Just like any other passionate photographer and part-time traveler I have asked myself this question several times: which camera to bring on my next trip? Should I go for the handy point-and-shoot camera that fits in my pocket or stick with my bulky and heavy DSLR which takes way better pictures. The ideal situation would we that you had both, but depending on your trip you might have to choose. While a small pocket-sized camera might be just perfect for a party-weekend in Berlin or Barcelona, a longer trip with a more intense program will provide enough material to want to capture with a DSLR.
However, traveling with a DSLR camera is not always easy – “bulky” and “heavy” kind of gives it away. You have to think about weight restrictions of your checked lugguage, the size of your daypack, all the different cables and chargers, which lenses to bring, safety and security – and don’t forget often you will feel more like a packed animal than a light-footed goddess. Of course the quality of your pictures is the best reward to make this sacrifice.
Over my last trips I improved my ways to travel with a DSLR and collected the following tips for travelling with a DLSR.
Transportation
1. Pack wisely: if you put your camera into your packpack consider the following chart – pack the heavy items close to your back.
2. Get yourself a decent camera bag or backpack to safely stow away your camera and lenses, which also has plenty of smaller pockets for cables, memory sticks, chargers, cleaning items etc.
3. If you go to a rainy country or if you plan on doing activities like kayaking, canoeing, canyoning or any other water-related tour it pays off to invest in a waterproof-camera bag – for example a dry-bag like these from Ortlieb.
Safety First
4. Be a devil in disguise.
4a. To counter the risk of theft cover up the logos with stickers. It appears as if you were not caring too much about your camera, which means it’s probably not too precious, hence it’s not worthy to steal.
4b. Also get a nice DIY strap – adds personality and pretties up your camera!
5. Don’t pull your camera out on public busses, especially if you are travelling on your own. Once people know you carry that thing around you may become a target.
6. However, don’t be too afraid. The more comfortable you seem the lesser the chance of something actually happening.
Adding to it
7. Bring at least two batteries – just in case.
8. Bring all the cleaning items you might need: paper tissues, lens cleaning fluid, a brush and a blower etc. You can’t be sure to get it in the country you’re traveling to.
9. If you’re not traveling with a laptop or netbook, consider to get a harddrive with a direct plug-in for a memory stick. That way you can save all your pictures and don’t have to worry about memory capacity too much.
Take your time
10. Last but not least, do not rush through taking pictures. Capturing the special moments of traveling is the goal on any photographer. Take your time, try different angels, play with the settings on your camera and find interesting people to take pictures of (tip: learn how to say “May I please take a photo of you?” in the language of the country you’re visiting) – in the end that’s why you brought your DSLR anyways!
If you’re looking for something inspiring to watch then you might just want to check out Girl Rising. A groundbreaking film, directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins, Girl Rising tells the stories of 9 extraordinary girls from 9 countries, written by 9 celebrated writers and narrated by 9 renowned actresses. The girls faced arranged marriages, child slavery, and other heartbreaking injustices and despite these obstacles, these brave girls offer a story of hope and inspiration. It’s a beautiful story which showcases the strength of the human spirit and a great illustration of the power education has to change the world.
The film has been put together by 10×10, a global action campaign for girls’ education. They use the power of storytelling to deliver a simple, critical truth: Educate Girls and you will Change the World. Their work is based upon the idea that educating girls will dramatically improve the well-being of their families and in turn their communities and their countries – multiplying the impact on society. This education will go hand-in-hand with reduced poverty, reduced child mortality, reduced HIV infection rates, reduce corruption and change the conditions that lead to terrorism.
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Liam Neeson and Cate Blanchette along with other A-list actors contribute voice performances to the film but they are by no means what should draw you to this documentary or what makes it inspring. Instead the stars are the unsung heros across the world; it’s Azmera from Ethopia who says no to an arranged marriage and a future of servitude to an older man as she wants to be educated and free. It’s Wadlet from Haiti who turned up at her local school every day asking to be taught only to be turned away because she couldn’t pay yet this did not extinguish her thirst for knowledge, it increased it. Their stories show how one girl with courage is a revolution.
Girl Rising airs on CNN on Sunday June 16th at 9:00pm EST but will be available for viewing all round the world shortly afterwards. You can also apply on the site to host your own screening of the film; more info here.
As one of the few Travelettes that is permanently travelling (aka homeless with a suitcase) and the girl who wrote this post about being a world travelling digital nomad, it was somewhat of a shock to end up back in Britain for a few months for a few different reasons (not least, I’m an Auntie for the first time, yay!). It’s even stranger that my current base is a city that is less than an hour away from where I grew up, but when we knew we needed to be based in the UK, rather than succumb to London’s ever-tempting and ever-expensive ways, we opted for a smaller and hopefully sunnier location on the southern English coast; Brighton & Hove.
It’s a city that’s already impressed me with it’s dramatic seafront views, stunning white Regency properties and forward-thinking inclusive spirit. That’s not to mention the wealth of festivals that descend upon Brighton all year round but especially during the summer. And when the sun shines and I squint my eyes behind my sunglasses, I really do feel like I’m still abroad.
But enough about my new love for a city I never thought I’d live in, let’s dive into one of these fine festivals I’m talking about.
Brighton Sand Sculpture Festival, which opened at the beginning of Apri, is a unique exhibition displaying the work of 20 international artists who have transformed 20 tonnes of sand into works of art. And many of them are very recognisable as the theme for the festival is Music. From Mozart to Bob Marley, Sid Vicious to Snoop Dogg I was amazed at the personality displayed in these giant and elaborate sculptures that are made from nothing more than sand and water.
Because it’s not possible to protect the sculptures from nature’s elements – yep, the sun certainly doesn’t shine everyday in Brighton – constant work goes into maintaining these works of art and we got a chance to see Amy Winehouse enjoying a quick makeover. Many of the sculptures are still being added to and there’s one stand that shows you how they construct them from scratch. There’s a large sand pit too, if you fancy giving sand sculpting ago. Buckets are there to help you on your way. I was particularly intrigued to learn that during the last week of the festival, visually impaired visitors are invited to experience the sculptures through touch. Then it’s time to dismantle the sculptures and recycle the sand. Until next year…
Now see if you can guess which musicians and pop stars these are? (Some are easier than others!)
There is of course a small sense of irony about the Sand Sculpture Festival being in Brighton, a seaside resort famous for its pebble beach. In my opinion the Sand Sculpture Festival brings the best of both beaches to town; you still get to admire some incredible sand creations, while not risking getting any of that pesky sand in your bikini.
Brighton Sand Sculpture Festival is open at Black Rock Beach near Brighton Marina until 30th September 2013. Visit their websitefor more information.
Answers: Abba, 3 out of 4 Beatles (I think Ringo is missing?), Bob Marley, Geri Halliwell (Spice Girls), James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Liam Gallagher (Oasis) & Damon Albarn (Blur), Lou Reed (I think – please correct me if I’m wrong!), Louis Armstrong, Elton John and Sid Vicious, Snoop Dogg.
My current travel journey has already taken 8 months, and I am still completely head over heels loving it. There has been days when I burned my hair, missed my expensive flights, felt quite lost with myself (and in a map too), spent Christmas in a hospital and hundreds of other not-so-successful adventures.
But you know what? I had a real hard time remembering those unsuccessful incidents when I started writing this post.
This morning when I woke up I only remembered the breathtaking sunset in South Africa, the delicious fruit&bread brunch in Copenhagen, the hilarious giggly nights in Portugal and the most romantic kiss that I have ever gotten in the pouring rain on the top of the gorgeous Montjuïc Mountain in Barcelona.
I literally just have too much fun to be able to concentrate on yesterday’s disasters instead of today’s new paths to discover. Stepping out of my comfort zone (and the safety net of my homeland Finland) has taught me more about myself than any lecture that I have ever taken or any book that I read.
Sometimes I seek inspiration to keep traveling and staying positive from quotes. Here are my top 30 inspirational travel quotes. Hopefully they will give you the same energy boost to keep traveling that they give to me. Some of the quotes are from unknown authors.
Remember thata journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And there’s nothing stopping you to take that first step today.
30. “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey.”
– Fitzhugh Mullan
29. “Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.”
– Roy. A. Goodman
28. “Travel only with thy equals or thy betters; if there are none, travel alone.”
– The Dhammapada
27. “Traveling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.’”
– Lisa St. Aubin de Teran
26. “Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.”
– Alan Keightley
25. “Bizarre travel plans are dancing lessons from God.”
– Kurt Vonnegut
24.“A child on a farm sees a plane fly overhead and dreams of a faraway place. A traveler on the plane sees the farmhouse… and thinks of home.”
– Carl Burns
23.“The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.”
– G. K. Chesterton
22.“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.”
– Susan Heller
21. “It is not down in any map; true places never are.”
- author unknown
20. “He who would travel happily must travel light.”
- author unknown
19. “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”
― Martin Buber
18. ”Not all those who wander are lost.”
― J. R. R. Tolkien
17. “A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for.”
– Gael Attal
16. ”If at some point you don’t ask yourself, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ then you’re not doing it right.”
― Roland Gau
15. “The greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.”
― Bill Bryson
14.“To travel is to take a journey into yourself.”
― Danny Kaye
13. “One of the great things about travel is that you find out how many good, kind people there are.”
― Edith Wharton
12. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance.”
- author unknown
11.“Let your heart guide you. It whispers so listen closely.”
- author unknown
10.“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
― Andre Gide
9.“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”
― Steve Jobs
8.“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.”
― Henry David Thoreau
7.“Heroes take journeys confront dragons and discover the treasure of their true selves.”
- Carol Pearson
6.“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
- Mark Twain
5. “I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.”
– Rosalia de Castro
4. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
- author unknown
– St. Augustine
3. “Travel is about the journey, not the destination. The destination is only the means for the journey to begin.”
- author unknown
2.“Don’t dream your life, travel your dreams. “
- author unknown
1. “Only as high as I reach can I grow, Only as far as I travel I can go, Only as deep as I look can I see, Only as much as I dream can I be.”
North, south, east and west… No Dorothy, we’re not in Kansas anymore, we’re in London, the city that currently holds the accolade Style Capital of the World; and that gingham smock just ain’t going to cut it. It’s often struck me how our nation’s capital seems to be split into four distinct districts, all with their own fabulous shopping, identity and style. Yet with so much on offer, it can be a little overwhelming and tough to figure out just where you need to go to get your fashion fix of choice. So, for the travelette that loves to shop, can’t resist a bargain and takes their inspiration from the streets, read on to pick your London look…
North
The Look: Home to some of the city’s priciest property, north London has long held the reputation as the hangout of the fashion pack darlings. Unique, fun pieces like colourful, shaggy furs are mashed up with high-end, high street items and urban classics like denim, leather, Doc Martens and super fresh trainers. And nearly everyone owns a parka. Casual yet noticeable, these ladies know how to carefully put together a look that looks like it was no effort at all.
Where to get it: At one of my all-time favourites, the explosion to your senses that is Camden Market. So many shops, stalls and people to feast your peepers on; so many delicious smells wafting from the steamy, street food stalls. Wander down the High Street lined with pubs and small indoor markets over-flowing into the side streets; explore the Lock market for fantastic gifts and trinkets; then hotfoot it into the depths of the Stables for hours of vintage and alternative fashion findings.
East
The Look: Hello hipsters and welcome to your spiritual home. The vibe here is ‘let’s get creative’ and anything goes. Ironic eyewear is a staple – sunglasses, real glasses, nerd glasses… hell, just get some cute frames and pop out the lenses. Retro t-shirts with slogans (the more obscure the better) teamed with lots of plaid and denim. And don’t forget to accessorize the bejesus out of your ensemble with some iconic headwear or a tin lunchbox instead of a bag. Extra points for customized outfits or anything that gives a nod to your extra-curricular, arty activities.
Where to get it: As the average hipster knows, consumerism is so not cool. Instead, support the independent boutiques and thrift stores that are littered around Shoreditch, Spitalfields and Dalston. The East End Thrift Store, described by Vogue as ‘legendary’, is bound to get the bargain hunter’s pulse racing with two floors bursting with quality, retro clothes that won’t break the bank. Also, try out Spitalfields market – Sunday is the busiest and best day to go and the t-shirts are super cool.
West
The Look: Shiny, glossy and sophisticated. Think of that Chelsea girl formula, the epitome of a charmed, glamorous and somewhat exotic life. Skinny jeans and leather trousers with boots or cream coloured converse; high fashion t-shirts; high quality fabric; decadent, statement handbags… The best in the west is subtle, classic and oh, so chic.
Where to get it: The one, the only, Portobello Market can answer many of your vintage needs but if you’re in the mood for something a bit more ‘ladies who lunch’ then check out the designer second-hand stores in Knightsbridge on Cheval Place. The Pandora Dress Agency stocks pre-owned, designer pieces – occasionally, you can even pick up something unworn… after all, buying that Leger dress in both sizes simply saves time trying them on, right?
South
The Look: Living south of the river gives the vague impression of living free, liberated from the rat-race bondage of city life. Consequently, the style is all about keeping it real, man. Grandpa style, loafers and little old lady coats epitomise charity shop cool alongside headwear like bobble, beanie or pork pie hats. Stay laid-back in flats or trainers and channel some Brixton cool with a bit of urban sportswear.
Where to get it: Brixton Village has a smattering of good vintage stores and independent boutiques nestled amongst the traditional African stalls and shops that give the place its unique vibe. Try Bella West for retro dresses and accessories; Saloon for mostly modern gems alongside a rail full of vintage pieces; and Rejuvenate for more second-hand swag. Or head over to leafy Greenwich for a pleasant afternoon exploring the eclectic mix of shops on offer around the centre such as the fabulous Emporium, a treasure trove of one-off and specially chosen pieces.
So get yourself on that yellow brick road to your style district of choice. The only question is, which London look’s for you?
The streets of New York usually allow only two viewing directions: People either stare upwards or gaze down from the city’s skyscrapers, either looking to catch some rays of the rare sunlight or exploring the urban canyon far away from the noise of the busy streets.
But this wouldn’t be New York if it didn’t offer another perspective. Besides the streets, the subway, the skyline, and the skyscraper, there is another, seemingly neglected dimension to this multi-faceted place: The rooftop. Thanks to the roofscaping initiatives of the past years, the tops of dozens of buildings have been transformed into amazing outdoor living spaces. A quiet place invisible to the intense urban activity below; a little green oasis to refresh the mind from the monotonous palette of the concrete jungle.
176 Grand St, Little Italy, Manhattan
Soho House New York, 29-35 9th Ave, Meatpacking District, Manhattan
Up on the Roof: New York’s Hidden Skyline Spaces, a recent book featuring the works of American photographer Alex MacLean, pays tribute to New York City’s fifth dimension. A trained pilot, MacLean is best known for his beautiful aerial photographs of the U.S., taken in flight from his lightweight plane. MacLean’s work reveals a stunning urban landscape which is made up of strong contrasts and unexpected findings. Among the top floor installations there are not only the famous water towers, lush gardens, and swimming pools but also cafés, restaurants, and even tennis courts.
230 5th Ave, Chelsea, Manhattan
601 W 112th St, Morningside Heights, Manhattan
W 2nd St ET 23rd St, 9th and 10th Ave, Chelsea, Manhattan
60 E 8th St, Noho, Manhattan
Kent Avenue Apartments, 175 Kent Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W 53rd St, Midtown, Manhattan
I have never been on a cruise. Actually, that’s not entirely true, I’ve done loads of boat trips. I cruised down countless rivers, the odd sea and one time I even spent 5 straight days and nights on a boat from Manaus to Belem in Brazil, sleeping in hammocks and spending the day drinking beers and tanning on the roof top. I’ve just never been on an actual cruise ship, the kind that crosses oceans and has the size of a small city. Given that in my early teens I was a loyal fan of watching the Love Boat (anyone?) after school I really feel I should have been on one by now so when the offer rolled in that I could assist the christening of the MSC Preziosa, the 11th cruise liner by cruise powerhouse MSC, I naturally accepted and made my way to Genoa, Italy.
I had no idea what I was in for but I expected it to be fun despite varying reports of cruise liners often being hubs for older folks and families and not necessarily trips targeted at my age group. That didn’t scare me though, I had seen enough photos of fancy pool landscapes on cruise ships to already picture myself relaxing inside some whirlpool, Mai Tai in hand. This image in my head even helped over the fact that the Preziosa wasn’t actually going anywhere during the 48h I was on there, but simply waited at Genoa harbor for Sophia Loren to crash a bottle of Champagne against it.
Walking onto the ship for the first time I swear I could hear the Love Boat theme playing. One look at the sparkly chrytsal-studded staircase and it felt like Capitan Stubing would walk down any minute now greeting me with that charming smile of his.
The way to our room led through a small shopping street, a loungy cafe bar with live piano music and a casino. The hallways for the 1700 cabins seemed endless and perfect for a Madonna music video (you can tell my mind associates real world with TV a lot). Special perk: the red carpet throughout all hallways meant that you could take your heels off even before u finally find your room.
The room was much nicer than I had imagined it would be (mind you, traveling to all those lovely hotels has made me a bit of a snob when it comes to holiday accommodation) with lots of modern features, a wonderfully comfortable kingsize bed and a great balcony with a gorgeous 180° seaview.
We dropped our bags and headed straight for the buffet floor (it’s not actually called that but that’s pretty much exactly what it is) where pastas, pizzas, meats, fruits, sandwiches, burgers, cheeses, cold cuts, salads, international fare and a ton of desserts were waiting to fill our stomachs to the point of no return. Here it’s all you can eat, 24h a day. For those craving a more refined food experience there are different restaurant options, including a branch of EATALY, a fine dining experience that has made a name for itself the world over.
When you’re not eating, you probably are drinking, after all there are 21 bars waiting to fulfill your liquid dreams. My favorite watering hole however was not a bar but the ship’s own nightclub, with DJ’s spinning poppy crowd pleasers and waiters filling your champagne glass until you can’t hold it up any more. Best part of same club: the adjacent entertainment centre complete with pinball and racing machines, a real race car thing and a very, very cool 4-D cinema. (Have you been in a 4-D cinema before? That shit’s unreal!) Other types of sweet evening entertainment included a casino and a highly entertaining nightly show in a theatre that holds 1500 seats.
Now that I’ve covered eating, drinking, playing and partying there is only one thing left you really must do on a cruise – relaxing. Luckily there is no shortage of swimming pool options, everything from 12 whirlpools, 4 proper pools and a delicious infinity pool at the rear of the ship are on offer. If you’re feeling young you do not miss out on the kick ass water slide, even if you might be the only person over the age of 12 to do so – it’ll be worth it.
If all those things still leave open wishes you will find 1370 crew members there to help you navigate around the 18 decks and when you’re not in one of the pools, at one of the bars, inside the nightclub, the theatre or the casino you will surely enjoy the fitness centre, basketball court, tennis court, the mini soccer ground, the shopping centre, the bowling alley and the spa.
We only spent 2 nights on the MSC Preziosa but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I think a cruise like this is suitable for anyone coming here with a great friend or partner who really know how to have a good time as this ship is laying it all out there for you, you just have to make the best out of it.
The scooters, mopeds and motorbikes of Vietnam are interesting. Definitely an experience… Scooters are in sheer abundance on the roads of Vietnam. There’s an estimated 3.1 million in the capital city of Ho Chi Minh (also known as Saigon) and the streets are crammed full of the buzzing two-wheelers. The roads are a semi-organised chaos with manic overtaking, swerving, frantic last minute turns, zigzagging… ploughing through it on the back of a motorbike taxi keeps your heart in your throat, your legs stiffly tucked in to make yourself as small as possible, and a prayer on your tongue as you sometimes get so close to fellow drivers you could easily kiss them on the cheek. A little too close some may say.
Having recently returned from a trip to Vietnam, I feel like my hearing has just returned. It wasn’t from any hawkers or market sellers screaming advertisements for their goods. It wasn’t from loud pumping offensive music from bars and clubs (the majority of drinking holes were closed by 11pm/midnight). It was from the incessant beeping and horn blowing of the numerous motorists and motorcyclists on the road. The noise was so consistent it got drilled into your psyche and soon faded into a background hum that you didn’t notice until you leave the country and realise the new silence is deafening.
But the more familiar you become with the roads, the more the beeping makes sense. It is a form of communication between the road hogs to ensure the majority of accidents are turned into just ‘near misses’. So much horning occurs it is crystal clear that it is not only used for the generic “Get out of my way”. By watching the way the traffic flowed, seeing how the drivers survived out there, realising the street signs were for decorative effect and driving through the chaos myself, I figured so much more was being said through the honk of the horn:
“Meep Meep!”
“Get out of my way!”
“Watch out, you crazy m*therf*cker!!”
“HEY!… I’m behind you…”
“WHY ARE YOU GOING SO SLOW??! O right, you’re texting as you drive.”
“I’m overtaking, by the way.”
“HEY!… I’m still behind you.”
“Woop! I’m on a motorbike! T’is grand.”
“I’m zooming up fast behind you and am going to come within an inch and scare the living daylights outta ya. Ok? Cool.”
It is quite refreshing, albeit a tad confusing, to hear horns expressing a range of emotions and agendas, and not being used in blind anger, aggression, rude impatience or in a sleazy nature, like they’re used in Western countries.
I was on the back of many bikes before braving one alone and I felt safer being in control, especially after riding a taxi that decided to go nearly the whole journey down a busy one-way street. And my thumb never left the horn. I learnt that other “Meep Meep”’s in Vietnam can be used instead of indicating, going around blind corners at top speed, swinging out onto a main road without checking oncoming traffic, alerting useless bicycle-riding Westerners and warning local kids playing at the roadside that you’re coming but don’t want to be included in an accidental game of dodge ball. Decoding Vietnam’s horns probably takes about a week, and the tooting mobile orchestras might leave you requiring a hearing aid by the time you leave.
It doesn’t help that every motorbike seems to be stacked to the brim with all kinds of exciting and unusual things. They’re an incredible distraction when riding past as it blows the mind how they’re able to perfectly balance their cargo and navigate the traffic. Not only does it make the traffic on the road all that more lively, but can also turn into a perfect game when spending an eternity on or waiting for a bus: ‘Who can spot the most insane cargo on a two-wheeler?’.
Things which can be spied can include everything. I mean it. Absolutely everything. Whether it’s an entire five-person family with the father softly singing lullabies to a hidden baby, a gas tank the size of a small car, live pigs trussed up by their trotters, cages of chickens all in a flap… we also saw wooden cages of live bats quietly hanging upside. I have even heard of whole water buffalos being transported; alas I didn’t see one or that would have been a winner for sure.
Man, motorcyclists have it tough out there. The symphony of horns blasting in their ears, hulking trucks dangerously cutting them off every few seconds, buses of tourists gawping and pointing… all while trying to get from A to B with whatever outrageous goods they’re trying to transport. I’ve even seen a giant truck full of cages of bees with bees galore frantically streaming behind, trying to keep up with the rest of the hive whilst inadvertently colliding with every motorist unfortunate enough to be out in the open. Ouch.
The roads look chaotic and wild for the poor moped riders, but they seem to have it down pat. It’s an incredible and heart-attack-inducing sight to see while in Vietnam which will never tire your amazement.
Road trip check-list: you have the vehicle, the maps, an enthusiastic travel companion and the perfect soundtrack. But what clothes should you pack?
Sure, you could solve this by settling for comfy tracksuits, but you don’t want to be caught wearing them on every photo from your trip (unless of course you are going for the full-on gangsta look: in this case add mad sneakers, heavy beats and a set of diamond teeth to make your intention obvious). To help you solve this dilemma, here is some inspiration drawn from 8 very different movies, according to the type of road trip that you are planning.
For an escape through wide open spaces: Double denim
Inspiration: Thelma and Louise
Look: As they embrace the freedom of being on the run, Thelma and Louise ditch their uptight hairdos, flower-patterned dresses and even their bras. If, like them, you are planning to speed through the breathtaking wild landscapes of America, pair high-waisted denim jeans with custom-made cutoff T-shirts… and more denim.
Extra detail: The DIY denim necklace.
For a hot honeymoon: Bright colours and animal prints
Inspiration: Alabama in True Romance
Look: Vintage sheer blouses, hot animal prints (seriously, have you ever seen anything cooler than those pink leopard leggings?) and colourful accessories are the basics of Alabama’s look on the road. Feel more like a lazy hoodie-jeans-Converse day? Like her, twist that basic outfit with a leopard faux-fur coat for an effortlessly cool look.
Extra details: Blue shades and a lunchbox-like pink handbag.
For the great outdoors: Romantic dresses and blouses
Inspiration: Holly in Badlands
Look: While hiding in the middle of nowhere with her multiple-murderer boyfriend, Holly still manages to fabricate some eyeliner (with charcoal) and maintain perfectly curled hair (with a few pins and a scarf). It’s not because you are driving through uninhabited valleys and deserts that you should let yourself go: breezy patterned dresses and cute blouses matched with a pair of shorts make for cute, convenient outfits.
Extra detail: Magazines to leaf through when the landscape is too monotonous.
For a hitchhiking trip: A fifties look
Inspiration: Wanda in Cry Baby
Look: After being kicked out by her parents, Wanda puts down her tiny suitcase (she travels light) on the side of the road and raises her thumb. Thanks to her pin-up hairdo, white high heels and super-tight polka-dot dress, she finds a ride in less than a minute — however it turns out to be an old freak. Well, this might not be the wisest choice of outfit to hitchhike in, but the fifties spirit coupled with the leather jacket (warm + badass) make for a great ensemble!
Extra detail: Flaming red lips and dramatic black eyeliner.
For adrenaline-fuelled car stunts: A cute T-Shirt and red-painted nails
Inspiration: The girls in Death Proof
Look: With their colourful T-shirts, jeans and cowboy boots, these girls are dressed to face whatever comes up: a coffee break at the service station, trying out a 1970 Dodge Challenger, or holding onto the hood of a car launched at full speed. (Note: the cheerleader does look delightful in her yellow dress and pompons, but does not get to come play with the cool kids — not dressed for the challenge.) If you are more of a skirt-wearing kind of girl, choose a comfortable one that you can tuck in if needed — to kick the shit out of a serial killer, for example.
Extra detail: Red nails (nonchalantly resting your feet on the car door looks hot — but only if you have a perfect pedicure).
For a surf trip: Nineties surfer look
Inspiration: Tyler in Point Break
Look: Now, with a surf trip, you could just go for your typical surfer girl look: wavy sun-bleached hair, a tank top and beaded jewellery. But that would be a bit boring, wouldn’t it? Instead, try Tyler’s nineties surfer wardrobe: a colourful over-the-shoulder crop top, denim cutoffs and no underwear (the girl got previously arrested for ‘indecent exposure inside moving vehicle’ — ”Hot, very hot”, comments Keanu.)
Extra detail: A surfboard with a nineties flames pattern.
For a Spring Break trip: Colour block bikinis
Inspiration: The girls in Spring Breakers
Look: Throughout the movie, the girls do not wear much more than flashy bikinis and a pair of Vans or flip-flops — and sometimes a pair of pastel-coloured shorts. Applicable fashion tips: match your outfit to your vehicle’s colour (or the other way around), put on eye-catching nail polish, and wear waterproof eyeliner to parties (so you will still look great when you get out of police custody).
Extra detail: A hood, for the occasional Chicken shack robbery.
For a music tour: Fur
Inspiration: Penny Lane in Almost Famous
Look: Penny travels with a large collection of lace crop tops, embroidered blouses, heavy rings and mini-skirts. If you are planning to follow a band on tour this summer, there are the few tips you can pick up from her. First, always carry a big furry coat with you; it will keep you warm when partying all night, and makes a great improvised pillow during long bus rides. Second, always have a few costumes handy for spontaneous parties (ah, that giant fur hat). Third, never trust the lead singer.
Extra detail: Oversized sunglasses, to fake looking fresh when leaving the hotel early in the morning after a night of partying.
For romance on the road: Nothing
Inspiration: Marylou in On the road
Look: Hitting the road with her unpredictable ex-husband Dean and his writer friend Sal, Marylou is not afraid to bare it all.
Extra detail: A worn-out copy of Swann’s Way.
And to immortalise your fashionable outfits on the go, remember that a Polaroid makes for the best road-trip pictures!
This is a quick and yummy instruction to travel baking. There are plenty of people who claim that their cake is the best, but with one bite of this one you will be flabbergasted. It is a rich moist travel cake with lots of different flavours able to let your tastebuds run wild! There simply is no cake quite like it in the world, so try it and you will take off.
For the filling
2kg of clothes (doesn’t necessarily be a brand product)
200g of inspirational books
1 piece of passport
1 handful of smiles
1 pair of high heels
1 bundle of make-up (Eyeliner, Make-up, Mascara, Lipstick)
a decent functional camera
2 cups of adventure
a pinch of home
1st step:
When buying the backpack for the frosting you should pay attention that it is robust and durable. Next, preheat your mind to 35°C (sunshine mode).
2nd step: Mix paste for the filling
First stir together all clothing, then add the remaining ingredients and mix them to a smooth paste in order to fit everything into the backpack. Assure that everything is as small as possible so little room for air is left. The process is a bit tricky, but don’t worry, you will manage to fit in everything.
3rd step: Baking
Now it is time to get ready- before putting the cake in the oven- make sure you have added all the essentials- double-check if the passport has been added, as the cake won’t change its form otherwise. Don’t worry if the batter gets shaken up a bit, compared to other baking technologies, such as microwaves, the oven represents the safest option. If the cake is ready, the result is stunning- depending on the decoration you added (tropical, beach, rainforest, colonial, urban, landscape) you will experience a totally different flavour. Now it is time to enjoy the cake and share it with many friends.
Travelettes is an Online Magazine/Travelblog/Network from girls on the road for girls who will or want to travel. It provides you with guidelines, tips and personal travel experiences.
www.travelettes.net
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Photo from Death Proof
