Are you planning your next holiday? Why not make the most of your time by preplanning some holiday photos? It helps, especially if you have limited time due to spending time with family and such.
Research your location
If you know your intended itinerary ahead of time, it’s a great idea to check out things to do in that general area. I really like Trip Advisor. Sure, it’s been around a while now, but it’s full of tips and reviews on hotels, restaurants, tours and more. You can even save locations and tour ideas for a future holiday. Then access them on the smartphone app while you’re away. The reviews and write-ups mean you can often have detailed information on various spots from the best time to go, accessibility, facilities and more.
Be prepared
I am super lucky in the fact that I usually travel with my husband and he is a keen photographer too. So time is not an issue and most of our trips are planned around photography and places we’d like to visit. But, if you are not traveling with photographers, perhaps your time might be more limited. If this is the case, being prepared can work in your favor. If you know when and where to take your next favorite photos, you can perhaps get up early. Make use of the best light of the day. You can then spend the rest of the day as you choose. Pick locations that suit everyone and have a good idea of what you wish to capture and what to expect. You can perhaps cut your shooting time down to something more manageable for non-togs.
Another fabulous resource is ShotHotSpot. Type in your location and often it will supply some fabulous photographic ideas and location information. While there aren’t always amazing photo opportunities that cater to all genres, we have found that there are often some out-of-the-way treasures that aren’t photographed by absolutely everyone. We have even added particular locations to our itinerary we would otherwise left out, just to have the chance of capturing something amazing and different.
You can always ask family and friends (even social media) if they recommend any locations in your desired location. Most people are happy to share. Just remember not to leave personal details and travel dates online — stay safe and secure. Don’t forget to check out our own Photofocus Travel Notes. Perhaps one of our writers has been where you are planning to go and can provide some helpful advice on the when, where and how. As always, remember to travel safely.
