PHOTO TRAVELER

NIKON D5000

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:11:00 +0000

Nikon D5000 could easily be seen as a Nikon D60 with a tilting screen added, and most of a Nikon D90 stuffed into it. As such it offers quite a few feature improvements over its little brother. The Nikon D5000 24-fps HD D-Movie mode with sound captures video clips with amazing clarity--offering new and exciting creative opportunities. Featuring a convenient built-in flash, 19 automatic exposure Scene Modes to make the impossible easy and 23 Custom Setting options to fit your preferences, as well as 14 in-camera image retouching functions, the Nikon D5000 is the perfect DSLR, beginning with performance to meet your picture-taking tomorrows. Fast, accurate 11-point autofocus with 3D Tracking, teamed with famous NIKKOR optics, assures incredible image sharpness, while active image sensor cleaning combats annoying dust automatically.

Nikon D5000 Body Feature Highlight

Here are Nikon D5000 highlight feature, just to make sure, this product is the best Entry Level Digital SLR Camera.

12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor. Coupled with Nikon's EXPEED image processing and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking picture quality is assured.
Built-in image sensor cleaning. Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning keeps images spot free.
Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200. Engineered for exceptional low-light shooting.
Vari-angle color LCD monitor. Position the 2.7-inch monitor freely for fresh shooting perspectives. Screen flips inward for safe keeping.
D-Movie Mode with sound. Record 720p HD movie clips enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility.
3x Zoom AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens included. Legendary NIKKOR optical quality features Nikon VR image stabilization for added sharpness.
In-camera Retouch image editing. Creative in-camera image editing, featuring Soft Filter, Straighten, Color Outline Effect, Perspective Control, Red-eye Correction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more—all without a PC.
Auto Active D-Lighting. Restores lost shadow and highlight detail in high contrast exposures—Selectable and Auto modes available.
11-point autofocus system with 3D Focus Tracking. Fast and accurate autofocus delivers razor sharpness.
One-button Live View. Easy Live View access offers 4 autofocus modes, including Face Priority AF. Continuous shooting as fast as 4 frames-per-second. Combined with fast power-up and split-second shutter response, decisive moments are captured easily without annoying shooting lag.
19 Auto-exposure Scene Modes. Capture stunning photos in challenging picture-taking situations including Sunsets, Candlelight, Silhouette, Portrait, Landscape, Beach/Snow, and more.
Picture Control Settings for personal image control.Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape and 9 customizable settings.
GPS geo-tagging. GP-1 GPS unit (optional) automatically identifies and records every image’s latitude, longitude and altitude, with satellite time-of-day.
Durable, high precision shutter. Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures precision and long shutter life.
Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Nikon’s renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates each scene for unmatched exposure accuracy.

NIKON D90 FULL REVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:51:00 +0000

Nikon rocked the DSLR world when it announced the D90, the first digital SLR camera to incorporate video recording. That feature needs refinement, but purely as a photographer's tool, the D90 stacks up as a worthy successor to the Nikon D80 on several counts. And it compares favorably to the competition, scoring well in our image-quality tests.

The D90, which costs $1250 (as of 11/15/08) with its AF-S ED 18mm-to-105mm kit lens, packs several upgrades: It inherits the excellent, crisp 3-inch LCD from the prosumer-level Nikon D300, it adds a new CMOS sensor, and it pumps up the resolution to 12.3 megapixels (from 10.2 megapixels on the D80). In addition to video, you'll find other features inspired by point-and-shoots, such as live view, face detection, in-camera retouching, and a calendar feature that allows you to view your shots by date.

The D90 weighs slightly more than its predecessor; it's solid and well built, but not too hefty. The camera feels substantial, but its grip is comfortable, and its design is pretty intuitive, with dedicated function buttons and common scene settings on the top dial. It also sports a dense, though easily navigable, menu system with some user-friendly elements borrowed from the D80, such as My Menu, which allows you to save your most frequently used settings. Non-Nikon users should find the interface visually appealing and easy to use; Nikon veterans will find shooting straightforward right out of the box.

The back of the D90 sports a button that activates the live view function, which includes still and video recording (the latter 720p at 24 fps). Once live view is activated, everything slows down as the mirror flips up, the shutter opens, and software takes over the recording process. While shooting stills, I found live view too clunky and its autofocus too slow, so I opted to use the viewfinder instead.

Before recording video, you must set the autofocus on your subject using live view. While recording, the D90 automatically adjusts for exposure, but not focus. You can manually adjust focus while shooting, but I found this too awkward to do without a tripod. Also, because of the way that CMOS records an image, you may see "rolling" (a shake-like impression) in your footage, which detracts from the overall quality and creative potential of the video feature. Clips longer than 5 minutes may cause the camera sensor to grow discernably warm, too.

Audio quality from the camera's built-in microphone was not great, and unfortunately you cannot use the mic to record notes on your still shots. Judging from my hands-on experience, I'd say that the D90's video function, though a welcome innovation, needs further development. In the meantime, I'm happy to use my point-and-shoot for off-the-cuff videos.

The D90 excelled in the PC World Test Center's evaluation: It came in second only to the Canon 50D in our digital camera tests. I was generally pleased with my field test shots. The D90 was quick to autofocus and usually was on the mark. The auto-flash also performed consistently well. I found that the camera tended to blow out the brightest highlights, however, and I saw some minor halos along very high-contrast edges. When I switched to high-quality JPEG from RAW, it produced a slight but noticeable softening in the images.

The image quality at high ISOs was very good compared with that of other models I've tried recently: Although some noise appeared in darker areas at speeds above 400, it was minimal, looking more like film grain than the usual jarring digital noise with accompanying sludgy colors. My RAW files showed a pretty impressive dynamic range; the JPEGs, a little less so but still quite good. A bit of sharpening and sometimes a contrast boost helped the look of JPEGs significantly. (You can make those settings in-camera.)

With its improved LCD, slightly larger frame of view, dust-cleaning sensor, enhanced 3D 11-point autofocus, an optional GPS attachment, and the ability to make a video here and there, the D90 definitely has an array of interesting features. And simply as a camera, the D90 turns out some of the best results you can buy.

CHOOSING THE BEST TENT

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 02:40:00 +0000

Going to your first camping trip? This is the excitement you will feel in choosing your very first camping tent. After all, this will be your home away from home. Here are the essentials you might like to consider:

Type

Consider what type of camping you would like to do. A car camping tent offers much more floor space and headroom than a backpacking tent but are heavier and typically more difficult to setup than backpacking tents. A backpacking tent can double as a car camping tent but a car camping tent is too heavy and cumbersome to be used as a backpacking tent.

Weight

Lighter is usually better when it comes to a backpacking tent, but typically the lighter then tent the more expensive it is. In general you don’t want to be carrying a tent that weighs over 5 pounds and the lighter then tent the more comfortable your back will be.

Size

Tents are sized by their per-person capacity and are designed to fit snugly. That being said, a two-person tent will fit two people snugly so if you would like a roomier tent go up a person size.

Climate

All tents do not repel water and protect against the wind equally. Most campers choose a three-season tent, which means the tent is suitable for spring, summer, and fall conditions. If you will be camping in humid, rainy conditions choose a tent with plenty of ventilation and rain coverage and if you plan on being in windy conditions look for a tent with good stability and extra guylines.

Cost

Tents can range anywhere from $100 to well over $500. If you are just getting started camping or backpack infrequently choose a tent in the lower range. Higher priced tents usually just buy you extra features and a lighter weight.

Design

Tents come with a variety of design features. Tents vary in the number of doors, windows, storage elements, design of rainfall, presence of vestibules, and ventilation features.

ESSENTIAL HIKING EQUIPMENTS

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:44:00 +0000

Whether you’re backpacking the Appalachian Trail or planning a day hike with your family for the first time, there are some pieces of hiking gear you should never forget. Here are the essential hiking equipments:

BACKPACK

First, you need a rugged hiking backpack to comfortably hold the rest of your gear. A small day pack may be all you need if most of your hikes are short and you seldom plan to stay overnight. If you are planning longer hiking trips, look for a backpack that fits comfortably with plenty of compartments and enough room for all your food and equipment.

FOOTWEAR

Proper footwear is another essential piece of hiking gear, regardless of where and how long you are hiking. Select hiking boots or shoes that are designed for the type of terrain you will most often be hiking and make sure they are a comfortable fit. Wear high quality hiking socks as well, designed for the specific climate you are in and cushioned for extra support. For a more precise fit, buy your hiking socks first and wear them to shop for your hiking boots.

MAP

Always have a map of the area you are hiking, as well as a compass. The Coleman digital compass is great for backcountry hiking. Trail maps are typically available at the ranger station for most state and national hiking trail systems.

FOOD

Food and water is a must, no matter how long you are hiking. Long hikes require at least one gallon of water per person each day, while 32 ounces of water per person is usually adequate on shorter hikes. Bring along plenty of calorie rich snacks, like jerky and trail mix, for all your hikes and pack an extra day’s supply of food for overnight hikes. It’s a good idea to bring enough food for both lunch and dinner on your day hikes, just in case things take longer than planned.

FIRST AID KIT

You will also want a first aid kit with you on all your hiking trips. Unless you are hiking in extreme conditions, you will just want the basics for insect bites, minor scrapes, blisters, thorns, and other common trail ailments. Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent should also be included in your hiking first aid bag.

GEARS

Never start out on a hiking trip without rain gear and extra clothing, especially in areas with very unpredictable weather. A lightweight rain jacket with a hood is perfect if you get caught in the rain. An emergency shelter may be a necessity for extreme weather hiking and an emergency blanket is a must if you’re hiking in the winter.

Another essential piece of hiking equipment that you shouldn’t forget is a small flashlight. Flashlights are crucial for long hikes when you need to find your way around camp, but they can prove to be handy on day hikes as well if you are still hiking at sunset.

Make sure everyone you are hiking with has a whistle for emergencies. Other hiking gear you should bring on every trip is some sort of fire starter, along with wind and rain resistant matches, and a multi-purpose knife.

These are the most basic essentials for any hiking trip. Longer trips will require additional gear, as will extreme weather hikes. You may want additional gear, depending on your hike and your interests, like binoculars, a hiking pole, or a trail guide.

HIKING ESSENTIALS FOR BEGINNERS

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:17:00 +0000

The newest gadgets, enhanced gear, and other camping necessities are now showcased on the different forms of media. New camp destinations are also featured on magazines and television programs. These “new and improved” products and newly discovered “haven for campers” are a bait to both professional and amateur campers. They also encourage non-camping people to try the activity whether for the purpose of hobby, leisure or sports.

But before joining the circle of campers, a beginner must keep in mind the basics of camping. Unlike professionals and non-beginners, first-time campers need to familiarize themselves more with the fundamentals.

Here are the things a beginner must remember when going to a camping/hiking activity:

1. Choose The Right Pair Of Boots

Boots are considered the most important gear in camping or hiking. Aside from protecting the feet, boots help the camper navigate at ease. One has to choose the pair that fits perfectly to his feet.

2. Choose The Right Backpack

Backpack comes in different sizes and styles. But not because the bag looks big, it is the best to buy. Choose a bag that can contain more but is not too bulky to carry.

3. Choose The Right Tent

A big sized tent is the best for camping. A spacious tent will not only allow the camper to outstretch his body while sleeping, but will also allow air to circulate freely. Buy the tent with a good ventilation system.

4. Travel Light

Don’t bring everything. Eliminate the stuff that is not necessary for the camping.

The following are a must:

Water (at least 1 litre for short hikes)
Compass or Map
Extra light clothes Matches
Swiss Knife
First aid kit
Rain gear
Food
Flashlight
Personals (toothbrush, soap, shampoo etc.)
Cooking equipment (stove, pan, dipper )

5. Bring The Right Food

Do not bring foods that are easily spoiled. Canned foods are ideal. Avoid foods with sauces and broth that might spill onto other stuff in your bag. Do not bring fruits. Foods rich in carbohydrates like noodles, rice and cheese are essential. However, food is no big deal. Juts make sure it won’t spill or get spoiled.

These basic reminders should not keep a beginner restricted or burdened with when hiking or camping. He is free to do, to eat and to wear anything he wants, making sure it will not compromise his safety and comfort.

Whether a beginner or a professional, either for leisure or for sports, the most important thing is that the camper enjoys.

FUNCTIONAL DSLR BAG

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:19:00 +0000

I have always wanted a very functional camera bag that i could bring almost anywhere. I wanted my bag to fit in my dslr and laptop so that I can shoot and edit photos on the spot. After researching, I found the perfect bag that's compact and very functional for my everyday travel: The Lowepro Fastpack 250.

The Lowepro Fastpack 250 comes in 3 color choices. Classic Black, Arctic Blue Black, and Red Black

Go all day with the lightweight, comfortable Fastpack 250 backpack. It protects your digital SLR and 15.4" widescreen notebook compactly while providing generous storage for your other gear. Side-entry compartments let you quickly grab equipment and accessories, even while you're on the move. Customize the easy-to-access main compartment with adjustable dividers. A comfortable mesh waistbelt helps distribute weight evenly.

SPECIFICATIONS

Capacity:
1 digital SLR with a mid-range zoom lens attached plus 2-3 additional lenses or flash units (up to a 70-300 f/4.5, 15.4" widescreen notebook, memory cards, batteries and cables.

Size(Interior):
11W X 5.9D X 9.3H in./
28 X 15 X 23.5 cm

Size(Exterior):
12.4W X 9.4D X 18.1H in./
31.5 X 24 X 46 cm

Notebook Compartment Inner Dimensions:
11W X 1.5D X 17.7H in./
28 X 3.75 X 45 cm

Weight:
3.62lbs/1.64kg

I will continue to give you great camera bags that fits you.

BUYING YOUR FIRST CAMERA

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 05:26:00 +0000

Let's explore some tips on choosing digital cameras in this article. Hopefully, it will help you choose the camera that's just right for you.

In fact, buying a digital camera need not be a difficult task. Let us highlight the key considerations you need to think through before making that purchase decision. Always, always remember to consider these factors when buying a digital camera:

User Controls

If you are getting a point-and-shoot camera, make sure you find one that's easy to use. User controls to set resolution, macro mode, flash and exposure should be within easy reach. Of course, if you're a serious photography buff who wants to take the time to tweak all sorts of manual settings. I prefer to try out the camera first in the store - play with the controls and get comfortable with them. Only then will you know whether it's comfortable enough for you.

Megapixels

The megapixel rating of a digital camera determines how much fine detail you can capture in your shots. How do you decide how many megapixels you need? As a rule of thumb, if you're only interested in taking small snapshots to send via email or for posting on the Web, you won't need more than 6 to10 megapixels. If you want large print outs of your gorgeous photographs, then you'll probably want to get 12 to megapixel cameras and above.

Exposure Control

The ability to control exposure settings such as shutter speed and lens opening is critical to professional photographers. Cheaper digital cameras only allow you to shoot photos in automatic mode - just press the shutter release and voila, your picture is taken. More advanced users prefer to tweak the shutter speed and aperture to capture fast moving objects or blur the image background. Choose a camera with good exposure control if you foresee yourself taking on photography as a serious hobby.

Lens

You'll definitely want a camera with decent optical zoom. Now the keyword here is optical zoom (as opposed to digital zoom). Optical zoom physically moves the camera lenses to zoom in on a subject. Digital zoom, however, digitally averages and magnifies the image within the camera's microchip - resulting in poor picture quality. Many manufacturers' advertisements talk about digital zoom instead of optical zoom - so do be careful when choosing. I'd recommend getting at least 3x optical zoom in any camera you buy.

Battery Life

This has got to be one of the most overlooked features in digital cameras. I know many people who go for the latest and greatest digital cameras which are short in the battery life department. If you want to take good photos, your camera needs to be powered for extended periods of time. I've found that cost and battery life don't go together - many cheap cameras have good battery life, while some high-end models drain your battery really fast. Make sure you choose a camera that has good battery life.

CHOOSING A HOTEL

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 23:20:00 +0000

Organizing or planning for a dream vacation or business trip is very important for everyone so they can maximize their maybe once in a lifetime vacation or business trip. Things to bring and the transportation are always a priority to consider, but sometimes we tend to overlook another important factor and that is the accommodation.

Choosing a good hotel is always important, whether you be on vacation or traveling for business. Of course, you want to avoid hotels that are poor value for money, overbooked, chaotic and or do not offer a lot of privacy or security. It is no exaggeration to say that getting the right hotel at the right price can make or break your trip. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips to help you find the right hotel for you.

REVIEWS

Check reviews on the web, magazines, and television for that specific hotel (of you already have one in mind) or try looking for travel guides that show ratings on hotels. Another reliable source and probably that best is asking a friend who has gone to that place.

CLEANLINESS

Always consider cleanliness and sanitation when deciding which hotel to book. It is impossible to rest and relax if the bed-sheets are not clean, the bathroom smells, the room smells of smoke, etc. It is hard to tell how clean a hotel is by just looking at pictures of it, so you will need to try and find some reviews of it. As a rule of thumb, you can always expect the larger hotel chains to be the cleanest.

FACILITIES AND AMENITIES

Amenities span the range of in-room conveniences such as hair dryers and coffee makers to on-site dining, shopping, fitness and indoor pool facilities. Just about every hotel room in the world comes with a television set, but not all offer internet connectivity. This is probably a must if you're traveling on business. If you're staying for a few days, or traveling with children, it's usually helpful to look for a room equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. Consider the purpose of your trip and how much time you will be spending in the room. Amenities, such as free hot breakfast, are the nice little extras that can tip your decision between two hotels at the same price in the same general location.

ONLINE BOOKING

Many hotel-booking websites provide you with all the information that you need to know to make your choice before arriving at your destination. Moreover, you can arrive at your hotel with the security of knowing that you definitely have a room reserved for your stay. You can also specify that you want a particular room, such as a front facing one, or one near / far from the lobby.

PROMOS AND DISCOUNTS

A discount is always welcome and you can get some great ones by getting yourself a coupon book or two from a travel agent or tourist office. There are also websites that provide coupons for various hotel chains. Many of these coupons can secure you great savings of at least 10%. They may come with some restrictions, but it is definitely worth looking into before making a booking.

Keeping these in mind will optimize your vacation and give you good lasting impression of your stay on that particular place.

GREENBELT, MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Mon, 31 May 2010 18:21:00 +0000

The Philippines is considered as one of the best tourist location in Asia because of its natural wonders that continue to generate major tourism flow for the country. It is very well-known for its world-class white sand beaches like Boracay, Puerto Gallera and Puerto Azul; man-made wonders like The Banaue Rice Terraces and the Sagada Hanging Coffins and “The World’s Most Perfect Cone”, The Mayon Volcano are just some of the few scenic spots the tourist immediately go to when visiting the Philippines.

Although the country boast its natural wonders as the major tourist destinations, the metropolitan also has many things to offer for people who would like to experience the city life in this beautiful archipelago. In this particular article, I would like to show Makati City’s Greenbelt Shopping District. A place where you can shop for the best brands, dine and unwind at well-known bars and restaurants and retreat to a beautiful and calm garden right at the heart of Makati City, the Philippines’ “Business Capital”.

Here are some of the photo I took of the Greenbelt Shopping District using my Nikon D3000.

The garden has a man-made stream that runs through the middle of the garden leading to a church. Public masses are here held regularly.

Different kinds of trees and plants surround the garden, a perfect compliment to the high-rise buildings that towers the city.

Below are photos that give Greenbelt its unique appeal. The distinct landscape that perfectly blends well with the mall's design.

As the sun slowly sets, the breath-taking beauty of the garden begins to take a new form. The lights gives the a new life to the garden.

Makati City is a tourist destination on its own. A fusion of infrastructure paired with luscious trees and plants give the place a modern, but relaxing ambiance that is rarely seen in other cities.

THINGS TO DO IN METRO MANILA

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Sun, 30 May 2010 06:44:00 +0000

The Philippines is a beautiful country with its many wonderful things to explore. Manila, being the Philippine Islands' capital is the most visited and the first stop for many tourists where the International airport is located. There are many fascinating places to see in Manila, and surely have lots of things to do. Everyone will definitely enjoy their trip to the Philippines and they'll certainly be back for more. Though there are so many things one can do in Manila, here are some of the things one cannot resist to do while in the country's capital:

Sightseeing

There are so many historical sites in Manila. There is the Intramuros, meaning "inside the walls", for it is a walled city. The place has a fort which is built by the Spaniards in the late 1500's during their reign to the Philippines. Though the fort was destroyed during the American-Japanese war in the year 1945, it is now restored and was now turned into a museum. Another must-see place in Manila is the Luneta Park, or the Rizal Park. The park was built in honor of Rizal. This is also the place where he was killed the Spaniards in the late 1800's. The park is crowded almost everyday especially during holidays and Sundays where Filipino families gather together to have picnics along the park.

Shopping

There are lots of shopping stores in Manila that sell many different kinds of items. One can find almost everything while strolling around the area. There are also easy to find bargain chains located just by the sidewalks like Divisoria, where they sell variety of items with the cheapest prices. You could also got to The SM City North EDSA (2nd largest Mall in the World) and The SM Mall Of Asia (4th largest Mall in the World).

Relaxing

There are plenty of places in manila where one can enjoy relaxing activities like the spa, massage centers, and several hotels that offer relaxing services and other pleasant commodities.

Enjoy a bubbly night life

Manila has many bars and cafes where you along with your friends can jam and watch band gigs all night long. There is the Jazz Rhythms bar and the all famous Hard Rock Café where one can watch local and foreign bands perform live on stage.

Visiting Churches

There are many famous churches in Manila like the Manila Cathedral which are mostly visited by tourists and locals everyday. There are also the San Agustin Church and the Quiapo Church that are well known churches in the Philippines.

PLACES TO VISIT IN CHINA

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:33:00 +0000

China is one of the most visited countries in the world. Foreign visitors coming from different parts of the globe couldn't get enough of this wonderful and attractive place. Apart from the culture and people, it also has lots of wonderful landscapes to see.

If you are planning to visit to China, you should know more about the famous places here. The following are the places that we can pay a visit to in China:

The Great Wall

This is one of China's trademarks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also a very popular tourist spot in the country. Travelers never want to miss the opportunity of visiting the Great Wall once they arrive in the country.

The Forbidden City

This has been the palace of the late emperors during the Ming and Ching Dynasties. The place is called "Gu gong" in Chinese. It is considered as one of China's pride. Over the years, especially during wars, the kingdom has been devastated. It has been rebuilt and restored. What we see now in the Forbidden City is exactly what it looks like thousands of years ago. A lot of the country's history can be seen in the said palace. It is now made as a part museum for all the country's oldest artifacts.

Temple of Heaven

It is the temple that was built in the years when the Forbidden City was built. It is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is now used for Chinese ceremonies and other occasions. But most of the time, the place is used as a tourist spot for visitors.

The Temple of Confucius

It is one of the attractive places in China that is found in Beijing. It is such a wide area of 22 thousand square meters. It is also where the 700-year old cypress tree is found which was said to have the power to distinguish the good from the evil.

Those are just some best places in to visit China. Be sure to make the most out of your stay at this historical and beautiful country.

GROUP TRAVEL TIPS

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Sat, 29 May 2010 12:43:00 +0000

What does traveling have to do with the recent economic crisis? As long as you know how to get the best deals, you can make vacations something you can do often enough. It's all about being smart and doing the right research so you can make the most of what you're getting and stretching your budget down to the very last dime. Here are a few suggestions that could save you:

For the Ride

If you can take the car instead of the plane, go for it. You can all chip in for gas. Plus, the road trip gives you the privacy that you need and enough time to plan and bond before reaching your destination.

Apply for frequent flyer miles. With enough trips under your belt, you could actually accumulate enough points that allow you to go to far-flung areas.

If you're going on a cruise, check if they offer group rates and see if you can get bigger discounts when you have more people signing up for the trip.

For the Hotel and Accommodation

No doubt, five-star hotels are way more expensive, but like anything, it becomes cheaper when you have two or more people staying in a room.

You don't have to limit your choices with the ones in the area. If you have a car with you, you can actually get a room in a nearby town. If you want to head for the beach, you just have to give your group fifteen or thirty minutes leeway. That's not really much when you see how much you can save.

Camp out instead. While the planning can be more of a hassle, the time you'll spend outdoors can be just as rewarding.

For Your Meals

Forget about those expensive restaurants. Ask a local where you can get the meals for a fraction of the usual cost.

Forget the usual fare of fast-food as well. Instead, make friends with those who live in the area. Who knows, they could actually invite you to feast in their homes instead and show you some local hospitality. This ought to be safe as well if you go in a big group.

You can also bring canned goods and easy-to-prepare meals with you. Some inns offer a mini-kitchenette where you can do the actual cooking. When you get things in bulk and do the preparation yourselves, you can spend the extra money you'll save on other luxury items instead.

For Souvenirs

Prepare a list of people you need to give to. Otherwise, postcards will do.

You can also just take your camera along and just put them all in an album that you can always access whenever you want to reminisce. Plus, you save yourself from all that extra junk because chances are, you really won't get that souvenir that you've purchased.

Follow these tips and stretch your money. You'll see that vacations are more special because of the memories you get, and not the amount you've purchased.

VERY INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO (Nick Vujici: Man with no arms and legs )

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Fri, 28 May 2010 04:19:00 +0000

What do you do when everything seems to fall apart and everyone has turned their backs on you? What do you do when you feel like you carry the whole world's problems on your shoulders and that it seems like there is no more hope? All of us, at some time in our lives and for some, most of their lives, feel that the burden becomes heavier and heavier and never ends. What do we do when we hit the very rock bottom and no one else is there?

For me, I dig deep, I deep within my own strength and will. I know that everything happens for a reason and that reason is to face that moment, overcome whatever obstacles it brings, learn from that experience and become a better and wiser person to be able to take on bigger challenges that life may give.

This person (Nick Vujicic), is a living testament of the power of the human spirit. The power to believe on oneself and to have the will to take on life's challenges. As one of my favorite saying goes, "Impossible is not a fact, It's just an opinion".

I hope this video gave everyone the inspiration and a new perspective about life. Like taking on a journey, we should never stop or take a step backward when we face difficulties. Life is so full of beautiful things that needs to be discovered, but only if we have the faith and the will on ourselves to find them.

BEAUTIFUL SAGADA, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:05:00 +0000

My good friend and officemate, Abel Diaz was kind enough to give me pictures of his trek with his friends in Sagada which is a 5th class municipality in the province of Mountain Province, Philippines. It is located 275 kilometers north of Manila,the capital of the Philippines and is 140 kilometers from Baguio which is the Philippines’s summer capital.

Sagada is famous for its Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves, Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls, Rice terraces, Echo Valley, Kiltepan Tower, Underground River, Lake Danum, Hanging Coffins.

Sagada is first became known for its beautiful rice terraces. But catching up and increasing in popularity as its primary destination for both local and foreign tourists is the Sagada Hanging Coffins.

Because of the ancestral belief of the Sagada natives’ forefathers about reincarnation and the importance of keeping a departed loved-ones’ body sacred, for he/she will need it once they have crossed-over to the afterlife, they have chosen to keep their departed loved-ones’ bodies in coffins hanging on the mountain’s edges to keep it untouched and safe.

This is a picture of the directions the tourist guides made to direct the location of tourist spots in the area. Like any place we travel and explore, we should always maintain the proper behavior as a sign of respect to the place and the people who inhabit on it.

Here is another perspective of the Sagada Hanging Coffins from a more elevated location. It is really amazing to imaging how creative the Sagada natives are. As shown here, most of the coffins are on the edges of the mountain and elevated from the ground.

So the next time you are considering to travel and explore a new place, you might want to consider Sagada, Mountain Province.

CANON 450D ( DSLR ENTRY LEVEL)

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Wed, 26 May 2010 06:19:00 +0000

Here is Canon's entry level dslr. I do have friends and officemates that have Canon dslr's and was fortunate enough to try them out. And although I personally own a Nikon dslr (D3000), I do have a Canon IXY 25 IS for a Digital Camera. So, I do have the best of both worlds with those cameras. But again, I always suggest to find the camera that fits you base on its features or specifications. I hope videos like this one could help you choice your first dslr.

NIKON D3000 (ENTRY LEVEL DSLR)

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Wed, 26 May 2010 04:07:00 +0000

Here is Nikon's DSLR Entry Level Camera. This dslr is for those who are starting or beginners in photography. I person own one however, I would recommend that you search the best possible dslr that fits you. Canon, Pentax, and Olympus has entry level dslr that you might find more suitable for you. Features are the most important thing to consider in choosing your dslr. You might want to consider the warranty and service center or after-sales service that particular brand is offering. I will be posting videos of other brands to help you pick your very first dslr.

THE POWER OF FAITH

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:54:00 +0000

Good day!!!! Here's another uplifting song to inspire you. Like everyone else, we all have dreams, the only difference is how focused and determined we are to pursue those dreams and make them a reality. Keep on dreaming and mostly importantly, BELIEVE.

I BELIEVE
Singer: Fantasia Barrino

Have you ever reached a rainbow's end
And did you find your pot of gold
Ever catch a shooting star
And tell me how high did you soar
Ever felt like you were dreaming
Just to find that you're awake
And the magic that surrounds you
Can lift you up and guide you on your way

[Chorus:]
I can see it in the stars across the sky
Dreamed a hundred thousand dreams before
Now I finally realize
You see I've waited all my life for this moment to arrive
And finally, I believe

When you look out in the distance
You see it never was that far
Ohhh No
Heaven knows your existance
And leads you to be everything you are
Ohhh
There's a time for every soul to fly
It's in the eyes of every child
It's the hope, the love that saves the world
And, ohhh, we should never let it go

[Chorus]

I believe in the impossible
If I reach deep within my heart
Overcome any obstacle
Won't let this dream fall apart
See I strive to be the very best
Shine my light for all to see
Cause anything is possible
When you believe yeah

[Chorus]

Ohh Yeah

Love keeps liftin me higher
Liftin me higher
Love keeps liftin me higher
I said love keeps liften
Love keeps liften me
I said Love keeps liften
Love keeps liften me higher
Said love keeps liften me higher
I said love keeps liften me high

A VIEW OF MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:09:00 +0000

Whenever I have the time, I like to take pictures of various subjects. I love to bring along my digicam or dslr and take pictures of certain landscape, happening or people. Here are some pictures I took with my digital camera ( CANON IXY 25 IS) of the beautiful business district of MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES.

This is a shot I took at V.A. Rufino Street (formerly known as Herrera Street) corner Ayala Avenue which is the main road in Makati City. Almost all of the big buildings are located here in Ayala Avenue and is considered as the heart of the business district here in the Philippines.

Another picture I took was Dela Rosa Street which is parallel to Ayala Avenue. It here some of the oldest buildings dating back to the 1970’s and 1980’s are located. That is why when you by the streets of Ayala Avenue and Dela Rosa Street which are a few steps apart, you will definitely see a contrast in designs of the buildings. It is like time travel from the present time going back to the 1970’s and 1980’s.

This is a picture I took at a park located at the centre of the business district and is also where a lot of middle to high rise condominium buildings are sited. Nice thing about this particular location is that you can experience the fast life of the business district and at the same time enjoy a peaceful walk or jog at the park or just simple retreat to your condominium right around the corner from your office to get ready for the next day of business life.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Sun, 23 May 2010 22:17:00 +0000

It is nice to greet a new day with something that would inspire me and give me a positive attitude. They say that positive thinking attracts positive vibes. That is why I always start my day reading inspirational or motivational stories and quotes. I would also try to avoid reading and watching the daily news (coz most news are negative). I would really suggest that find inspirational quotes, as a start, to begin your day so that you will carry the positive message that quote is trying to convey and empower you for the rest of the day. Here's one I would like to share with you right now.

Lord, are you trying to tell me something?
For...

Failure does not mean I'm a failure;
It does mean I have not yet succeeded.

Failure does not mean I have accomplished nothing;
It does mean I have learned something.

Failure does not mean I have been a fool;
It does mean I had enough faith to experiment.

Failure does not mean I have disgraced;
It does mean I have dared to try.

Failure does not mean I don't have it;
It does mean I have something to do in a different way.

Failure does not mean I am inferior;
It does mean I am not perfect.

Failure does not mean I have wasted my life;
It does mean that I have an excuse to start over.

Failure does not mean that I should give up;
It does mean that I should try harder.

Failure does not mean that I will never make it;
It does mean that I need more practice.

Failure does not mean that you have abandoned me;
It does mean that you must have a better idea.

A Must See Place

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Sat, 22 May 2010 17:59:00 +0000

Pretty morbid title huh?! Well, I just want to pressure myself to always aim or aspire the best things in life. 'Coz I believe that it is a very effective way of motivating oneself. After all, the best things in life always are given to those who pursue them.

One of the most beautiful places that I have dreamed of going to is Santorini in Greece.

Santorini is a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea. The island name comes from ‘Santa Irini’ and it is officially called Thera. It is considered as one of the most popular destinations of Greece and is known as the home of one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.

You can’t help but admire the beautiful houses of the traditional villages of the Cyclades that surround the Caldera or the Volcano’s Crater which is situated in the middle of a 32 square miles basin of water (that's a lot of water). The houses that are all painted in white, are magnificently contrasted with blue roofs and windows that give the island a picturesque landscape that would leave anyone breathless. Just imagine yourself looking like Brad Pitt and being Achilles!!!

It is recommended that while residing in Santorini, you should visit Ancient Thira in Mesa Vouno meaning ‘the inside mountain’, the archaeological space of Akrotiri, the Archaeological and Folklore museums of the island. Santorini is famous for its vineyards and the varieties of wine; therefore you should also visit the museum of wine, while, simultaneously, you may sample wines, making sure to taste the ‘Visanto’. On top of these sites, sailing, scuba diving, going to restuarants (Greeks are know as excellent cooks) and the night life are some of the activities you might also like to consider.

As early as now, I have been searching at travel sites looking for great deals for plane tickets and accommodation for that dream trip to Santorini (nothing wrong to plan ahead for a trip scheduled 10 years from now).

Definitely one of the most beautiful landscapes to behold. Just the thought of going there fills me with energy, boost me up to strive even harder, to attract more positive things, to be in focus of my plans and goals, to be inspired.

So guys, see you in Santorini in a couple of years!!!!!!

TIME OF MY LIFE

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Sat, 22 May 2010 17:20:00 +0000

Hi everyone, another moving song I would like to share with you that has helped me to always move forward and strive for the best is "TIME OF MY LIFE" by American Idol Season 7 winner David Cook. Of course almost everyone knows David Cook, but have you ever wondered who wrote the song. Let me share you a little trivia about the person who made a very empowering and inspirational song that have helped people realize that even though life is filled with bumps and detours, we should always keep moving forward, learn from step along the way and make the TIME OF OUR LIVES as fruitful and meaningful as possible.

His name is Regie Hamm his father was a traveling minister. Regie played drums in his father's band at an early age, and eventually left to go to college. He is married to Yolanda and they adopted a girl from China, whom they named Isabella. Isabella has a rare genetic disorder called Angelman Syndrome, which causes severe development delays. They also have a son named Gabe. Hamm wrote a song called at the encouragement of his wife, Yolanda, an avid American Idol fan. He submitted the song for the American Idol Songwriting Competition, and won.

TIME OF MY LIFE
Singer: David Cook
Songwriter: Regie Hamm

I've been waiting for my dreams
To turn into something
I could believe in
And looking for that
Magic rainbow
On the horizon
I couldn't see it
Until I let go
Gave into love and watched all the bitterness burn
Now I'm coming alive
Body and soul
And feelin' my world start to turn

And I'll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time
To be more than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
Time of my life

Holding onto things that vanished
Into the air
Left me in pieces
But now I'm rising from the ashes
Finding my wings
And all that I needed
Was there all along
Within my reach
As close as the beat of my heart

So I'll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time to be
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
Time of my life

And I'm out on the edge of forever
Ready to run
I'm keeping my feet on the ground
My arms open wide
My face to the sun

I'll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time to be
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
Time of my life
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
This is the time
This is the time of my life.
This is the time of my life.

Motivational/Inspirational Song

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Thu, 20 May 2010 17:33:00 +0000

One of my favorite songs i draw strength from. Very powerful lyrics.

The Climb
Singer: Miley Cyrus

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

Motivational/Inspirational Quotes

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Thu, 20 May 2010 17:07:00 +0000

As a traveler in this journey called "LIFE", we all encounter the difficulties, hardships, and trials that really test us as individuals. I personally believe that all things happen so we can learn and be the best person we can be while taking this "JOURNEY". Whenever I experience the BUMPS of life, I find ways how to see these things in the positive side. I find reading motivational/inspirational quotes very empowering to aid me on my journey. I would like to share them with you and hope you would find them very helpful as you take your own journey.

Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
-Joshua J. Marine

Accept challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.
-George S. Patton

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.
- Albert Einstein

Pay no attention to what the critics say; no statue has ever been erected to a critic.
- Jean Sibelius

When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard," I am always tempted to ask, "Compared to what?"
- Sydney J. Harris

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:26:00 +0000

Hello World!!!!!!! By the way, as a beginner in photography I had the difficult task of choosing my entry dslr. I was really torn in choosing between Nikon and Canon. A immediately asked my officemates which dslr they would prefer. Unfortunately, my officemates were divided in half about my query. I immediately got on the internet to look at the specifications of Nikon and Canon's entry dslr. I took me about two months to finally reach my discussion. I went with the Nikon D3000. I also went with Canon's IXY 25 IS for my digicam. Both are great, great cameras. Guys, let me just clarify that i am not endorsing any cameras. bottomline is that each of us has their own special way of choosing a camera just like the way we choose to live our lives. What's important is that we were able to achieve that "Perfect Shot" we wanted for that "Special Moment" in our lives and be able to share to people as that it could remembered "Forever".

Welcome Everyone!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (phototraveler) — Mon, 17 May 2010 03:53:00 +0000

Today, i will officially start my blog about traveling and photography. Traveling for me is going to places and exploring. I hope to share my experiences with you wherever you are in the world. I am new to photography but, i am growing to be very passionate about it. it gives me the freedom to look at things the way I want them to be. Fill free to share your travels with me and the rest of the world because sharing is another way of exploring. I wish everyone happiness in traveling to different places and exploring cultures and people. Life is too short and the world has a lot of beautiful and exciting things to share. So what are you waiting for, start TRAVELING, EXPLORING, CAPTURING those SPECIAL MOMENTS!!!!!!!!