THE WORLD IN FOCUS

True to our photo-rich website theme, GET THE PICTURE travel, we are proud to introduce our newest Blog within a Blog. THE WORLD IN FOCUS. We’ll be regularly posting our favorite images from our travels around the world on this site, so log in often to get a dose of the world’s beauty, captured through our camera lens, to brighten your day.

River Cruise Reveries

Ehrenfels castle ruins are perched high on a cliff overlooking the Rhine River. Once a 13th-century fortress, today it is home to a hotel and museum. Photo taken from top deck of Viking Edgir while on a river cruise from Basel, Switzerland to the Netherlands. © Karin Pezo

True to our photo-rich website theme, GET THE PICTURE travel, we are proud to introduce our newest contributor, Karin Pezo, who will share her exceptional photo images from her world travels in our new “The World in Focus” column.

@vikingcruises @vikingcruises360 #myvikingstory #myvikingjourney #myvikingcruise

Sometimes inclement weather makes for spectacular photos. As we were touring the picturesque island of Mykonos Greece on our Viking Cruise shore excursion a few years ago, dark storm clouds rolled in with heavy rain. A few minutes later, the skies parted and a rainbow cast its glory over the Viking Sky. ©Joanne DiBona Photography

@vikingcruises #myvikingstory #myvikingjourney #myvikingcruise #visitMykonos

View on the magnificent Geiranger Fjord from the observation deck above. The fjord is one of Norway’s most visited tourist sites and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. © Tony DiBona Photography

@vikingcruises #myvikingstory #myvikingjourney #myvikingcruise #visitNorway

Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of 19 windmills built around 1740. The rural location is a living testament to how the Dutch have learned to control water for their benefit for over 1,000 years. A visit to Kinderdijk is usually part of a Viking River Cruise tour on the way to Amsterdam. © Karin Pezo

@vikingcruises #myvikingstory #myvikingjourney #myvikingcruise #Kinderdijk

HOW TO TAKE YOUR BEST GOLDEN HOUR PHOTOS ON YOUR TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD

Do you love photography? If so, check out our article published today on 10BEST.COM that gives you some tips as to how to capture your best images (by phone or camera) during your travels. Happy shooting!

View on the magnificent Kauai sunset from a Holo Holo Charter boat.

GO BACK IN TIME AND EXPLORE HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

No, it isn’t Europe. It’s Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, where you can discover the history and architectural wonders of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park © Joanne & Tony DiBona Photography

Explore our recent post on USATODAY10Best for a photo essay of what awaits you in this historic town.

For an entire photo gallery of our exceptional experience here, as well as in all the other lovely West Virginia destinations we discovered along the way, log onto our WEST VIRGINIA PHOTO GALLERY.

We wish you happy travels as life gets back to normal in 2022!

In West Virginia

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NEWEST GEAR FOR TRAVELING PHOTOGRAPHERS

As travel photographers for the past 20+ years, we are always open to suggetions as to what gear is the newest and greatest (not to speak of what is the lightest!)

When it comes to travel photography, your gear can make or break the quality of your images. Though some individuals believe that camera equipment doesn’t matter, photographer Clifford Oto clarifies that having the right gear can make a world of difference. He states you’ll need a sturdy tripod that can steady your camera as you use slow shutter speeds and small apertures to capture landscapes as you travel. Meanwhile, if you want to take a picture of a building from the ground, you’ll need to switch to a wide-angle lens to create a distortion.

In short, experienced photographers understand that they need certain equipment to capture images in the best way possible. So, if you’re planning to get into travel photography, here are some must-haves to have on hand:

CAMERA

When choosing a camera, it’s important to consider whether its features and weight are suitable for traveling. The good news is that there is a wide selection of cameras to choose from. But travel photographers usually bring a set of lightweight cameras so they can take diverse shots without being weighed down by their gear. For instance, the Canon EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera weighs 660g, but it provides advanced optical technologies and supports different types of lenses. Meanwhile, the Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Camera weighs 650g. Plus, it has extraordinary sensitivity and enhanced image processing systems. Consider what type of photographs you want to take on your trip. Do you want close-ups of nature or wide, sweeping shots of the landscape? Figuring this out will help you pick the best camera for you.

LENS

After choosing your camera models, you need to consider the lenses you want to bring. Lenses can take up a lot of space and add to the weight of your gear. This is why you need to choose the ones that are most suitable for your preferred subjects. To illustrate, this list of camera lenses recommends the Canon 24 mm f/2.8 STM as a small prime lens that is optimal for crisp and bright images of people, landscapes, and streetscapes. On the other hand, the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM lens is suitable for difficult lighting conditions and better depth of field control, making it great for fast-paced and precise shots in even low-light conditions.

TRIPOD

Tripods are a must for travel photographers since they can provide stability while you’re using slow-speed exposure or even telephoto lenses. However, travel photographers need to look for lightweight yet sturdy tripods that will be easy to carry around as you explore different areas. For instance, carbon fiber tripods are a bit on the expensive side but are lighter inbuilt, and sturdier than most tripods. On the other hand, aluminum tripods are a bit on the cheaper side, but you’ll be sacrificing the sturdiness. You also need to look into tripod heads, since they can affect the attachment of your camera to your tripod.

PROTECTIVE GEAR

Anything can happen while you’re on the road, which is why you need protective gear to keep your camera safe. If you’re going to a location with cold weather, you need to pay special attention to your camera equipment so you can keep it warm and dry when shooting outdoors. This guide to cold weather photography emphasizes that you need a waterproof camera cover to protect your gear against snow and rain. An airtight hard case can also prevent your camera, lenses, and batteries from taking damage while outdoors since extremely low temperatures can damage your gear. Finally, camera holsters or camera bags serve as safe storage for when your cameras aren't in use. Just be sure to pack them snugly to prevent any mishaps.

When it comes to traveling photography, you'll need the right gear to get the best quality for your shots and to protect your equipment as you take photos outdoors. For more tips on travel photography check out our articles. Our resources will help you find the best gear, locations, and tips for your next shoot.

©Joanne DiBona

USATODAY 10BEST HIGHLIGHTS OUR VIKING CRUISE "TOUR OF ROME" EXCURSION

Our virtual tour of the natural beauty and ancient history of Rome, experienced during our December 2019 unforgettable sail onboard the Viking Ocean Cruise ship, the Viking Sky, is now featured on the USATODAY 10Best website. The "Cities of Antiquity & The Holy Land" itinerary brought us to ancient and stunningly beautiful destinations around the Mediterranean. For a look at the photos we collected during this visit to Rome, please log into our ROME GALLERY. Enjoy this photo journey of the unforgettable sites of antiquity, and the breathtaking scenery, you can experience onboard this incomparable VIKING CRUISE.

View on the Vatican in Rome

Enjoy the Beauty of the Pacific Northwest on this USATODAY 10BEST Virtual Tour

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area stretches for eighty miles across the states of Washington and Oregon, and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy a photo gallery of this amazing journey, in fall of last year, on the Uncruise Adventures ship, The Legacy. We couldn't get enough of the photo opportunities that presented themselves as we explored this wild and magnificent part of the United States on this magical sail.

See the full photo gallery on USATODAY 10Best

Check out the full gallery of photos at: http://bit.ly/ColumbiaRiverphotos

Multnomah Falls © Tony DiBona Photography

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE MAGNIFICENT ISLAND OF KAUAI

The island of Kauai is one of the eight major islands that make up the Hawaiian Islands. Known as the "Garden Isle" because of its lush, tropical vegetation, Kauai boasts such natural wonders such as Waimea Canyon State Park known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," as well as the stunning Na Pali Coast which offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities in a wild natural setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, biking, horse-back riding, and more. There is also a rich cultural heritage that can be explored at various sites across the island.

Enjoy this virtual tour of Kauai on 10BEST.COM and for inspiration for your next trip, check out our entire gallery of KAUAI on our photography site.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE ANCIENT ISLAND OF SICILY

Sicily offers an endless number of unforgettable experiences to the visitor who ventures out to this ancient isle, the largest island in the Mediterranean and home to the formidable Mt. Etna, Europe's largest volcano. Sicily’s varied and awe-inspiring landscapes reflect the many cultures that ruled this land over the millennia. Here you’ll see the ruins from the countless civilizations that invaded Sicily: from the Greeks to Romans, to the Arabs and Normans. Each civilization left its indelible mark on Sicily’s landscape and culture. It is a land of enchantment, and a perfect destination for travelers seeking a destination that combines a wide range of outstanding visitor amenities with an unparalleled historic experience.

Enjoy this virtual tour of Sicily on 10BEST.COM or MSN.COM and for inspiration for your next trip, check out our entire gallery of ITALY on our photography site.

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ONE OF THE LARGEST CASINOS IN AMERICA

Even if you are not a gambler, there is so much to see and do at this spectacular Southern California casino resort that it is definitely worth a visit. Got kids in tow? The amazing pool complex will delight toddlers to teens. Love wine? The casino is a perfect launching spot to tour the renowned Temecula Valley wine country and its many picturesque wineries.

Explore Pechanga’s many attractions on our USATODAY10BEST GALLERY

View our TEMECULA PHOTO GALLERY for scenes of Pechanga Resort Casino and the Temecula wine country.

TRAVELING TO HAWAII THIS SUMMER? HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR THINGS TO SEE AND DO ON EACH ISLAND

If you are planning a vacation to the Hawaiian Islands this summer, you may want to take a peek at our AAA article for suggestions of things to see and do on each island, especially if you are a first-time traveler to this tropical paradise.

This article, published in the AAA Southern and Midwest Traveler magazines, offers suggestions about what to see and do for the first-time traveler to the Hawaiian Islands on Oahu, Molokai, Kauai, Maui, Lanai, and the Island of Hawaii.

We guarantee you will get some inspiration from our HAWAII PHOTO GALLERY for original photos of the islands taken by Joanne and Tony DiBona.

For the ultimate in island exploration, consider a cruise experience around the islands. Check our our USATODAY 10BEST photo gallery of our memorable voyage aboard UNCRUISE ADVENTURES

Happy trip planning!

PERFECT FATHER'S DAY GIFTS FOR THE TRAVELING DAD

As Father’s Day approaches each year, many of you will again be at a loss to come up with that perfect gift for your special Dad. If your father loves to travel, you’re in luck, as there is always something he can use to make his travels more comfortable and efficient.

Since our father travels all year round, it didn’t take too much thought to come up with some travel-related products to make his life on the road easier.

This is not your Dad’s Old “Leisure Suit” —Hip combines with comfort for a great style

It’s always a challenge to find a comfortable travel garment that will take you from a long flight to your destination--and make you look stylish each step of the way.  The venerable San Francisco-based Mission Workshop has specialized in a wide variety of travel gear, clothing, and other products for more than 20 years.

They just introduced the Blackwell High Performance Track Jacket & Pant which features a unique vapor management system that doesn’t have the “clingy” feel of traditional moisture wicking garments. While ideal for runners, it is also perfect for the frequent traveler, as it has a high degree of tailoring and design that will provide comfort and style in every airline class, from coach to business to first.

Its 4-way stretch makes it a perfect travel outfit where comfort is concerned, and the state-of-the-art vapor management never washes out. Both the jacket and pants have several zippered pockets, so you’ll always have a secure spot for your passport and valuables. Dad especially loved the comfortable elastic waistband with drawstring on the pants, especially after enjoying a bountiful meal or two on his travels.

Oh, and did I mention it is wrinkle-resistant and doesn’t mind being repeatedly stuffed in a bag or back pack?

Pops never looked so good on the road!

In Vino Veritas

Dad’s parents came from Sicily, so we never go wrong giving our Papa Italian wines. He especially loves Prosecco, known in Italy as “The Welcome Wine” and we found just the right wines for him, the Mionetto bubblies, which include Prestige Brut , Prestige Rosé Extra Dry ,and Luxury Cartizze DOCG which we will open on Father’s Day in a few weeks. Salute!

A Place for Everything, Where Everything is Safe

If your father is the active type, he will definitely appreciate the gift of Pelican’s new waterproof case designed for protecting personal valuables in any conditions. The Go Case is a watertight storage case for electronics, cell phones, keys, and more. The case is crush proof, dust proof and actually, everything proof.

There are two sizes to select from. The one we bought Dad, as he has a Samsung Note 9, is a G40 model (10.6” X 5.4” by 2.4”).

So if your father likes to engage in water sports of any type, fish, hike, or be the great adventurer, these strong cases will ensure that his items are kept dry and safe even in the most adverse of circumstances.  

Certainly better than another tie for Dad, this protective case keeps on giving wherever his travels take him!

We’re In La Loop

I recently wrote about one of my favorite travel accessories, the La Loop eyeglass holder.

One day I was waxing poetic about it when Dad mentioned that he, too, was always losing his glasses on his many trips, and needed a place to secure his shades instead of in his shirt or waistband. I gave him a pre-Father’s Day present of a La Loop holder for men as he was off on an Amazon cruise. He reported that it was the best gift ever, as he got used to securing his sunglasses on the loop when he didn’t need them.

I bought him the black sports La Loop and it was the best $25 I ever spent, to be honest—and Dad definitely agrees.

JOANNE'S TRAVEL PICS: STYLISH EYEGLASS HOLDERS, LIGHTWEIGHT RAIN WRAP, & MORE

Viva La LOOP—no more lost glasses!

My La LOOP Lady in Gold arrived in its own beautiful pouch. What a wonderful pre-Mother’s Day present!

I wish I had a list of all the sunglasses I’ve lost on my travels over the years. Most recently, I dropped my Gucci sunglasses while hiking over the cliffs of the Shetland Islands; my Maui Jims plopped into the waves as I leaned over the railing on a cruise; and my Dolce & Gabbanas met their end when they fell from my head as I was photographing the Grand Canyon. Trust me, propping your sunglasses on your head or stuffing them in your clothing, doesn’t quite provide the security you need to protect those expensive shades.

Those standard schoolmarm eyeglass holders were no solution, as not only were they unattractive, they constantly got tangled in my camera strap—to my constant annoyance.

This is why I was so excited when I learned about La LOOP, a company that specializes in stylish and functional eyeglass holders.

There are a wide variety of lovely styles and materials available at all price ranges, but my eyes lit up when I discovered the LADY IN GOLD.  I knew this lovely design would take me through all sorts of press trips, from casual to formal.

Thanks to my daughter and family for an early, and much appreciated, Mother’s Day gift.

Comfy, and Effective, Eye Mask

I’m always on the quest for travel items that help provide comfort during the long hours we spend strapped in airline seats.  Eye masks are crucial for me, not only on the plane but in hotel rooms, as I simply can’t sleep if there is ambient light in my vicinity.

 I can recommend the Manta Mask for a variety of reasons. The mask is super comfortable and boasts deeply molded eye cups, so your eyelashes have no contact with your mask, no matter what. This is so important for us ladies if we’ve applied full makeup on a business trip and just want a few quick winks on the plane without disturbing our makeup. The mask offers a super soft fabric and 100 percent black out, which makes it a wonderful traveling companion on long, transcontinental flights.

These Gloves Got You Covered

No matter what time of year, it is cold somewhere on this earth and you may need a pair of good gloves to fight off the chill while having the oh-so-necessary ability to operate your cell phone’s touch screen.

Photo courtesy @falzuh

We tested out the touchscreen gloves from Mujjo both on a frigid trip to New York City in January, as well as an equally cold trip to the Grand Canyon just a few weeks ago.

The gloves provided an excellent degree of warmth, but their forte was being able to easily operate a cell phone and camera with the excellent touchscreen tabs provided on the glove’s tips.

When It Rains……

My home in Southern California has been hit with unprecedented rainfall this winter, and so I have had the opportunity to try out the innovative RAINRAPS “Pashmina for the Elements.” The wrap, which is super lightweight and water-repellent, has taken me through a few major downpours. It is without doubt a practical alternative to traditional bulky rain gear, is fast drying, and reversible too.

Best thing is, I still looked fashionable while staying dry. My RAINRAP is going to be a packing staple when I travel to wetter climes around the world, especially since it will take up very little room in my carry-on (the only way I travel, incidentally).

WE'LL TAKE MANHATTAN--EVEN IF ONLY FOR 12 HOURS

A work-related conference brought us to Manhattan the end of January. We knew we would only have 12 hours, at the most, to tour the city on our own. We definitely needed to find the perfect place to stay to make the best of this opportunity to photograph Manhattan as well we could, given our time restraints.

After much research, we settled on the ROW NYC . This hip and affordably-priced hotel sits in the bull’s eye of Manhattan’s most famous locales, including the Empire State Building, Broadway theaters, Times Square, 5th Avenue shopping, and Penn Station, just to name a few.

Even check-in is a colorful experience at The Row NYC © Joanne DiBona Photography

Azuki, one of the vendors in City Kitchen, served up an exceptional sushi platter. © Tony DiBona Photography

An added bonus to our stay at the Row NYC was the proximity of CITY KITCHEN, Time Square’s first indoor food market located off the lobby of the hotel. We conveniently enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner at this venue, which offers a wide variety of excellent culinary options—including perhaps one of the best sushi platters we have ever experienced! Seating is casual, but we so enjoyed perching on our stools by the window and watching the excitement of Times Square roll by as we dined.

You may be wondering what you can do in 12 hours on a winter day in Manhattan? The answer is, plenty—and we have an extensive MANHATTAN PHOTO GALLERY to prove it.

Whenever we travel to a destination where a CityPASS is available, we make a point to purchase one prior to departure. Our pass gave us access to six of New York’s top attractions over 9-days, a time period we wished we had the luxury of enjoying on this trip.

Since we awoke to a clear blue winter sky, our first choice was a visit to the observation deck of the Empire State Building. I had last visited as a child, and my husband Tony had never been, so it was an easy decision. Turns out we spent several hours pouring over the many historical displays that detailed the building’s construction and admiring the Art Deco architecture from ceiling to floor. When we finally did get to the observation deck, we spent another several hours photographing the awe-inspiring views of Manhattan from all sides of the platform..

Dusk had fallen by the time we exited the Empire State Building. We strolled for hours down Broadway, past Times Square and through the theatre district, savoring the sights and sounds of the Big Apple. After a nightcap at Row NYC’s cozy District M bar, we fell into bed for a restful night’s sleep.

It was back to business the next day, but those 12 hours were right up there among some of our most memorable visitor experiences.

View from the Empire State Building observation deck. © Joanne DiBona Photography

Joanne's Travel Tips: My First GoPro, a Summer Wrap, a Belt with a Cause, and Living Sand-Less

My New HERO

Okay, I admit it. I'm somewhat of a camera snob. I wouldn't dream of going on a press trip without my Canon SLR and several lenses. For years, fellow journalists have suggested I add a GoPro to my arsenal of equipment, especially for snorkeling, biking, and other adventure shots. It took the loss of two waterproof point-and-shoot cameras (one fell through a slot in a pier as I got of a kayak and another was ruined because the battery enclosure opened up as I was trying to follow a sea lion) and a near accident on a bike ride trying to shoot video with my SLR, to change my mind.

Oh, and the fact that I only had to spend $199 for a HERO GoPro sealed the deal.

I had one of those "what took me so long" moments the first time I packed my new GoPro on a press trip, which happened to be a small ship cruise through Costa Rica and Panama. Between hiking through jungles and snorkling daily in the crystal clear waters, my HERO saw plenty of action. Its miniature size and the many available adapters and holders made it so easy to shoot in a variety of circumstances. HERO features a 2-inch touch display, is waterproof to 30 feet and is extremely durable. A handy voice command makes control and mode changes a snap.

The image quality (especially for a device so small!) was impressive:  HD Video (1440p60 and 1080p60) with normal and wide angle 10MP photo performance. And did I mention that the HERO features video stabilization that helps smooth out the shakes? It even offloads your photos and videos to the GoPro app that creates shareable videos automatically (no more fumbling with your SD card or plugging your camera into a computer), so friends and family can travel right along with you.

The real test came a few days ago, as I was biking through the vineyards of Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley. No more clutching the handle bars with one hand as I try to maintain my balance snapping photos in the other. Thanks to a cool headband, the HERO captured beautiful photos and images, every step (pedal) of the way!

This amazing camera is definitely my new HERO!

It's a Wrap

Now that summer is upon us, your probably aren't thinking of adding a travel wrap to your suitcase unless you are heading to Northern climes. But think again. A lightweight linen wrap can add a stylish touch to your outfit as well as protecting you from the sun or an unexpected chill.

I love the MerSea line of travel wraps, which are a must for a traveler like me, who ONLY takes a carry on, no matter how many weeks I am traveling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belt with a Cause

Tired of being asked to remove your belt when you go through security because there is just a bit of metal on the buckle? If so, consider a Jelt Belt, a retro-inspired, multi-functional belt for everyday use, especially while traveling. The belt consists of super strong, stretchy 100% recycled elastic made from recycled plastic bottles (yes, I too was surprised to learn of yet another product made from plastic bottles!)

The patent-pending design has a low-profile buckle and a non-slip grippy inner gel that holds on tight, keeping the belt in place and your pants on.

Started as a social enterprise, Jelt Belt is committed to social responsibility by donating a portion of their sales to organizations that support veterans, families and the environment. The belts are manufactured in Montana as part of the Women's Prison Montana Correctional Enterprise, giving women prisoners the skills and confidence to live a more productive life when they are released.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIVING Sans Sand

A sandy beach may be beautiful to look at and photograph, but it isn't fun when the fine sand turns your beach bag into a soggy mess. Living here in beautiful San Diego, our family loves to spend time on our region's gorgeous beaches. I've gone through countless numbers of beach bags, but I must say, the CGear Sand-Free backpack stands up as one of the best for keeping our wet towels and swimsuits relatively sand-less after a day at the beach.

The mesh bag can be carried or used as a backpack (which we prefer, especially when we are carrying a heavy cooler). A patented technology allows sand to fall out of the bottom, but prevents it from getting in when you set it down on the beach. While you can't avoid picking up some of those pesky grains during a beach visit, this bag certainly does an excellent job in keeping your experience relatively sand-less.

CGear actually offers a full line of products, from beach mats to footwear, that promise to give you a sand-free life when visiting your favorite strand. 

Disclaimer:  Please note that the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own and will not receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendation. My goal is to share my favorite travel tips with my followers, in an effort to improve the travel experience for all.

Santa Barbara California, Where You Can Enjoy Summer Fun All Winter Long

It’s no wonder that Santa Barbara is lovingly referred to as “The American Riviera.” Nestled 90 minutes north of Los Angeles between the Santa Ynez mountains and the blue Pacific, Santa Barbara’s Old World architecture, dramatic landscapes, and Mediterranean flora are certainly reminiscent of the famous towns along the Côte d'Azur. 

Santa Barbara is a multi-faceted visitor destination that appeals to visitors of all ages and interests. It’s a playground for outdoor activities of all kinds, a feast for the food and wine lover, a mecca for the cultural tourist, a fun family destination, a shopper’s paradise, and the perfect place to rekindle romance and rejuvenate health and spirit. Winter in Santa Barbara is a perfect time to visit, with moderate temps, azure blue skies, fewer crowds, and a laid back vibe.

Check out our SANTA BARBARA photo slide show on USA TODAY 10Best.com to see the charm of one of America's most beautiful and historic cities.

Getting the Best Shot? Here are My Favorite Travel Photography Tips...

I am honored to be designated as USA Today/10 Best's "Travel Photography Expert." I only had 10 words to describe each tip in this list, and I hope these succinct tips can help budding travel photographers get the best shot.. I still use them myself on every shoot.

Getting the Best Shot---USA TODAY/10Best

Photographers Getting Their Best Shot, Galapagos Islands            ©Joanne DiBona