Compact v SLR cameras

I recently returned from a safari trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. With so many fantastic photo opportunities I was clicking away constantly. However on my return home I was slightly disappointed with the quality of the pictures.

Back in the days of film cameras (remember those!) I used to take a bulky SLR camera with me. (a Canon EOS 500) It was a great camera and I took loads of fantastic photos with it. However what let it down was its sheer size and weight. When I got my first compact digital camera I never looked back and my SLR has been languishing in a draw collecting dust ever since.

At the moment I am weighing up the pros and cons of splashing out on a new digital SLR. These are my thoughts on the merits or otherwise of travelling with a SLR:

Pros

1. The ability to manipulate your pictures is far greater plus they cope better with different light conditions and depth of field. Those shots of beautiful sunsets are so much more vibrant.

2. Zoom - Particuarly with animal shots compacts often loose the definition on high zoom.

3. Kudos - You look more professional!

Cons

1. Size and weight - Even high end SLR's are pretty bulky. They certainly don't fit in your pocket!

2. Sign of visible wealth - Particularly when travelling in poorer countries it is an obvious sign you are carrying something expensive and worth stealing.

3. You may find yourself having nerdy conversations about lenses and filters with other SLR owners. Not a good way to attract the ladies!

4. The photos can take longer to set up and because it is a more intense process you find yourself looking through the view finder as opposed to enjoying the moment.

I've been wrestling with indecision for several years since SLR's fell into my price bracket back in 2006. I am still not convinced that I won't travel with my compact as well but I think for my next trip I will be accompanied with a new shiny SLR!! Let's hope it doesn't get stolen...

Skiing - Can it be a budget holiday?

Short answer - No - especially for Brits with a weak pound at the moment.

However there are ways to cut costs:-

1. All inclusive holidays - Action Outdoors is a good place to start. The food, accommodation and ski equipment is a bit basic but often cheaper than you can arrange independently.

2. Last minute/off-season deals - If you are flexible with dates sometimes there are last minute bargains for flights and accommodation to be scooped up using sites like lastminute.com and Expedia.

3. Discounted ski passes - A huge part of the expense of a skiing holiday is the ski pass. However certain resorts offer discounted passes. For example Val D'Isere offer a VIP pass or Eco pass which if booked online 15 days prior to departure gives you a 10% discount.

4. Packed lunches! - Eating up a mountain comes at a premium. Prices are often eye-watering and if the weather is fair there are plenty of spectacular spots on the sides of pistes to picnic.

5. Take food with you - If self-catering, supermarkets in resort know they have a captive market so you might find yourself spending £5 on some Weetabix or £2.50 on a tin of beans! It seems over the top but this can make a real difference to your total spend.

6. Cheap resorts - How about Bulgaria or Slovenia...? A good option particularly for beginners but make sure you do your research. You don't want to get stuck somewhere that is a combination of building site and no snow...!

Airport lounges

Writing this blog sat in Geneva airport waiting for a bus got me thinking about the hours I have suffered in transit holed up in uncomfortable airports. In comparison Geneva is relatively pleasant.

I don't know much about architecture but even an ignoramus like me can see the difference that has occurred in airport lounges over recent years. Gone are the loud clashing colours of the 1980's carpets designed to hide dirt, blood and vomit and in their place are sleek lines made of gleaming steel with plenty of use of natural light and air.

Airports have seemed to move from purely functional places towards calm tranquil environments designed to make you willingly part with your money at the numerous retail outlets on offer. Some airports are head and shoulders above others. At Zadar, Croatia recently I felt like I was sitting in an exclusive VIP club whilst waiting to board my flight. In contrast Gatwick North Terminal, whilst vastly improved remains like a cattle market on a busy Friday night!

I guess, if I happen to be marooned my favourite airports tend to reflect their countries culture rather than being neutral environments ensuring you are in a holiday spirit at all times.

Voluntourism

I was recently fortunate enough to be between jobs which meant having a bit of spare time on my hands. Split between going on a great holiday and adding a little something extra to my CV I decided to volunteer for a project in Zambia for a month.

A huge number of companies have sprung up to cater for the needs of the more altruistic tourists who go on holiday not only to lie on the beach but also perhaps to build local schools or teach local children.

It can be an extremly rewarding experience if you go with the right company. Just make sure you do your research - some are definately better than others.

Projects tend to break down into the following categories:

Environmental
Teaching/Education
Sports
Medical
Long-term Infrastructure

It is wise and sensible to choose a project that matches your skills and current aspirations. Alongside this I found the location a key decision maker. Although you are likely to be working pretty hard Monday to Friday often the weekends are your own. I wanted to pick a destination where I could make the most of my spare time - Zambia certainly ticked this box and I would thoroughly recommend it as a destination for volunteer work.

I've come back to the UK full of enthusiasm and ready for my next challenge. To be honest I'm not sure that the people I was ostensibly out there to help benefited as much from me being there as perhaps I benefited from the experience but working so closely with people in abject poverty has given me a fresh insight and new understanding for which I am most grateful.