Holiday on your own?

I drove from Washington DC to San Fransisco by myself when I was 23.
I took 5 weeks to do it and meandered all over the place along the way.
It remains the best trip I have ever done.
 
Nothing wrong with it at all...

There's a Nikon commercial, and anyway it's of a guy with a Nikon camera on his own near mountains taking photos, no one else there... I would do anything to be that guy.

Peace and quiet :). Wouldn't be the same if someone else was with you.

Obviously as this was a commercial there were camera crew etc there :P but it's something I would love to one day do.

Just see it as a relaxation time! :)
 
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I travel from the Mekong Delta right up to the border with China,it was a few years ago now and traveling was hard due to restriction of where you could go and how you could travel,the further North you when the harder it got.

But still love every minute of it,hopefully things are a bit more open theses days but enjoy yourself.

:)

PS My budget was a lot less than yours,as for hotel never booked one in advance if you don't mind sleeping where you can shouldnt be a problem about finding a roof over your head.
 
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Do you guys travel light ie just a back pack? How do u manage to clean your clothes etc if travelling light
 
jonneymendoza said:
Places i think to go are:

Thailand
Vietnam
LA and Las Vegas(Road trip going across the desert/death valley etc en route to Vegas).
China.

any other suggestions?
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If you can swing it at all I'd recommend Kazakhstan. I've been three times and I'd love a photography holiday there. The mix of Soviet and Asian (it's a former Soviet state) old and new is very interesting and once you get into the countryside the photographic opportunities are amazing. I went on a fishing trip on the Ili river and loved the whole experience.

I may be going to Thailand next year but from the images I've seen and Streetview I think that Kazakhstan has it beat.
 
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Just got back from an aborted trip to Scotland. Drove from South coast to Glasgow, stopped in the services hotel overnight, had a good breakfast to set me up for the day before setting off on a very pleaant drive past Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and on through Glen Coe to Fort William, where I sought out a B&B, it was here that things started to go wrong. Reversing the car out of a car park I didn't see a low railing below the boot line, crunch!! a nasty dent in the bootlid, press on to Glenfinnan to shoot a steam train, lose part of my modular lenshood on the climb to my vantage point, train is 30 mins late and the weather was looking threatening, but after the shots started back down and it was still dry, I then slipped and a sprained ankle. Managed to limp back to the car park, ankle was now like a football, visit to A & E at Fort William!! So wandering around with an injured ankle wasn't going to be on, so next morning stuck the car in cruise control and headed back home.

So a holiday without the wife getting impatient whilst I take shots didn't quite work out, perhaps another time!
 
jonneymendoza said:
Do you guys travel light ie just a back pack? How do u manage to clean your clothes etc if travelling light
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The trick is to put your clothes 200m downwind if you can't smell there clean :D

To be honest sometime you just have to smell a bit,and wear dirty clothes,but you will find most hotel even cheap ones will know someone who will do your washing.
And don't forget on the move you can alway buy cheap replacement (clothes),things to leave to behind are expense watches, jewellery,you will have enough to worry about with your cameras.


How long are you expecting each trip to ?

I used to to go for 3/6 mths,so depending on how long you will be away for and
the country or countries you will be traveling thought will depend on any planing

:)
 
I did this last year. For a couple of reasons, firstly I had not been anywhere for ages and secondly because I wanted to overcome a moderate amount of shyness. So I read on the internet some blogs about people who have traveling by themselves and things they mentioned such as the fact you automatically get to know more people, do what you want with no restrictions made it even more interesting.

So I booked a 10 day trip to Hawaii.

While it was not a photography trip as such, I did take my camera and it never left my side (except nights out, DSLRs in pubs is a bit too much). And without a doubt it was absolutely the best thing I had ever done, I met a ton of people who I would have never have met, made new friends who are from all over the world and saw some stunning sights.

Some things I would suggest as going somewhere for a long time can get a little boring, is to figure out what you want to do before hand, then book some trips out like helicopter rides, and in my case cultural things like the Luau and a Volcano National Park trip. Leave some time for getting out and meeting people as well!

The reason I chose Hawaii for a destination was that it was English speaking, but what I found when I got there is the whole night scene and eating was Americanised and as a result was very social. Sitting at a seat at the bar between random strangers makes them strangers not for long :).

I loved it so much I am currently planning a 3 week trip to Italy by myself and have been telling my friends they can't come :).
 
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simonblue said:
The trick is to put your clothes 200m downwind if you can't smell there clean :D

To be honest sometime you just have to smell a bit,and wear dirty clothes,but you will find most hotel even cheap ones will know someone who will do your washing.
And don't forget on the move you can alway buy cheap replacement (clothes),things to leave to behind are expense watches, jewellery,you will have enough to worry about with your cameras.


How long are you expecting each trip to ?

I used to to go for 3/6 mths,so depending on how long you will be away for and
the country or countries you will be traveling thought will depend on any planing

:)
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i will go for 3 or 4 weeks :)
 
jonneymendoza said:
i will go for 3 or 4 weeks :)
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That's ok a lot depend on how much you will be moving about,if your going to have one central base don't worry to much,if not try and keep things simple,if going to about photographer ie your trip take as little as possible other stuff you can pick most things on the way.
So
1 Small med kit
2 Enought clothes for just what need,don't bother with extras
3 Most personal hygiene stuff you can pick up on the way or will be supplied in the hotel.
4 Don't worry about mobiles, laptops,just a bit of music is all I used to take.

:)
 
Thanks.

i also plan to buy a smallish carbon fibre tripod to take with me too for landscape shots. Did you bring a tripod?
 
Being single I have plans for travelling in the future purely for photography...I can think of nothing better..there is still a lot of this country that I want to see and light up :D before I apply for a new passport :D
 
Back-packers do it all the time. You rarely end up alone, you'll meet all sorts of random people on your journey. I wish i'd done it before settling down tbh.
 
MWHCVT said:
Being single I have plans for travelling in the future purely for photography...I can think of nothing better..there is still a lot of this country that I want to see and light up :D before I apply for a new passport :D
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Yep same!... I couldn't afford abroad but there's plenty in this country I want to photograph!... Obviously I have child commitments but working around when they are away then I shall be off!
 
A few years back I did a grand tour of Italy, Florence, Pisa, Pompeii, Rome, Venice, Sorrento, Naples, Capri and so on

Just had a OM10 and 50mm, would love to do it again with a DSLR as I don't think there is a better county in the world for the mix of photography you can get to do

Now days you could do a coach tour 2 weeks for £1500, or fly drive for less
 
DP
 
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MWHCVT said:
Being single I have plans for travelling in the future purely for photography...I can think of nothing better..there is still a lot of this country that I want to see and light up :D before I apply for a new passport :D
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Me too. I intend on travelling around the highlands of Scotland next year on me tod!!
 
Looks like a turn of events may occur in my life should i decide to get back with my missus but truth me told even if i decide to go back to my missus i am still well up for this to go on my own without her and anyone else.

Has your other half allowed you to go traveling on your own?

Granted if you are single its fine but when you have a partner?
 
jonneymendoza said:
Looks like a turn of events may occur in my life should i decide to get back with my missus but truth me told even if i decide to go back to my missus i am still well up for this to go on my own without her and anyone else.

Has your other half allowed you to go traveling on your own?

Granted if you are single its fine but when you have a partner?
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Firstly, I would never allow anyone else to decide whether or not I am permitted do something, particularly where my actions are perfectly reasonable and bear no threat whatsoever to them. And if someone were to attempt to impose their will then they probably wouldn't be in my life much longer. I have far too many friends who can't live the life they would like to lead because of their partners - even going out with their mates occasionally causes arguments.

However if you're in a marriage I think it's broadly unrealistic to expect your marriage partner to be okay about you gallivanting around the globe for several months. But a break away on your own, or with your own circle of friends for just a few weeks should never impose any issue (providing you're still paying your share of the rent or mortgage back home) - and if it does I suspect the partner in question is very insecure, or else you may have given them reason in the past to be suspicious.

But if we're talking about non-cohabitees then I really think you should stand up to any attempts to curtail you from living a normal life. Personally I think there is nothing worse than jealousy or control, particularly when it's unwarranted. I was once involved with a guy who used to follow me to the supermarket, he was that possessive.

There is a great deal to be said for being free and single!
 
I went to America for 2 weeks on my own in may. Went to Boston, New York and Washington. It was something I'd always wanted to do and after breaking up with my then gf I decided it was the right time. I took a suitcase and a medium size backpack which was fine for me but I'd recommend just taking a large backpack if you're going to Vietnam as travelling in America is obviously much more comfortable.

With regards to being on your own, I met so many different people just in the space of 2 weeks that I wouldn't worry about feeling lonely. I also found that being a tog is a great way of exploring new places, only downside is that there were 40 other people taking the same shot as you in the touristy bits.
 
Lindsay D said:
Firstly, I would never allow anyone else to decide whether or not I am permitted do something, particularly where my actions are perfectly reasonable and bear no threat whatsoever to them. And if someone were to attempt to impose their will then they probably wouldn't be in my life much longer. I have far too many friends who can't live the life they would like to lead because of their partners - even going out with their mates occasionally causes arguments.

However if you're in a marriage I think it's broadly unrealistic to expect your marriage partner to be okay about you gallivanting around the globe for several months. But a break away on your own, or with your own circle of friends for just a few weeks should never impose any issue (providing you're still paying your share of the rent or mortgage back home) - and if it does I suspect the partner in question is very insecure, or else you may have given them reason in the past to be suspicious.

But if we're talking about non-cohabitees then I really think you should stand up to any attempts to curtail you from living a normal life. Personally I think there is nothing worse than jealousy or control, particularly when it's unwarranted. I was once involved with a guy who used to follow me to the supermarket, he was that possessive.

There is a great deal to be said for being free and single!
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Yea it would be a few weeks on my own.

i know what you are saying and this is why i am debating on whether i should give my marriage another go or not but thats for another topic really lol.

Either way i want to do this regardless if i will give my missus another try or not.

Time to live life while im young and its up to my other half if she will accept it or not.

So long as you say, i pay the bills, treat her right and dont cheat, why cant i go abroad somewhere on my own for a few weeks?
 
Perhaps some time away will help you clear your mind and take a fresh look at your marriage? I've always found that to the be the case - distance can totally change how you feel about things - for the better. It's too easy to get stuck in a rut and allow other people to affect our ability to enjoy life, I did that for years and I'm angry at myself for allowing it to happen.

Good luck with your choice. But it would be a shame if you missed out on a trip - everyone should go away by themselves in my opinion, it's a valuable experience.
 
I'm in the same kind of position and facing up to a holiday on me tod, and this one is in just two weeks. I have no plans at all yet, only a week away, so no time or budget for anywhere exotic. Any recommendations within Europe? Someone mentioned Valencia on here earlier, which I'm keen on, and I can speak Spanish, which will help. But anywhere else in Europe would be good. Has anyone combined this with a couple of days on an actual photography course?
 
BobLoblaw said:
I'm in the same kind of position and facing up to a holiday on me tod, and this one is in just two weeks. I have no plans at all yet, only a week away, so no time or budget for anywhere exotic. Any recommendations within Europe? Someone mentioned Valencia on here earlier, which I'm keen on, and I can speak Spanish, which will help. But anywhere else in Europe would be good. Has anyone combined this with a couple of days on an actual photography course?
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It was prob me that mentioned Valencia. Great place if you like photography! Also consider Sevilla, a very beautiful city full of photographic gems. Still lovely and warm at this time of the year too!
 
Thanks Ricardo, I've just booked my flights for Valencia, leaving in a week. I have no idea what I'm going to do yet. Like some of the other comments on here, I think that's one of the liberating things about being on my own. Any recommendations of places for photography in particular? Including places out of the city, I'm happy to hire a car for a couple of days to explore nearby.
 
I currently live in Vietnam and have done for 5 yrs or so now. S.E Asia is such a great place for photography, the people are friendly and pointing a camera at them only draws a smile instead of the usual frown back in the Uk. I live in a small fishing village called Mui ne, 4 hrs from Ho Chi Minh City. HCMC is a great place to explore with a camera and I regularly meet up with like minded people there for a day travelling to some of the cities off the beaten track spots. Of course it has its sleazy, backpacker side as well but dig a little deeper and make the effort and you will be rewarded ten fold. I have been thinking about starting some kind of photography travel business over here as my German partner is a tour guide and regularly heads of to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Loas as well as in Vietnam. We wanted to combine a photography holiday tour with a relaxed schedule and to intergrate some of the more un-touristy areas to maximise the guests shooting time, cultural experience and enjoyment. Guess I need to stop thinking about it and get to work putting it together. If the op or anyone for that matter makes it to Vietnam, drop me a line, I would love to show you some of the gems I have discovered in my 5 yrs exploring here. All the best and happy holidays.


boys full by loop da loop, on Flickr



Mui Ne Harbour, Vietnam by loop da loop, on Flickr
 
BobLoblaw said:
Thanks Ricardo, I've just booked my flights for Valencia, leaving in a week. I have no idea what I'm going to do yet. Like some of the other comments on here, I think that's one of the liberating things about being on my own. Any recommendations of places for photography in particular? Including places out of the city, I'm happy to hire a car for a couple of days to explore nearby.
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Well the obvious place in the city is the City of Arts and Sciences


Star Destroyer by Ricardodaforce, on Flickr


Tiburón by Ricardodaforce, on Flickr


The Eye - El Ojo by Ricardodaforce, on Flickr


Fuego by Ricardodaforce, on Flickr


The Alien Within by Ricardodaforce, on Flickr
 
If you want to experience something VERY culturally different, there will be bullfighting in Valencia's Plaza de Toros on the 6th and 9th of October.

Just to the south of the city is a large salt water lagoon called Albufera, which a popular place for photography. More info here.

If you need any other info please don't hesitate to ask. One last thing, you won't need to learn any Valencian because everyone speaks Spanish. So a por favor and gracias will serve you well!
 
Grizu said:
I currently live in Vietnam and have done for 5 yrs or so now. S.E Asia is such a great place for photography, the people are friendly and pointing a camera at them only draws a smile instead of the usual frown back in the Uk. I live in a small fishing village called Mui ne, 4 hrs from Ho Chi Minh City. HCMC is a great place to explore with a camera and I regularly meet up with like minded people there for a day travelling to some of the cities off the beaten track spots. Of course it has its sleazy, backpacker side as well but dig a little deeper and make the effort and you will be rewarded ten fold. I have been thinking about starting some kind of photography travel business over here as my German partner is a tour guide and regularly heads of to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Loas as well as in Vietnam. We wanted to combine a photography holiday tour with a relaxed schedule and to intergrate some of the more un-touristy areas to maximise the guests shooting time, cultural experience and enjoyment. Guess I need to stop thinking about it and get to work putting it together. If the op or anyone for that matter makes it to Vietnam, drop me a line, I would love to show you some of the gems I have discovered in my 5 yrs exploring here. All the best and happy holidays.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41577710@N03/8312983159/
boys full by loop da loop, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41577710@N03/7049412269/
Mui Ne Harbour, Vietnam by loop da loop, on Flickr
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Nice. If i go there I will let you know. Maybe you can show me around the place
 
Grizu said:
I currently live in Vietnam and have done for 5 yrs or so now. S.E Asia is such a great place for photography, the people are friendly and pointing a camera at them only draws a smile instead of the usual frown back in the Uk. I live in a small fishing village called Mui ne, 4 hrs from Ho Chi Minh City. HCMC is a great place to explore with a camera and I regularly meet up with like minded people there for a day travelling to some of the cities off the beaten track spots. Of course it has its sleazy, backpacker side as well but dig a little deeper and make the effort and you will be rewarded ten fold. I have been thinking about starting some kind of photography travel business over here as my German partner is a tour guide and regularly heads of to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Loas as well as in Vietnam. We wanted to combine a photography holiday tour with a relaxed schedule and to intergrate some of the more un-touristy areas to maximise the guests shooting time, cultural experience and enjoyment. Guess I need to stop thinking about it and get to work putting it together. If the op or anyone for that matter makes it to Vietnam, drop me a line, I would love to show you some of the gems I have discovered in my 5 yrs exploring here. All the best and happy holidays.


boys full by loop da loop, on Flickr



Mui Ne Harbour, Vietnam by loop da loop, on Flickr
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Love the shot of the children been though your part of the world,would love to go back :)
 
Ricardodaforce said:
If you want to experience something VERY culturally different, there will be bullfighting in Valencia's Plaza de Toros on the 6th and 9th of October.

Just to the south of the city is a large salt water lagoon called Albufera, which a popular place for photography. More info here.

If you need any other info please don't hesitate to ask. One last thing, you won't need to learn any Valencian because everyone speaks Spanish. So a por favor and gracias will serve you well!
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Thanks Ricardo, lots of help there. I particularly like the 3rd set of images. I hope to get out to other places like the lagoon too.
 
BobLoblaw said:
Thanks Ricardo, lots of help there. I particularly like the 3rd set of images. I hope to get out to other places like the lagoon too.
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9th is a Community of Valencia Day, so there will be a lot happening in the city centre. It all kicks off at midnight with a huge firework display.
Have fun!
 
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