5 Must-Haves to Improve Your Travel Selfies

Taking great photos of your vacations does not mean you need to buy an expensive outfit while sporting death-defying poses. A breathtaking backdrop and that beautiful smile of yours, when shot with the right camera and in the proper lighting, is more than enough to come up with Instagram-worthy selfies.

Here are some more things you can add to your arsenal to level up your travel photos.

1. A smartphone
The first thing you need for taking shareable photos of yourself is a phone with great quality front camera. A good front camera features high megapixel that enable you to capture detailed shots, a sensor that auto balances the light and a great lens that makes images look like they’re in real life. Of course, also take consideration of your other needs. There are so many smartphones to choose from that are customized to fit different budget and lifestyle.

2. The right OOTD
It’s not like you need to dress to impress. However, you need to dress in something you feel comfortable in. It will show in the photos if you’re unhappy of uncomfortable with how you look like and if your confident or not with what you are wearing. To ensure you always look great in photos, wear clothes that flatters your body shape.

3. A brilliant blush-highlighter combo
To achieve that goddess glow, the right amount of blush and highlighter will do the trick—no need to wear a full face of make-up. Try the drunken-blush technique to give your skin a sun-kissed glow. Start by sweeping blush where you know you’ll turn red when you’re out in the sun for hours. Add highlighter to the high points of your cheeks, and voila! A youthful glow for mesmerizing selfies.

4. A tripod
For solo travelers, a tripod is a must-have accessory. Without it, how can you shot yourself showcasing your beautiful destination? Yes, you can ask someone to take photos of you, but you can’t always guarantee they get the right angle. But if you have a tripod, you can simply mount your camera wherever you like and click a shutter or use a timer to snap the photo when you’re ready.

5. A wireless remote
As mentioned, you can use your phone’s timer to auto-snap photos. But another accessory you can use to accurately control your camera is a wireless remote or shutter. Instead of rushing to your spot, you can take your time adjusting yourself and experimenting on poses before finally capturing the image.

Above all, the best accessory is yourself. Be confident and enjoy the moment. Genuine feelings and emotions will always shine through in the photos.

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4 Types of Friends That Are Terrible Travel Companions

If you don’t want to risk years of friendship for a week of travel, then you might want to re-evaluate about travelling with a (wrong) friend. It can be tricky to determine friends who make good travel companions if you have never gone anywhere with them. But there are a couple of ways to help you spot who would be a terrible travel buddy.

It all boils down to attitude and personality. If a friend belongs to any of these categories, you might want to avoid planning overseas travels with them.

1. The Cheap Friend

Unarguably, travelling is expensive; and it can get even more expensive if your friend refuses to pay for her share in your cab fare or the car rental that drove you throughout the city the entire week. You want your travel buddy to be responsible financially. A good travel buddy should have enough money without mooching off of you, but also have the willingness to spend on things that will make the experience more fun and pleasurable.

2. The High Maintenance Friend

These people are easy to spot. These are usually the friends who ask ridiculous requests on their food at a restaurant or ask for extra blankets, pillows and towels at a hotel ‘just in case.’ These are not the kind of people you want to be stuck with when you’re halfway across the world. When you’re in an unfamiliar place, you don’t need someone who is too picky and demanding.

3. The Homebody

When travelling to a new place, you want to be spontaneous and have fun exploring the new environment, but you can’t do that with a homebody. You’ll constantly find yourself telling them, ‘It’s okay.’ It’s okay that they don’t want to go to the bar. It’s okay that they don’t want to try the zipline. It’s okay that they don’t want to go hiking. And it’s true! You don’t want to force anyone to do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. However, at the end of the day, it’s really not okay to be stuck travelling with a friend who would rather stay home and watch movies.

4. The Romantically Involved

Just because someone is in a relationship doesn’t mean they’re no longer fun, but let’s face it, most of them are not. They may not be as excited to hang out with people you met at the beach. They might not even like the idea of meeting new people at all. When you’re in a new place, you don’t want to explore it with someone who is constantly on her phone instead of appreciating the view with you. Travelling with them may only leave you feeling alone, annoyed or ignored—or all of the above.

Travelling is supposed to be fun and memorable; it is supposed to be experienced for the right reasons. Make the most out of your trip by choosing the right friend(s) to travel with.

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Cusco’s Hidden Wonders  

 

If you want to travel, there are many places worth the time and effort but it is always good to visit ancient sites. Visiting ancient sites where empires once stood and witnessing how it still stand so strong and proud today will bring a different kind of feeling. There’s the Khmer Empire in Cambodia for a start. If you have been there, it is time that you consider Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru.

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So you decided to travel in Peru and witness the famous Inca site. Machu Picchu was built in 1450 at the pinnacle of Inca Empire. The construction is breath taking but it was abandoned one hundred years later because of the Spanish conquest. Machu Picchu features dramatic site and remarkable workmanship. This is the reason why many tourists seek it. The Inca capital is Cusco.

Once you get to Cusco, there is more to it than ruins. Machu Picchu is the highlight but when you are there, make sure that you also visit other attractions. Here are some attractions worth the visit:

  • Cathedral: Cusco is made famous because of the discovery of the ruins. If you are in the capital, make an effort to visit the Cusco Cathedral. The cathedral is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be amazed of its richness – the altar is made of nine hundred pounds silver. Imagine that.
  • Lake Piuray: There is nothing more satisfying than a serene environment. If you are into kayaking, Lake Piuray offers so much more. The lake is located at eleven thousand feet. Before kayaking, the guides will encourage yoga sessions.
  • San Pedro Market: When you are in a new place, it is a must to sample their local and diverse food. Spending a morning at San Pedro Market can give you a taste of Cusco from vegetables to fruits. If you want, you can buy handmade crafts and other souvenirs. This is really immersing yourself in the culture.

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  • Ollantaytambo: Ollantaytambo is one of Cusco’s towns. It is famous because it is an archaeological site and before heading to Machu Picchu, everyone explores the place. It is nestled in the Sacred Valley – where many Incans farmed. It is also known as the royal estate. You can have a pit stop here and take your time because the stairs are astounding and magnificent as they are.
  • Inca terraces: You can also visit the circular terraces. The terraces are in fact, one of Cusco’s most unique archaeological attractions.
  • Parador de Moray: Looking for restaurant is easy. Head to Parador de Moray and you’ll be delighted. The restaurant will serve you authentic cuisines. You will have enough food there.

Cusco is more than Machu Picchu. There are other hidden wonders that you can explore there. The most important thing is you enjoyed your travel and you immersed yourself in their culture. As much as possible, get guides so you will have background and they can explain everything. Before heading out, make sure that you arranged your trip from the accommodation, visa processing (if you need one) and tickets. Good luck on your travel!

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8 Hours: Singapore What to Do

You have delayed flight because there are some issues that is needed to be fixed in order to have a safe flight. However, Singapore had become your stopover. The bad thing is that the airline announces that you will be stranded in 8 hours.  To avoid boredom touring around the city is recommended. Also, if you are afraid to go outside the airport, Singapore’s Changi airport is one place to tour.

 

 

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In fact, their airport houses many state-of-the-art facilities that are perfectly designed for the welfare of the country. Aside from that, you airport tour will be complete when you try watching on their television area, Plus, you will have free massage at their airport.

Outside that airport, you can tour around the country and visit first the sandy beaches of Marina Bay Sands. This is a place in which white sands are present. You can also go and visit to Sentosa Island and experience nature. On the other hand, if you want a whole day shopping activity, you can tour around their malls. But what is recommended for foreign visitors are Chinatown and Little India. However, for fun seekers, you may visit Marine Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS)

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In addition to these exciting areas in the place, you can go at the Universal Studios and experience lots of exciting and fun rides. This is a perfect place for cool adventure seekers and also a place for family bonding. Truly, Singapore is a destination that is worth your stopover. But if you think that your stopover is not enough to tour the city, you can go here anytime you want.

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