In this article I’m going to give you a basic overview of how much a trip to Norway costs – excluding flights, as they vary depending on your home base.

Cost of Living

When you’re trying to understand how expensive a trip to Norway is, you’ll likely start with accommodation. A decent hotel in Oslo will cost you around $150. That’s not too bad, however there is lots of room for improvement. If you’re short on money, you can get a private room at a hostel for $70. If you’re adventurous, the Allemansretten in Norway allows you to camp pretty much anywhere for free. That is as long as you stay away from private property and homes. So you could bring your camping gear and enjoy the countryside for free.

You still have to get food, though. A cheap meal for two will come in around $40 and a higher-end meal will end up around $90. So even if you’re not staying at a hotel, food for a week can easily cost you $910 and that excludes breakfast. If you decide to stay at a hotel, it will come to $1,960.

Cost of Entertainment

Now that you have sorted out the basics, you want to have a little fun, too! Norway’s nature is incredible, and there is no better way to explore it than through a tour. Reindeer or dog sledding under the northern lights costs around $210. It doesn’t get much more Norwegian than that! Kayaking tours come in around $85. If you’re more of a city person, a tour of Oslo is around $90. There really is so much to do, it is impossible to list all the different tours. Most half-day or day tours in nature cost around $200 and $250, though.

Of course, you don’t have to take tours to experience Norway. Instead, set out on your own adventure! You can get a three-day Oslo pass for $90 and explore the city yourself. You can also rent a small car for $345 a week and tour the countryside.

There you go! Short and sweet, this is how expensive it is to travel to Norway. With such a beautiful and diverse nature and culture, the cost is well worth it. If you think Norway might be too expensive for you, check out this budget comparison or this article comparing destinations.

Have you been to Norway and did you make use of the Allemannsretten? Let me know in the comments!

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Since ancient times fire has caused amazement and looked like magic to humans. Since the time when the fire was at people’s hand, it changed the course of history once and for all.

Dancing flames and light in complete darkness can confuse your camera and your photos can turn out overexposed or underexposed with lots of highlights or, conversely, shadows and blackouts.

Keep reading this article if you want to know how to shoot fire, what equipment you need, and how to make fire your subject or create a magical atmosphere in your images using fire.

Tips on Equipment

You already know how to use the exposure triangle and take pictures in the manual mode. When it comes to fire photography, there is always room to experiment. But the one thing essential in fire photography is using a tripod.

A tripod will come in handy if you use slow shutter speed for your fire image. It helps to reduce camera shake and get a sharp photo even in low light.

Since fire can be clearly seen on a dark background, consider using slower shutter speed. It allows enough light to go in the camera sensor and get a steady image. Switch to the Shutter Speed mode to get the best results and take full control of your camera settings.

However, if you are going to shoot fire shows or a person with fire, fast shutter speed will be one of the best options in this situation.

Photograph fire in different ways

Try to stay creative when you take pictures of fire. The fire can be your main subject. Show the details of flame patterns and freeze the motion with fast shutter speed. Start with 1/320 and get even higher shutter speed, depending on your conditions.

Another way to shoot fire is to make it the main source of lighting. Thanks to its soft warm light fire is an ideal solution for low-key portraits or creating a cozy mood in a photo.

A simple candle can change the whole mood of a photograph. Use candles to create the mood you want in a photo.

Shoot candles and campfires

You can shoot different kinds of fire. Obviously, a candle is a type of fire that everyone has at hand at home.

However, the snag of a candle is that it does not give much light alone. One candle is a great option when you have other sources of light within the frame.

Take more candles to get enough light. Pay attention to your exposure settings because fire created a high contrast to the background.

Campfire produces more light than a candle, thus it is an easier subject to work with. You can try shoot silhouettes of people in the background to a campfire. Or take a picture of fire while it’s still daylight. It will add cozy warm light to a photo.

Experiment with longer shutter speed to get amazing results. Remember – fire is a dangerous thing and you need to keep safe while working with fire. Don’t get too close to the fire, and have an emergency plan in case everything gets out of your control.

The post How to Photograph Fire: Quick Tips to Get Started appeared first on christopherkhoitran.

5. Preikestolen

In photos it reminds of Trolltunga but it is actually completely unique. Preikestolen towers over Lysefjord, giving spectacular views of the Scandinavian Mountains. It is only one scenic outlook of the area, although definitely one of the most famous ones. There is something so impressive about the fact that this near-square rock got shaped only by nature! Equally fascinating is the Kjerag mountain further along Lysefjord, which is great but challenging for hiking and climbing. It gets a little touristy on Preikestolen itself, but if you’re willing to explore the surrounding mountains then you’ll find it’s worth it!

4. Lofoten

Few places in the world are known for such rugged beauty as the Lofoten Islands. Their surprisingly mild climate makes it the perfect spot to explore some of Northern Norway’s beauty. Not only is the local nature stunning, but the islands have a rich Viking history that makes this place perfect for anyone interested in the Nordic culture.

3. Tromsø

You can’t skip this one, because you haven’t really been to Norway if you haven’t seen the Northern Lights! That is what Tromsø is famous for. While it’s not the only place to see the Northern Lights, it is one of the most urban places to do so. It is a major cultural hub and fun to get around for a few days, so you don’t have to hike into the middle of nowhere during the icy Norwegian winter just to get an opportunity to see the light spectacle. If that’s what you want to do, however, Tromsø is a great starting point for ventures into the arctic nature.

2. Trolltunga

Did you just say “oh, come on!” because this is such a cliche? Each time you look up Norway, pictures of Trolltunga pop up everywhere. But there are good reasons! Not only is Trolltunga spectacular to see and one of the most scenic spots in the world, but the Hardangerfjord area is beautiful in its own regard. With spectacular waterfalls, blue ice hiking, white water rafting, and summer skiing, there are some great activities waiting at Hardangerfjord. So after you check the box for this popular tourist destination, split from the crowds and explore the beautiful fjord below Trolltunga.

1. Geirangerfjord

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning Fjord really is worth a visit. With kayaking, fishing, rafting, and hiking you’ll be busy for a few days exploring Geirangerfjord. But that’s not the only good thing about it! Norway’s nature is precious, and tourism takes its toll. Geiranger and the local towns work hard to keep Geirangerfjord sustainable and preserve it as one of the best places to visit in Norway – for generations to come! And with such a vast and well-preserved area, you’ll find you hardly have enough time to explore it!

And that’s it! While there is plenty more to discover in Norway, these are the areas that really stand out! If you’re looking to travel to Norway, check out this budgeting article to know what you’re getting yourself into. Not sure that’s where you’re going yet? Then check out this budget comparison instead!

What do you think are the best places to visit in Norway? Let me know in the comments!

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1. For Culture

2. For Nature

3. For Food

The post What Are The Best Places To Visit In Guatemala? appeared first on christopherkhoitran.

Let’s take a quick and concise look at what it costs to travel Guatemala and how you can budget for a trip there! This article, as usual, excludes flight costs.

Cost of Living

Let’s start with the cost of accommodation – this is likely the first thing you want to be looking at if you’re planning a trip. In one of my comparison articles, I said that a decent hotel in Lake Atitlan will cost you $60. If you have a bigger budget, you can easily go for a super nice room at $280. For most travelers, that is a bit excessive, considering you can get a really basic private room starting from as little as $25. A hostel can even cost as little as $6 (the real question is how you’ll fit in a room with 22 others)! That means you can pay anywhere from $42 – $1,960 a week. Quite the range! If you aim for $60 a night, it comes to $420 a week.

Now when it comes to food, the same range applies to prices. You can find fine dining for astronomical prices, or eat under the table for next-to-nothing. But, in Guatemala, you can actually also eat really good food for next-to-nothing! You can enjoy a nice sit-down meal for two people at around $25. This might come to a little more in a tourist area like Lake Atitlan, plus you might want to have some drinks. So let’s say dinner costs you $35 for two, plus a drink each ($4pp). That comes to $301 dollars for two people in a week. Add a street food lunch for two ($15 total), and you’ll be at $406 for food. To be fair, that’s a pretty generous budget in a cheap country like Guatemala.

This brings your basic cost of living to $826 a week.

Cost of Entertainment

Of course, you’re on a holiday and you want to get out there! And Guatemala is a great place for activities. When considering how much it costs to travel to Guatemala, definitely calculate for lots of trips because there will be so much to do. At Lake Atitlan, it costs only around $17pp to go diving. You might want to consider doing a course if you’ve never been diving before, which costs $200 with a reputable diving school. You can hire a private boat for a couple hours for $40 to explore the lake. The entry fee for the nature reserve is only $7. You could even go horseback riding by the Lake for $15pp for three hours. Consider, however, that a lot of the time it is cheaper to book these experience once your there, as the online prices can be much more expensive. If you do all of these things with two people in a week, you’d end up at $518 for a week full of activities. Ditch the diving course and it will only be $118. Add $25 Tuk Tuk fares for good measure.

That’s it! A super quick and simple breakdown of how much it costs to travel Guatemala. Of course, you can always spend more or pinch pennies and spend less – but that’s totally up to you. Hopefull this quick overview showed you how much you can expect tot pay.

Have you traveled to Central America lately? Let me know how much it cost you to travel Guatemala!

The post How Much Does It Cost To Travel Guatemala? appeared first on christopherkhoitran.

1. Nature and National Parks

Are you up for some scenic views? You can find some incredible natural sights in the Dominican Republic. That is if you decide to ditch the crowded beach and venture out of the tourist resorts. One of the most spectacular ones is the 27 Waterfalls complex. However, the guided tours are described as “high-adrenaline” – so maybe it’s not for everyone! Nearby, the Isabel De Torres National Park offers lush forests with spectacular views of Puerto Plata. On the other side of the island, there is the 3 Eyes National Park. Here you can discover some crystal clear and bright blue lakes under ground. For a time (somewhat) far away from civilisation, head to the Parque Nacional Jose Armando Bermúdez. Here hiking, trekking and stunning scenery wait for you. Skip Lake Enriquillo, which is hard to access and doesn’t offer a lot to see anymore. Yikes! Instead, head to Jaragua National Park. Here you’ll find incredible beaches and to see the Iguanas.

2. The Ocean

Wait, didn’t I just tell you to stay away from the crowded beaches? True. But there are a few beaches that are a little less known, like the beach at Jarague National Park. There are also plenty of water activities. A little outside the regular resort areas, Macao Beach is a great place to lay in the sun and enjoy some calm. Another super secluded, postcard-worthy beach is Playa Fronton. It’s a bit hard to reach, but possible either via boat or a hike through the coconut trees. Another great past-time is whale watching from Punta Cana or Santa Barbara de Samana. Here you can book a spot on a boat and hopefully see the incredible humpback whales. Can’t get enough of the marine life? La Romana has beautiful scuba diving and snorkeling options.

3. Historical Attractions

Feeling a bit seasick now? That’s ok because the next attractions are all inland. The Dominican Republic has some very interesting historic sights and museums that are worth a visit. One that stands out it Altos de Chavón, a completely recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village. For something more historically accurate, check out the Bellaparte Museum in Santo Domingo. It has an extensive private art collection, with some pieces dating back to the 19th century. The Amber World Museum displays a large collection of amber stones. Most of these have insects and plants trapped within them. A little odd? Yes. A curious break from the tourist crowds? Also, yes. Very interesting is also the Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia, a Gothic-style chapel in Higuey. Less touristy and super cool are the Pomier Caves. They host the largest collection of rock art in the Caribbean. A total of 6,000 drawings, carvings and pictographs decorate their walls. Some of these date back around 2,000 years.

Here we go, those are the best things to do in the Dominican Republic! While some people prefer a resort holiday, if you want to see the true Dominican Republic, definitely check out our suggestions! Wondering how to plan your trip? Check out this article.

What do you prefer – exploring the region or having a leisurely beach holiday? Let me know in the comments!

The post Absolute Best Things To Do In Dominican Republic appeared first on christopherkhoitran.

We have collected 5 most useful tips to improve your macro photography and encourage you to see the world from a whole new angle.

1. Use aperture to change the depth of field

Focus helps to give your subject all the attention. Human eyes are automatically drawn to the parts of the image which are sharp. You can control the amount of depth of field by adjusting the aperture.

The depth of field in macro photography can be created by millimeter distance. Choose the Aperture priority mode on your DSLR to control the depth of field.

Make the most important parts of your subject in focus. You can use manual focus to do this. One of the best ways to success in macro photography is taking many similar images with different aperture settings and choosing the best one on your computer.

2. Use a tripod and hold it steady

The very first question that crosses your thinking about macro photography is: do I need a macro lens? If macro photography is not the main genre in your photography business, I think you can take amazing macro images with almost any lens with a wide aperture.

When shooting macro photography, you will use a very narrow depth of field quite often. It’s essential to ensure that your camera and subject stay still while you take a shot. The focal point may change even with slight movement.

To avoid this consider using a tripod while shooting macro photography. Ерш step is also important when you work with a longer focal lens. If you don’t have a tripod at hand, you can steady the arm in which you’re holding a camera against some fixed object.

3. Photograph with proper lighting

Proper lighting is one of the main things to consider in any photographic genre, especially macro photography. Since macro photography has a lot of small sharp details, you need to have good lighting conditions for shooting.

If you are taking pictures outdoors, keep your background simple and bright. A lot of textures and lines on the background may distract the eye from your major subject, so try to keep your backdrop minimalist even if it’s blurry.

4. Remember composition

The perfect composition is essential for getting a good shot. But when you take photos of really small objects, it’s simple to overlook the composition.

Remember the rule of thirds – divide your image into 9 equal parts in your mind. Then place the key parts of your image on the lines or their intersections.

5. Be patient

The devil is in the details. Macro photography takes time and patience to master. Learn more about the subject you are going to shoot and with time you will notice details you have not seen before.

Besides, when you take photos outside, you need an extra dose of patience. Even a slight breath of wind may move your subject and ruin your photo in a moment. Or if you shoot insects, you might spend hours waiting for a bee to land on a flower.

However, your patience will be rewarded with wonderful shots. It is definitely worth waiting.

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Outstanding Prime Lenses for your Videos

Canon EF 24mm F/2.8 IS USM

24mm prime lenses are perfect for capturing wider scene shots to set a story properly. This is the best lens size to mimic how the eyes travel across the scenery, which is handy for creating POV. Wider lenses also detect fewer wobbles when you move in towards the action or follow your subject’s path. Canon’s EF 24mm lens adds image stabilization that lessens edge distortions and corner frays that are the usual limitations of using other wide-angle prime lenses for videography.

Nikon AFS-DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Unlike the 25mm wide angle, the 35mm tightens up the shot and forces you to think each element through. In a way, this helps bring out the creative in you since you are always conscious of the composition that fit into your frame. Nikon’s AFS-DX 35mm lens is one of the most compact and lightweight in the market that delivers both the classic natural angle view and focused takes comparable to a 50mm.

Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

50mm lenses isolate your subjects to create that dramatic focus while keeping a safe distance from the action. The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM delivers that weighty bokeh that locks the viewer’s eyes to the main point of interest. The close-ups that draw the viewers deeper into the story makes the 50mm one of the best prime lenses for videography.

Sigma 70mm f2.8 DG Macro Art

For intense moments where the tiniest facial gestures convey emotions, the 70mm macro lens does an excellent jobs. Sigma’s 70mm f2.8 DG Macro captures the last threads and bits of your subject and keeps in focus those details that we’d never notice from a normal 35mm or 50mm shot.

Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens

For those who consistently do serious work on portraits, the 135mm is a worthy investment. Canon’s EF 135mm creates the creamiest bokeh and magnifies pin-point sized features with captivating depth and quality.

Complete Your Videography Toolkit

Prime lenses are a great way to start your videography journey. With the solitary focal lengths, using prime lenses for videography force you to explore the art behind each shot, and improve your handling skills to maximize each range. You’ll also learn the mechanics for creating different effects, a valuable skill that will stay with you long after you move on to more advanced lenses.

The post Gear Review: 5 Best Prime Lenses for Videography appeared first on christopherkhoitran.

1. Night Markets

The markets in Chiang Mai offer pretty much anything you can dream of, from clothes to food (to deep-fried crickets?), if you only know where to look. But it’s the night markets that truly shine in this beautiful city. While there is always a food market on somewhere at night, such as the market at Chang Phuak Gate (North Gate), the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar really pleases. It spans all the way from the Ping River to Tha Pae gate and you can easily get lost in all the marvelous things that are offered here. Even more famous and offering even more food and souvenirs is the Sunday market from Tha Pae to Ratchadamnoen Road. The best part are the hidden temples and alleys into which the market spills for lack of space, where you can find some truly delicious food and curious objects,

2. Doi Suthep Pui National Park

This national park hosts not only lush forest, waterfalls and hiking trails but also a famously stunning temple atop the Doi Suthep peak. There are multiple hiking trails connecting the waterfalls, and if you’re courageous there are also overnight camping spots. Bhubing Palace, which is also a part of the park, is a quaintly beautiful royal residence. The famous What Phrathat Doi Suthep, which is a temple within the park, is not only stunning but offers meditation retreats for those who want to get some cultural insight and spend more time at the temple. If you’re not up for hiking there, you can take one of Chiang Mai’s red taxis to get there.

3. Ancient Wiang Kum Kam

This archaelogical site is full of ancient culture and incredible sights. Since it’s been abandoned 700 years ago, the city of Wiang Kum Kam has been left untouched and today is a fascinating sight of stunning temples and rotting houses. There are a total of nine temples, some of which still stand tall while others are merely ruins.

4. Doi Inthanong National Park

Home of Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanong, visiting the “roof of Thailand” is one of the most interesting things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It’s also famous for its twin pagodas. The park is still home to Karen and Meo Hmong peoples. It offers a nice fresh breeze after the air in the city and plenty of hiking trails such as Gew Mae Pan and Ang Ka nature trail.

5. Elephant Sanctuary

There is nothing quite as majestic as an elephant. Due to lots of cultural and legal shifts in Thailand, such as the shut down of the elephant logging industry, many elephants find themselves living in horrible conditions while working for the tourist industry. However, especially in Chiang Mai, a lot of sanctuaries have opened up to protect and care for these magnificent creatures. When visiting, you can feed them, play with them and bathe them. To be able to visit these friendly, fun (and a little intimidating) creatures in a sustainable environment is a rare and fantastic opportunity!

There you go! There’s really a lot to do and see, but these five things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand, are definitely some of the biggest highlights of the region. If you’re not sure you can afford a trip to Chiang Mai, check out this article. Not sure which destination to go yet? Compare a few here!

Have you ever been to Chiang Mai? What did you like best about ti? Let me know in the comments.

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Near the densely-populated city of South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County lies the strikingly beautiful Desolation Wilderness area. It is an extremely popular hiking destination in California and boasts a number of attractive trails, including the Middle Velma Lake trail, that takes you through some stunning natural beauty.

Important Facts to Know Before You Go

There are three Lakes in the Velma Lakes area: the Upper, Middle and Lower Velma Lake. It is a great exploratory trip where you will find lots of quiet time, enjoyment and moments of pure majesty. It will take you somewhere between four to six hours on the trail and it is best that you take trekking polls with you too.

Trail Highlights

Trailhead Location: Google Maps
Trail Condition: Well-maintained
Preferred Season: Autumn, Spring and Summer
Total Distance: 10.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
Total Time: 4 to 6 hours
Trail Type: Out and Back
Permits: Required (Recreation.gov)
Pets: Allowed
Current Weather Conditions: National Weather Service

Trail Conditions

Backpacking to Middle Velma Lake is an amazing opportunity, something that is recommended for everyone. The trail from Bayview trailhead is colored with beauty all along the route and makes for a nice day in the open outdoors. The trail is well maintained but does tend to get a little difficult in the starting few miles.

How to Get There

The address for the Bayview Trailhead is: Bayview Trailhead, across from Inspiration Point, Emerald Bay Road, CA89. You can easily reach here by following directions on Google Maps.

Key Trail Directions and Landmarks

• You can get permits at the Bayview Trailhead
• Get as early as possible to make sure you get good parking space.
• There are some difficult and steep switchbacks in the first part of the hike.
• As you approach Granite Lake, you will find a number of spots where you can stop for lunch.
• There are plenty of attractive views to take in once you reach the saddle between Maggie’s Peaks.
• At the trail junction for Eagle Lakes, keep moving straight and to stay on the right track.
• There is a small signpost which guides you towards the Lower, Upper and Middle Velma Lakes from the junction.

At the Bayview Trailhead

Southwest of the Bayview Campground lies the trailhead, you will see a sign that guides you toward Desolation and another that points to Cascade Lake. Take the sign to the right to get to get started with your journey. You will encounter steep switchbacks in the beginning few miles, but it is all worth it considering the refreshing views of Emerald Bay that you get to enjoy.

Toward Granite Lake

This part of the trail is nestled in between some beautiful flora and lush greenery. It is well-shaded and even has a babbling creek that runs seasonally. You will have the chance of gazing at this lake from the hill. Take some rest here. You will need it for the rest of the climb.

Switchbacks to the Saddle

Your next destination will be the saddle between Maggie’s Peaks. It offers some stunning views of Tahoe, Granite Lake and Emerald Bay. Continue on the trail to get to the Velma Lakes.

Velma Lakes Trail Junction

Keep going till you come to the trail junction for Eagle Lake. Remain on your trail and go straight from here. You will soon reach the trail junction for Velma Lakes. Look for a signpost that tells you to take a right for Velma Lakes.

Upper and Lower Velma Lake

After taking the right turn toward Velma Lakes, you will hike over some rocky pathways and some scant greenery till you make your way to Upper Velma Lake. It is almost a mile worth of hiking to get here. Moreover, follow the draining creek from Upper Velma to get to Lower Velma Lake.

Getting to Middle Velma Lake

Middle Velma Lake is about less than half-a-mile from here. Go along and get to some elevation to really soak in the magnificence of this marvel of nature. There are plenty of camping spots in the surroundings and you can practically take any suitable location that you find. Furthermore, you can get to the lake through any route you like as there are no designated trails that guide towards it.

Heading Back

You should take your time and soak in all the views. Enjoy your time in the outdoors and head back when you have detoxed yourself from all the anxieties and complexities of your life. It is easy to get back to where you started. All you have to do is to retrace your steps and follow them to head back down.

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