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"I will be travelling from Genoa back to Pisa (after spending some days in Cinque Terre)and was wondering which town, Rapallo, Portofino, or Camogli would be the best town to stop in for a few hours. Thanks. "
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Topoftheworl has quietly slipped awayFrom a time when Virtualtourist was comparatively small and members were quite few, close bonds and good friendships were formed in the VT Chat Room, as was the case with Alicia and Topp. So as the news has been slowly leaking out about the passing of Topoftheworl, hearts have been touched and feelings shared, as so beautifully stated in Ali's hearfelt comments. "Very saddened to find out you left us so soon... Your friendship and comforting company will be remembered forever". RIP Topp.
Herzog63 Becomes a Staple in his CommunityWhen Scott moved to Kodiak, Alaska in 1982 with a mere $75.00 in his pocket, little did he know that 27 years later he’d have a thriving and long lasting business that the community would come to rely on. Read in Kodiak Daily Mirror article about our wonderful member and how his hard work and people skills have attributed to his life successes.
Top 10 Most Mispronounced PlacesThe confounding pronounciation of the destinations on this newly created list by the experts at VT (the members) is a challenge that, as VT General Manager, Giampiero Ambrosi says, “even the most intrepid of globetrotters” can’t seem to tackle with much finesse. Check it out. See if these beauties will properly roll off your tongue. Good Luck!!

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Things To Do

uluru is not just a rock to be climbed. it is an important cultural place for the traditional anangu people. another surprising thing is that the rock has many caves, gorges, creekbeds & other natural features which are of importance to the people. i was quite surprised, as i thought it was just the rock, meeting with the earth. but it's not. there is heaps to explore, all without climbing and going against the wishes of the traditional owners.... uluru is not just a rock to be climbed. it is an important cultural place for the traditional anangu people. another surprising thing is that the rock has many caves, gorges, creekbeds & other natural features which are of importance to the people. i was quite surprised, as i thought it was just the rock, meeting with the earth. but it's not. there is heaps to explore, all without climbing and going against the wishes of the traditional owners.
and while im at it, i just have to say, i have seen some people on vt who have climbed the rock. while i respect each person can do what they like, i think its pretty disgusting that you still ignore all the signs and the wishes of the people.

Like the much larger Sher Dor medressa at the Registan, the portal of the Khodja Akrar ensemble features the most-unIslamic tigers and deer, but without the smiling sun-heads this time. Here a 17th century medressa has been built around the shrine of an earlier holy figure -the Dervish leader and miracle-worker Sheikh Khodja Akrar. He was an important and influential figure throughout Transoxiana following the death of Ulugh Beg and is still... Khodja Akrar medressa by TheWanderingCamel Send Photo to a Friend Like the much larger Sher Dor medressa at the Registan, the portal of the Khodja Akrar ensemble features the most-unIslamic tigers and deer, but without the smiling sun-heads this time. Here a 17th century medressa has been built around the shrine of an earlier holy figure -the Dervish leader and miracle-worker Sheikh Khodja Akrar. He was an important and influential figure throughout Transoxiana following the death of Ulugh Beg and is still held in high esteem. The complex has been fully restored and, since Independence, it is once again a functioning medressa, and is usually closed to tourists.

india

Varanasi: at the shores of the Ganges, portraits.Agra: Taj Mahal, streets, temples. Agra: in the morningBodhgaya: temples, rural India.Lucknow: great Imambara, streets. Delhi: Humayun Mausoleum. Ancient Observatory.Calcutta: harbour, Fairlawn Hotel.Bikaner: camel farm.Jaisalmer: castle, streets. Jaisalmer: buildings, in the desert.Jodhpur: inside the Maharajah's palace, vultures, traditional music, market. There are now 4 "guided tours" with photos of Northern India.Click on any of the above images to select a region, then on the individual pictures you want to see.You can also just click on the first image and follow the arrow keys.Point the mouse cursor on an image to see a short description or click on it to view a larger version. All the photos here were taken on a tour of Northern India going by train from Calcutta to Rajasthan and from there to Delhi for the flight back.

Useful Travel Sites

Baggage Limits for Internationa AirlinesCultureConnect.com - world according to the words and pictures of locals and travellers! Current World TimesFodor's Travel Online GetAbroad Adventure Travel - an adventure Travel webzine with travel features, writing, photography, tour operator directory, accommodation links, flight links, destination guides and more. JoeTourist - Travelogue-style narratives, travel advice, hundreds of pictures and maps of (mainly) tropical destinations, including Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Belize, Fiji, French Polynesia, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. Lonely PlanetOnline Dictionaries: Your Dictionary.Com Travels In Paradise Pictures, maps, stock photos of world travel Universal Currency ConverterWorld Fact BookVagabondo, the independent traveller site - a site for travellers written by travellers to keep in touch with that tourism world independent from travel agencies and tour operatorsYahoo Asia Travel Club - Online ForumYahoo Discovery Travel Forum - Online Forum Worlds Revealed - online travel community where anyone can write destination descriptions and reviews, keep travel journals share travel experiences and upload photos.
Destinations
Asia ResourcesChina Connection ToursChina Tour Operator is a tour operator offering Yangtze River Cruises, Tibet tours, Yunnan tours and journeys to many other destinations.China Highlightss- Specializing in Customized Travel since 1959 China hotel travel guide - hotels in China,Thailand,Japan,Australia and worldwide. China tours,transportation,real estate,jobs and businessChina Tours by Muztagh Travel Service - China tour packages with detailed travel information, China pictures, map and links.Indian Travel Directory YangtzeCruises.com - A Yangtze River Cruise and Asia Tour Wholesaler Yangtze river scenery, ships, schedules, tours, news, FAQ
European TravelEnjoy Europe - Comprehensive information for independent budget travel presented by an American who has lived, worked, and traveled throughout Europe.Europe for Visitors - A European Travel and Tourist Information and Tourist Information Guide. 4,000 pages of European travel articles, links, and photos to plan vacations and cruises in Europe.European Railway Timetables www.euro-rail.org for Euro rail How to buy Eurorail Passes from Rail Europe at the best prices. Eurostar tickets, TGV and Thalys reservation service throughout Europe. Madeira Island - a guide to Madeira Paris hotels: full independent reviews of Paris hotels at Paris Eiffel Tower News - Discover Paris monuments, Paris metro maps, and Paris maps in our Paris guide. www.vacationineurope.com for Europe vacation Friendly tips for the perfect European vacation. Links to discount Europe travel packages, cheap airfare. To Travel Europe How to travel Europe the enjoyable way. Links to exciting Europe travel packages.
Travel in Latin AmericaCusco Peru hotels, tours, travel information - Comprehensive site for travel and tourism to Cusco, Machu Picchu and Peru. Find vacation package tours, Hotels booking, Inca trail hikes and travel informationPeru tour operating specialist Peru4U for your Peru vacation, travel to Peru and Peru information.Peru tour operating specialist Peru4U helps individuals, couples and groups to enjoy their Peru vacation and organizes their travel to Peru. Tailor made Peru tours at prices comparable to standard. Peru information. Travel to Peru, discount vacation tour travel guide, Machu Picchu Peru hotels and tours - Discount vacation travel packages, Hotels and tours to all the exciting destinations in Peru, visit Machu Picchu, Cusco, Galapagos, Rainforest

How to take good travel photos

How to travelI have a separate short article on the pros and cons of group travel for photographers What to bringMany items are difficult to obtain in a foreign country: prescription medicines, your glasses, sunglasses, big shoes, film or memory cards and batteries for your camera. It may be better to buy a good map of your destination before leaving The same goes for the latest guidebooks your tickets, travel documents, passport, credit cards, telephone numbers and addresses that you might need take a note of the telephone number(s) you have to contact if your credit cards / banking cards are lost or stolen a flash light. adaptors for any electrical appliances you may bring If you intend to stay in cheaper hotels, bringing your own padlock may be a good idea. If you also bring a short piece of chain, you can also secure your luggage by tying it to a rack or such in crowded night trains. a language guide/dictionary. Learning even a few phrases of a language can work wonders with the people at your destination. Information you needAre there any special health risks? Do you need immunisations or Malaria medication? It is best to see your doctor (or a specialist for tropical medicine) well before you go It’s also a good idea to see your dentist before the trip. I’d rather not try to communicate with a foreign dentist in an unknown language when plagued by a toothache. Are there any dangers/nuisances along the way? Travel forums and newsgroups often can give you the latest information Local holidays/festivities may present wonderful photo opportunities but also make it difficult to find accommodation or onward travel. It’s best to know in advance Ask your telephone company whether or not your cell phone will work at the destination. Safety Firstbring copies of your passport and travel documents in case you lose the originals. It’s also a good idea to just xerox your credit cards etc. - if you have to contact your bank in case of loss, you have all the data present. don’t put all of your money in one place if your hotel has a safe deposit box, use it showing off “what you have” in public places may be a bad idea and attract thieves When sitting down to eat or have a coffee, it’s a good idea to fasten your daypack etc. to a chair. You can’t concentrate on your luggage at all times and thieves may come in pairs - one to distract you while the other one snatches your valuables. In some countries (eg. India) taxi drivers may try to deliver you to a hotel of their choice rather than yours to get the commission. Don’t pay attention to them when they tell you that your hotel has closed. Make sure you arrive at the right hotel. If you made a reservation in advance, tell the reception immediately, - otherwise the taxi driver may try to claim a commission for bringing you... Speaking of taxi drivers: it’s often best to negotiate the fare before departure! Before venturing into remote areas (treks, jungle expeditions, longer desert tours etc.) you may want to contact your embassy/consulate, telling them where you intend to go. It’s also good to inform some relatives or friends of your travel plans, in case you have to be urgently contacted. Filmsif your hotel has a mini-bar or fridge, this may be a convenient place to store your films. Beware, however, of certain new mini-bar systems that automatically deduct the amount for anything you take out. These systems often cannot cope with additional items placed inside them. If you run into one of those, ask your front desk first before using them. For digital cameras, it may be preferable to bring several smaller memory cards instead of one with a huge capacity: this diminishes the chance of losing all your photos if something happens to your card.

How to take good travel photos

The Art of ReductionMost people, when shooting there first pictures, try to get as much into them as possible.
Before starting seriously, have a look at some photo books, magazines and websites.
You will find that many photographers are masters of reduction.Instead of showing a complete person, they may concentrate on the face or even only parts of it.They may only show small architectural details and very simple landscapes with few objects in the foreground.
Usually, simplicity is the key to a good photo.Rather than showing “everything”, you can emphasise certain aspects of what you see and draw other people’s attention to it.
It’s a good idea to consciously try this. If you have a digital camera or scans of your photos, you may also try what your pictures look like after cropping off everything that you feel is unnecessary (Better work on a copy than the original file, of course). It may be that you end up with only a small part of the initial picture. If you have a zoom lens, try what a photo looks like if you “zoom in” concentrating on specific details.

How to take good travel photos

Taking photographs of animalsWild animals often are very shy. If you get too close, they’ll be gone.It’s often best to sit down or stand still in a safe distance and wait for the animal to come closer.You need much patience for wildlife photos, - but usually it’s fascinating to watch the animal(s) anyway.
A strong tele lens also is very useful, especially if it’s an anti-shake lens. Otherwise a tripod or monopod can help you to get sharp pictures even with a tele lens.
One of the most common mistakes when taking photos of smaller animals is to look down on them.Usually, the picture will be much more lively and fascinating when you are at eye level, - even if this means getting down on your knees.Also, it’s not necessary to present the whole animal on all shots - often you can concentrate on parts of the head, very much like with a human portrait.And, as in a normal portrait, the eyes are often the most important part of the picture.
Don’t be stingy with the film, - taking many pictures gives you the chance to show the animal in various situations.

How to take good travel photos

Old news: there are some new X-ray machines at many airports (esp. the CTX-5000) which are very good at spotting dangerous items but also pose a high risk to any films that might happen to be in your checked baggage.
These machines are usually used on checked baggage, so it is much better to actually take all your films with you in your hand-luggage. Of course, a conventional hand-check is even better: the X-ray effect is additive, which means that if you are using the plane several times on a trip, even relatively low speed films may suffer.The damage may be quite dramatic, but it also could just cause a lack of sharpness or a cast.
Personally, I even had to put some high-speed films (400 - 1600 ASA) through the X-ray machines used for hand luggage - with no ill effects. (Except for my being apprehensive about those films for the rest of my trip!) It seems the new, really "dangerous" machines are quite expensive and mainly used on very modern airports on the main baggage.
Still, I always ask for a hand-check, and quite often, airport staff are prepared to take the extra effort. It's highly recommended to be at the check-in a bit earlier than usual - you are not in a good position to discuss a hand check with airport security while listening to the last call for your flight!
By the way, lead "film-shield" bags will not really help: if they actually do their job, airport staff will just see a black blob within your luggage. The normal reaction will just be to increase the radiation dose until details become visible. However, I read in a German photo mag that there now is a system that uses psychology rather than lead to protect your film material from security personal. The new bags (manufactured by California Sunbounce) carry a big yellow "Do not X-ray" label and seem to be a good way to organise your films.

PS: X-rays shouldn’t be a problem for a digital camera. However, I heard about their storage media getting wiped out by the strong magnetic fields used to detect metallic objects carried by the passengers. Presumably, it’s best to put your digital camera inside the hand luggage and rather get it checked by the X-ray machine...

Security

Security

In predominately Islamic countries, be EXTREMELY careful to know the local religious customs and beliefs, and respect those beliefs in your photographic approach. Almost universal taboos include photographing Islamic women, and anything that could be remotely construed as a site of national security.
Ask around, or check with your hotel, about a good guide and pay him or her well. A good guide will be as instrumental in getting good pictures as your technique. Be generous to a fault in tipping, but don't flash allot of bills around. Also, it is important to realize that your high end camera probably costs more than many in a third world country make in year. Same thing with your high-dollar watch, rings and other jewelry. Being sensitive to this means being careful to not flaunt a level of wealth that would invite ill feelings or criticism, or worse.
I should cover some things about your personal security, now more than ever. It's real easy to be completely enthralled by the grandeur and splendor of some of the world's wonders. That is precisely what a thief counts on when walking off with your bag or camera. Simply being aware of your surroundings, and being a bit more careful about what you are doing, is the best and least expensive way to protect yourself and your gear. I would also recommend you place your equipment either in the provided hotel room safe when not in use, or locked back up in your luggage while out of your hotel room. After all; out of sight, out of mind.
As we've learned from September 11th, our personal safety is of primary concern. While this does not mean we should all become hermits, it does mean that we MUST be both diligent and sensitive wherever and whenever we travel, especially abroad, and very especially throughout the Middle East and neighboring Islamic countries. Do NOT depend on our government to be everywhere you go, as this is an unreasonable expectation. But being informed and prepared will do more to guarantee your safety than anything else.
And finally, understand that you're a visitor in their country, not the owner. Being polite and respectful makes everyone that much more aware of how much we all have in common, rather than accentuating our differences. And be aware that sometimes the vendors are just trying to make a living. Although they may be annoying (haggling is an art form and a source of immense pride and enjoyment in many of the places you'll visit), it's all part of the game that's played out on a daily basis. As long as your money doesn't come out of the pocket it's in, there's no point in getting or being upset over any exchange that might be taken to be anything other than it should be; part of that game.
And remember, by keeping your eyes and ears open, you can make a trip of a lifetime just that!

T-Mobile Customers: Leave your phone at home

T-Mobile Customers: Leave your phone at home
Our founder, Philip Greenspun, had an interesting experience with T-Mobile while traveling to the Bahamas:
"My T-Mobile cell phone bill came today. The Bahamas trip cost $144 in roaming fees. The interesting thing about this is that the phone was turned off for nearly the entire time that it was in the Bahamas and I didn't make or receive a single call. When I settled in at the first hotel, I noticed that no service was available. To save the battery, I turned off the phone. Once or twice at other islands, I turned the phone on to see if service was available, and once or twice it was, but I turned the phone off afterwards. So the T-Mobile system knew that I was in the Bahamas, but the phone never rang and no calls were ever connected. Nonetheless, they billed $3 for every incoming call that anyone attempted to make during that time and then another $3 as a "voicemail fee" for the person talking to their voicemail system. If the person leaving the message was longer-winded, and spoke for two minutes, the total charge for the call would be $12.00 total.
"One interesting note is that when I checked my voicemail, there were only 5 messages, yet T-Mobile\ charged for 21 inbound interactions with their voicemail system (at either $3 or $6 per interactio\ n).
"I called T-Mobile customer service and asked that they remove these charges. They refused."
T-Mobile officials say that the fine print in their contract allows them to bill customers for international roaming charges even when a phone call is not answered and even when the handset is powered off. As soon as your handset registers itself on a foreign network, T-Mobile is free to assess roaming charges that are typically about $3 per minute. Because of the way that they account for an unanswered call going to voicemail, you will pay $6 for each unanswered call.
Apple iPhone customers should also be cautious about taking their phones overseas unless they have negotiated an international data services plan with their carrier. The iPhone will make periodic data connections to check for email. U.S. carriers have been known to bill their customers literally thousands of dollars in roaming charges during two-week European trips.

Some basic travel tips when traveling with film and photo equipment

Some basic travel tips when traveling with film and photo equipment

As I indicated earlier (but it bares repeating), there is a new x-ray process that is used to look at checked baggage that will damage or "fog" any speed film.. As a result, you should not pack your film in your checked luggage, but rather, carry the film onto the plane in your carry on bags. You also do not want to leave an exposed roll of film in your camera.
I do, believe it or not, recommend you process your film before you return home, but only if you feel confident that the place you choose appears capable of doing it competently. If you have to x-ray exposed film on your return home, you still run the risk of fogging your exposed images. By getting the film developed over there, you get to see the results in time to maybe do something about fixing a potential camera operation problem in the field. You also get to walk them through the metal detectors without x-raying them, and then be able to review them on that 10+ hour flight back home because the movies stink. But be sure to confirm that the photo processing shop has one of the good automated minilabs, and that you process the film in a major metropolitan or population area. Also, don't try anything fancy, like push processing or enlargements. Just get proof prints and get reprints and enlargements after you get home. But I do recommend maybe giving them a test roll to do before giving them your priceless pictures to develop. That's a good test of their competence, and establishes a rapport with the developer.
Most of these type of outfits have the ability to make sure that their high-dollar minilabs work right and are regularly serviced. Look for the Fuji, Kodak or Konica minilabs in the photo processing store, and they should be able to give you an acceptable level of quality and service. Most places that have this level of equipment have the signs out front advertising that fact. But make sure that you actually see the machines in the storefront. Also, if you have multiple rolls, you'll need to nail down a firm completion time, regardless of the language barrier. You might also inquire as to a quantity discount. We had 40 rolls developed in Athens, and the clerk was more than happy to give us a quantity discount if we could give him a little extra time, which we did. And we got very good prints and were very pleased with the turnaround.

Composition tips

Composition tipsKeep a journal, including notes, to refer to on your trip. Then, tell a story with your shots, including the fun stuff. People shots require people skills, so be hospitable and sensitive to their feelings about being photographed. Keep the camera at eye level for people shots and try using a diffuser with fill flash to soften harsh light to make the eyes stand out. That's where the sharpest focus should be. If you want to eventually publish these images, get a release. An excellent way to do this is to have them printed on 3X5 note cards, or even the large Post-It Note Pads. But don't shoot just for that reason. Use the light to your advantage, and compose as a photographer, not a painter. For instance, try and take a different viewpoint of your subject than the average shot everyone else takes. Shoot both horizontal and vertical shots. Pay close attention to the background and keep the foreground strong. Reflections can often add impact. But, reflection on the front of your lens is a bad thing, so use lens shades that work with whatever filters you want to use, like a good polarizer. Be sure to label everything, both on your canisters and in your journal so you can keep up with it. And, remember to reduce your impact on your surroundings by not throwing your trash out, including film wrappers or the packaging it came in.
What film/cameras/lenses you should takeFirst, be sure to carry multiple rolls of various speed films, like ASA 400 or 800. Lighting is something that is often taken for granted in some of the more economically depressed areas of the world. Most interiors will not have the light needed to get a good image on slower film (ASA 100, 200) and with slower lenses (f/4 or higher). Be sure to carry at least 2 rolls of a name brand ASA 800 speed film. A single trip to a museum or religious building that does not allow flash photography or tripods will burn up a roll of 800 easily. The higher speed film will allow the camera to be hand held steadily enough to get a clear picture. I recommend staying away from ASA 200 film, as it has been neglected by the film manufacturers with the increase in quality emulsions. That means you'll get as good or better prints from ASA 400 than from 200, and get the added ability of having a sharper picture with slower lenses and lower light.
Some quick words on the shooting process/planning. In a word; Bracket. Film is cheap, and it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Also, try to split up your shots of a single location or event on more than one roll. Bracketing helps you do that. And, if a roll gets damaged (for whatever reason), you're not out all of your priceless images that were all on that one roll. Be sure to carry enough film to change one out in the middle of the roll, too. Again, this protects you from losing a whole roll of a single place or event. FYI, I shoot almost exclusively print film, and don't bother with slides because of the necessity of internegs to get them to prints, or the likelihood of poor knowledge of the positive transfer paper for prints. Unless your a working photographer planning on making money from submitting the images you shoot, stick to print film.
Most people touring other countries like to carry an instamatic camera. I do too, even though I also carry a pro camera like the Nikon F5 or the Pentax 67II. Carrying an instamatic is a good rule of thumb as a backup. But I want to focus on a higher end camera because of what and where you'll be shooting. Many times, the tours you'll be going on will be during the worst part of the day for quality photography and you'll be far closer to the site details than your instamatic camera lens will be able to capture. I'll not get into the different arguments for manual vs. autofocus, but I will recommend that you get a camera that will accept a variety of lenses. One lens in particular is a 20mm to 24mm fast (f2.8 or faster) wide angle lens. This will be your primary lens in trying to capture the grandeur of the Temple of Karnak in Egypt or the splendor of the Cathedral in Seville, Spain. For example: a 35mm lens has a horizontal field of view at 50 feet of roughly 62 feet across; a 20mm lens has a horizontal field of view of 105 feet at the same distance! That means more stuff on the print that would not otherwise be there with a longer focus lens. I recommend you put this fact to the test at any higher end camera store where they will let you look through the lenses for comparison. But remember: the faster the lens, the less light you need to get a good picture. This means that if you buy a wide angle lens, it needs to be f/2.8 or faster, so that you can get enough light to be able to hand hold the shot. Of course, expect to pay handsomely for this aperture, especially for perspective corrected lenses. The Nikon 20mm/f2.8 D AF was $500.00 when I bought it. My Pentax 45mm/f4 (equal to 22.5mm in the 35mm film format) for my 67II was a grand. But believe me; it's worth every penny when the prints come back, especially from a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
I usually carry a Nikon F5 kit or my Pentax 67II medium format (120/220 roll film) kit when I travel. I rarely take both, even though I'm a pretty big fella. I have 2 backups to my 35mm kit; a Fuji instamatic that I absolutely love and my trusty old Olympus OM2n. The key here is knowing the capabilities and limitations of anything you take with you, and you'll bring home what you intended; great pictures that will represent a trip of a lifetime. I took my F5 to Egypt and Greece and my 67II to Spain. The medium format images enlarge much better than 35mm, but the gear does weigh a ton to carry around in rough terrain. The F5 kit I took to Egypt was on the edge of being inconvenient, based on the physical demands of accessing the monuments. We went into the middle pyramid on the Giza Plateau and you had to literally crouch down to climb down to the tomb. A big camera and allot of gear is not what you want to haul around in Egypt, especially in the heat of the summer. Spain, on the other hand, allowed me to carry much bulkier gear and still be able to be mobile enough to enjoy myself without being overly inconvenienced by it's size and weight. The logistics of seeing the monuments and events there were not as demanding. Knowing these things in advance will help you decide what to bring along for the tours.
There are alternatives to all of the equipment you take with you to shoot with. The Contax G2 is a superb outfit, and you can get a variety of superior Zeiss manufactured lenses, including a 21mm/f2.8 for it. A cheaper alternative is an old and trusty Olympus OM2n and their fine 24mm/f2.8 Zuiko lens (which I have, and bought on ebay!). Just make sure you get the camera serviced and the light seals replaced (if it's not been done in the last 5 years), and put a roll of film through it before you leave. And, as always, take plenty of batteries. But in the end, you just have to understand what you're gaining and what you're giving up by making compromises. Knowing your camera's capabilities and limitations, before you depart for the trip, is the key to understanding these compromises. But most of all, remember that this is a vacation, not a job assignment. To be inconvenienced by a load of camera equipment will definitely suck the enjoyment right out of a really nice place to see and experience. If you're gonna work; work. If not, don't. Knowledge, here, is the key.
I realize that all photography experts say to put your camera on a tripod, or at least a monopod whenever and wherever possible. A whole industry exists around light travel gear such as that. Well, I'm letting you know here and now that they are very much frowned upon almost everywhere you'll go, especially in Egypt, and especially in any museum or large center of worship on the planet. Some places will not even allow them to be physically taken into the monument or facility, making you have to either check it with security or leave it outside somewhere, like back at the tour bus. Against some people's better judgment, I'm recommending that these items be left at home (or at least back at the hotel), and simply shoot faster film. Unless you have the luxury of being in a place you want to shoot for an extended period of time to scout it out, leave the tripod and monopod at home, and make an effort to find something to brace up against. That little technique will make all the difference in the world, and not bend the security people out of shape. After all, most of the touring you will do, initially, will be with an organized tour group, and time is often of the essence. Tripods and monopods are simply not conducive to this, regardless of how well they are designed or organized.

Packing Tips for Travel

Packing Tips for Travel Photography by Jay Hargett
your airline's Web site to figure out how you'll need to divide your gear among carry-ons and check-through bags. Note that restrictions on lithium batteries were imposed on January 1, 2008.
Before you leave the houseIt's assumed that you'd have an itinerary, either from your travel agent or from resources like the Fodor's Guides to places you want to visit. These things help you get the most out of your trip and still be able to get good pictures of it without having the enjoyment of the place or location be sacrificed. If not, then just be aware that you may need to make contingency plans for shooting purposes.
You should begin your planning with insurance of your cameras and equipment you plan to take with you with your insurance carrier. Be up front and honest with them, and tell them that you want to insure it for your trip. Most carriers will simply cover them on your homeowners/renters policy, and some with separate policies. Either way you're covered for loss or theft of the equipment. You will need to get serial numbers, make, model and descriptions of all the gear you plan to take. Digital photos wouldn't hurt, either. Then, you'll need to go down to your local US Customs Office and get what's called a "Certificate of Registration" for personal effects like this taken abroad. This is Form CF4457, and can only be acquired at the agency's offices. You can locate your nearest US Customs Office at the following web address: www.customs.ustreas.gov. You must physically bring the equipment you plan to take to their offices for their inspection, and they will then confirm the information on the form and stamp it. This is done for the purposes of being able to get your gear back into the country without having to pay duty on your own equipment. Their stand is that just because you say you left the country with it, doesn't mean you really did. This form proves that, and will make the possibility of potential problems go away. Travel insurance for travelers outside the U.S. is highly recommended, for the obvious reasons. You might also want to check with the CDC's web site for health related issues, and the US State Department's web site for travel advisories, and the FAA's website for travel restrictions.
Learn some key phrases in their language. Be prepared with proper clothing for the climate you're visiting.
What and how to pack your camera gear and filmAccording to the FAA, you are now limited to one (1) carry on piece and one (1) "personal item" loosely defined as a briefcase or purse on any flight originating in, and returning to, the U.S.. I suspect this does not mean you'll be able to get away with a fully loaded backpack or photography vest coming on board along with your designated carry on, so plan accordingly with a contingency. That may mean that you will either need to check your gear in something a bit more secure (a good Halliburton case is my recommendation), or be able to fit all in one carry on and a "briefcase". Be prepared to have it "dump searched" to make sure it does what you say it does. I'm told they will treat it as a laptop and need to see it before they'll pass it through. Again, plan for a contingency, as this is all still being defined. The FAA tells me that you can still request a hand search of your film, but it will be at the screener's discretion, and based on how crowded it is at the screening post. So my advice is to ask for the hand search, but don't get bent if they make you run it through the gate scanner. You also do not want to leave an exposed roll of film in your camera. If you're asked to make it operate, you may need to open the camera's back, thus ruining your exposed film. By carrying the film handy in one of the outside pouches of your carry on, it can easily be extracted and shown to the security people for hand checking at the security gates without inconveniencing other passengers behind you in line. I recommend putting your film rolls in clear plastic tubes available from Porter's Camera for around $3/each. These are sturdy containers, and allow for quick and easy inspection.
Know that your 120/220 medium format film has a greater chance now of being scanned if it is still in the foil pouches they come in. I honestly don't know what would be worse; having it scanned or having it exposed to light outside of the foil pouch, so use your best judgment on this one. Porters Camera does sell colored plastic film boxes that open easily for inspection and have a good light seal. This may be an justifiable alternative. I suspect that you shouldn't bother with the lead-lined bags any more. That just invites it being scanned with the CTX 5000, and you then risk it being pulled aside as a possible threat, delaying your bags, possibly indefinitely.
I personally use 2 different pieces of carry on luggage, depending on what camera kit I take. I have learned (the hard way) that if you're going anywhere, have an extra change of clothes and an overnight kit with you in your carry on luggage. When we went to Egypt, our luggage was delayed by 2 days, after a day and a half it took to get there. Being a plus size, you don't just run out and buy more clothes in downtown Cairo, because that particular size is simply not available. So, do be aware that you can get half way around the world and not have a thing to wear but the clothes on your back. The same goes for your cameras, prescription and other valuables.
I use a matching luggage backpack on wheels from my luggage set, at a minimum. I also have the matching smaller carry on suitcase that can be shoved through the x-ray window. For more fragile items, I also have a Halliburton Zeroller 105 brushed aluminum suitcase on wheels. I pack the cameras, lenses and etc., in good LowePro shoulder carrying cases packed inside the carry on bags for added protection.
The following link is for an article courtesy of Bob Atkins on photo.net, and is the best I've read for overall packing of camera equipment and luggage restrictions. The article can be accessed at: photo.net/photo/nature/carryon