Lenses for DSLR Cameras: It's Not Always 'All About That Base'

Choosing a DSLR Lens

Almost five years ago, I upgraded my point-and-shoot to a DSLR camera. My lovely Nikon D3200 (formerly the D3100 prior to a rain-and-coffee-spillage-incident in Germany) has been my companion on every trip I've taken.

Even though my iPhone 6 has a great camera, the quality of photos I get on my Nikon beat the phone every single time, to the point where it is worth the extra weight of bringing the camera on outings.

Pomegranate Juice Istanbul Turkey

The Nikon D3200 is a starter or "beginner" DSLR camera. I haven't considered upgrading to a more advanced camera because I'm not a professional by any means and still have a lot to learn in the likes of photography.

Also, I've learned that oftentimes you can get the shot you want just by switching out the lens. I've even heard some Youtubers suggest something along the lines of investing in the lens, not the camera base.

I have three lenses for my Nikon:

- A standard lens that came with the camera, 18-55mm f/1:3.5-5.6G

- A zoom lens that also came with it, 55-200mm f/1:4-5.6G

- A macro lens, 40mm f/1:2.8G

Dalmatian-Coast-Croatia

The Types of Travel Photos I Use These Lenses For

The Standard Lens

beginner nikon lens 18-55mm

This lens came with the camera (if you're buying the actual camera, you don't need to purchase this lens separately). By playing around with the settings, you can really do a lot with this lens. I've shot everything from landscapes, group photos, some closeups, and HD video with this lens.

The Beautiful Amalfi Coast, Italy

Purple Flowers Amalfi Coast

The Zoom Lens

af-snikkor 55-200 mm zoom

Having a zoom lens has really come in handy for certain types of shots. This lens can go FAR. And no matter how zoomed in the photo is, the quality is still spectacular.

a

I took the photo of St. Peter's Basilica from atop Castel Sant'Angelo, across the street. The photo of the Pope during the Pope's Blessing was taken from down below in the audience.

Pope

The Macro Lens

af-s micro nikkor 40mm

As the newest addition to my collection, this macro lens is my favorite one to use. It's great for super close shots of food, objects, people (love getting the blurry background), or for getting just the subject very in focus. I also really enjoy how lights look when using this lens.

Grom Gelato New York

Manhattan

The AF-S option allows both manual and auto focus and is compatible with my Nikon. Having both options makes this lens quick to use in a pinch with auto focus or more tailored to my preference with manual focus. All three of the lenses in this post are AF-S.

Nikon Macro Lens

Christmas Lights - Macro Lens

Even though I'm not a professional photographer I've really enjoyed having these lens options to photograph my travels. It makes looking back on my memories that much better because of the quality, which is reason enough for me to invest in my DSLR. Plus, it's fun to learn new tips and try them out along the way.

What are your tips for travel photography and/or choosing a lens? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Can't Decide Where To Go? 7 Steps On Choosing Your Next Destination

If you have a serious case of wanderlust with a bucket list that's pages long, you're like many others who love to travel. There are so many places to see in the world and it can be tough to narrow it down to your next must-go-to destination, especially when your growing travel list becomes overwhelming. If you are having trouble deciding which place you should visit next, it helps to break it down into steps. Once you've figured out where you want to go, you can actually begin the planning process.

Starting with a destination in mind will get the ball rolling so your dream trip isn't an idea that seems far away...it becomes a plan that's happening in the near future.

1. Make a list of the top 5 destinations you want to visit most

Download your FREE worksheet here!

Don't think about money, time, or anything else that might hold you back. Paris? Buenos Aires? ...A remote, nomadic village in Mongolia? ...A research base in Antarctica? Other than passport/visa restrictions, no place is off-limits at this point.

2. For each destination, list 1-2 reasons why you want to go there

What makes you excited about this particular place? Is it the opportunity to see friends or family? To take a relaxing break from the stresses of everyday life? To work or volunteer? To meet people from other cultures? To seek adventure? To find yourself?

3. Then, list the number one activity you want to do while you're in each destination

If you were only at these places for a day each, what is the one thing you'd have to do? This could be taking a tango lesson in Argentina. Or drinking wine in Tuscany. Or volunteering at a local school in Nicaragua. Or surfing in Australia. Write out your "must-do" activity for each destination on your list. Now that you've defined some reasons for why you want to go to your top destinations as well as some things you'd do, it's time to narrow down the list.

4. Remove a destination from the list

While they all sound exciting, deep down you know which one you prefer less than the others. It doesn't mean you'll never make it there. Removing one location will get you closer to your decision, and ultimately, your trip. You should now have four locations on the list.

5. Do some quick, surface research for each location. Find out:

• When peak travel season is as well as the shoulder season

• Average cost of roundtrip flights from your home city to each destination

• What the visa process is and if you need to apply or pay for one

• The currency conversion rate of the location to your home/general consensus if it is expensive or inexpensive

• Cost (if any) of your top, number one activity from Step 3

6. Duke it out, bracket style

Write out the first two destinations on your list in a column on one side and the other two on the other side. After having considered the factors from your research - as well as listening to your gut feeling - choose only one from each column as the winner. Then, have the winners on each column battle it out for number one. Choose the winner based on your gut feeling, deep down, where you see yourself most. Then...

7. Yeah! You've chosen where to go! Now comes the fun part: planning

Is your chosen destination seemingly expensive, time consuming, or has some other factor that feels overwhelming? Don't give up yet! You generally have an idea of what the trip will cost and when most people go. Look into many ways to budget travel and see which time fits best with your schedule. Also, decide when to go. If you can't make a finalized decision yet, start with "this year" or "next year" AND choose the month. Saying "Oh, I guess I'll go to Marrakech next year" isn't a very motivating goal, but "I'm going to Marrakech this September" is. This ensures you have a time frame to start out with which will help you research and plan. It's okay if it changes later on. Get my free worksheet!

You might also like...

8 Essential Steps To Planning A Trip Abroad

How To Save Money For Travel and Ways To Save Money While You Travel

How To Pack For 2 Weeks In a Carry-On

11 Books For Travelers

The Time Is Now. Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do

When faced with a big decision or overwhelming goal, we tend to put it off and just keep it in the backs of our minds.

For example: me and travel hacking. I was first introduced to the concept of travel hacking by some friends/fellow travelers when I was in Italy. After Europe, they were going to move to Thailand for a few months and travel around Southeast Asia before continuing future travels.

How did they afford the flight? Well, they got it for free by putting their regular spending on a travel credit card and strategically signing up at the right times to get the best bonuses.

The first time I heard this, it blew my mind. Why didn't I do this sooner? Would I have earned enough points for a free flight by now, without even spending out of the ordinary?

It took me a year and a half to actually sign up for a travel credit card.

I had read the articles. I had heard the success stories of travel hacking. But this was something I was passive about - a pipeline goal, something I wanted to do but kept putting on the back burner, no matter how many times I put it on my to-do list.

It's been less than a week of having the credit card, though soon through regular spending I will be able to meet the sign-up bonus. The bonus includes the best part....50,000 bonus points! That's a round trip domestic flight or a one-way international ticket.

Why didn't I do this sooner? I'm always talking about taking action and going for your goals. In most cases, I practice what I preach. But for some reason, this particular goal of getting a travel card seemed extremely overwhelming.

Being overwhelmed is very common with many "big" goals, especially when they're travel-related. The best thing to do when you're faced with a big goal is to break it down into steps.

8 Essential Steps to Planning a Trip Abroad

Using SMART Goals to Take Action Toward Your Travel Dreams

Specify exactly what you want. Not: "I want to get a travel credit card," rather "I want a travel credit card with at least $xx,xxx bonus miles and no foreign transaction fees. I'm going to sign up for the card by the end of the week and put my first purchase on the card this weekend."

This can apply to anything in your life. Everyone has pipeline dreams, but by turning them into reasonable goals with a time frame we can stop dreaming and make those goals a reality. Get specific on what it is you really want and get started. Dreams don't work unless you do.

Pre-Study Abroad Checklist: Summer in Europe

It's almost that time of year again - summer! Which means it's time to start planning for the upcoming months. Hands down my favorite season, summer beats out the rest of the year, especially for traveling. While I will admit popular tourist destinations can get a little frustrating in the summer due to being more crowded and having longer lines, the general carefree feeling of being outside, in an awesome city, doing awesome things, makes it worth it.

It's much better sipping a glass of wine on a sidewalk cafe during aperitvo in Rome under the warm rays of the sun than it is on a cold, dreary day. (Am I right, or am I right.)

Maybe I love Europe in the warm weather months so much because my first time outside the US was to study abroad in Italy for a 6-week summer program.

While in Italy for my study abroad, I lived in Florence and took trips within the country to Rome, Siena, and the Amalfi Coast. I also went to Ireland one weekend and England the next.

Besides our orientation, I didn't have much to go off of in terms of a list for what to pack when you study abroad over the summer. Most lists were for stretching your suitcase to fit four-eight months of clothing (semester/full-year abroad), and I wouldn't need to be packing riding boots or a parka.

Instead, I'd be wading the waters of Capri with sandals and a swimsuit.

Here's a brief overview of what to do and what to pack prior to heading to Europe for a summer study abroad program.

Also Read: How To Make The Most Of Your Study Abroad

Pre-Study Abroad Checklist: Europe Summer

First things first

-Passport: Because you can't leave the country without it.

-Plans: Have you started planning weekend trips or any extra traveling before/after your program? Now's the time to do some research and coordinate with others in your program on where you want to go! In my opinion, having things planned out at least somewhat in advance is worth it, though spontaneity can be exciting too.

-Luggage: I brought a backpack, carry-on roller bag, and a large checked roller bag, though for six weeks I probably would've been fine with a large duffle and these packing tricks.

-Check your emails and confirm with your study abroad program that everything is squared away. This includes any visas you may need, tuition payments, program fees, housing, trips through your school, etc.

What Clothes to Pack (Ladies)

Clothing

Dresses (makes putting together outfits easier, plus they're nice for warm weather), Tops (basic tees/tanks, a couple nicer ones to dress up an outfit), Bottoms (2 pairs of shorts - one athletic for physical activity and one pair of trendy ones for daytime - 1 pair leggings, 1 pair jeans - because no one's going to notice or care that you've worn them 3 days in a row - a skirt or two, and either a light jacket, sweater, or chambray shirt for when it's chilly.

Accessories & Shoes

1 handbag (medium size is best), 1-2 pairs  sunglasses, a lightweight scarf (for chilly nights or flights), 1 pair comfortable flats, 1 pair sneakers, 1 pair strappy sandals, 1 pair flip flops.

This is where I went a little crazy when I studied abroad. I brought ten (10!!!) pairs of shoes with me, and then I bought two pairs in London, so I can home with 12. However, a majority of the shoes were sandals so they took up very little room, but I really did not need that many pairs of shoes.

Realistically, you only need one pair of sandals, but if you have some room, a couple extra pairs couldn't hurt. Just keep that in mind for having to bring everything home in terms of luggage space.

Extras

Beachside in Positano, Italy

-Bug spray: you will need it. You can buy some once you get there, but if you do, make sure to get some right away if you plan on stepping outside at night.

-Electronics: Earbuds, phone and/or laptop or tablet, camera, adapters, portable speakers (nice to have).

-Journal: To document your experience.

-Toiletries: Travel-sized ones are fine because you can easily stock up while you're there, if needed.

More Useful Articles

What To Pack For a Semester in Italy

What To Pack For a Semester in Italy: What You DON'T Need

How To Pack For 2 Weeks In a Carry-on

5 Forgettable Things You'll Want To Pack For Long-Term Traveling 

Hiking Camelback Mountain For The First Time

Coming from the Pacific Northwest, hiking in the Arizona desert is a completely different experience. Arizona was definitely a scene change for me. Lush forests with thousands of evergreen trees on treks through the Cascades were replaced by big piles of rocks with a few cacti thrown in. Jokes aside, hiking in Phoenix is very beautiful, especially once you realize that it's going to be very different from a traditional forest setting. Plus, absolutely perfect weather in the springtime is the cherry on top.

Last weekend a friend and I hiked Camelback Mountain, the most popular mountain to hike in the Phoenix area.

The weather: Mid-April, low 70s in the morning, mid-80s around noon, clear skies and sunny

The trail: Cholla. There are two trails to choose from: Cholla and Echo Canyon. Since neither of us had hiked the mountain prior, a friend suggested we start with the Cholla Trail, which is a more moderate route (unlike Echo, which is known for its intensity and difficulty).

Time: A little over two hours round trip, including time to stop and take photos/rest at the top (plus 15 min. walk each way to get to/from our cars).

Hiking Camelback Mountain For The First Time

We arrived in the trail area around 7:00 am. The skies were starting to clear and the weather was in the low 70s; very comfortable for 7:00 am. We parallel parked on Invergordon (64th Street) quite far down the road since there were plenty of early risers that beat us to it.

The trail was simple to start. The path is somewhat wide and smooth. Once we started to increase in elevation, the trail started to get rockier and there was more "fancy footwork" to be done.

As someone who's not an experienced hiker by any means, I will say that while I started to feel a little more of a workout at this point, it was still fairly easy. We kept going and stopped at the first viewpoint to take photos. Downtown Phoenix looked so small!

After this section was complete, next came the infamous rock climbing portion. I had heard from numerous other people that you have to "legit rock climb to get to the top." (Before I had left that morning, I idly thought about bringing my rock climbing shoes from when I used to take climbing classes. I obviously didn't though. Ha!)

The thought of rock climbing slightly freaked me out, but when I saw that there were numerous jagged edges and pieces of rocks to hold onto - and that it wasn't literally a vertical slab of rock (it's at a slight angle) - my nerves ceased. Don't get me wrong - it's still pretty vertical, but not where you'd need ropes and a harness.

I really enjoyed the "climbing" part of the hike, and before we knew it, we were at the top. Once there, we took in the views of the valley and snapped a few photos to celebrate our effort up the mountain.

On the way down we realized the importance of hiking shoes. Both of us were in Nikes, which were fine, though the trail is well-worn and the gravel made it slippery. We had a few moments where we almost fell, but even if we had fallen, it probably would've only amounted to a few scrapes and bruises.

Tips For Hiking Camelback Mountain

Start with Cholla

I haven't done the other trail, though from countless stories from friends (and reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp), Cholla is the best one to start out with. It's not a walk in the park, but it doesn't require the expertise that Echo does.

Go early in the morning, and be careful depending on the time of year

Spring in the rest of the Northern Hemisphere is actually summer in Phoenix. Starting the hike a little after sunrise in April was the perfect temperature - comfortably warm and not too hot. Since it's snowbird season the trail was a little crowded but it was still enjoyable. Also, the earlier you get there, the better chance you have at getting a closer parking spot.

When I first moved to Phoenix last July, I looked into hiking Camelback and was reading Yelp reviews. The reviews read more like warnings: many were saying that people can have heatstroke, pass out, or even die from the heat in the summer. The desert temperatures rise well over the 100s in the "true" summer months, so please be careful if you consider hiking during that time of year.

Wear hiking or sturdy athletic shoes

While the Cholla Trail is more of a moderate hike, you'll be making a mistake if you try to do it in flip flops. The path begins to get rocky about 1/3 of the way up, and sandals would definitely slide off in the last portion toward the top. On the way down it gets a little slipperier with loose gravel.

Bring - and drink - water

This is a given for any physical activity, but considering the heat is dry and not humid, you may forget to hydrate as you move along. I used my Nalgene water bottle which came in handy as I attached the handle onto my backpack when I needed to use both hands for the climbing portion.

Overall, my first experience hiking Camelback was a very positive one. It was a beautiful day, the weather was perfect, and it was just enough of a good workout without being brutal. I'd definitely return to try this trail again, or even work my way up to Echo Canyon.

Work Experience That Will Help You Get a Job Abroad

Florence, Italy - View from Piazzale Michaelangelo

My most frequently asked question is how I got my job doing tour guiding and marketing for a travel company in Europe after college. Basically I sent my resume to the company, had a Skype interview, and got the job. Just like any job.

However, my experience and skills from college helped set my resume apart so that I was one of the few that was given an interview.

The job was a mix of many things: leading weekend trips to different cities in Europe for college study abroad students, digital marketing, sales, and events.

I'm going to outline helpful work experience for the jobs I've had that have allowed me to travel, some soft skills you should mention in a cover letter and interview, and what my resume looked like when I applied to these jobs.

International Tour Guiding and Marketing

Croatia tour

Helpful experience to have for this type of job:

• Study abroad or international travel experience

• Leadership

• Public speaking

• Social media (helpful to have experience doing this for businesses)

• Sales

• Event planning, operations and hosting

• Customer service

• Photography

• Video editing

• Writing

• Basic foreign language skills (if the people \where you're living speak a different language)

Budapest trip

Soft skills to mention (provide examples from your experience to back these up):

• Passion for travel

• Creativity

• Social/outgoing

• Strong leader

• Willingness to understand/accept other cultures

• Independence

• Easy-going, flexible

• Able to make snap decisions

• Sense of humor (especially when things go wrong)

• Like to have fun

Faculty Advisor for International Conferences

gylc europe

I've also gotten to do some traveling by working for a different company at leadership conferences. First I was in DC/NYC for a summer, and the following year was in Europe for a couple weeks, and this upcoming summer will be doing another one in China for a couple weeks. The job entailed leading a group of 20-25 international high school students and facilitating curriculum on leadership and international relations.

Helpful experience for this type of job:

• Experience leading groups

• Work/school experience in the area of the conference's theme

• Teaching, counseling, and/or coaching

• Public speaking

• Have worked with students

• Enjoy bonding games and icebreakers

rockefeller center

Soft skills:

• Able to make snap decisions

• Staying calm in stressful situations

• Being able to maintain high energy (LONG days)

• Friendly personality

• Role model (you follow the same set of rules the students do)

• Creativity

• Flexibility

• Always thinking with a "team" mindset

• Promoting inclusivity and a team spirit among your group

staff selfie

When I originally applied to these jobs out of college, my resume included:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations with minors in Promotions and Journalism

• Studied abroad in Florence, Italy

• Public Relations Intern (7 months)

• Study Abroad Ambassador (2 years)

• Copy Editor for college yearbook (2 years)

• Social Media & Newsletter Editor for my school's chapter of PRSSA (1 year)

• Freshman Orientation Leader (3 years)

• Zumba instructor (1.5 years)

• College dance team member (4 years)

• Junior high dance team coach (1 year)

While I have a degree in PR, you don't necessarily need to be studying that to get one of those jobs. Some potential majors for wanting to go into something similarly related could include: communication, photojournalism, international relations, hospitality, international business, any foreign language, or tourism.

The more important thing is describing your previous experience and relating it to how you're qualified and will excel at the job at hand.

Have you worked abroad? Add your tips in the comments below!

Traveling The World After College: What You Need To Know

arc de triomphe 1

People always told us as kids that we should be whatever we want to be: astronauts. Rockstars. Ballerinas. Athletes. Detectives. Professional puppy owners or ship captains or world explorers. And then we grow up. And we're told we need to be "practical" with a secure full time job in a sensible field.

Especially in the US, traveling after college is not the norm. Society urges college grads to look for employment right away (not a bad thing), but taking a gap year or even the summer to travel isn't exactly encouraged. But it should be.

DSC_0566

Even though older adults often say "oh I wish I had the opportunity to travel when I was your age," it still is "more important" to cling to the corporate ladder and the security of a 401k right after graduation, and anyone who strays from the norm are met with either "good for you!" or "well, just make sure you find a job when you get back *eyeroll.*" How do I know this? I received both immense praise and utter criticism - with those exact phrases - when I decided to move to Italy for a short term job after graduation.

Do what's right for you. Welcome or not, everyone is going to give you their advice on what you "need" to do. Tune out the haters and those with the ignorant, jealous mindset that traveling after college isn't possible or realistic. If you want to travel after college, now's the perfect time. And if you're just about ready to do it, here is everything you need to know.

Traveling The World After College: What You Need To Know

Seine River Paris

Research the many ways to travel

You could be working, backpacking, volunteering, or taking a two week trip. Do you want to go long term or short term? Do you want to rent an apartment somewhere or live a gypsy life?

Decide what works best for you

Once you've done your research, decide what works best for you. Whether it's Yacht Week in Croatia, teaching English in Cambodia, backpacking across Europe, a cruise around the Caribbean, a working holiday visa in Australia, or Peace Corps for two years, there are a number of ways to travel. The options are endless!

Get inspired by others

Read blogs of others who have done it to see how they're doing it. Follow their tips. Read books about travel. Search travel hashtags on Pinterest. Talk to friends or family who have gone abroad. Before I graduated college, I even went to my school's study abroad office to ask their tips on traveling after graduation, and they were able to give me plenty of tips and resources.

Spice Market Istanbul

Know the culture's customs before you go

This is important not to just to save yourself from potential embarrassment but to also be respectful and learn about how other people live. It's also helpful to learn at least a few phrases of the language of where you're going.

The money thing.

Yes, you'll need to budget your money, and no, it doesn't have to be as expensive as you may think. Don't have quite enough saved up? Neither did I when I graduated college. I worked a summer job to pay for my flights to Europe.

If you're working abroad, be realistic about the opportunity and how much money you're going to make. Know the exachange rate of your currency and the places you're going to.

Returning from abroad: the fear of being "unemployable"

Traveling after college will boost your resume. Contrary to any fears or reservations you may have, you don't need to get a full time corporate the day after graduation.

You won't be "behind." In fact, life will be pretty much the same when you get back home. There will be jobs to apply for when you get back. You have the rest of your life to climb the corporate ladder. I'm currently working full time back home after traveling. Traveling didn't hurt my resume, it helped it.

The skills you build upon and things you learn abroad can only be positive when you're applying to jobs in the future. Plus, travel may make your career aspirations more clear.

View of Champs Elysee from Arc de Triomphe

Get ready to go!

Get your passport if you don't already have one and sort out any visa situations you might be in. Start planning with these steps: 8 Essential Steps To Planning a Trip Abroad.

Be smart and safe

Give family and close friends back home your travel plans, flight details, and a general outline of where you're going so they know how to get ahold of you if an emergency arises. Use apps like Skype, FaceTime, Whatsapp, or Viber to keep in touch over wifi.

Connect with other travelers

If you're going solo or want to meet people along the way, use networks like Couchsurfing or other groups to find others or get advice on traveling. Hostels are another great way to meet people on the road.

Blarney Castle View Cork Ireland

Keep an open mind

Sometimes the intial culture shock is amazing, and sometimes it takes time to adjust. By staying open-minded you'll give yourself the opportunity to try new things, have new experiences, and meet new people - the best parts about going abroad.

If you really don't like it, you can always go home

That's always an option. But try to at least give it a chance, shake up your routine, or try going somewhere new before leaving.

Embrace everything

If you're going somewhere short term, your time will fly by. Take pictures. Keep a journal (or blog!). Be in the moment. You've worked hard to earn your degree, and now is the time to enjoy this period in life where you can be free to roam the world.

Interlaken 1

Want more inspiration? Check out these posts about travel quotes:

These 14 Quotes Will Motivate You To Book Your Next Flight

10 Cliche But Inspiring Travel Quotes

10 Non-Cliche Travel Quotes

More Inspiring Travel Quotes