I always carry 2 bodies - one fitted with a wide angle zoom and the other with a telephoto zoom. Very often we don't have time to change lenses when something interesting is happening. I really missed my Panasonic Lumix FZ30 and FZ 100 :( One camera does all the work.
There are occasions where we do not want to change lenses at all due to inclement weather or certain conditions. Heard of many instances of people changing lenses on Mt Bromo and needing to send cameras and lenses for repair because very fine sand particles got into them.
| Passport validity |
- Check your passport and make sure it has more than 6 months validity |
| PASSPORT |
Don't forget to bring your OWN passport! Simple as it seems, but you have heard of stories :) |
| Photocopy of your Passport |
Keep it on your camera bag or luggage. Just in case your passport is misplaced or lost, you still have something to fall back on |
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| Visa |
- Some countries require early application for visa. So do check with the local travel agents |
| Medication |
- Bring double of what you need just in case your trip back is delayed. Pack it into different places. I kept whatever I need for the trip in my camera bag and the other half in my luggage(after luggage has safely arrived in your destination) |
| Large Luggage |
- Get a luggage bag that you can throw everything in (even your tripod). Especially if you need to check out of hotels often. You only need to watch your camera bag and one big luggage. With so many things to carry around, it is easy to leave one behind as souvenir for the locals :( |
| Jacket |
- Miserable when you are wet and cold. Better to bring extra clothings rather than miss all the fun and staying in the coach |
| Rain Coat |
- Carry a rain coat or an umbrella or a large disposable garbage bag. If it rains, dump everything in the garbage bag to make sure camera stays dry. Then run and look for shelter :) |
| Safety |
- Most important not only for yourself but you need to be responsible for the rest of your group. On one occasion, in ChangBaiShan, China, the weather was -30 Celsius and the wind was howling. A friend in our group waited for the "Right Moment" in the open. Not sure if he got the right moment but he certainly remembered the moment because he almost got hospitalised and was put on drips. Well, the rest of the group had to wait for him :( |
Travel Insurance |
- Remember Murphy's Law , Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Or penny wise pound foolish... |
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| Check photo equipment before your trip |
- You don't want to lug a non working camera for a holiday. |
| Memory Cards |
- Bring more than what you think you need. Somehow, I'm always seem to be running out of memory cards. Cards are so cheap now and you probably can borrow from someone too. |
| Batteries |
- Bring extra batteries. Your digital camera is a dead weight if it runs out of batteries. |
Charger |
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| Travel Adaptor |
Do check the power point of destination |
| Multiple plugs |
I always carry a cable with a gang of 4-5 power points. I can charge my laptop, hp, camera batteries at the same time |
| Customs |
- Check and see if you need to declare before hand. |
| X-ray |
- With digital cameras, we don't have to worry about the X-ray machines. I remembered the earlier years where I have to beg the Security Officers to hand check my camera bag |
| Monopod or tripod |
- Choice is yours. Guess monopod is great and versatile. I have carried my tripods on my trips and it never leave the luggage bag :( |
| Cable release |
- for the flowing waters, night scehes and only if you carry your tripod |
| Polariser |
- For those solid colours in your landscape, it is a MUST! |
| HAVE FUN!!! |
Have a positive attitude and don't spoil the holidays for the others just because things don't turn out the way it is suppose to be. Be CONSIDERATE!!! |
Look out for local flavors like the costume, customs etc...
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