educational experience of a lifetime, make sure to book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com first!

Travel Photography: Signs

This might not sound like very important photography around your own hometown, sparing the neon orange, a $500 fine notice, or those very important street signs, but when you travel abroad, you occasionally come across a rather interesting sign. One you'd like to remember in a photograph. They can provide a timeline or an interesting theme in themselves. And some of them can even be rather humourous.

Sometimes the most humourous ones are totally accidental or occur due to an odd coincidence or a warped juxtaposition. In Germany, for example, you might see a sign for the restroom that is directly next to the sign for the exit, and the exit sign shows a silhouette of a man running! Rather a humourous position, don't you think?

Of course, signs that are not in your native language can also be interesting, especially if you were to take a large group photograph of them in a place like a Hong Kong neon lighted area, or a European tour with the same words but in different languages.

Finally, the best use for sign photographs is to show the progression of your vacation. Signs that show a dramatic location (Equator, Southernmost point in the Continental U. S.), city and state limits and welcome signs, unusual names of towns, areas or business, and driving distances. Signs that highlight specific locations where you visited such as museums and hotels are also very important to complete your travel photography collection. Of course, historical markers are also very interesting if that is what interests you.

Signs are more important than you realized now, aren't they? Find some great travel deals to find some great signs only at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Travel Photography: From the Air

It's one thing to see a close up shot, and another thing to see a vista view. But it's an entirely different kind of photograph when the subject is miles beyond the window of an airplane. As long as it's not cloudy or foggy out the window, you can get some amazing photographs from right there in your window seat. And if your pilot points out interesting views from one side or the other of the plane, make sure to take advantage of it with another of your wonderful photographs!

The windows in most planes are too thick for sharp photographs, but if you keep the developed size no more than 5x7 you should be fine. Also, get as close to the window as possible to avoid blur, but don't touch the window or else you will get vibrations instead. Also, try to get whatever photographs that you can at takeoff and landing, when things are less hazy and considerably closer.

Often available are lower altitude flights such as by small planes, helicopters, and even hot air balloons. You can get much closer to your photographs' subjects than you can with a jumbo jet liner. And the fares are often rather reasonable. Sometimes you can even open the window to get an even more unobstructed photograph!

And before you get on that commercial jet liner, make sure to book that flight and the rest of your vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

3 Best Cruise Ships for Children

Travelling with kids is an adventure in itself, but cruising with them is a totally different story. Most cruise lines offer something special to keep the kids happy and entertained. Here are the three that Conde Nast Traveler chose as best for kids:


Disney Wonder

Naturally, Disney is always a huge hit with kids, and families with kids. Both infant and toddlers greatly enjoy the Disney cruise experience. And they also change the babies' diapers! Swim diapers aren't allowed in any except the wading pool. And for those who can't swim, they can use the fountains to splash around in. Even the family staterooms have two toilets for no impatiently waiting toddlers! The waterslide leading into a Mickey Mouse head pool is almost as popular as the Animator's Palette restaurant with walls that change from black and white to colour. The pirate's party is a great event, even if you have to bring your own costumes. And to top it all off, Disney just can't break the habit of shooting off fireworks. Even the nightly entertainment is age-appropriate with the kids' viewing earlier one more adapted to them.


Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

As I have suggested in my Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean blog entry, Royal Caribbean is better suited for teenagers and well-behaved children. They have activities that include a rock-climbing wall, a FlowRider surf park, and an ice rink. I doubt the little kids would enjoy them all that much. Also, to appeal to the teenage crowd, they have their own private teen only areas, where parents and adults are forbidden. The staff members are known to keep the kids under control while also treating them with respect. (Where the teens' staff were on my last Royal Caribbean cruise, I don't know!) They even get to play some great video games and musical jam session instruments. The younger crowd can take part in acting, snowball fighting, and a barbecue, while the older crowd would be deejaying, card gaming, and night clubbing.


Ruby Princess

It's the latest in Princess Cruise ships. And do they ever go over the top for the kiddies! 3-7 year olds have scavenger hunts and ice cream parties. 8-12 year olds get to participate in pajama parties, kids-only suppers, and even Nintendo Wii games. Of course, the teenagers get just what they expect too: hip-hop dance lessons, air hockey contests, and nightclubbing too! And, lucky them, the 8-12 year olds get to accompany their parents in the actual ship's kitchen to wear those funny hats and aprons while they make pizzas, roll sushi, and decorate cakes.


So, when you're ready to book that most exciting cruise with your kids, make sure to check out www.kingarthur.myttn.com and look out for the best prices!

Travel Photography: From Land and Sea

Transportation is an important part of your vacation, and sometimes the transportation itself can be quite photographic. Whether by one of the high-speed Japanese bullet trains, the romantic gondolas of Venice, or even the traditional jitneys in the Philippines, you will always be getting around wherever you are. And photographs from and of these exciting transportation modes really adds that extra bit of authenticity and location to your catalog.

By the time you arrive at your destination, you will have already passed all sorts of interesting things that would merit your camera's use. Of course, in those cases, the regular point and shoot cameras work best, since they take time only to turn them on.

When you actually arrive there, however, you still will have the opportunity to photograph your immediate area, as well as the actual transportation vehicle that you used to get you there. Instead of taking a picture of just the ship or train, try to get a different vantage point that shows the surroundings of the ship or train as well. It adds much more visual interest than you may realize. Especially when you are on a cruise ship, you don't realize how truly massive the ship is until you are far enough away to see the local stores and docks surrounding it. "Overwhelmingly massive" for sure!

Of course, before you go on your next exciting photographic vacation, and find some of these interesting land and sea transportation vignettes, you just have to book your vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Researching Your Vacation

One of the most important aspects of photographing your vacation has nothing to do with cameras, lenses, or film, but it has everything to do with your pre-vacation research. Studying about a location and planning where you will be taking your photographs will greatly enhance the pictures that you do take. You probably won't get to everything on your list, but at least you won't miss any important details or events.

Of course, the best way to learn about a new vacation location is to read up on it in every book and online resource that you can find. Magazines, newspapers, guidebooks, blogs, and online articles are great sources of information. There are also books and journals and language tapes to help you learn more and adjust yourself to your vacation location.

There are travel websites all over the internet, and many of them can help you in your vacation location research. The show you pictures of specific location and objects, inspiring you to take your own. Some websites also include schedules of events and hotel information too!

Also, some of the best sources of location information are the people who actually have been there. Most people really enjoy telling their vacation stories, especially those who have been on a cruise ship. It takes just the mention of a location to get many of those vacation travelers started. Also, on the internet, there are websites and chat rooms complete with people who actually live in the location. Why not get some first-hand knowledge of the sites?

So, while you are researching your vacation, you probably also want to save some money. Why not book on www.kingarthur.myttn.com and use your savings for more travel books?

Travel Photograhy: Travel Journal

Your vacation photographs should not be just a hodgepodge of random snapshots from throughout your trip, but rather a chronological progression of your vacation, or perhaps a storyline of sorts. Arrange your photographs in the framework of beginning, middle, and end. It makes them so much more interesting.

As you take your photographs, it's best to keep a journal of what the subject is and where and when it was taken. Doing so will help when organizing your photographs later. You can use the date/time stamp on your camera for the beginning and end of each roll, if your camera has that possibility.

Although a chronological order is usually the best for a photographic travel journal, sometimes surprise and discovery add extra excitement to your photograph collection. Common view of famous landmarks can be interspersed with close up shots. Portraits can be mixed with groups. And ordinary scenes can be mixed with aerial photographs. Perhaps you can have a theme, or a section of your journal that is theme-specific, such as museums, animals, or portraits.

Although most people put photographs in their travel journals, feel free to add in other trip mementos such as labeled restaurant napkins, postcards, and even photographs from others! They might have a view that you didn't consider. Perhaps they might have a specific scene, location, or object which you were unable to get or were unaware of.

Of course, the first step to any successful travel journal is to book you vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Travel Photography: Museums

You probably go on a vacation not planning on visiting a museum, but sometimes it really intrigues you. There might be a special display theme going on, or a specific artist that you've always appreciated. Why not learn about getting the best photographs in a museum setting?

Some museums don't even allow cameras, so call ahead to be sure. Besides, those that do probably invest quite a bit in lighting, so using your flash wouldn't really help your photograph much. And, although they might allow cameras, they might not allow flash, anyways.

The best photographs would also come from the best film for the display room and its architecture. Skylights and windows light some rooms naturally, so a daylight film would be best and provide very natural colours. Tungsten-balanced film is best if the main lighting is from tungsten fixtures otherwise the colours would be too warm in your photograph.

Paintings are not as easy to shoot effectively with a camera, so opt for the postcards and posters of those. Therefore,the best subjects to photograph in museums are sculptures, fossils and skeletons, and room views of nearly entire rooms.

Another thing you must remember in museums is that there are many others around who would like to see the displays as well, maybe even photographers themselves. Try to respect the privacy and concentration of the many people who are deeply engrossed in the subjects and those who are studying them in great detail. Work as quickly and quietly as possible.

So, when you're ready to attack the least popular vacation destinations of museums, first you need to book that vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Travel Photography: Dramatic Lighting

Sometimes when you are traveling, you are in just the right place at the right time to photograph a truly spectacular moment of photographic genius. A natural light show or lighting that will surely transform your photo album forever.

Sunbeams bursting through dark storm clouds, a mesmerizing sunset, sunlight flooding through windows and illuminating everything inside, or like a spotlight on a specific object. It's absolutely amazing the way things turn out sometimes.

It would be wonderful if you would know where and when things would happen, but you don't exactly have enough time to wait for that precise moment either. Just before and after storms are often the best opportunities to find some dramatic scenes. Cathedrals also have remarkable explosions of light on sunny days when the sunlight pierces through high windows. Sometimes even pre-dawn and post-dusk times make for interesting photographs too.

Since dramatic lighting lasts for only a couple of minutes, or even as little as a few seconds, you cannot worry too much about framing your picture, or composing the best scene. In fact, you shouldn't even worry about the shadows, but rather concentrate on the lighting itself.

And before you go on that vacation, it might be good to practice every so often. Once you're ready, book at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and let's see what kind of photographic drama you can capture!

5 Tips to Finding Low Airfare

Airlines are not having price wars right now, and are really making huge profits with all of their excess fees. How is it even possible any more to save a few dollars when you fly? Here are five tips to finding the few low airfares that are available:

Tip #1: Often a nearby airport is considerably less expensive than the one nearest your exact destination. Boston (BOS) for example, you can also look into Providence, RI (PVD) or Manchester, NH (MHT). For Miami (MIA), many people use Ft. Lauderdale (FLL). Or, for Los Angeles (LAX), many people use Ontario (ONT) or Orange County (SNA), or even Burbank (BUR).

Tip #2: Book as early as possible. The lowest prices are for only a small number of seats, and once those seats are sold, the prices go up. American discount fares are for reservations made 7, 14, or even 21 days in advance, and international fares at 30 days in advance.

Tip #3: Sometimes traveling a day earlier or later, on both your departing and returning flights, can save you a good bit of money. It's surprising what difference a single day could make!

Tip #4: Most of the low fares require that you stay over Saturday night, for some reason, but there are a number of special low fares that require you stay only three nights. Try to adjust your flights to include the weekend, and see if your fares go down. It can't hurt.

Tip #5: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are usually the least expensive days to fly on. Sometimes a Saturday flight might have a special rate, too. Although, for the most part, the Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday block is most likely and most often the least expensive days to fly.

And why not book your next flight over at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and see what kind of deal the right website can get you too!

Travel Photography: Animals

Domestic animals, both household pets and farm-working animals, are some subjects which are not photographed all that often any more. However, sometimes the scene is just so memorable, you just have to get a photograph. And the zoos and aquariums are also wonderful opportunistic places.

For animals especially, the best viewpoint is pushed back a little bit so you can see some of the surrounding scenery and identify the place in your photograph. Dogs, cows, camels, llamas, and buffalo are all good subjects in this case.

For wildlife, however, the secret to their best photographs is getting as close as possible to make recognizable and dramatic compositions. A long lens, perhaps as high as 600mm, would be a great asset to your collection.

Make sure your cameras are set before you compose your photograph. Animals might be more used to people, but they won't stand around waiting for you to set up every little detail.

Even though zoos and aquariums aren't out in the wild, you can still get some wonderful photographs of animals you might not get to see otherwise. And you won't need such long lenses either.

Sometimes it's interesting to put the animal inside the obvious enclosure, and other times it's better to put it in views that don;t allow their enclosures to be seen.

Aquariums, and the zoo's reptile glass enclosures, do have two problems you won't find outside. The dark lighting and the thick glass. Flash will only be reflected, so that won't work. If you have an SLR (single lens reflex) camera, however, someone can hold a flash against the glass, and you can put your lens right up to the glass.

Incidentally, the times when most animals are most active are early and late in the day, and just before feeding times.

Whether the animals are in a distant state, or a nearby country, you will need to make some travel arrangement first. Why not book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and save a few dollars for feed money?

Travel Photography: Underground

There are numerous very interesting and very beautiful caves and caverns all over the world. Some of them are even quite popular. Either way, they're all a "hole in the wall". They can be quite photogenic, but the lighting underground is an entirely different story.

Some of the caverns are lit with limited lights in vast spaces. In such a space, flash is useless unless you are doing a closeup. Unfortunately, even if your flash is strong enough to light up a considerable amount, the brightness of the flash would likely wash out the lighting colours themselves. Tripods are not usually allowed, unless you have a private tour or go during their slow season.

Spelunking, the actual sport of cave exploration, is a wonderful way to see more out of the way, smaller caves and caverns. However, you must always go with experienced cave explorers, and your camera equipment is NOT as important as is your climbing equipment.

The best way to light areas is to use your flash multiple times and leave your lens open and locked to get as much light into your camera as possible. Caves are just too dark to see much without considerable lighting.

Camera protection in caves and caverns is also vitally important. First, the atmosphere can be rather dusty. It IS underground and among the rocks and dirt, after all. And since caves are also usually created by water, it's also very humid in them. Finally, the rocks themselves are very hard, and knocking your camera against them will certainly damage them. Store your camera in padded cases, locked plastic bags, and acrylic underwater camera protection. Those are certainly the best options to use.

So, when you're ready to go spelunking and exploring for yourself, you first need to book that vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Travel Photography: Underwater

Underwater photography is sometimes the most interesting and exciting format while you are on vacation. And it follows most of the standard photographic rules, assuming you are 12 feet or less below the surface. And it really shouldn't cost you much money either.

First, you'll need a waterproof camera, such as a one-time use underwater camera which you can find probably in the beach side local shops. They come preloaded with colour film, too. Also, camera companies make reloadable underwater cameras too. Alternatively, you can protect your camera with special plastic bag housing, that protects your camera up to 100 feet below the surface. For deeper than that, they also offer acrylic housing. The casings include a glove so you can use the controls of the camera, and glass windows for the viewfinder and the lens.

The environment underwater is also a bit of a problem to some underwater photographers. Even clear water absorbs the light, and the deeper you get, the less colours you can see. The first colour to disappear is red. For best results, use a fast film, and especially use a flash to restore colours. In fact, deeper than 12 feet, a flash is almost mandatory.

You might have to wait a while to get the best photographs of fish, and when you do encounter a school, they certainly won't wait for you to set your camera. While you are waiting, of if you are just plain impatient, take some great snapshots of underwater still life such as coral, sea anemones, or plants.

The only thing missing from your underwater photography session, then, is booking your vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Celebrating Onboard

Many people go on a cruise just to get away from the lifestyle that they already know, and to see new and exotic locations and relax to soft music under the tropical sun. However, a good number of cruisers are there to celebrate. Birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, retirements, graduations, and reunions are all represented on just about every cruise ship.

The make your celebration the best experience possible, it really helps to inform the cruise line ahead of time. Your vacation planner or travel agent can help make your celebration most appropriate by booking a lounge with open or paid bar, hot and cold party food, and even decorations in your stateroom. Of course, the more you want to do, and offer to your special guests, the more time you must spend in your vacation planning process. If a specific lounge is requested, or flowers need to be delivered, the cruise line really needs as much prior notice as possible. Of course, during your cruise, there are numerous staff members and shops that are more than willing to help make your time more enjoyable.

You can order decorations for your stateroom (and with a little pressure some for the lounge as well), special cakes created just for your group, champagne and strawberries for when you have those romantic moments, and of course the more traditional flowers and candies.

Here are some very important things to remember when planning on celebrating onboard a cruise ship:

I can't state it enough, but you really should inform the cruise line of everything possible before you leave, preferably when you book your cruise. Especially important are the names of your guests, the event that you will be celebrating, and the date or dates that you will need the attention.

When you get onboard, talk with the formal store, cruise director, and group coordinator to help you with more of the smaller yet still important details of your celebration. Perhaps they can also offer suggestions and tips to make your celebration even more enjoyable.

If you do not have a time slot booked for every part of your celebration, always check the ship's itinerary and daily activities. There might be a major onboard event, or an elegant supper that evening. Of course daytime and nighttime celebrations, too, make for vastly different atmospheres.

Cruise ships themselves also have luxurious accommodations and onboard luxuries available, especially with prior notice, request, and reservations. Smaller restaurants, those made with reservations, and that must be paid in addition to your cruise, are ideal locations for intimate celebratory moments. Also, the spa is always running special package deals, perhaps as a couple too. Also, the onboard events may also give you an ideal location to make the announcement to the entire ship.

So, whenever you are ready to make that first booking of the cruise, when you will hopefully plan the celebration, book your cruise at www.kingarthur.myttn.com .

Travel Photography: Autumn

One of the most common photographic scenes is that of the fantastic autumn colours. Even the same scene can change over the course of three weeks to a month. From just a few trees with limited colours, to most with bright vibrant shades and hues, to the darker colours and dropping leaves. The whole experience lasts the three weeks to a month, but the peak lasts only six to either days. So, make sure you get there in time!

New England is the most common, the most popular, the most famous, and likely the most beautiful autumn countryside in the world. Give yourself much more than a day, preferably a week or more to capture the best colours of the autumn season.

These dates are approximate:

September 20-30 higher Rocky Mountain areas, northern Minnesota, northern New England

October 1-10 mid- to lower-range Rocky Mountains, central Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin and Michigan, higher Appalachian areas, Central Pennsylvania, New York, and most of the rest of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine

October 10-20 higher Sierra and Cascade areas, lower Rocky Mountains, the rest of the Midwest, and central New England

October 20-31 the rest of Washington, Oregon, the mountains of California, lower Ohio and central Mississippi Rivers, interior mid-Atlantic, and southern New England

November 1-10 coastal mid-Atlantic and interior Gulf Coast states

Lighting is sometimes a factor in the colours, though. With such bright colours, you might need to opt for early and late times on sunny days, cloudy days for more muted tones, and a polarizing filter after a rainfall.

Autumn leaves also make for a myriad of photographic techniques, such as a panoramic vista, to a medium shot of just one or two trees, to a closeup of just a few leaves, perhaps with morning new or droplets of rain. Maybe some fog to lend an air of seasonal mystery or the luminescent glow of back-lit leaves over a lake.

Now that you have your cameras all set up for your exciting autumn vacation, let's make sure everything is booked first at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Travel Photography: Waterfalls

One of the most dramatic photograph subjects is that of waterfalls. The sheer size, power, force, majesty, and beauty are just perfect for some amazing photographs. But, like most photograph subjects, there are special rules that should be followed to expose the best qualities of that wondrous waterfall.

Waterfalls are visual treats of nature. Their appeal and refreshment exude from each nook and cranny of the rocks.

Slower shutter speeds would blur the water into streaming white ribbons. This is actually the effect that is most appealing for a waterfall photograph. However, a very fast speed can also make for a very dramatic frozen instant moment. Of course, midrange speeds would make for interesting semi-frozen states as well.

In the case of a waterfall, the best shot is usually from a low vantage point which makes the water appear to be bursting out of the frame.

Incidentally, winter photographs of waterfalls and nearby ice creations, are excellent displays of swirling flows and fantastic frozen shapes.

Waterfalls are so amazing, many people's vacations revolve around a sighting of a particular one. First, though, you must book the waterfall vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Travel Photography: Rainforests

Rainforests are quite interesting places to photograph, but they do break many of the rules of photography which I've discussed in previous blog entries. For example, due to the nature of the rainforest, a distant vantage point photograph would result in a glob of green foliage with not much to reference regarding scale or detail.

Instead, opt for closer subjects, such as colourful tropical flowers or a small waterfall.

Lighting in rainforests also pose other problems. It's usually rather dim undearneath all those large trees. You will have to find creative photographic techniques to help eliminate what you can of that terrible dim lighting.

Also, the tropical rainforests are also very humid, so you must make sure to take extra care of your photographic equipment. Plastic bags for everything. Those little silica gel packets to absorb moisture inside them.

Of course, for yourself, you really should also bring rain gear, an umbrella, and rubber hiking boots.

So, now that you know how to handle photographing the rainforests during your vacation, let's get that vacation booked at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Travel Photography: Deserts and Canyons

Sometimes our travels don't take us to South Pacific beaches or the Cape Cod waterfront. Occasionally we find ourselves in much drier locations, like deserts. Or something a little more liquid-inclusive like canyons. They require many of the same photographic principles as mentioned in previous blogs, but they also require some specific points that must be mentioned and followed to achieve the best photographs of some of nature's most artistic specimens.

In the desert, you may want to focus on the stereotype of the desert, the dryness, the loneliness, the hostility of the arid region. You certainly must take a minimalist position when you are standing in the middle of nothing but sun, sky, and sand. Look for the artistic qualities of the sand which has been driven by desert winds. Cracked patters in long-dry riverbeds can also have some pleasant aesthetic appeal, too.

In the not so arid regions, look for interesting plant formations and patterns. Giant cacti are especially majestic against the harshness of the sunlight, or the coolness of the moonlight. The springtime often erupts the less arid regions into colourful blooms of desert flora. Surely take advantage of that if you find yourself there then.

Because of the harshness of the afternoon desert heat and bright sunlight, try to get your photographing done in the early morning and in the late afternoon.

Canyons are also very artistic-potential locations. The American Southwest is ripe with some of the most exciting canyons imaginable.

Most canyon areas are quite extensive, so plan on spending a number of days in the area so that you can have the most photographing opportunities. In fact, so you know where the best places are to photograph, it's best to take a tour first then return on your own to your specific chosen locations. You might even have to limit some of your photographs to certain formation styles so that you don't end up with more things to see than you have time to see them all!

Also, especially in canyons, you can find some great and interesting pieces of human history. Make sure to photograph those too!

So, when you're ready to explore the vastness of deserts and canyons, make sure to book your vacation first at www.kingarthur.myttn.com!

What Kids Do Onboard on a Port Day

Well, there are so many things for everyone to do onboard a cruise ship that a number of people go back to the same ship to finish doing all that there is onboard! And with all of the exciting activities for the adults, the kids also have a wonderful experience. Most of which comes about when the boat is at sea, of course, but while the boat is docked, what is there for the kids to do?

First of all, all children have the mandatory mustering drill, but most of them have their own special section to go to, away from the adults. In the case of an emergency, the kids will be reunited with their parents of course.

The first night of the cruise, many kids get to watch the welcome aboard show, or a show that is specifically tailored to them. The youngest kids also get a special registered party complete with face painting.

What events to the cruise ships have onboard when the ship is docked?

3-5 year olds

colouring, painting, storytime, bubbles, superheroes, obstacle course, pirates, cars, clowns, relay races, movies, pajama party, "Freeplay" in their special rooms, cartoons, candy art, animal games and crafts, and dinosaurs.

6-8 year olds

colouring, ball games, pirates, board games, airplane building, dunk hunt, king of the court, movies, pajama party, cartoons, freeplay, exercising, puzzles, and crafts.

9-11 year olds

pirates, cannonball, beach-style events, survivor-theme events, international games, science projects, ball games, boys vs. girls, board games, airplane challenge, "pizza ball" (that sounds interesting in the morning!), colouring, duck hunt, pajama party, and movies.

12-14 year olds

coffee talk, drawing, movies, chilling with your friends, dare games, pool party, games against international competitors, card games, video games, capture the flag, scavenger hunt, dancing, board games, trivia games, pool games, movies, and ball games.

15-17 year olds

coffee talk, card games, movies, chilling with your friends, pool party, "Majority Rules", international competitions, capture the flag, ball games, video games, and dancing.

Phew! As if the adults don't have enough to do, the kids have even more! There is never a shortage of activities (or food) onboard. Now, let's get you booked before the lines to the buffet are too long! www.kingarthur.myttn.com

What Kids Do Onboard on a Sea Day

Although cruise ships are usually more geared toward adult passengers, all lines have special events, locations, and staff dedicated to the under 18 crowd. How do the cruise lines keep them so occupied, especially during those long days at sea, with nothing but waves to look at? Well, to keep all the kids from going crazy, the cruise lines strategically separate the kids into age-appropriate groups and activities:

2-5 years old:

great storytelling, relay race, tag, creative crafts, scavenger hunt, castle building, animal fun, camping adventures, memory game, colouring, bubble play, alphabet hunt, hula hoop contest, talent show, obstacle course, kids' dance, parachute games, teddy bear workshop, pirate activities, bowling, and even bingo!

6-8 years old:

name game, science projects, tag, four corners, boys vs. girls, lego challenge, popsicle puzzle pictures, storytime, secret handshake, colours trivia, ship walk and games, ball games, international games, circus activities, talent show, sculptures, tee shirt colouring, teddy bear workshop, hunts, and bingo!

9-11 year olds:

name game, tag, alphabet scavenger hunt, trivia, cannonball, picnic, survivor, limbo, sand castles, boys vs. girls, sports activities, and talent show!

12-14 year olds:

trivia, foosball, twister, karaoke, dodge ball, human bingo, capture the flag, game show, battle of the sexes, dollar challenge, and alphabet hunt!

15-17 year olds:

races, scavenger hunt, dancing, name that tune, twister, trivia, dodgeball, make your own jewelry, game show, pajama party, and human bingo!

So, now that you know only 25% of what happens onboard, lets get you booked so your kids can experience the other 75% of the great activities onboard! Go on over to www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Onboard on a Port Day

One of the reasons people take a cruise is for the transportation and access to all of manners of amazing tropical islands and exotic ports and countries. Another reason people cruise is because they feel that the cruise ship is a destination in itself, which it really is.

When the ships reach port, and many of the crew members take shore leave breaks, and many of the passengers go on excursions, to beaches, to historical sites, on tours, and so on, there are still a handful of cruise staff and passengers who decide against going on land. But the ship doesn't close up everything just because 97% of the passengers are not onboard. The other 3% really can enjoy themselves with considerably more space! What do they do?

On the very first day of the cruise, before it makes it initial sailing, there is already substantial action happening onboard. Everything from musical performances on the lido deck, the lobby, and a couple of bars, to tours of the ship and the spa facilities, and maybe even some pre-cruise trivia.

Of course, the buffet opens fairly early that day as well, for the early bird arrivals. However, that is also one of the most crowded locations before departure. Opt for the cafe or perhaps you can just skip the food and go to what would likely be a nearly deserted gym for an energizing workout.

While in other ports, however, things are a little bit more exciting. The gym opens very early anyways, so that stays open during the port visit. However, the casino is not allowed to be open while the ship is in most ports. The library, which is rarely busy at sea, is also another place you can go while in port. Again, there are more musical interludes throughout the ship as well as a couple of games and contests, with considerably less people and noise. There might not be much else going on while in port, but you are always welcome to participate with the other ship-lubbers. Perhaps a dip in one of the many pools onboard. Or perhaps now would be a good time to play other things in the privacy of your room on your nearly deserted ship!

Dining room hours probably won't change, but you will have much less crowds and lines to fight with while at port. Actually, some especially frugal people prefer to return to the ship just for their meals, and go back on land for the rest of the day.

Also, the excursion and front desks are open for you convenience while the ship is in port.

Incidentally, if the port visit happens to extend later in the day to include some nighttime hours, the ship will also include movies and the wonderful stage show of comedy, magic, or music!

So, even when the massive ship is in port, and 97% of the passengers disembark, there are still things happening onboard. And while the other future cruisers are busy looking at my last blog about being onboard while at sea, why not sneak ahead of them in line and book at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Onboard on a Sea Day

It has been truthfully said that a cruise ship is a destination in and of itself. That's because there is just so much to see and so much to do onboard. What is so special about being onboard, especially during some of those sea days that are sprinkled through your itinerary?

Before you even reach your first sea day, though, you have the remaining hours of the first day of your cruse, departure day. Mere hours after the ship leaves port (really, any port), everything gets turned on. The casino opens and turns on faster than you can walk from the starboard to the port side of the ship! The shops unlock their doors to what they hope is hordes of millionaire customers, although that is never the case for them. After supper, the "Welcome Aboard" shows commence and seriously raise the excitement level of the entire cruise.

Once you get a full sea day onboard, it becomes an entertainment overload. There just is so much to do, you actually have to NOT go to one event just so that you CAN go to another event! The gymnasium opens early, as most do. And the stores and desks soon afterwords.

Mornings often create things to awaken you, such as games and contests, crafts, exercise classes, sports contests, seminars, and on deck musicians.

Afternoons lend themselves to many trivia games about different topics and in different formats, other participating games and contests, art auctions, dancing classes on deck, high tea, scavenger hunts, seminars and lectures, and other bits of musical interludes throughout the ship.

Nights onboard focus on group entertainment rather than participatory games, although there are some of those scattered in the mix as well. Contests at night usually have much more valuable prizes, often in the thousands of dollars. Performances are quite spectacular, often rivaling those of Times Square and Las Vegas. And there are smaller bands and singers, as well as karaoke, throughout the ship. Of course, the dance club is also open until the wee hours of the morning!

Yes, there ARE things to do onboard besides eat! Sit back and relax by the pool, or attend one of the hundreds of activities available when your cruise ship in at sea!

So, go on over to www.kingarthur.myttn.com today and book that cruise!

Travel Photography: Beaches and Coastlines

Some of the most photographed scenes are that of beaches and coastlines around the world. From the glowing pink sands of Bermuda, to the sparkling turquoise waters of Tahiti, you will never be stuck without an amazing photographic opportunity. Even in stormy weather, the dark clouds and angry surf are photogenic!

The waterline appears naturally curved anyways, so why not use it to direct attention to an especially lovely, interesting scene. From the hills above the beach, such as the kinds you see so frequently throughout the Caribbean, you can even take a very special vantage point photograph while looking down onto the beach.

Scale isn't quite as important at the beach as it is in the mountains, but it might make for a novel photograph of interest to show or exaggerate scale.

Either way, tropical sands often fool cameras into overexposure, creating silhouettes, which may be just dramatic enough for one or two of your shots anyways. But, for the most part, do be careful to not allow such overexposure in the first place. This is usually accomplished most easily early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Another aspect of beach photography is that of rocks and shorelines. They show dramatic scenes of oceanic power. Best times to showcase tidal power is at full moon, before or after a storm, at high tide.

To showcase the playfulness of the water, however, look for rocks which get enveloped by the lapping waves.

Incidentally, when it is windy, or when the surf is rough, make sure to store your camera and equipment in sealed plastic bags and take them out only when you are shooting the photograph.

Travel Photography: Mountains

You probably just read about panoramic photography for especially large natural works of art. However, mountains and mountain ranges are only rarely shown in panoramic photographs.

The best mountain scenes are not based on size of the photograph, but on the scale and the lighting of the scene itself. In fact, scale is more important with mountains (peaks and ranges) than with any other subject matter!

With mountain scenery, you really must have something else in the photograph to show just how massive those rocks are. People in the middle ground, flowers in the foreground, a chalet in the middle ground. Things like that.

Trees are always great for including in your mountain photography. They are especially useful and interesting for framing the scene, too.

Secondly, lighting in your mountain photographs also make them the most attractive. Unfortunately, man-made lighting features probably won't do much for your mountain photographs, so you have to deal with all natural lighting.

Sunrise and sunsets are amazingly colourful on their own. But put them with mountain scenery, and the mountains take on a whole new life. On the other hand, you can always use other natural lighting phenomena such as the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) or "alpenglow," which is when blue light is scattered by atmospheric conditions and red light enhances the scene and the clouds around the peaks.

Also, immediately before and after storms can be very interesting times for you to photograph the giant mountain majesty. But that requires some very good timing on your part.

So, there you have it. Getting the best out of mountain peaks and valleys, cliffs and ranges. Now let's get you booked into that wonderful little mountain cabin. Climb on over to www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Cruise-Ship-Only Islands

If you've ever taken a cruise especially in the Caribbean, you probably stopped at a cruise ship company's private island. You lounged on soft white sand beaches with your fellow passengers; you snorkeled in the emerald and turquoise waters of a tropical paradise; and you even had a professionally relaxing massage in the warm ocean breezes as you overlooked the sapphire seas. Such experiences may be available in the normal ports of call, but it's only at the cruise line's private island that is reserved for the passengers. And they are often rated the most exciting and most pleasant stops on a cruise itinerary.

Most of these private cruise-ship-only islands reside in the Bahamas, but some can be found in the Caribbean or the South Pacific.

Carnival

Mahogany Beach, Roatan. Crystal turquoise waters lap up on the white sands of Mahogany Beach. The nearby cruise center has a chair lift which takes people from the ship to the island itself! Water sports, cabanas for rent, beach volleyball, shops, dolphin swim excursion, and restaurants.


Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. Due to an exclusive deal with the country, Carnival has created exclusive access to an 800-foot beach right next to their own cruise center. Horseback riding, historical submersions for snorkeling near, and massages.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. (Shared with Holland America) Wild bird sanctuary, hammocks, stingray excursion, glass-bottom boat, water sports, hiking trails, straw market shopping, horseback riding, and bicycle trails.

Celebrity

Labadee, Haiti. (shared with Royal Caribbean) Don't worry, it was not damaged by the earthquake, and reopened after 3 days thanks to the financial pressure pushes of the Hatian government. Shopping area, restaurants, snorkeling in coral reefs, water trampoline, rollercoaster, Wave Runners, bars, zipline over the pristine waters, 5 beaches, parasailing, and slides.

Coco Cay, Bahamas. (Shared with Royal Caribbean) Snorkeling and wreck discovery, a giant inflatable waterslide, trampoline, nature trails, floating climbing walls, playground, and 3 beaches.

Costa Cruises

Catalina Island, Dominican Republic. Nature preservation area, snorkeling in the barrier reef, dancing on the beach, and lots of beach areas, including one for the European crowd (aka topless sunbathing).

Disney

Castaway Cay, Bahamas. Pirates of the Caribbean fans would enjoy The Flying Dutchman. Snorkeling among Disney-themed wreckage, an island train ride, water cannons, cabanas, 3 beaches, 2 fast slides, and a dance party with Lilo and Stitch.

Norwegian

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. The world's largest slide, Calypso band dancing, hammocks, historical lighthouse, snorkeling for the coral reef and marine-coloured life, boogies boards, and a beach barbecue.

Paul Gauguin

Motu Mahana, Tahiti. Water skiing, massage huts, beach barbecue, wind surfing, quiet stretches of tropical beach, and picnics for two.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cay, Bahamas. Shallow waters in which you can wade or beach comb, fortress and treasure hunting for kids, Love Boat Marina, diving around the Eleuthera Wall, sandy white beach, and kayaks.

Now that you know some of the private stops of the cruise ships, let's get you booked on a cruise so you can experience these for yourself! It really IS a whole new world out there! Book today at www.kingarthur.myttn.com!

Travel Photography: Panoramas

So, you have portraits and close up shots, group shots and building shots, landscapes and large group shots, and now we get to the biggest of them all: panoramas!

Landscapes focus on the subject matter; whereas panoramas focus on the size and vastness of the subject. Especially large objects such as bridges, seascapes, skylines, and waterfalls naturally associate best with far larger portraits such as panoramas.

Unlike normal photography, panoramas are especially long in one direction and narrow in the other, 3 1/2"x10" is one of the most common sizes.

Keep the horizon as level as possible, and as near to the center as possible to avoid awkward bends in the photograph after you have taken the shot. Also, since this style is a masked shot, make sure you remove any of the extraneous material from the viewfinder before you take the photograph.

Another form of panorama photography is known as assemblage. What assemblage is is a collection of pictures that overlap slightly to show the entirety of the scene around you. Just turn yourself and your camera around while you remain in the same position, and take a series of photographs completely around, keeping the horizon level.

Typically, assemblage panoramas are taken with as little as two, and as most as twenty photographs. Also, they do not all have to be horizontal. Take a couple vertically instead, that does add some very interesting formations to the total photographic experience.

Panoramas are amazing photographs. And the first step to taking them is getting to the location in the first place. Let's get you booked for just that first step at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Travel Photography: Landscapes

Nearly any outdoor photograph could be turned into a beautiful and interesting landscape photograph. Stepping back from the action might give you a wonderful setting or surrounding for a group shot. But stepping further back, and you will see the surroundings as the shot.

Although wide-angle lenses are incredible parts, they are really not the best ones to use for the most attractive landscape photographs. A telephoto lens that you use to zoom in on a more specific portion of the landscape might work better. Actually, if you position yourself in the best location, just your regular camera lens will work just fine for landscape photography.

Landscape photography, unlike panoramas, must have three distinct sections. The foreground, the middle ground, and the background. Mountains in the background, a line of trees in the middle ground, and a stream in the foreground is a common scene for painted landscapes, and are just as attractive in photographs.

You might have to walk around since most landscape shots aren't as easy to get, or get to, as they may appear to be.

So, when you are ready to find the best location from which you can capture that amazing landscape shot, go on over to www.kingarthur.myttn.com and book that vacation that will take you to that beautiful landscape scene!

Travel Photography: Humourous

As we come to the end of the people and peopled places of photographic excellence, let us not forget some of the most unexpected, or expectedly planned, types of photographs which we should all include in our albums, humourous ones.

You already know that most pictures are best when left natural and not forced staging. Keep the tone of many of your peopled photos light and fun. Too much structure isn't exactly the best thing in the world when people look at your photographs, or when they are getting their photographs taken. To keep things interesting, add some touches of humour every so often.

Some people cleverly use a common theme or item included in their pictures as a sort of prop. I remember one person who uses a teddy bear in nearly every picture, and it really makes it interesting to see what that little bear would get into next. It could be relaxing in a beach chair on Miami's South Beach, or looking like it's climbing the Empire State Building.

If you aren't exactly the creative type, have your subjects pose the way they want to. Have them imitate a famous group, person, or event, or maybe even copy a statue next to them, or a famous one like the Statue of Liberty in New Jersey. Of course, in the case of humourous photographs, it is always best to not catch people off guard or take a photo without them noticing. Otherwise you might be traveling without certain people next time.

Now that you know just about everything necessary to take the best people pictures, let's get your picture-worthy vacation booked. First step? Go to www.kingarthur.myttn.com and book that vacation!

Travel Photography: Events

Some people travel the world to watch certain sporting events or sport teams or contestants. But photographing sports events is not at all an easy task. First, you have to be close enough to what's going on. Second, you have to be able to stop the motion.

Position yourself where the most exciting action will take place, such as at the goal, or the finish line, or the end zone. On the other hand, you might also want a wider shot which includes identifying landmarks and a sense of place. Such as the Louvre during the Tour de France, or South Beach hotels during a sailing regatta.

Fill your shots with action when you can, including identifying backgrounds at other times.

If you time your vacation well enough, you could find yourself in your location during an exciting, colourful parade or ceremony. What an interesting, exciting addition to your travel photographs book!

Some events are very crowded, others are more local or regional and therefore much much less crowded. Find a good place to take the photographs from, when you can. That means either getting to the location early enough, or getting to a higher vantage point.

Other than action during the actual event itself, you can always shoot some interesting picture of crowd reactions, or of interested (or sometimes disinterested) children. And the colourful costumes and elaborate decorations and always eye-catching in your books.

Before you can possibly take such exciting photographs of such colourful events, you have to book your vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !

Travel Photography: People

While you are on vacation, you would probably want some proof that you were actually there, so you would have some pictures of yourself and others included in some of your travel photographs. The most interesting people pictures are those which are not staged and set up.

One way to not get that goofy forced smile and to have your subjects appear relaxed is to actually have them be relaxed. Most of the time, your pictures will not be of the military positions, so you do not need people standing at attention! Sometimes you don't even have to take a face front stance, either. You can take an interesting picture of their silhouette against a background, or of them turned away from the camera to see what your camera is taking a picture of, whatever it is behind them.

Working with children is often difficult. So, for your best photographs with them is to compose the shot first, then have the kids step into it.

Also for especially sunny days or under bright lights, do not have the subject looking directly into the light behind you. They will squint, and your photograph will show that quite clearly.

When you are on vacation, however, some of the most interesting portraits are that of the native people. They really show your photo-viewing friends the true experience and culture and even the lifestyle of your vacation destination.

The best places to find some exciting local subjects is where many people gather, such as marketplaces, parks, and fairs. As long as you are not obtrusive or disruptive, most subjects will gladly pose or even stand still for your portrait.

Incidentally, there are some places around the world that do not allow or appreciate photographs being taken of people. Ask before you take the picture, possibly even at your hotel.

It's not so bad when you take a photography with one, two, or even three people, but when you are dealing with four or more, especially strangers, you will encounter new challenges. Groups do not have to be lined up in ordered rows a la grammar school class photographs. They can be casually sitting around something, or just relaxing naturally in the same area.

Finally, another interesting personal touch for your vacation travel pictures is when it showcases people working. Fishermen in the Chesapeake, or train engineers in Tokyo are always interesting, exciting people. When you are photographing working people, however, it is very important to get their permission first.

So, when you are ready to embark on your photographic journey, first you must book with www.kingarthur.myttn.com . Then you can be on your way to the wonderful world of portrait photography!