Going to Europe, any advice?

[Neeper]

Well, I am off to Europe in less than 2 weeks. I am so excited that I can't sleep even with the trip this far away. I was wondering if you guys have any advice for me while travelling abroad. I have never taken my D70 on a trip yet, let alone a different continent. Is there anything I should know? I think I read on this forum that a different neck strap would be advisable.

[rokkstar]

I think general consensus is just to be as careful as you usually are normally. DOnt flash cam about uneccessarily and just try not to look like a tourist. (fantastic advice matt!!!)

Where abouts are you going in Europe? I'm off to London in a little over 2 weeks. SHould get together and go for some night shots if you're there.

Matt

[Neeper]

yeah I'll be in London on the 19th-20th. I am doing an 18 day tour of Europe. How can I NOT look like a tourist? I got my mini trekker, Canada hat and a camera.

[big pix]

You will have a great time, and we will look foward to some fantastic images of your travels ........... Just be aware of grab and run if you leave your bag on the ground even when you are eating......

cheers
bp

[georgie]

How can I NOT look like a tourist? I got my mini trekker, Canada hat and a camera.

Just don't look like an American than

Hi to all our Yank friends

[rokkstar]

Hmm, dont wear a Canada hat?

My advice is to blend in with the locals then:

England: Mohican haircut sprayed blue, ripped jeans, union jack t-shirt.
France: Beret, garlic chain, striped t-shirt, mostache
Scotland: Kilt, bagpipes, sporan
Italy: Loafers, long lucious hair, suit jacket, jeans, lipstick on your collar

Follow those rules and you'll look just like everyone else

[Onyx]

Yes, emphasise the fact that you're Canadian, especially with your accent being close to that of people south of the border.

If anyone (in eastern Europe especially) throws a baby at you or your wife, DO NOT catch it!

If you catch stray hands reaching into your pocket, be sure to twist their wrists and/or break their fingers off - those little children are not all that innocent. Very brazen pick pockets.

Bring some water purifier tablets along in your first aid kit - if you're not prepared to drink brown tapwater and can't afford $15 bottles of Evian.

Enjoy it, live in the moment.

[Soulboy]

If you're coming to London, the best advice is just to keep your wits about you as you would in any other capital city.

Oh, and don't start chatting to people on the tube, we don't like it.

[samester]

I was wondering if you guys have any advice for me while travelling abroad. I have never taken my D70 on a trip yet, let alone a different continent. Is there anything I should know?

Mains power and plugs are different, might be wouth sourcing a local multi adaptor/transformer to recharge the batt. Alternative is to charge before you leave and take a spare fully charged.

Then there's image storage etc - can easily get a cd burnt, might be worth taking a USB card reader to transfer images to pc to get them burnt.

If u have travel insurance, check out whether the camera is covered and what excess you'd be up for in the event of a claim.

Finally, have fun, take heaps of pics and don't forget your green and gold tracksuit for the cricket and the rugby!!

[leek]

Mains power and plugs are different, might be wouth sourcing a local multi adaptor/transformer to recharge the batt.

Luckily the standard Nikon battery charger will accept anything between 100-240v, so all you will need is a plug adaptor (available at the airport).

Most of Europe is pretty safe, but it really depends where you are going...

I've noticed that most unsavoury characters seem to congregate around major railway stations, so be careful with your bags there... If you're on a bus tour, then this is unlikely to be a problem.

Enjoy and take lots of pictures... Immerse yourself in the history of the place...

[Pauld]

Don't forget to take plenty of flash cards, my girl friend has travelled Europe extensively and she has told me on many occasions that the photo opportunities are amazing. Make sure you make your way to Prague.

As someone else has said here try to get someone to insure your equipment while your overseas to put your mind at ease if something does go wrong.

[Andyt]

Neeper,

After 4 x weeks in Germany at Christmass time, in addition to what has already been said, one problem I had was with the low light levels there, compared to here in Aus, being a non vr toting D70 I wished I had shot in RAW for the extra F stops, this would have given me more "keepers".

If you are not yet into RAW then a good investment (I think) for travelling is the 50mm F1.8 lens. Relatively cheap, makes the camera a little less bulky and takes the scenic shots and people shots (especially groups).

The biggest capacity Sandisk card(s) you can afford, a second battery is also good insurance. Also a small notebook and pen to fit inside the case to make notes to yourself, settings, place names, people names etc with the time &date of when the pic was taken that you can match up at home is a great saver.

Enjoy!!!

My 2.2cents worth(Inc GST) Andyt

ps we all expect a full post/report upon your return!

[gstark]

What sort of tour are you doing?

Can we talk you out of that?

I prefer to be independant, and just go where I want, when I want. Being on a tour, I suspect that some of your options may be limited.

[sirhc55]

Eat well before you hit the UK - prices for food are outrageous

[kipper]

Chris, it's only outrageous because you don't live there. The $ doesn't go far in the UK

[sirhc55]

Chris, it's only outrageous because you don't live there. The $ doesn't go far in the UK

Spot on Kipper - but my family does live there and for them to have a steak like we have here would bankrupt them

[MCWB]

Indeed Chris, friends of ours had an English nephew come out to Aus to stay for 6 months a couple of years ago... he virtually ate nothing but steak.

[sirhc55]

I went to a very up market restaurant in Surrey owned by Dennis Waterman (Terry of Minder fame). I ordered a filet steak (£30) and when it arrived I asked the waiter if the chef had any idea what a filet steak was?

I would not have fed it to my dog

[Glen]

I agree Chris, remember taking a young lady to a Thai restuarant in Oxford, cost me A$140, would have been $35 in Neutral Bay or $30 in Newtown. We could go on forever about what passes for fresh fruit and veges, looks like what we find thrown out the back of the fruiterers.

[Soulboy]

The $ doesn't go far in the UK

No, and neither does the £

[Neeper]

Wow thanks for all the advice guys. I am bringing 2 x 1gb cf cards, kit lens, 85mm 1.8, 50mm 1.8, tamron 70-300, sb-800. I am going on a bus tour. There's a reason why I am wearing my Team Canada hockey cap, I know we sound like the people south of us. No offense American friends .

I am going on a Contiki tour. It will be mostly Australians, Kiwis, Canadian and Americans. Here's the tour:
http://www.contiki.com/en-CA/Tours/Euro ... nerary.htm

Unfortunately no Prague. I prefer the bus tour as my first visit to Europe. Next time, I will consider going independant. I just don't know what to expect, so I'd rather hang with a bunch of tourists.

[Glen]

The $ doesn't go far in the UK

No, and neither does the £

Well put Soulboy

[Onyx]

Try the "cookies" in Amsterdam.

[Neeper]

Try the "cookies" in Amsterdam.

Don't worry, I'll let you know how they were. If I can remember.....

[Soulboy]

Try the "cookies" in Amsterdam.

Don't worry, I'll let you know how they were. If I can remember.....

And if you can remember, you weren't really there! Or was that something else?

[rokkstar]

Try the "cookies" in Amsterdam.

Don't worry, I'll let you know how they were. If I can remember.....

Also the prostitutes dont like their photos being taken. I tried on many occasions when I went for a stag do a couple of years back. They have eyes like a hawk and can spot a camera bulge in the lowest of light in a crowd of 30 men.

Man that was a good weekend.

[rokkstar]

I should probably add that I tried taking photos from the street - not inside their boudoir!

[birddog114]

I should probably add that I tried taking photos from the street - not inside their boudoir!

Hehehehe!
Matt, you had fun! hadn't you?

[mickwhit]

Hi Neeper,

I am finalising my own independent trip to Africa and Europe for late July and I was just about to post a very similar thread asking the masses for advice. I chose an Independent holiday as I didn’t want to be rushed around on a tour, I wanted to be able to take my time, swap lenses, revisit locations at sunset sunrise etc. However I do like the thought of the party like atmosphere you get on Contiki tours. Like you, I am very excited. And my holiday is some weeks off yet 

One obvious problem I have at the moment is I have a Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II and it is just massive – far too big for what I need. I’m leaning toward a smaller crumpler backpack camera bag for my travels. Can anyone else comment or provide advice on this product?

My itinerary goes a little like this:

South Africa (5 Hrs N.E of Jo’Berg to a game reserve) (5 days)
Edinburgh Scotland - Military Tattoo (2 days)
Paris (4 days)
Monaco, Monte Carlo (2 days)
Florence (2 days)
Rome (2 days)
Athens (2 days)
Santorini - Greek Islands (4 days)
London (5 days)

I wish you well on your holiday and I look forward to speaking to you and sharing your pictures, experience and advice. I have been to Venice, Florence and Rome previously and I must say that Italy is just awesome. I loved it. So much so I am going back there again. As someone else previously mentioned, immerse yourself in the history, take heaps of shots and enjoy.

I look forward to hearing about your travels upon your return.

Have fun.

Mick.
P.S Are you taking a tripod on your travels?

[MCWB]

They have eyes like a hawk and can spot a camera bulge in the lowest of light in a crowd of 30 men.

Is that a camera bulge, or are you just happy to see me?

[Neeper]

I am sure my next trip to Europe I will do independantly. This is perfect for the wife and I, because we really want to see everything. We have limited time because of work. So the tour was perfect.

I will take many pictures that's a gaurantee. I love digital, there's just no limit (sort of). My goal is to come back witha POTW. If I can do that, I'll be very happy. Yes I am brining a tripod. Regarding the bag, I bought a mini trekker and it might be too big, I dunno. I also have an Orion trekker that I was thinking of using instead, but it doesn't have the tripod holder.

[birddog114]

I am sure my next trip to Europe I will do independantly. This is perfect for the wife and I, because we really want to see everything. We have limited time because of work. So the tour was perfect.

I will take many pictures that's a gaurantee. I love digital, there's just no limit (sort of). My goal is to come back witha POTW. If I can do that, I'll be very happy. Yes I am brining a tripod. Regarding the bag, I bought a mini trekker and it might be too big, I dunno. I also have an Orion trekker that I was thinking of using instead, but it doesn't have the tripod holder.

Neeper,
You'll learn about the tour soon, it's similar to the boot camp!
Not a relaxing mode anyway! you can't do your own things and they won't give you much time to explore, by the end of the day, you're the "dead meat" just want to get into your bed and sleep.
Extra meals and excursions during the tour organized by Contiki are most the ripped off, and end of the tour they ask you the "tips" for both driver and tour guide who gave you the sh*t time during the trip.
We have been down that road twice and never do it again!

[gstark]

Typically, upon arrival at a foreign port, my first stop is ususally the Avis desk to pick up my keys. Then I'm off, out into the wild black ashphalt of ... wherever.

The cities where this doesn't happen are those with magbloodynificent public transport systems - London, Paris, Washington DC.

[Onyx]

I'm surprised Wash DC made your public transport list Gary - tell me more. I'm heading to the east coast of the US mere days after my HK return. DC is on my list of places to visit.

[Soulboy]

The cities where this doesn't happen are those with magbloodynificent public transport systems - London...

What day did that happen? I think I missed it.

[Neeper]

I am sure my next trip to Europe I will do independantly. This is perfect for the wife and I, because we really want to see everything. We have limited time because of work. So the tour was perfect.

I will take many pictures that's a gaurantee. I love digital, there's just no limit (sort of). My goal is to come back witha POTW. If I can do that, I'll be very happy. Yes I am brining a tripod. Regarding the bag, I bought a mini trekker and it might be too big, I dunno. I also have an Orion trekker that I was thinking of using instead, but it doesn't have the tripod holder.

Neeper,
You'll learn about the tour soon, it's similar to the boot camp!
Not a relaxing mode anyway! you can't do your own things and they won't give you much time to explore, by the end of the day, you're the "dead meat" just want to get into your bed and sleep.
Extra meals and excursions during the tour organized by Contiki are most the ripped off, and end of the tour they ask you the "tips" for both driver and tour guide who gave you the sh*t time during the trip.
We have been down that road twice and never do it again!

Honestly, you're the first I have heard of that says the tour sucks. Everyone I've talked to recommended it to me. I have had close friends go and had the time of their lives. The tour is what you make it. If you go in with a negative attitude, then the tour will suck. Many people make new friends on the tour, so meeting Australians and Kiwis will be very interested. Since it's my first time to Europe, I have no idea what to do. I read all the places they take you to, to see and it's something I felt was good enough for me. If there are places I like very much, I will visit them again, on my own time in the future. As for the extra food optionals, I am aware which ones suck and which ones are worth it. I have a list given by friends. As for tipping, I live in a soceity where tipping is the custom. I know you guy there do not tip. But here we tip for good service. Something that's in North American culture. If the guide and driver do a great job, I will tip well. I tip for good service only. If they suck, I won't be tipping.

[flipfrog]

neeper:

im also going on a euro trip (probably a contiki tour) in about a month and a half from now

we will compare notes when we are both back


p.s. mine is a Mediterranean trip

[Link]

I always prefer travelling independently, but I understand your reasons for choosing a tour. Take it as an opportunity to see which places you really like and where you might want to go back on your own.

Travelling light is a must, try to keep your camera easily accessible so you don't miss those "decisive moment" shots , and take heaps and heaps of photos (it's free!)

Regarding the lens, I think it really depends on your shooting style, I remember a guy who posted he took most pics on a 70-200mm range. I personally use the kit lens a lot, and most of the time on the wide angle side.

Sometimes, it's worth showing the LCD to the people you photograph, so they can quickly see their photo - it might make them more comfy to pose, or incite his/her mates to let you photograph them. It works very well in developping countries, though one has to be careful when it's adequate to flash the camera like this! (on the contrary, I sometimes disable the automatic LCD display of the photo taken).

Most important, take it easy, setbacks are part of travelling so "no worries mate" as we say downunder, and have tons of fun!

Oh, and for those Aussies who'd like to have a taste of "Amsterdam cookies", there is always the possibility to head up to Nimbin for a week-end

Link.

[birddog114]

I am sure my next trip to Europe I will do independantly. This is perfect for the wife and I, because we really want to see everything. We have limited time because of work. So the tour was perfect.

I will take many pictures that's a gaurantee. I love digital, there's just no limit (sort of). My goal is to come back witha POTW. If I can do that, I'll be very happy. Yes I am brining a tripod. Regarding the bag, I bought a mini trekker and it might be too big, I dunno. I also have an Orion trekker that I was thinking of using instead, but it doesn't have the tripod holder.

Neeper,
You'll learn about the tour soon, it's similar to the boot camp!
Not a relaxing mode anyway! you can't do your own things and they won't give you much time to explore, by the end of the day, you're the "dead meat" just want to get into your bed and sleep.
Extra meals and excursions during the tour organized by Contiki are most the ripped off, and end of the tour they ask you the "tips" for both driver and tour guide who gave you the sh*t time during the trip.
We have been down that road twice and never do it again!

Honestly, you're the first I have heard of that says the tour sucks. Everyone I've talked to recommended it to me. I have had close friends go and had the time of their lives. The tour is what you make it. If you go in with a negative attitude, then the tour will suck. Many people make new friends on the tour, so meeting Australians and Kiwis will be very interested. Since it's my first time to Europe, I have no idea what to do. I read all the places they take you to, to see and it's something I felt was good enough for me. If there are places I like very much, I will visit them again, on my own time in the future. As for the extra food optionals, I am aware which ones suck and which ones are worth it. I have a list given by friends. As for tipping, I live in a soceity where tipping is the custom. I know you guy there do not tip. But here we tip for good service. Something that's in North American culture. If the guide and driver do a great job, I will tip well. I tip for good service only. If they suck, I won't be tipping.

Neeper,
You'll meet lot of friends in your tour, the reason I stated earlier was the tour never gave us time to relax and enjoying much, they rushed and mostly sitting on the coach all day with few stops, something we want to explore which we can't. Something we want to stop for a photo which we also can't, or saw something interesting and want to spend more time, then you can't.
When you mixed in with the group, it's harder for you to live by yourself, you might have some good or bad people around or someone which you don't like their attitude but you have to share the same coach, sometimes same row of seat not one or two days but in couple weeks.
6:00am wake up and rushed to have breakfast and ready for the day, then lunch, in the evening at some destinations, they provided foods, over cooked, cold steaks and sometimes garbage. By the time you finished dinner, too late for wandering around town to explore.
I came from N. America continent, tipping is always my habits, even here in Australia, I do it very often, same as in my travelling but the annoying of the tour guides, it seems they forced us to do it at the end.
If I do it again, I'll have my hire car and visit just one or two regions which I want and spend more time to explore, taking photos, mix in with the local, enjoying the trip.
You'll experience!

[gstark]

I'm surprised Wash DC made your public transport list Gary - tell me more. I'm heading to the east coast of the US mere days after my HK return. DC is on my list of places to visit.

Onyx,

DC is largely modelled on Paris, and has an underground rail system called, IIRC, M, with a good array of stations including the airports, the downtown areas, Georgetown, and outlying regions.

I'd be staying in Georgetown (near GWU, and with lots of restaurants) and areas of interest, such as the Smithsonian, are probably just 15 minutes away by M.

Whatever time you're currently planning for the Smithsonian, the good word is to double it.

Lindy and I are trying to plan a trip to EU and US within the September/October timeframe, and a few days in DC is a possibility for us as well.

[gstark]

The cities where this doesn't happen are those with magbloodynificent public transport systems - London...

What day did that happen? I think I missed it.

The tube systems works (mostly) but don't overlook the taxicabs.

[stormygirl]

Hi Neeper,

The first time I went to Europe I did a Trafalgar Tour. It wasn't bad, in the fact that you do get driven around and taken to all the touristy places that you would most likely see, BUT, it is very limiting.

Up early in the morning, very quick breakfast and then shoved on a coach ready for your next destination with hardly any free time to see the things you really WANT to see. I missed out on so much, that 2 years later I was back doing it all on our own with a Eurail pass and as much free time as we wanted!

Besides that, though, you WILL have a ball, and you will see some wonderful things, and of course will be left wanting more! And no matter what, unfortunately on those tours, you will look like a tourist!!

BE CAREFUL!! Do not put your bag down ANYWHERE, or leave your wallet in your back pocket-you will find it GONE! I had all my money and passport/documents/tickets in a bum bag I wore UNDER my clothing, so no one knew it was there!

I did have an 'incident' in Rome on a busy main road where I had my camers bag slung over my neck and shoulder, and a hand on the strap, and a can of drink in the other hand. 2 gypsy kids came up to me, one shoved an old tatty newspaper at me so I would take it (which I didn't!), while the other went behind me to try and pick pocket me. The one with the newspaper grabbed my hand with the can of drink in it. I yanked it away and shouted 'F*** OFF'! It was all over with in about 2 seconds and they ran away empty handed. Thankfully!!

You do really need to be careful, and have your wits about you AT ALL TIMES!

Have a fabulous time, and really looking forward to seeing some fantastic photos, and hearing your experiences! GOOD LUCK!!

[dooda]

I too was impressed with the London Public transit. Liked it better than NYC even, (although London's wasn't quite as photogenic imo). I would say a tour is a good thing for the first time, hit all of the big major touristy spots, you're not going to get a really authentic experience anyways unless you stay put somewhere and mix with the locals for a couple of months. They'll steal your undies if you wear them too loose so strap everything tight, put an elastic band around your wallet or attach it, and pack brass knuckles so that you've got a leg up.

I lived in the south of France for a while and Highly recommend Carcassone. The largest European fortified city. It is a must see.

If you absolutely have to have an authentic European experience get your camera stolen...no that would be the authentic tourist experience, beg your pardon.

[hedge]

Neeper,

Just went to Egypt myself and on the strenght of what i discovered there i've got a few suggestions. Apologies if it is too long winded!

Buy a wideangle lens if you can. I got a sigma 12-24 from Birddog here. Used it about half the time. Mind blowing if you have a film camera also

Take a small telephoto. I had a 70-200 vr which i rarely used due to size. Also had a $50 80-200 i bought off ebay which stayed on a lot. Rarely used the kit lens. Helps to be familiar with each before you go if you can (which i wasn't).

I only took a mini tripod - an ultrapod that you can strap to railings etc. I almost took a full tripod but it would have barely been used. My travel companions were annoyed enough waiting for the odd shots i took on the mini tripod.

I took a lowepro bumbag (sideline shooter) for day to day use and kept the rest of my gear locked up in my suitcase. I carried the camera and either a wide or long lens on my neck and the other lens, sb-800 and memory card wallet (plus bits and pieces) were in the bumbag. I also slung it over my shoulder/chest a lot as this is often convenient.

Take an image storage device of some sort. I used an X-drive thing which worked well. I also had cards burnt to CD where possible incase it died (it was only new and i didn't trust it). Also allows you to shoot RAW without worrying about space filling up too fast.

Important ones --> Travel as light as possible, fill flash is wonderful, don't always stress about taking the next perfect photo - make sure you sometimes leave the camera on the bus and relax, take heaps of photos with friends etc in them - they always make for goodies when you get home.

Finally, if you're worried about someone cutting your camera strap (which i've heard of) you can buy metal cored straps from a mob called pac-safe i think. The ultimate for saftey freaks!

have a ball mate,

adam

[leek]

Welcome back Adam... Can't wait to see some of your photos from Egypt...

[hedge]

cheers mate, got about a 1000 NEFs to sort through - Urgh!