For us travelers, taking photos serves an important purpose. Our photographs tell a story of adventure, exploration, and discovery. That is why special attention must be paid to the equipment a traveler chooses to bring on their next expedition. The items assembled below are for the person who is much more travel junkie than photo geek, and are designed to make the entire photography experience easier and more enjoyable.

Camera

Travel Tripod

Digital Storage/Card Case

Photographer’s Bag

We hope to put your mind, and body, at ease with these pro tips to reduce travel related anxiety.

Before Departing

Master some relaxation techniques. Sign up for a yoga or meditation class and practice deep breathing techniques in advance of your trip. Slow, deep, conscious breathing will slow your heart rate and calm you down. Creative visualization is especially well suited to travel fears. If you are panicky on a plane, for instance, imagine yourself at your destination having a wonderful time instead.

Take care of your body. Stay hydrated, get plenty of good rest, eat right, and get your exercise. Try cutting caffeine from your diet – for many people this is the single best way to reduce stress (travel or non-travel related).

Pack early and leave time for last minute details. One of the most stressful scenarios is when you remember a laundry list of things to take care of the night before your trip. Make sure important things such as going to the bank, and letting neighbors know how long you’ll be away and how to contact you are done at least a few days in advance of departure – it will save you from a lot of stress as your vacation comes closer.

If your anxiety is caused by general fears or is particularly severe then seeing a therapist or doctor could be a good move for you. However, many people will be averse to seeking counsel or getting a prescription so these options will likely be a last resort.

During Your Trip

Our friend Ryan never misses a workout, and he doesn't looked stressed.

Use distractions. In the movie, “French Kiss,” Meg Ryan is taking a flight to Paris and is sitting in her chair petrified. Kevin Kline picks an argument with her and before she can notice the plane has already taken to the air. That scene is more than just Hollywood magic – it actually works! Much like the visualization techniques put your mind at rest, being distracted will prevent your mind from focusing on the wrong things. Mind over matter!

Keep in touch. A lot of stress can come from being away from the ones you know and love. Try sending weekly emails with updates of your experiences, set up a simple travel blog for friends and family to visit, or simply update your Facebook profile often – people love pictures!

Don’t skip your workouts. Exercise is a great way for your body to naturally release pent-up stress. Also, if you get regular exercise at home then keeping up your routine will help control anxiety.

Overpacking

Are you the type of person that packs up half their life to go on a weekend vacation? Maybe you can never seem to get your luggage closed without having someone sit on it first, always feel like you’re forgetting something, yet struggle to lift your bags? These are all telltale signs of a chronic over-packer.

The Good

The over-packer is ready for anything the world throws at them.

The over-packer has no need to worry about forgetting important (or trivial) items.

The over-packer does not need to buy clothes when they arrive at their destinations, which is often more expensive than shopping in their native city.

The Bad

The over-packer is likely to incur extra baggage fees at the airport.

The over-packer spends precious time packing pre-trip, unpacking and repacking during the trip, then once again unpacking post-trip.

The over-packer must lug their heavy luggage around.

The over-packer has little or no room to bring back trinkets, doohickies, and whatchamacallits.

Underpacking

An under-packer is the type of person who prefers to live life moment-to-moment. They don’t do as much planning as most of us, but they are prepared to adapt when the time comes. When you ask a chronic under-packer, “Where’s your stuff, is that all you brought?” a smile of satisfaction comes over their face as they say, “yes.”

The Good

The under-packer enjoys shopping in their destination, and sees this as a crucial part of the vacation experience.

The under-packer has lightweight bags which makes the experience of traveling more relaxed.

The under-packer has no use for special packing techniques of which there are several (Folding vs. Rolling? Who cares!).

The under-packer can throw & go, and be ready at a moments notice.

The under-packer has no risk of incurring extra baggage fees.

The Bad

The under-packer is more likely to be forgetting something important, e.g. Passport, phone charger, tickets.

The under-packer has to budget in extra time and money for shopping.

The under-packer may not be able to find what they need while shopping.

There you have it boys and girls! The advantages and disadvantages of underpacking vs. overpacking. I hope this will be helpful for you when deciding what to bring on your next trip. What kind of packer are you?

If there’s anything we missed please feel free to tell us in the comments section!

Read: Travel Gadgets You Shouldn’t Go Without

PROS & CONS OF TRAVELING BY CAR

Pros

• You’re the boss. Or maybe it’s a committee of your friends, but the point is that you don’t have some fancy-pants pilot or train conductor telling you what to do. See that In N Out off exit 309? You can stop there, because you’re the boss
• Not many experiences are better than a road trip with your friends
• You’re the DJ!

Cons

• Everyone has a job. You’re driving, sitting shotgun is the navigator, dude in the back is handling the snacks, and someone is probably complaining about the lack of leg room
• It’s not the fastest, nor the cheapest way to go
• The passenger limit is low, usually 5

PROS & CONS OF TRAVELING BY PLANE

Pros

• It’s the fastest way to go
• If you’re going far it’s the only way to go
• The comfort level is excellent, if you pay for it
• Safer than cars, statistically

Cons

• Worst for the environment, statistically
• Limited bag space and there’s a good chance you’re paying extra for it, too
• Fees. ‘Nuff said
• High security concerns, who are sometimes you
• Most expensive
• Factoring in extra travel time: getting to and from the airport, checking bags, getting your boarding pass, and so on

PROS & CONS OF TRAVELING BY TRAIN

Pros

• The safest way to travel, statistically
• An excellent, relaxing ride. There may also be scores of amenities for sophisticated ladies and gentlemen such as yourselves. Do yourself a favor and check out the restaurant selection on board before booking those seats
• Luggage is easy
• Splendid views of the countryside
• Least harmful to the environment (up to 90% better than airplanes)

Cons

• There is no such thing as a short train ride, you will be on that train for a while long span of time
• Not all trains are, let’s say, pleasant to be in. Luckily, it’s easy to find the specific amenities each line offers and compare prices. Spoiler Alert! If you want nicer and more desirable services, the ticket prices will be higher
• Has the least flexible scheduling options of the three. You’re likely to be planning a lot of your trip around when and where the train goes
• Be prepared for delays

You may have noticed that there is no breakdown for traveling by bus, so allow me to do one right here. Take the bus if you don’t want to spend much money, and don’t care how long or uncomfortable the trip might be. Simple!

What is your favorite way to travel? Tell us here!

• Who you are with
• Where you are going/staying
• How you are getting there
• And the things you bring with you

Today we are going to focus on the last component, the things you bring with you.
If you asked your friends what they absolutely had to bring you would hear these answers a lot: cell phone, charger, and iPod. Well, we’re going to cover a few of the lesser thought of gadgets that can make a big BIG difference in how much you enjoy your next vacation.

Amazon Kindle
Yes the iPad 2 is all the rage, but there still remains one glaring drawback… it’s very difficult to use in direct sunlight. The Kindle doesn’t have as many cool features as the iPad (nothing does) but being able to use it outside will encourage you to, well… get outside! No one should be cooped up in their room the whole time while on vacation, get out and see the world!

Polaroid’s GL20 Camera Glasses
This sweet piece of technology was unveiled by Lady GaGa herself, so you know it’s got to be good! Shoot video from your point of view and share it with the world with easy uploading or by displaying the images on the glasses’ LCD screens. Although the price has yet to be announced you can expect them on sale for the Christmas shopping season.

Innex ElectroHUB
This is the Big Daddy of portable chargers. It’s a pad that can charge up to SIX of your devices at once, wirelessly. It’s awesome. It’s the future.

Earthmate GPS
What makes this handheld GPS different than any of the others on the market? This one connects wirelessly to your PDA, laptop, or tablet. What makes it special is that you can send out text emails in case you find yourself lost in the wild wilderness. Plus it can be powered by the sun when other forms of energy are unavailable.

Think we missed something? Let us know on FaceBook!

As the summer begins and travel plans solidify, the question of “drive or fly?” will certainly arise.  As we all know, the world economy is not doing well, and at the same time fuel prices are as high as they have ever been.  These factors create a double whammy for travelers who want to get away but have limited budgets.  Money spent on a vacation should go towards good times rather than fuel, and this post will help you determine the best ways to save money on the physical travel portion of a trip.

Best to fly or take public transportation:

Fuel prices are highest in Europe, remote island nations and nations under political or social stress.  When traveling in Europe, your best bet is to take advantage of the extensive and easily accessible train system or cheap regional carriers like RyanAir.  You will save a huge amount of money on fuel without losing ease of transportation, as most, if not all, major European cities have highly developed public transportation networks.  Many areas of the United States also have very high fuel prices, especially in major cities like New York, Chicago or Los Angeles.  Airline fares will be more expensive in the USA, but will often still be cheaper than renting a car a driving.

Best to drive:

In areas where safe public transportation does not exist, fuel prices are very low, or driving is the only way to reach your destination, renting or hiring a car is the way to go.  Many African countries fall under this category, as do remote locations across the world.  Safety should always be a traveler’s first priority, and if you’ve heard tourists get robbed on public buses, avoid them.  This is common sense!  Another time when driving will be cheaper than flying is if you are traveling in a group and can split the cost of gas.  Perhaps your gas bill will total $400, whereas four airline tickets would cost $120 each.  In such a case it is clearly cheaper to drive.

Follow our advice and you’ll be a ninja through the airport.

Before You Check In
You can start before you even get to the airport. Take a moment out of the days prior to your departure to check in online (if your airline offers such a service). Then print your boarding pass form home. Do this early because the sooner you check in and print, the earlier you’ll end up on the plane.

Arrive at the airport early. Reduce stress by having ample time to deal any issues that may arise, such as overweight baggage or security lines. You’ll also have time to explore the airport, which is a lot cooler than it sounds because many  have awesome museums and other hidden treasures.

If you’re going on a weekend getaway and planning on checking a bag, perhaps you should reconsider the amount of clothes you really need. By only bringing a carry-on, you can cut baggage fees and a lot of time at the check-in desk and baggage carousel.

Book an early flight if you can. Early flights have the best chances of leaving on time with no delays. This is because there are less flights ahead of them to cause problems, which can be especially useful in cases of bad weather.

At the Airport
Be ready for the security check-point. Do this by following all of the required TSA Security Guidelines.

Look for other professional travelers, and get behind them in line. They might be a businesswoman, or a composed man with no bags, jacket, jewelry, or shoes with strings. Avoid at all costs the family way too excited to start their tropical getaway or the two ladies who have been best friends for 60 years. It’s cruel, but they will only slow you down.

Use your early boarding status to secure your overhead bin real-estate.

Keep a positive attitude. You are participating in the miracle of flight, enjoy yourself! Agents will be more helpful if you are nice to them, and it is only polite to do so.

240 Rule
If you believe the delay is due to something other than weather or air traffic problems, mention your suspicion and ask the airline agent to book you on the next available flight, either on the same airline or a competing one. This is called “Rule 240″, and all airlines are required to conform to it. Use the lingo; ask, “Can you 240 me?”. They will know what you mean.

Extra Tip
If you’re booking from Europe, consider using a European carrier, as they are required by law to pay for expenses passengers incur due to canceled flights.

1. Milk and Honey (134 Eldridge St. New York, NY)

An updated speakeasy, Milk and Honey is a unique experience that should not be missed.  Call ahead for reservations, and be ready for rejection, as the whole place seats just fifteen.  Once in, you will be blown away by their creative and flavorful drink combinations, including the house specialty sidecar.

2. PDT (Please Don’t Tell) (113 St. Marks Place, New York, NY)

PDT, short for Please Don’t Tell, is a super secret lounge that is well worth the effort it takes to discover its location.  The bar is hidden behind a hot dog shop and entered by typing a code onto a payphone.  If they have seating available, a door swings open and, voila, you’re in.  Perfectionist bartenders turnout top flight drinks that will leave you satisfied, if not lighter in the pocket.

3. Greenhouse (150 Varick St., New York, NY)

Greenhouse is one of the first clubs to make environmental consciousness a priority.  Their LEED certified building is bedecked with plant life and psychedelic lighting, turning the dance floor into a couture jungle.  A young crowd and booming electronic beats make Greenhouse the place to be if you’re looking for a boisterous night on the town.

4. Decibel (240 East 9^th St., New York, NY)

This basement sake bar may seem like a dive from the street, but once inside you will find a tightly packed, upbeat community of businessmen and groups of friends.  A no-frills approach fits Decibel perfectly, and you will not be disappointed by their wide range of sake and food selections.  But remember, watch your elbows, as you will probably be sitting almost in your neighbors lap.

5. Provocateur (18 9th Ave., New York, NY)

One of Manhattan’s toughest doors, dress your best and get your Amex ready.  A well-known celebrity watering hole, Provocateur constantly presents top international DJs and serves up all manner of luxuries.  If you are looking for a night of high life, this is the spot for you.

Here are the Pros:

• Trains run frequently and are on time. (So don’t be late!)
• Trains run to major tourist destinations as well as small towns.
• Be spontaneous. You can jump on a train and quickly go to a new destination with ease.
• Multiple train passes to choose from. Tickets range from one that allows you to travel whenever and wherever, or get a cheaper one that lets you travel on certain days and times or you can even get one that allows multiple people to travel with it!

And with anything there are going to be the Cons:

• Seats are not guaranteed. You can make reservations ahead of time, but this will make spontaneity less possible.
• Can’t pass through non-participating countries. For example, you can’t travel from Paris to Dublin without purchasing a ticket in addition to your EuRail Pass.
• Not all rural areas are covered by the train. If you want to see a small town you may have to buy an additional bus pass or even rent a car to get there.
• Prices can be a bit high. A Second Class ticket for two weeks will run you about $388 dollars. If you’re traveling with a family this price will add up quickly.

Now that you’ve read the pros and cons of rail travel, you may be asking yourself if this mode of transportation is right for you. We’ve got you covered! Here’s our list of who is best suited for a rail pass:

• People who can, and want, to do plenty of rail travel. Do your math and see if the price of the ticket will be well worth it depending on the destinations you choose.
• People who travel light and can carry their belongings easily.
• People who are willing to be spontaneous and willing to deal with lack of seats at times.

The train would not be best suited for you if:

• If you’re not going to do much train travel don’t waste your money.
• If you plan to pack more than you can carry on your back then it may become too difficult lugging around all that baggage.

Do also be aware that theEuRail Pass does not cover sightseeing tours or luxury trains, but you can make reservations on France’s speed railway, TGV, for those tours and luxury trains. Now that you have all the information go plan your next vacation!