Conor Purcell

Conor Purcellhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/conor-purcellConor Purcellhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/your-guide-to-greener-air-travelFrom the birth of the no-fly movement to carbon offsetting, eco-conscious plane travel is beginning to take off.2019-12-02T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/your-guide-to-greener-air-travelhttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="scholarships-assignment-snippet segment-margin-break"> <p>If the aviation industry were a country, it would be in the world’s top 10 carbon polluters – in 2018, 4.3 billion passengers took flights, a new record, but more of us are questioning the impact flying is having on the planet. So, what can you do to reduce your carbon footprint and make the right travel choices? And, with a million people traveling in 10,000 aircraft, 24 hours a day, every day, is the aviation industry doing its bit to help?</p> <ul> <li><a href="#How">How have airlines reacted to climate change?</a></li> <li><a href="#Which"> Which airlines are the greenest? </a></li> <li><a href="#offset"> Should you offset your flights? </a></li> <li><a href="#What"> What else can travelers do? </a></li> <li><a href="#Will"> Will flying eventually become an ethical no-no? </a></li> </ul> <p id="why">As the urgency of climate change intensifies and more of us are looking at different ways we can help the environment, air travel is just one of a number of areas that are under focus. The advent of the no-fly movement, popularized by teenage activist Greta Thunberg, has also put air travel under the spotlight. Although the <a href="https://www.iata.org/">International Air Transport Association </a>(IATA) claims that planes are the source of only 2 percent of human-made carbon dioxide emissions, others claim the figure is much higher. </p> <h2 id="How">How have airlines reacted to climate change?</h2> <p>Most airlines have been fairly responsive, introducing carbon offset schemes, while others have pledged to go plastic-free. IATA, which represents airlines, said the CO2 emission of a standard flight was half the amount it was in 1990, thanks to fuel-efficient planes. While some have touted sustainable fuel as the answer, it may be too expensive to make it a feasible solution, although the IATA expects 2 percent of airline fuel to come from sustainable sources by 2025. Of course, this is overshadowed by the fact the IATA expects the airline industry to grow by 4 to 5 percent by the same year, dwarfing any green gains. </p> <h2 id="Which">Which airlines are the greenest?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.alternativeairlines.com/eco-friendly-airlines">Alternative Airlines</a>, an airline booking company, says the most eco-friendly airlines are the ones upgrading to a more environmentally friendly fleet; using more eco-friendly materials onboard (for example, using carbon fiber seats, reducing plastic and in-flight magazines), and serving vegan and vegetarian meals. Some of the carriers Alternative Airlines praises include Virgin Air, Qantas and KLM. One major difference between the airlines is fuel efficiency: the <a href="https://theicct.org/">International Council on Clean Transportation</a> found a 51 percent difference between the most fuel-efficient trans-Atlantic airline (Norwegian Air) and the least efficient (British Airways).</p> <h2>Should you offset your flights?</h2> <p>Many airlines offer passengers the chance of purchasing ‘carbon offsets’, which allows them to reduce the impact of their pollution by paying someone else not to. Doing so sends a clear message to airlines that you care about the impact air travel has on the planet. <br /><br />Not everyone agrees that carbon offsetting is the answer, however. <a href="https://foe.org/">Friends of the Earth</a> director Tony Juniper has said that carbon offset schemes are “a smokescreen used to avoid real measures to avoid action and carry on polluting. [They should] be a measure of last resort, after steps have been taken to cut emissions.”</p> <p>It’s also important to know exactly what the ‘offset’ you are purchasing will be. Different carbon offset schemes fund different projects – from reforestation to renewable energy – and it’s hard to know how effective many of them are. “A plane that flies today emits carbon today," says Roger Tyres, a research fellow at the University of Southampton, who studies carbon offsetting. “It’s very hard to know how fast an offset can remove that amount of carbon from the atmosphere."</p> <p>Just 10 percent of passengers opt to offset their flights anyway, according to Qantas, but airlines are focusing on offsetting their own greenhouse gas emissions with more sustainable and efficient aviation fuels. <a href="https://www.icao.int/environmental-protection/CORSIA/Pages/default.aspx">The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation</a>, adopted by more than 80 percent of the industry in 2016, requires that airlines offset all international flights by 2021. </p> <h2 id="What">What else can travelers do to reduce their footprint?</h2> <ul> <li>Reduce the number of flights you take where possible</li> <li>Write to airlines and comment on their social media accounts to encourage them to limit the amount of plastic they use</li> <li>Find out which airlines currently have the greenest policies (research everything from the type of fuel they use to their plastic policies) and try to use them when you do have to fly</li> <li>Bring your own food, or if you do opt to eat on board, go for vegetarian or vegan meals</li> <li>Fly direct. Doing so generates fewer greenhouse gases per journey – take-off and landing at stop-over airports use more fuel than flying at altitude</li> <li>Book your flight on a fuel-efficient aircraft such as a <span>Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Airbus A350</span></li> <li>Pack lightly. Finnair claims it could save 1-2 million kilograms of fuel per year if each of its passengers packed 1 kilogram <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/how-to-only-travel-with-hand-luggage">less luggage</a> every time they flew.</li> </ul> <h2 id="Will">Will flying become an ethical no-no?</h2> <p>It’s unlikely. For a start, the no-fly movement is a very European phenomenon, a continent blessed with easy rail access and free movement across borders. For an American or Australian traveler, the reality is more complicated, unless they want to just travel in their home countries. It’s also important to understand the positive effects the ‘jet age’ has had on the world: from bringing prosperity to far-flung corners of the planet to broadening minds and encouraging multi-culturalism, mass travel has been, on balance, a very good thing. </p> <p></p> </div>Getty Images / Jim Watson 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/create/learn/writing/the-art-of-the-pitchWhat are editors looking for from prospective writers? Here's how to make your travel writing pitch stand out from the crowd. 2019-10-10T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/create/learn/writing/the-art-of-the-pitchhttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="scholarships-assignment-snippet segment-margin-break"> <p>Editors get a lot of emails from writers who want to write for them. Unsurprisingly, every one of those writers is convinced that their article would be perfect for the magazine/website/newspaper they are pitching to. The reality is that many writers sabotage a great idea by not knowing how to pitch. Editors are busy, and they will often dismiss poor pitches, no matter how good your premise is.</p> <p>Without the ability to convince an editor that you are the person for the job, there’s little chance of getting your articles published. This means that you need to focus as much on your pitch as you do on your article. The good news is that crafting a compelling pitch is not difficult, particularly with this foolproof guide.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#idea"> The idea </a></li> <li><a href="#explain"> Explain how </a></li> <li><a href="#sell"> Sell yourself </a></li> <li><a href="#bad"> Bad pitch made good </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="idea">The idea</h2> <p>The key element of any pitch is the central idea – what’s your article about? Why should the editor (or their readers) care? You need to be able to communicate this in two paragraphs or less – no one has time to read a short story about your idea, no matter how amazing it is. Be precise but descriptive, and remember the 5 ‘W’s: who, what, where, when, why.</p> <h2 id="explain">Explain how</h2> <p>Be precise about how you are going to write the article. How many people are you going to interview, and who are they? What does the beginning, middle and end of the article look like? What are the key points you want to get across? Obviously, some of this won’t become apparent until you start writing it, but you need to be clear with the editor about how you are going to put the article together. </p> <h2 id="sell">Sell yourself</h2> <p>You now need to explain to the editor why you are the person for the job. Below are three areas to focus on.</p> <h3>1. Access</h3> <p>If you have exclusive access to a person or place, you are already in the driver's seat. Maybe you received an invitation to a tour of a private French chateau, or a cooking class with a renowned chef, or an interview with a reclusive travel writer. Whatever it is, access sells articles, as the editor will know the same same article won’t be all over the internet. If you do have access to something or someone no one else has, make sure to flag it up – exclusivity sells.</p> <h3>2. Expertise</h3> <p>If you are a writer with a background as a nutritionist pitching an article about foraging for food on the Appalachian Trail, that’s going to get more attention than if you are a travel blogger doing the same thing. Likewise, if you are proposing an article about tango dancing in Buenos Aires, it would be a more compelling pitch if you have competed in tango before. Of course, the ‘fish out of water’ trope can work well too (“I have two left feet but decide to learn tango in Buenos Aires anyway”), but those types of articles live and die on the quality of the writing. If you are pitching an idea in a field you are an expert in, make sure to let the editor know – editors like expertise as it makes their job easier.</p> <h3>3. Writing chops</h3> <p>While a great idea will sell a story, editors also want to know that you can write. Make sure you send them links to two or three published articles which show what you can do. Also make sure your email to them is as well written as possible (even one spelling mistake can doom your pitch). While good editors will help make an article as good as it can be, they don’t have time for complete rewrites. This is a ‘show, don’t tell’ moment – editors don’t want you to tell them you are a great writer, they can decide that for themselves by reading your clips.</p> <h3>4. Photography</h3> <p>In the good old days, photo editors would find the images to accompany an article, but these days that’s usually the art director or editor’s job. If you can take or access hi-res images, let the editor know – being able to provide <a href="/create/learn/photography/how-to-make-the-leap-from-amateur-to-professional-photographer" target="_blank" title="Amateur To Professional Photographer: Making The Leap">great photos</a> along with a <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com//create/learn/writing/writing-a-winning-travel-story-tips-from-your-mentor" target="_blank" title="How to Write a Winning Travel Story">great article</a> will give your pitch added appeal. </p> <h2 id="bad">Bad pitch made good</h2> <p>Below are two pitches, one bad (OK, terrible) and one good.<br /><em><br />“Hi, I am traveling to Paris next week and would love to write an article on the city’s best restaurants. Let me know if you are interested and what the rate is.”</em></p> <p>For an editor, this had red flags all over it. It’s incredibly vague, so the editor has no idea how the writer will approach this article or what access they will have in the restaurants, for example, can they interview a chef? Also, never query the rate in the first email. Believe it or not, editors get pitches like this all the time. Don’t be that writer!</p> <p>If you were to turn this bad pitch into a good one, it would look something like this:</p> <p><em>“I am a food writer based in Paris and would love to write an article about the city’s burgeoning brunch culture. Recent months have seen an increase in the number of Sunday brunch venues, with traditional brasseries rejigging their menus to cater to this new (and boozy) crowd. Not all are happy with this, however, and the city’s oldest residents are furious at being pushed out.</em><em> </em></p> <p><em>I can talk to the owners of two restaurants who are catering to the brunch crowd, and a restaurant owner who refuses to, as well as two locals: one who loves his Sunday brunch and one who wishes the whole scene would disappear."</em></p> <p><a href="/create/learn/writing/how-to-sell-your-story-idea-to-a-travel-editor" target="_blank" title="How to Sell Your Idea to a Travel Editor">This pitch</a> is clearly much better. It gives an outline of the article and lets the editor know who the writer will talk to. It also introduces conflict to the story, which is something many of the best stories have.</p> <p><em> </em></p> </div>Getty Images / Philippe Beyer / EyeEm 11171104332 Getty Images

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/how-to-avoid-the-masses-when-you-travelWith more destinations becoming overwhelmed by visitors, it's time to look beyond the well-loved travel hot spots.2019-09-18T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/how-to-avoid-the-masses-when-you-travelhttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="scholarships-assignment-snippet segment-margin-break"> <p>Blame it on cheap air travel or the growing global middle class, but more of us are traveling than ever. And, while we still think travel is the best way to understand the world and our place in it, we also have to be aware of the consequences of mass tourism.</p> <p>From cruise ships unloading thousands of passengers in Venice to selfie-stick wielding crowds at Machu Picchu, the negatives of mass travel are easy to spot. Indeed, there’s been pushback in recent years with locals in Barcelona, Rome and Paris protesting against the overwhelming visitor numbers.</p> <p>So, what can the ethical traveler do? Well, before you book a ticket to the same place everyone else is going to, how about considering some alternatives? Here are a few to get you started.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#Helsinki"> Forget Reykjavik, go to Helsinki </a></li> <li><a href="#Tokyo"> Forget Tokyo, go to Taipei </a></li> <li><a href="#Rome"> Forget Rome, go to Algeria </a></li> <li><a href="#Cadiz"> Forget Barcelona, go to Cadiz </a></li> <li><a href="#Bangkok"> Forget Bangkok, go to Vientiane </a></li> <li><a href="#Amsterdam"> Forget Amsterdam, go to Rotterdam </a></li> <li><a href="#Prague"> Forget Prague, go to Ljubljana </a></li> <li><a href="#Machu"> Forget Machu Picchu, go to Choquequirao </a></li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/helsinki-getty-1142445529.jpg" alt="HELSINKI" /> <figcaption>Helsinki, Finland, on a sunny winter's day. Photo credit: Getty Images/Miemo Penttinen</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Helsinki">Forget Reykjavik, go to Helsinki</h2> <p><a href="/explore/northern-europe/iceland/experience-reykjavik-like-a-local" target="_blank" title="Experience Reykjavik Like a Local">Reykjavik</a> may be one of the most interesting places in Europe, but the 2.2 million people who visited in 2018 dwarfed the local population of 122,000. For somewhere less crowded, we recommend the <a href="/explore/northern-europe/finland/highlights-of-a-trip-to-northern-finland-in-winter">Finnish</a> capital, Helsinki. Located on the Baltic, it’s a quirky, design-conscious city unlike anywhere else in Scandinavia. In summer, you can head out to the many islands that surround the archipelago, or stroll through the city’s numerous parks. In winter, there’s a huge range of sports to take part in, from cross-country skiing to ice skating and ice fishing. Finland has long been a sustainable food hub, and the city is dotted with restaurants serving organic, locally sourced foods (everything from elk and snow grouse to cloudberries and forest mushrooms).</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/Taipei-getty-462012667.jpg" alt="TAIPEI" /> <figcaption>The city of Taipei, Taiwan. Photo credit: Getty Images/balmung</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Tokyo">Forget Tokyo, go to Taipei</h2> <p><a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/tokyo-things-to-do" target="_blank" title="Tokyo Must-See: Top 4 Things to do in Tokyo">Tokyo</a> saw more than 30 million visitors last year, and with a population of 14 million, it’s fair to say it’s a crowded place. If you want somewhere with all the energy of Tokyo, but a fraction of the tourists, try Taipei. The Taiwanese capital mixes Chinese culture with Japanese and American influences and is one of the friendliest cities in Asia. It’s a wonderfully quirky place: check out the puppet museum, or the myriad themed-cafes and restaurants (there’s everything from an egg yolk café to an A380-themed one). There are also beautiful Taoist temples and restored tea shops as well as the superb National Palace Museum. It’s an easy (and cheap) place to get around, and is filled with parks, bike lanes and there are even free umbrellas on the city’s underground train network. </p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/Algeria-ruins-getty-1002037194.jpg" alt="TIMGAD RUINS, ALGERIA" /> <figcaption>Trajan Arch in the ruins of Timgad, Algeria. Photo credit: Getty Images/Leonid Andronov</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Rome">Forget Rome, go to Algeria</h2> <p><a href="/explore/europe/italy/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-italy" target="_blank" title="5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Italy">Rome</a> is at the coalface of the pushback against over-tourism. Last year, it emerged that 10 visitors a day were <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6346885/Vatican-considers-limiting-visitor-numbers-10-guests-day-faint-overcrowding.html">fainting</a> due to overcrowding at The Vatican Museums, and there have been protests against the increase in visitors. If you want to sample Roman ruins without the crowds, we recommend heading to Algeria’s northern coast, which has some of the best-preserved Roman architecture in the world. Fly into Oran and take the train east towards Algiers. Your first stop should be the UNESCO World Heritage site of Timgad, dubbed the ‘Pompeii of Africa’, which is filled with stunning Roman architecture, set against the backdrop of the Aures Mountains. Another highlight is Tipaza, which features a range of Roman, Phoenician and Byzantine ruins, all of which are right by the beach. Another wonder is Djemila, which features a wonderful museum filled with mosaics, as well as houses, temples and Byzantine churches. Best of all, you will be pumping much-needed dollars into the local economy.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/Caldiz-getty-1142653755_.jpg" alt="ZAHARA DE LA SIERRA, CADIZ" /> <figcaption>The white town of Zahara de la Sierra in Cadiz. Photo credit: Getty Images/Enrique Díaz/7cero</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Cadiz">Forget Barcelona, go to Cadiz</h2> <p><a href="/explore/europe/spain/going-urban-a-guide-to-spains-top-cities" target="_blank" title="5 Incredible Cities to Explore in Spain">Barcelona</a> is special, we get it. From the stunning Gaud<span>í </span>architecture to the wonderful Catalan cuisine, it’s no surprise the city is so popular since it reimagined itself before the 1992 Olympics. However, if you want to explore a Spanish city that is not overrun with visitors, check out Cadiz. On the Andalusian coast, this port city is 3,000 years old and filled with cultural, historic and foodie attractions. We love Mercado Central de Abastos, Spain’s oldest covered market, where you can pick up fresh tuna and snails directly from local sellers. If you prefer your food ready to eat, then the Old Town is filled with tapas bars. Cadiz province has 76 beaches, so even in the summer months, you will always be able to find one that’s not crowded; a refreshing change from Barcelona’s throngs.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/Vientiane-laos-getty-1055128114.jpg" alt="VIENTIANE, LAOS" /> <figcaption>Vientiane, Laos, is well worth exploring. Photo credit: Getty Images/Theerasak Watthanasin/EyeEm</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Bangkok">Forget Bangkok, go to Vientiane</h2> <p><a href="/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-thailand" target="_blank" title="5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Thailand">Bangkok</a> greeted more than 20 million visitors in 2018, which is why we suggest giving the Thai capital a miss. Instead, pay a visit to the Laos capital of <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/southeast-asia/laos/things-to-see-and-do-in-vientiane-laos" target="_blank">Vientiane</a>, probably the most laid-back in Asia. A former French colony, it has traces of Gallic influence everywhere: from the colonial-era villas (many of which are now turned into boutique guesthouses) to the Laos-French fusion menu, this is a place that wears its past lightly. The old quarter of the city is the most beguiling, filled with beautiful Buddhist temples, wandering monks and leafy boulevards. It’s a place to recharge the batteries rather than pound the pavements, and there are few nicer places in which to relax with a good book and a cold bottle of the local beer. Of course, further north lies Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with hiking trails, Buddhist temples and Hindu shrines. Laos is often overlooked on the Southeast Asian traveler’s itinerary, which is all the more reason you should visit.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/rotterdam-getty-984347524.jpg" alt="ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS" /> <figcaption>Scenic Rotterdam is an uncrowded alternative to Amsterdam. Photo credit: Getty Images/Achim Thomae</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Amsterdam">Forget Amsterdam, go to Rotterdam</h2> <p>We understand why Amsterdam is so popular: from the city’s picture-postcard canals to the art of the Rijksmuseum, this city of 820,000 is a wonderful destination at any time of the year. But with 20 million tourists estimated to arrive in 2019, it’s also very crowded, which is why we suggest <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/europe/netherlands/dutch-cities-worth-visiting-beyond-amsterdam" target="_blank">Rotterdam</a> instead. A 40-minute train ride away, The Netherlands’ second city is a thriving port hub, filled with innovative tech companies, world-class cultural destinations and a big food hotspot. It’s also one of Europe’s most architecturally interesting cities (check out the Rem Koolhaas-designed De Rotterdam tower and the remarkable South Bank docks), as well as being home to one of the continent’s best coffee scenes. </p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/Ljubljana-Slovenia-getty-images-1177556192.jpg" alt="Ljubljana, Slovenia" /> <figcaption> Ljubljana offers all the charm of Prague, without all the people. Photo credit: Getty Images/Stanley Chen Xi</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Prague">Forget Prague, go to Ljubljana</h2> <p>While Prague is undeniably beautiful, it’s also filled with visitors – nearly eight million visited the Czech capital in 2018. For something rather more sedate, head to the leafy <a href="/explore/europe/slovenia/food-wine-outdoor-adventures-slovenia">Slovenian</a> capital of Ljubljana. With a population of fewer than 300,000, it’s one of Europe’s smallest capitals, and probably its most picturesque. Dominated by the Ljubljanica River, which is lined with alfresco cafes, second-hand stores and weekend markets, it’s a very walkable place. The city is dominated by Ljubljana Castle, which sits atop a hill just east of the Old Town, and features a lovely Puppet Theatre. It’s great, and best of all, no matter where you are, you’ll be surrounded by locals, not visitors.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/Choquequirao-getty-images-494389088.jpg" alt="CHOQUEQUIRO, PERU" /> <figcaption>Peru's Choquequirao is worth the effort it takes to get there. Photo credit: Getty Images/rchphoto</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Machu">Forget Machu Picchu, go to Choquequirao</h2> <p>While Machu Picchu’s <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/south-america/peru/hiking-the-inca-trail-machu-picchu-find-out-how-to-do-it-safely">Incan ruins</a> are undeniably spectacular, they’re also incredibly popular, with thousands of tourists visiting every day. So many people visit that UNESCO has voiced concern at the damage the crowds are doing to the site. To get your Inca fix without joining the tourist hordes, head to <a href="/explore/south-america/peru/responsible-tourism-peru">Choquequirao</a>, which is not only three times the size of Machu Picchu, but it only gets 20 tourists a day. That tiny number is mainly due to the rather grueling two-day trek it takes to get there. The effort is worth it though, as Choquequirao is spectacular: a partially excavated Inca settlement from the 15<sup>th</sup> century spread over 18 sq km. Not only is it beautiful, it’s almost always deserted. Perfect.</p> </div>Alicia Steels 0 Crowds at The Louvre

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/create/learn/photography/the-ultimate-mobile-phone-photography-guideIt’s never been easier to take professional photos on your phone. But where to start? Here’s our beginner’s guide to taking photos on your device.2019-08-22T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/create/learn/photography/the-ultimate-mobile-phone-photography-guidehttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="scholarships-assignment-snippet segment-margin-break"> <p><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create/learn/photography/the-basics-of-photojournalism" target="_blank">Photography</a> has been transformed in recent years by the advent of powerful mobile devices with excellent built-in cameras. While, even a few years ago, the quality of mobile phone cameras was low, in 2019 you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between a picture taken on a mobile phone and one taken on a traditional camera. </p> <p>This is great news for travelers who don’t want to fork out for or carry bulky camera equipment with them on the road. All the equipment featured below is lightweight and will easily fit into a carry-on bag. <br /> <br /> If you want to master the art of mobile phone travel photography, where should you start? </p> <h2>Choosing the right phone</h2> <p>There’s a huge range of powerful mobile phone cameras to choose from</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/huawei-p30-pro">Huawei P30 Pro</a> claims to be the best camera phone around, with its 40MP main lens, an 8MP telephoto lens (you can zoom x50), and a 20MP ultra-wide lens. It also uses a RYYB sensor (red yellow yellow blue), instead of the industry standard RGB (red green blue) – this just means it allows the camera to capture more light, adding greater depth to your images. It’s not cheap (expect to pay US$700 depending where in the world you are). </p> <p>A close competitor is the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/google-pixel-3-review">Google Pixel 3</a>, which has front (8MP) and rear (12.2MP) cameras, which means you can do everything from zooming in for detail shots in low light to creating large-scale panorama shots. Prices differ depending on the market, but expect to pay around US$650.</p> <p>The iPhone has been at the forefront of the mobile photography revolution, and its latest models – the XS and <a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/us/iphone-xs-max,review-5747.html">XS Max</a> – both offer hefty 12MP dual rear cameras. While there are other more powerful cameras on the market, iPhone’s interface is as good as it gets; it’s simple, clutter-free and allows you to take great photos without worrying about the technology. The 6.5-inch display on the XS Max also offers a huge viewfinder, although you pay for the privilege: expect to pay US$999 for the XS and US$1,099 for the XS Max.</p> <p>Last, but not least is the <a href="https://www.t3.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-s10-plus-review">Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus</a>. The South Korean company has upped its mobile phone game in recent years, and the S10 Plus is a great piece of kit. From the 123-degree ultra-wide lens to the triple-lens rear camera and a huge 6.4 inch screen, this is an exceptionally versatile mobile camera. It costs US$999. </p> <h2>Mobile photography add-ons</h2> <p>The range of mobile photography add-ons is growing, with a range of lenses, tripods and gimbals available if you want to take your mobile photography to the next level.</p> <p><a href="https://www.shopmoment.com/">Moment</a> has a range of lenses and add-ons which can give your photos the boost they need. Here are three of their most popular lenses:<br /><br /></p> <p><strong>Fisheye lens: </strong>this creates a much wider shot than normal, resulting in a slightly curved 'fish-eye' <a href="https://expertphotography.com/fantastic-fisheye-lens-photography-a-basic-guide/">effect</a>. While this lens can produce interesting photos it can, in the wrong hands, be a bit gimmicky, so use sparingly. </p> <p><strong>58mm tele portrait lens: </strong>this lens allows you to magnify the subject of your photo, and 'zoom in' on it. The 58mm, while not as powerful as traditional camera lenses, allows you to x2 optical zoom.<br /><br /><strong>Macro lens:</strong> the <a href="https://www.shopmoment.com/shop/macro-lens">macro lens</a> allows you to capture the tiniest details – perfect for taking photographs of flowers, insects or food. <br /><br />Other add-ons include <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00M9C9EVS?slotNum=7&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10060.g.3131%5Bsrc%7C%5Bch%7C%5Blt%7C&linkCode=g12&imprToken=GV4itsAvx1rf0ttPMgZp3A&creativeASIN=B00M9C9EVS&tag=hearstmagazin-21">tripods</a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/19/20808795/dji-osmo-mobile-3-gimbal-phone-stabilization-battery-price-video-hands-on">gimbals</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ct6TZbid-w">sliders</a> and <a href="https://www.smartphonefilmpro.com/what-are-the-best-lights-for-smartphone-filmmaking/">LED light kits</a>. Don't get too wrapped up in the accessories, however. It's important to first understand the basics of photography, and from there, you can</p> <h2>Understand the limitations</h2> <p>For all the developments in mobile phone technology, you still need to be aware of the limitations of your camera phone. You obviously won’t get the same quality as you would in a <a href="https://expertphotography.com/what-does-dslr-stand-for/">DLSR</a> or <a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/what-is-a-mirrorless-camera/">mirrorless camera</a>, so be aware of what type of shots work best on your phone. <br /> <br /> For example, mobile phone cameras generally have poor depth of field (the depth the camera can take photographs before things get blurry), which is why taking photos of flat surfaces (doorways, walls, etc) look much better than say, photos of crowded markets or groups of people.</p> <h2>Decide on a style</h2> <p>The best mobile phone photographers have a signature style – and while it's good to understand a broad range of styles when you are starting out, it's a good idea to focus on what are both good at and enjoy. Maybe that's taking photos of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicolestruppert/?utm_source=ig_embed">architecture</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heroesforsale/?hl=en">people</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shainblumphotography/?utm_source=ig_embed">landscapes</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidlloyd/">wildlife</a>. Of course, you may start off taking photographs in many different styles and eventually decide you like taking abstract photos, or photos of people, or detail shots. There's no right or wrong to this; it's important to have fun, be creative and do what comes naturally to you. </p> <h2>Editing your photos</h2> <p>There’s a whole range of photography apps, ranging from the useful to the pointless, but again it's important not to get too caught up in the sheer choice on offer – no filter will make a bad photograph good, so remember to use these sparingly. </p> <p>While Instagram has a range of filters, its popularity these days is due to the size of the potential audience. If you want to promote your images or build up a following, you simply have to be on Instagram. For actual photo editing, there's a lot better out there – here are some of the best:</p> <p><strong>Afterlight 2: <br /></strong>One of the most regularly updated photo apps, <a href="https://afterlight.co/">Afterlight 2</a> offers a huge range of editing options such as Curves, Selective Hue and Tone. It’s one of the easiest photo apps to use, and has some rather interesting functions, such as the ability to zoom in on your photos while editing and the ability to create your own filters. It costs US$2.99 for a one-off download with no other costs, so it's very good value. </p> <p><strong>VSCO Cam<br /></strong><a href="https://vsco.co/">VSCO Cam</a> is like Instagram’s cooler, more functional older brother – it has a range of editing tools (including exposure, contrast and alignment) as well as a whole range of filters and pre-sets. The basic version is free, but you will pay $US19.99 a year for the advanced version.</p> <p><strong>Carbon<br /></strong>Developed for photographers who specialize in black and white imagery, <a href="https://admin-cms-web-wn.uat.wng.local/Admin/Contents/Edit/Carbon%20-%20B&W%20Filters%20&%20Effects%20on%20the%20App%20Store%20-%20Apple">Carbon</a> has range of monochrome filters that were apparently developed with photographers. The app is free, although to unlock all the options, it'll cost you a one-off payment of US$20. </p> <p><strong>Lightroom CC</strong><br /><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adobe-lightroom-photo-editor/id878783582">Lightroom CC</a> is probably the best photo editing app on the market, which is no surprise given it's created by Adobe. It can also link to your a desktop version, so you can finish off your edits at home. The free version will be enough for most photographers, but if you want access to all the options, you'll pay US$14.99 for the first year, US$19.99 a year thereafter.</p> <p>So, you have your phone, your apps and your add-ons – now all you need to do is get out there and start photographing. Whether you want to photograph <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create/learn/photography/how-to-master-desert-photography" target="_blank">deserts</a>, <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create/learn/photography/how-to-master-rainforest-photography" target="_blank">rainforests</a>, <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create/learn/photography/how-to-photograph-wildlife-ethically" target="_blank">wildlife</a> or <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create/learn/photography/landscape-photography-tips" target="_blank">landscapes</a>, it's meant to be fun, so enjoy yourself!<br /><br /></p> <p> </p> </div>Getty Images / Steve Smith 1644001101 Getty Images

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/create/learn/writing/interview-with-travel-writer-julian-hoffmanThe renowned writer Julian Hoffman reveals how to write about place and the most important skills an aspiring travel writer can learn.2019-08-26T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/create/learn/writing/interview-with-travel-writer-julian-hoffmanhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Julian Hoffman is an acclaimed travel writer whose work focuses on place, and on the communities (both human and non-human) that populate them. What challenges does he face as a travel writer, how does he pick what to write about, and why should aspiring travel writers learn to love the edit? </p> <h2>How did you get started?</h2> <p>Writing is something that I have done since I was a boy – in my early teens I remember trying to write some convoluted sci-fi novel. I held onto this idea through university and kept dabbling with it, although I was very much in love with being a writer rather than sitting down and doing the actual writing. It’s a daily craft, a livelihood, you don’t always want to do it but you sit down and actually do it. I eventually committed to the craft.</p> <h2>What unique challenges do travel writers face?</h2> <p>Travel writing is arguably more difficult than other forms of writing. When I’m at home, I’ve got my own space and I’m quite happy to spend the day working at my desk. But, when I’m traveling – whether it’s been a long day walking over marshland, or meeting people in a city – and I think it would be just nice to sit down and have a beer and chat with someone, I realize I’ve got to get some notes down. At the end of those days, you really need to capture at least the essence of what you have seen, as those memories are often blown away very easily: the colors, the sights, the sounds, the smell, a few words you heard in a snatched conversation – if you can’t pin them down, at least in rough sketch form, they’ll be lost very quickly from memory.</p> <h2>How important is capturing place in your writing?</h2> <p>Place is probably the very heart of my writing – place is not only a character, it’s also something that shapes the thinking, the emotions, tradition and behaviors of those other characters; the human communities and the wildlife communities, so it’s central to shaping the lives of others. Place is always the first thing I connect with – rather than the music or the imagery – when I travel; I am always trying to understand what a place is, and what does it mean to the people that live here? What are its layers of history? How has it changed? How might it change? It’s always been at the very core of my craft. It partially stems from the fact that I emigrated as a very young boy and it took my parents several journeys for them to find work in Ontario – so I moved back and forward between the northeast of England and Canada. I’ve often seen that as the seed of my later engagement with place: the idea that we’ve been in movement but attuned to different places. </p> <p>One of my favorite bird species is the kestrel, which has that really wild, mad hover of wings over meadows as it’s looking for rodents. Studies have shown its eyes move less than 6mm in any one direction – so amidst that wild fluttering of wings, the kestrel is essentially still. I suppose that’s my way into writing about place. We can be in motion, but we can be still at the same time. And that stillness is borne from a deep attentiveness and curiosity from whatever place you might happen to be in, from the wildest mountains to the most tightly packed neighborhood. It’s about paying attention, and ultimately it’s about deep curiosity about the lives you encounter, and those lives can be human or non-human.</p> <h2>How do you research a trip?</h2> <p>I read a lot before traveling anywhere. One of the greatest keys to writing well about place is to recognize your own limitations; to understand that in say a week-long trip to Tuscany, you will carry your own personal, cultural and psychological limitations, because you can never truly know that place like you would if you had lived there your whole life. The framework of feelings that make up the great many textures of a place are largely cultural in character, and, of course, when we go somewhere as outsiders, there are often a lot of closed doors and shut windows, so it’s difficult to engage. So, I think the very first thing you need to do is to recognize you are an incomer, and you have to approach it in as sensitive a manner as possible. You can never replicate that sort of insider knowledge, but what you can do, through empathy and listening, is to try to understand a place within your own set of limitations, and try to learn what that place might mean to others who are there.</p> <h2 class="p1">How important is the editing stage?</h2> <p>I rewrite a lot and I edit a lot. For me, editing is the absolute wonderous part of the craft. A lot of writers dislike the editing stage and prefer the thrill of getting the words out. As a writer you are suddenly a different type of artist – you are still a writer, but through editing you also become a sculptor, and a composer, as you have to start paying attention to the cadences and rhythms of your work. I find the editing stage enables an extraordinary freedom from within, as you become this very different type of artist.</p> <h2>How does someone turn bad travel writing into good travel writing?</h2> <p>There’s the practical aspect, which is to continually return to your work; to go back with as clear an eye as possible, and that might mean just having patience. What I’ve noticed is that I can work on a piece for several months, but my mind becomes cluttered. There’s nothing finer than putting that manuscript away for a month, two months, or even a year, and when you return to it, you’ve obviously changed, and you might unlock whatever part of the process you have been struggling with. So, I think letting pieces lie fallow for a while is a profoundly good practice to have. </p> <h2>How do you know when a piece of writing is finished?</h2> <p>I’ve had pieces that are extraordinarily short that took me years to write and others that are quite lengthy that have been knocked out relatively quickly. I see them as paths, but the problem with paths is you never know when they end. And sometimes it is deadline-driven, and that can be a real bonus. You have to intuitively know that even if you have reached a destination and finished an article, that the path will carry on and in future years, you may wish to rewrite some of it, but you also have to learn to let go of a piece of writing and move onto the next thing.</p> <h2><strong>How do you choose what to write about?</strong></h2> <p>There are always new ideas, new images and new stories, and I choose the ones that I think could lead me down an interesting path. Ultimately though, I’m a firm believer in what Nabokov said, that the human life is a spiral and the great themes we carry through our lives are often there from the beginning. I look back at my own life as a writer and, even from the earliest days, I was working through riddles and questions that I am still working out. Within in that of course, there’s plenty of scope to branch out into different subjects. </p> <h2><strong>What advice would you give aspiring travel writers?</strong></h2> <p>Listen and be generous as you make your way in the world. As a travel writer, you are charting a course that you often don’t know where it will lead and at the heart of that you need both mindfulness and a great generosity of spirit to make the work of value and to make the stories you tell of those places worthy of the places they come from. <br /><br />I think it’s really important for young writers to learn how to be receptive to criticism from an editor. If I’m not edited by an editor, I’m almost disappointed. The help and shaping an editor can bring is profoundly important, as they can see aspects and angles of your story (or your book) that are simply beyond your reckoning as you have lived with it for so long as the writer. So, learn how to dwell positively with good criticism and with the shaping an editor can do – it can be difficult when you see things getting cut, but ultimately the only thing that matters is the story.</p> <p><span>It’s also very important to learn to listen, as it’s very easy to get in the way of the stories we are trying to write. Sometimes, by placing ourselves too much in the story, the writing becomes about us rather than the place we are writing about. Soak up and listen, and I don’t mean just the sounds, but the faint echoes of history, the lives that have lived before. Be generous with ourselves but also with other people, other places and other species for that matter. To engage with a place as a travel writer is to be giving and to be receptive, to find that place where you can hone in on things that have already happened there.</span></p> <p><strong>About Julian Hoffman</strong></p> <p>Julian is a writer living beside the Prespa Lakes in Northern Greece. He is<span> the author of <em>The Small Heart of Things</em>, which won the 2012 AWP Award Series for Creative Nonfiction and the National Outdoor Book Award for Natural History Literature. He was also the winner of the Terrain.org Nonfiction Prize. His latest book, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/130099/julian-hoffman.html?tab=penguin-books" target="_blank"><em>Irreplaceable</em></a>, is an account of<b> </b>endangered places around the globe and the people fighting to save them.</span></p>Jon Webber 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/how-to-reduce-plastic-use-while-you-travelFrom using bamboo toothbrushes to avoiding airline food, Conor Purcell examines how we can reduce the impact of single-use plastic when we travel.2025-07-23T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/how-to-reduce-plastic-use-while-you-travelhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#crisis">How bad is the ocean’s plastic crisis?</a></li> <li><a href="#plastic">Where is all the plastic coming from?</a></li> <li><a href="#travelers">What can travelers do to help?</a></li> <li><a href="#home"> What can you do when you get home? </a></li> </ul> <p>Picture the scene: the sun dips below the horizon in a remote tropical idyll as you drink in the beauty of a picture-postcard sunset. Enter stage right: a tangled mass of <a href="/explore/worldwide/planet/reduce-your-trash-impact-when-traveling">plastic debris</a> floating onto the shore, a few dead fish tangled up amongst it. Not quite what you had in mind, is it?</p> <p>While there's been a lot written about the need to reduce our use of plastic at home, it's also important to think about how we use plastic when we travel. The unfortunate butterfly effect of pollution means that a plastic bottle discarded in San Diego can eventually find its way to that tropical beach you were relaxing on. <br /><br />Luckily, there are plenty of ways travelers can help fight against the scourge of single-use plastic, and keep all those bucket-list destinations pristine.</p> <h2 id="crisis">How bad is the ocean’s plastic crisis?</h2> <p><span>The exact number is impossible to pinpoint, but <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ocean-trash-525-trillion-pieces-and-counting-big-questions-remain/3rd-grade/">National Geographic</a> estimates there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean. According to <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/what-we-do/oceans/plastics/" target="_blank">Greenpeace</a>, that’s more than the equivalent of one truckload of rubbish being emptied into the ocean every minute. The most infamous area is the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’ which is exactly what it sounds like – a massive, floating accumulation of trash, the largest on the planet. Between California and Hawaii, it's estimated that 1.8 trillion plastic pieces are bobbing around. That's the equivalent of 250 pieces of plastic for every human on the planet. And it’s not the only one. There are similar – albeit smaller – so-called garbage patches in every ocean on the planet. <br /><br /></span>The effects are long-term and, predictably, devastating. Sealife is harmed in a variety of ways: through entanglement, ingestion and starvation. The chemical build-up of the debris also harms the underwater habitat, and ultimately it damages communities that live by the sea, harming the fishing, shipping and tourism industries.</p> <p>It also directly hurts birdlife. According to the photographer and environmentalist, Chris Jordan, nearly all of the 1.5 million Laysan albatrosses that inhabit the Midway Atoll, in the North Pacific, have plastic in their gastrointestinal tract. About one-third of their chicks die, many due to their parents unwittingly feeding them plastic. The figures are staggering. The <a href="https://conserveturtles.org/" target="_blank">Sea Turtle Conservancy</a>, the oldest sea turtle conservation group in the world, estimates more than a million marine animals are killed each year due to plastic in the ocean.</p> <h2 id="plastic">Where is all the plastic coming from?</h2> <p>The non-profit <a href="https://www.4ocean.com/">4Ocean</a>, set up by two surfers in 2017, reports that “up to 90 percent of ocean plastic comes from a land-based source and enters the ocean through a river mouth.” Since 4Ocean launched, it has removed more than 42 million pounds (over 19 million kilograms) of trash from coastlines around all over the world. It funds the clean-ups through the sale of a range of products and each item sold funds the removal of trash.<br /><br />4Ocean says that “Man-made causes (such as improper disposal or littering) and natural causes (such as storms, rain, and wind) contribute to ocean plastic pollution.” The key to solving the crisis? “To continue educating the public about the root causes and impact of plastic in the ocean.”</p> <h2 id="travelers">What can travelers do to help?</h2> <h3>Pack a water filter</h3> <p>In countries where the local water isn't safe to drink, the default solution is to buy <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/bottled-vs-filtered-water">bottled water.</a> However, approximately 1 million plastic bottles of water are bought every minute worldwide. While travelers make up a small fraction of that total, buying a reusable water bottle with a filter means you can use it before, during and after your trip. The LifeStraw bottle claims to remove 99.99% of bacteria and is no bigger than a regular water bottle.</p> <h3>Refuse airline food</h3> <p>Airlines love plastic. Everything from the rock-hard bread rolls to the stew-like substances they serve up is wrapped in the stuff. While bringing your own food in a reusable lunchbox helps, it’s more effective to contact the airlines directly (or via social media) and ask them about what they are doing to reduce their plastic usage. Some airlines are taking this seriously, and all airlines care what their customers think about them. They won’t make this a priority unless you do.  </p> <h3>Don't use single-use plastic in hotels</h3> <p>Hotels love their tiny bottles of shampoo and shower gel. And, to be honest, so did I, until I started thinking about the effect all that plastic was having on the world’s sea life. Bring your own reusable travel-sized toiletries; use a combined shampoo and conditioner, and use soap instead of shower gel. Talk to the hotel manager about their plastic use policy; don’t hector them, but suggest alternatives – much of this is about awareness. When leaving reviews on the likes of TripAdvisor, mention their plastic usage – for example, do they have cotton buds individually wrapped in plastic? Call them out on this in your reviews – they care what’s said about them online, so you can use this to your advantage.</p> <h3>Use a bamboo toothbrush</h3> <p>Yep, bamboo toothbrushes are a thing, and yes, they look pretty cool. Since launching on Earth Day 2013, <a href="https://www.woobamboo.com/">Woo</a> has sold more than six million bamboo toothbrushes, made from natural, biodegradable bamboo. The environment and your inner panda will thank you.</p> <h3>Pick up trash in remote areas</h3> <p>While many travelers make an effort to leave places of natural beauty the way they found them, some don't. Win some karma points by picking up <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/destination-zero-waste">trash</a> wherever you find it, in deserts, forests, and mountains. Return it to civilization (and the nearest recycling bin), and you will have made the natural environment more beautiful, and safer for the wildlife that lives there. </p> <h3>Buy quality products</h3> <p>If it is of a higher quality, it will last longer which means fewer will be discarded, which means – you guessed it – less trash. A high-quality backpack or pair of hiking boots can last a decade or more, which is better for your pocket in the long run, and much better for the environment. <br /><br /></p> <h2 id="home">What can you do when you get home?</h2> <h3>Reduce your use of plastic</h3> <span>Keep using that filtered, reusable water bottle and those bamboo toothbrushes. Those good habits shouldn't stop just because you are back home. <br /></span><br /> <h3>Reuse and recycle</h3> Figure out where most of your plastic comes from. Work out how you can reduce the amount you use – every little helps. <br /><br /> <h3>Talk to local businesses about using less plastic</h3> Leave reviews on the likes of Yelp and Google Maps; let the owners know that reducing their use of plastic will ensure you return; Two relatively easy wins: suggest they use compostable coffee cup lids and stop using straws altogether. <br /><br /> <h3>Lobby your local politicians</h3> Politicians often only act when it's in their own interests; so make sure and let them know that your vote depends on them pushing for less plastic usage. <br /><br /> <h3>Volunteer</h3> <p>Take part in ocean and beach clean-ups organized by organizations such as the <a href="https://oceanconservancy.org" target="_blank">Ocean Conservancy</a> and <a href="https://4ocean.com/" target="_blank">4Ocean</a>. Check if there are any in your local area – if there aren’t, why not start one?<br /><br /><br /></p> <p></p>Getty Images / SEYLLOU 0