Nomadasaurus

Nomadasaurushttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/nomadasaurusNomadasaurushttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/create/learn/how-to-be-a-successful-content-creator-nomadasaurusAward-winning travel writers and content creators, Nomadasaurus, share the secrets to their success.2023-03-29T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/create/learn/how-to-be-a-successful-content-creator-nomadasaurushttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#niche">Find your niche</a></li> <li><a href="#good">Make your content look good</a></li> <li><a href="#value">Add value to your content </a></li> <li><a href="#numbers"> Don’t focus on the numbers </a></li> <li><a href="#skills">Learn new skills</a></li> <li><a href="#work">Be prepared to put in the work</a></li> <li><a href="#pitch">Pitching for work</a></li> <li><a href="#partners">Over-deliver for your partners</a></li> <li><a href="#consistent">Be consistent</a></li> <li><a href="#fun">Have fun and don’t overthink it</a></li> </ul> <p>Have you ever been scrolling through your social feed, came across a creator working with brands and getting paid to travel the world, and wondered how you could do the same? Is there a secret club you need to join to get these opportunities? Some kind of magic trick that all these influencers know and aren’t sharing with you?</p> <p>Never fear, future professional content creators, we’re here to break down exactly what you need to know to make it in this business.</p> <p>We’ve been fortunate enough to be working as full-time travel bloggers and content creators for 10 years, partnering with some of the world’s biggest brands and teaching others to do the same.</p> <p>Recently, we had the privilege of mentoring the four emerging creators who won the <a href="/create/scholarships/2022">World Nomads Content Creator Scholarship</a>, and showing them how to turn their passion into a career which has been a truly rewarding experience.</p> <p>Now, we’re sharing with you some of our biggest tips on how to become a professional creator so you can follow in the footsteps of our fantastic winners.</p> <p>If you’re ready to start #LivingYourBestLife, these are the 10 things you need to know.</p> <h2 id="niche">Find your niche</h2> <p>Here’s the thing, being a general ‘content creator’ isn’t enough these days. Competition is high and trying to get your work in front of the eyes of potential clients is difficult when establishing yourself.</p> <p>To stand out you need to be doing something different. Finding a niche as a content creator is incredibly important, and will help you position yourself in the market as an expert brands want to work with.</p> <p>Do you love hiking? Create a content series on your favorite treks, hiking tips and gear advice. Consider yourself a responsible traveler? Share posts on how to find the best eco-lodges, what to look for when picking hotels, etc. Being the go-to person in your field is far more valuable than trying to cover everything.</p> <p>Whatever you decide to niche down into, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. Your passion will shine through in your content, making it attractive to your audience (and future partners).</p> <h2 id="good">Make your content look good</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/create/jarryd-sunshine-meadows.jpg" alt="A hiker takes a photo of an alpine lake in Banff, Alberta." /> <figcaption>Jarred in Banff. Image credit: Nomadasaurus.</figcaption></figure> <p>Make sure that whatever you publish on your social media, YouTube or website looks fantastic. Having high-quality <a href="/create/learn/photography/taking-photos-to-next-level-in-post-production">photos</a> and videos is essential, and there’s really no excuse for sharing out-of-focus or dull content.</p> <p>Thankfully, this doesn’t mean you need to go out and spend thousands of dollars on specialized camera equipment. A modern <a href="/create/learn/photography/camera-or-phone">smartphone</a> is more than enough to shoot stunning <a href="/create/learn/travel-writing/pitching-for-online">content</a>, and if you learn the basics of photo editing and color grading you’re already going to be miles ahead of the competition.</p> <h2 id="value">Add value to your content</h2> <p>We live in a world that is flooded with an endless amount of content. So, what can you do to make yours worth engaging with? By ensuring every piece of content you publish is educational, entertaining or exciting.</p> <p>Teach your audience about something new, or inspire them to try something different. You can do this by telling them about a new attraction or activity in a particular destination, showing them something they haven’t seen before, or sharing tips on how to do something, such as taking a particular style of photo.</p> <p>If you’re not teaching them something, entertain them by producing work that makes them smile, laugh or think. A piece of content that your followers will rewatch or share with their friends is what you want to publish.</p> <p>The final part can be content that is just beautiful and exciting to look at. A clip of a stunning <a href="/create/learn/landscape-photography">landscape</a> at sunset, an animal behaving in a surprising way or a moment in time worth documenting is worth sharing with the world.</p> <p>If your content isn’t giving any value, don’t expect people to come back for more.</p> <h2 id="numbers">Don’t focus on the numbers</h2> <p>It’s very easy to get caught up in the number of likes, views, followers and subscribers you get, and this can have positive and negative effects on both your content and well-being.</p> <p>When you’re growing, you feel great. But when things stagnate, you often feel deflated, especially if you’re comparing yourself to other creators. Don’t worry, it’s absolutely normal, and every creator goes through this, even the biggest ones that you look up to and think are crushing the industry.</p> <p>As hard as it can be, it’s important to not get caught up in the numbers game. Otherwise, you may find yourself chasing trends that you don’t actually enjoy, getting upset over engagement, or worse, stop creating altogether.</p> <p>You’ll be much happier if you can ignore these numbers and instead focus on creating beautiful content that you’re proud of.</p> <h2 id="skills">Learn new skills</h2> <p>If you want to stay relevant you need to always be developing your skills and adapting to change to become the best creator possible. Photos are disappearing from social media feeds and being replaced by short-form <a href="/create/learn/film/video-editing-for-beginners">video</a>. Does that mean you should stop taking photos? Of course not. <a href="/create/learn/photography/how-to-master-drone-photography-and-filmmaking">Photography</a> is a very valuable (and enjoyable) skill to know. Does that mean though that you should start learning how to create engaging short-form videos? Absolutely!</p> <p>You don’t need to become the top Instagram reel producer on the planet. But, if you can confidently include this deliverable in your contracts with partners, alongside all the other skills you possess, you can upsell packages and become more valuable than the next person on the list who can only do one thing.</p> <h2 id="work">Be prepared to put in the work</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/create/Alesha-penguins.jpg" alt="A traveler photographs penguins in Antarctica." /> <figcaption>Alesha photographing penguins. Image credit: Nomadasaurus.</figcaption></figure> <p>At the end of the day being a professional content creator is work. Yes, it’s the funnest, coolest job you’ll ever have, but it’s still a job.</p> <p>Working with clients isn’t just a matter of showing up to a location, posting a phone selfie to Instagram and collecting pay cheques (despite how we all make it look). A brand campaign can take days or even weeks of planning, storyboarding, upskilling, creating, collaborating, editing, engaging and reporting at all kinds of random times to present a finished product.</p> <p>If you want to do this professionally, be prepared to put in the hours, especially in the early days when you’re building your brand.</p> <h2 id="pitch">Pitching for work</h2> <p>How do you actually get paid work as a creator? Do you just post some <a href="/create/learn/photography/how-to-master-drone-photography-and-filmmaking">TikToks</a> then wake up to an email one day offering you a paid trip to Paris? For the very rare person, yes. But for 99% of the creators you see out there, the work comes from reaching out and pitching to brands.</p> <p>This doesn’t mean sliding into a company’s DMs with a<em> “Hey, want to work together?”</em> and expecting them to throw plane tickets and money at you. You need to learn the art of the pitch and do your own research on what the brand might need and why <em>you</em> are the right person to give it to them.</p> <p>Every business is different, so spend some time thinking about what you can offer a brand that would suit its marketing goals. This might be providing photos and videos in exchange for a product or giving them access to your audience (if relevant) in the way of social media posts.</p> <p>Consider your own brand as well and if it matches the company you’re pitching. If your account is about make-up, asking for a free hotel for a few nights in exchange for an Instagram post probably isn’t a good fit, no matter how big your audience is. It also doesn’t make sense to your followers, and you need to remain authentic.</p> <p>One day you’re going to grow to a point where you don’t have to pitch anymore and instead, brands will come to you with a constant stream of opportunities. But until then, pitch, pitch, pitch.</p> <h2 id="partners">Over-deliver for your partners</h2> <p>If you’ve managed to lock in a brand deal, sponsorship, trip or product review with a partner, go above and beyond for that client and give them the best return on investment (ROI) possible.</p> <p>It’s a real privilege to work with brands, and no matter how big your numbers are or how high the quality of your content is, it’s not something that should be taken for granted.</p> <p>Over-deliver for every client, whether that’s the number of posts you do or the production quality of your content, and ensure that your partner is happy with the exchange.</p> <p>Why? That client may work with you again on another, potentially larger campaign, they may recommend you to other people in the industry, you’ll create a fantastic portfolio to pitch to other partners, and you’ve left a good impression for the client to want to work with other creators in the future.</p> <p>And very importantly, always strive to be a pleasure to work with. Never be a diva.</p> <h2 id="consistent">Be consistent</h2> <p>To get better at your craft you need to be creating regularly. Get out and <a href="/create/learn/photography/camera-or-phone">shoot </a>as often as possible, and set yourself deadlines to get your content to the world.</p> <p>It doesn’t necessarily have to be publishing something every single day. Don’t forget you have a life outside of social media to enjoy too! However, sticking to a schedule, even if it’s one post a week, will ensure you get many more hours of practice in, as well as give your audience an idea of when to expect something new from you.</p> <h2 id="fun">Have fun and don’t overthink it</h2> <p>At the end of the day, the biggest piece of advice we can give is to just <a href="/create/learn/writing/5-tips-to-writing-a-winning-travel-story">have fun with creating content</a>. If you’re not enjoying yourself you’ll burn out very quickly, and your audience can tell if you’re not having fun.</p> <p>And remember that overthinking every little aspect of content will probably mean it never gets shared. Is the caption just right? Did I color-grade that clip perfectly? Are the transitions seamless?</p> <p>Chances are the elements you’re thinking the most about are things that the viewer will never notice, or if they do notice, isn’t enough for them to care about. Get the content as good as you can make it without spending too much time on it, then upload it for the world to enjoy.</p>Nomadasaurus 0 Nomadasaurus with their campervan

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/antarctica/safety-tips-antarcticaAntarctica experts Jarryd and Alesha share their Antarctica safety tips for travelers, from harsh weather to staying safe (and upright) on the ice. Here's what you need to know.2024-10-16T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/antarctica/safety-tips-antarcticahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>In recent years Antarctica has transformed from a distant, icy wilderness that’s nearly impossible to visit to one of the most sought-after destinations on the planet.</p> <p>We’ve been lucky enough to visit many times, leading tours, creating travel content, and now working as expedition photography guides on ships in this fascinating environment.</p> <p>While visiting the world’s most remote destination can be challenging, the answer to “Is it safe to travel to Antarctica?” is yes – it’s very safe if you’re prepared and join a reputable tour operator.</p> <p>Let’s dive into some key Antarctica safety tips to help you have an unforgettable, safe adventure at the bottom of the world.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#operator">Choosing the right operator</a></li> <li><a href="#seas">Staying safe in rough seas</a></li> <li><a href="#pack">Protecting yourself against the cold</a></li> <li><a href="#ship">Cruise ship safety and evacuation</a></li> <li><a href="#zodiac">Zodiac safety</a></li> <li><a href="#kayak">Kayak safety</a></li> <li><a href="#land">Staying safe while on land</a></li> <li><a href="#gear">Protecting camera equipment and gear</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="operator">Choosing the right operator</h2> <p>When it comes to exploring Antarctica, who you go with matters. Are Antarctica cruises safe? Generally, yes. If you choose the right operator, you won’t really have to worry about anything.</p> <p>Here are our expert tips on selecting a trustworthy operator:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Check for IAATO Membership:</strong> Operators that are part of the <a href="https://iaato.org/" target="_blank">International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators</a> (IAATO) follow strict environmental and safety guidelines. This is a non-negotiable for responsible travel to Antarctica.</li> <li><strong>Look for expertise:</strong> Choose an operator with many years of experience running expeditions in Antarctica. Read reviews, ask other travelers, and do your own research. Not all companies are created equal, and we only personally recommend about 10 operators.</li> <li><strong>Smaller ships are better:</strong> Regulations state that no more than 200 people can disembark a ship in Antarctica at any one time, so if you are on a larger ship than that, groups are split up resulting in less time out exploring. More than 500 people onboard and nobody is allowed to get off the ship at all. That’s why it’s very important to select a ship that holds 200 people maximum.</li> </ul> <h2 id="seas">Staying safe in rough seas</h2> <p>The Drake Passage – the notorious stretch of water between South America and Antarctica – is famous for its rough seas. It can be very extreme, but for the most part it’s moderate and sometimes even completely calm. Here’s how to stay safe (and comfortable) during the journey:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Pack seasickness medication:</strong> The rough seas in Antarctica can catch even seasoned sailors off-guard. Bring over-the-counter seasickness tablets or patches and take them before you disembark in Ushuaia, not when you already feel sick. Trust us, take them even if you think you’ll be fine.</li> <li><strong>Choose a modern vessel:</strong> Larger ships tend to handle rough seas better (but remember the 200-passenger limit). If you’re prone to seasickness, read reviews on the size and stability of the ship. Many new vessels have stabilisers as well.</li> <li><strong>Secure loose items:</strong> Rough waters can cause things, and people, to slide and tip over quickly and unexpectedly. Secure any loose items in your cabin and avoid moving around too much during choppy weather. Keep one hand for the ship at all times! And whatever you do, don’t put your hand on door jambs or the hinged area of an open door – you don’t want a heavy door to slam down on your fingers when the ship lurches. Your cabin may be equipped with latches that prevent doors from swinging open or shut. Use them.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/antarctica/juvenile-adelie-on-iceberg.jpg" alt="A juvenile Adelie penguin stands at the edge of a massive iceberg in Antarctica." /> <figcaption>A juvenile Adelie penguin at the edge of a massive iceberg. Image credit: NOMADasaurus</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="pack">Protecting yourself against the cold</h2> <p>In the harsh Antarctic environment, having the right gear is crucial. Here’s what you should pack:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Layer up:</strong> Antarctica’s weather changes quickly – we’ve seen it go from being a warm, clear day to white-out blizzard conditions in less than 15 minutes. A layering system is key, which means using base layers for warmth, mid-layers for insulation, and a waterproof outer layer to keep out wind and moisture. If you start to overheat, you can peel layers off, and if you start to feel cool you can put them back on. We often wear warmer layers on the zodiacs, then strip down for landings.</li> <li><strong>Waterproof everything:</strong> <a href="/travel-wiser/practical/what-to-look-for-in-ski-gear">Waterproof pants, jackets, and gloves</a> are non-negotiable. You’ll be dealing with snow, sea spray, and sometimes rain. Most companies will provide waterproof jackets.</li> <li><strong>Polarised sunglasses and sunscreen:</strong> The sun’s reflection off the ice can be intense, so pack good-quality sunglasses and high-SPF sunblock. Ski goggles can be great as well.</li> <li><strong>Rubber boots:</strong> Your operator will often provide these (we recommend choosing an operator that does), but if not, bring insulated rubber boots for Zodiac landings.</li> </ul> <h2 id="ship">Cruise ship safety and evacuation</h2> <p>Modern cruise ships travelling to Antarctica are equipped with high-tech safety measures, but you still need to follow the rules.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Attend safety briefings:</strong> There will be a mandatory safety briefing at the beginning of your cruise. This will cover everything from life jacket locations to evacuation procedures.</li> <li><strong>Know your muster station:</strong> Make sure you know where your designated muster station is in case of an emergency. This is where you’ll gather if there’s a need to evacuate the ship. Very unlikely, but it has happened before.</li> <li><strong>Have travel insurance:</strong> Consider buying travel insurance that will cover <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/overseas-medical">medical emergencies</a> and evacuation.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/antarctica/antarctic-ufos.jpg" alt="Dramatic clouds shaped like UFOs gather over mountain peaks in Antarctica." /> <figcaption>Dramatic clouds shaped like UFOs gather over mountain peaks. Image credit: NOMADasaurus</figcaption><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <h2 id="zodiac">Zodiac safety</h2> <p>Zodiacs are inflatable motorized boats used for getting off the ship and exploring Antarctica up close. A Zodiac cruise is our favorite activity down there. Here’s how to stay safe while boarding and riding these small tenders:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Listen to your guide:</strong> Your guide will instruct you on the safest way to board and disembark the Zodiac. Follow their advice carefully and always keep both hands free when getting in and out of the vessel.</li> <li><strong>Wear a life jacket:</strong> Always wear the life jacket provided when riding in Zodiacs. You won’t be allowed into a tender without one on.</li> <li><strong>Keep low:</strong> When moving in and out of the Zodiac, keep your center of gravity low and hold onto the rope or handles to avoid tipping. Always ask the driver before standing to ensure it’s safe to do so.</li> </ul> <h2 id="kayak">Kayak safety</h2> <p>Kayaking in Antarctica is an incredible experience, but it requires some extra safety considerations:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Be honest about your experience:</strong> Most tour operators will ask about your previous <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">sea kayaking</a> experience before booking this optional activity. Be truthful about it –there’s nothing worse than one person in the group having no idea what they’re doing, which affects everybody else’s time.</li> <li><strong>Dress for immersion:</strong> In case you fall in, you need to stay warm. Your tour operator will give you a full dry suit to wear, but you need warm layers underneath. Put your camera/phone in a drybag if you plan on bringing it out with you.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/antarctica/iceberg-kayaking.jpg" alt="The nose of a kayak as it approaches a large iceberg in Antarctica." /> <figcaption>Kayaking in Antarctica is an unforgettable experience. Image credit: NOMADasaurus</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="land">Staying safe while on land</h2> <p>Antarctica’s landscapes are awe-inspiring but can be hazardous. Whether you’re walking among penguins or visiting research stations, keep these tips in mind:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Watch your step:</strong> The terrain can be icy, rocky, and very uneven. Walk carefully to avoid slips and falls. Ask your operator if they supply walking poles or <a href="/travel-wiser/practical/how-to-choose-the-right-hiking-gear">bring your own</a> if concerned.</li> <li><strong>Respect wildlife:</strong> Maintain a safe distance from wildlife (five meters for penguins, more for seals). The wildlife is unpredictable, and you want to avoid causing any stress to the animals. Plus, seals can be very dangerous, so stay well clear and listen to the expedition team’s instructions.</li> <li><strong>Stick to marked paths:</strong> Follow the paths outlined by your guides to avoid disturbing fragile environments, getting lost or falling into a crevasse.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/antarctica/king-penguin-posse.jpg" alt="A group of King Penguins on South Georgia Island." /> <figcaption>A posse of King Penguins on South Georgia Island. Image credit: NOMADasaurus</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="gear">Protecting camera equipment and gear</h2> <p>Antarctica is a <a href="/create/learn/landscape-photography">photographer’s paradise</a>, but the cold and wet conditions can be tough on your gear. Here’s how to protect your camera equipment:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Use dry bags:</strong> Keep your camera in a dry bag when not in use, especially on Zodiacs or in snowy conditions.</li> <li><strong>Bring spare batteries:</strong> Cold weather drains battery life quickly. Bring plenty of spares and store them close to your body to keep them warm.</li> <li><strong>Avoid lens fogging:</strong> When transitioning between cold outdoor air and warm indoor spaces, let your camera adjust gradually to avoid condensation forming on the lens or inside the body.</li> </ul> <p>Keep these Antarctica travel tips in mind, and you’ll be ready to safely enjoy one of the most remarkable places on the planet.</p>NOMADasaurus 1 NOMADasaurus A massive iceberg is dwarfed by snow-covered mountains in Antarctica.