Vacations for photographers

[mrtoml]

As some of you know I am retiring soon. I am planning a few trips over the next few years. I have travelled extensively for work, but never had much time during these trips to do much photography.

What have been your favourite locations for taking your cameras? I am base in the UK where the weather is often terrible so warmer climates are a priority. I am also going to be with my wife so there must be other things to do besides photography 😃

Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Yokosuka Mike]

Well, if you visit Yokohama, Japan you'll have plenty to photograph and I'm sure your wife will have a good time too! Best of all I'll be here to greet you and show you around.

The best way to get here is on a cruise ship; it'll dock right downtown and it'll be so much fun for you and your wife!!! It'll also be so expensive!

See you when you get here!

All the best,
Mike

 

[raydm6]

Hello @mrtoml, I enjoyed photographing during the summer months (August and September) in Paris, Venice, Florence, and Tuscany (especially Sienna and San Gimignano) - not too far from your UK location.

We were lucky to have very warm and gorgeous dry summer weather and the light was very nice! Needless to say; very romantic - beautiful sites, museums, shops, public gardens, and outdoor cafes; and, lots to photograph!

Wishing you safe travels wherever you go!

 

[Canyongazer]

Fly (Gatwick?) to Barcelona, SP. Much to see and do for both you and your wife.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Mexico is nice. You can still climb a pyramid or two, but check first.

 

[Austintatious]

Lots of things to see, do and photograph in Rome !

 

[Retro-Grouch]

The American Southwest has always been a mecca for photographers. I can imagine no climate, terrain, and light more different from those of the UK, with major cities boasting all sorts of cultural attractions (Santa Fe, for example). The culture is vastly different as well; we even still have working cowboys, though more are on ATVs rather than horses. Added bonus: we also speak English, sort of. I made New Mexico my home after spending most of my life in New England, and am in love with the place. Recommended!

 

[mrtoml]

Well, if you visit Yokohama, Japan you'll have plenty to photograph and I'm sure your wife will have a good time too! Best of all I'll be here to greet you and show you around.

The best way to get here is on a cruise ship; it'll dock right downtown and it'll be so much fun for you and your wife!!! It'll also be so expensive!

See you when you get here!

All the best,
Mike

Thank you so much, Mike. Japan is on my list. It would be great to meet you. We are thinking of going to another stop along the way. Maybe Hong Kong or Malaysia.

I have been to Japan a few times, but only once for a holiday. I used to be a bit of a Japanophile and actually got quite good with the language at one stage (although I have forgotten most of it now).

I actually spent a day in Yokohama once. A Japanese friend took me to Chinatown and we had Chinese food there. This was back in the 90s so a while ago. It would be nice to revisit.

Best,
Mark

 

[mrtoml]

Hello @mrtoml, I enjoyed photographing during the summer months (August and September) in Paris, Venice, Florence, and Tuscany (especially Sienna and San Gimignano) - not too far from your UK location.

We were lucky to have very warm and gorgeous dry summer weather and the light was very nice! Needless to say; very romantic - beautiful sites, museums, shops, public gardens, and outdoor cafes; and, lots to photograph!

Wishing you safe travels wherever you go!

Great suggestions. I am going to Italy in September. This is going to be our first trip. I have been several times before, but never had much time for photography. This time we are thinking of Sardinia or Sicily. And maybe getting in Corsica too.

 

[mrtoml]

Fly (Gatwick?) to Barcelona, SP. Much to see and do for both you and your wife.

It is really cheap to fly to Barcalona from here (Manchester has direct flights). I definitely will return there at some stage. It is a great place, but not in the summer. It is very pleasant early in the year. Not too crowded and not cold at all. Again I have worked there a couple of times, but no time for photography.

 

[mrtoml]

Mexico is nice. You can still climb a pyramid or two, but check first.

We are planning a trip to Latin America. My wife is Chilean and I have been there a few times. She want to go back. I had not considered Mexico or central America so I will ask her what she thinks. We had not decided on a country.

 

[mrtoml]

The American Southwest has always been a mecca for photographers. I can imagine no climate, terrain, and light more different from those of the UK, with major cities boasting all sorts of cultural attractions (Santa Fe, for example). The culture is vastly different as well; we even still have working cowboys, though more are on ATVs rather than horses. Added bonus: we also speak English, sort of. I made New Mexico my home after spending most of my life in New England, and am in love with the place. Recommended!

I would really like to visit that part of the USA. I have been to other parts, but mainly big Cities. We were also thinking of New Orleans.

 

[davidswiss]

I'd agree with the Tuscany, lots to see and lots to do.
I'd also recommend the Engadin (Switzerland). Stay close to the italian border and you can enjoy the scenery and good food (much cheaper over the border). I don't believe you can ever get enough of Italy and the alps in the Engadin are spectacular. Go in June or September.
Actually, Austria is close enough to include in any trip to that part of Europe.
Good luck with the trip.

 

[Tim Murphy]

As some of you know I am retiring soon. I am planning a few trips over the next few years. I have travelled extensively for work, but never had much time during these trips to do much photography.

What have been your favourite locations for taking your cameras? I am base in the UK where the weather is often terrible so warmer climates are a priority. I am also going to be with my wife so there must be other things to do besides photography 😃

Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Dear mrtomi,

I have a longtime friend who lives in Florida that is currently vacationing in Iceland with his wife. The weather is nothing like even the worst of Florida weather, but he is enjoying the trip immensely and taking wonderful pictures. There is beauty to be found everywhere 24/7/365.

But if you would prefer warmer climates and sunnier weather, I would respectfully suggest the American Rockies or the American Desert Southwest, perhaps even New England and coastal Maine? The scenery is spectacular in all of those places, though it varies seasonally. The Rocky Mountain region and the desert Southwest feature many parks where you can wander and shoot as you see fit. Late September through early October are great times to visit all the areas I mentioned.

I'm sure you will get better suggestions than mine, but they are all places that I have visited and hope one day to revisit.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg PA

 

[Rayt]

Where have you been and would you want to return for a photography holiday? What type of subject matter do you photograph? People, animals, plants, buildings? I like shooting decrepit buildings in the American Southwest and for street type photography I like South and SE Asia. For posh holidays I like Italy.

 

[neal3k]

I have travelled to many countries around the world and truly enjoyed visiting all of them - in Europe, Asia and South America. But I have to confirm Retro Grouch's comments about the desert southwest of the US for a really different experience. I've been to most of the Western National Parks and only wish I had started when I was younger. Old buildings, ghost towns, and especially natural landscapes are so varied. I have even visited Death Valley 4 times now and think it is even better than the Sahara and I have been there twice.

 

[Darthfeeble]

First go to Italy, then go to Italy, and after that go to Italy. I liked Italy by the way. How much time do you want to spend on a trip. You are in a perfect position to just wander all over Europe, my dream trip but I waited too long and now I'm too old and feeble. What ever you do don't put it off.

 

[Out to Lunch]

For starters...

The Netherlands - the Northern Islands, especially Schiermonnikoog which is car-free;
Germany - the Northern coastline and Islands;
Western European cities, in no particular order: Amsterdam, Berlin, Geneva, Budapest, Prague;
Central Europe - Hungary, Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovina;
South-East Asia - Vietnam, a photographer's paradise not yet overrun by tourists;
Canada - Montreal, Quebec, and many National Parks to choose from.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I have traveled for work since 1995 to 2017. I regret to start taking pictures before, after work only from 2007.

Entire countries and locations have changed, but I don't documented it

To me best locations for vacation with photography are Manhatten, Montreal and Moscow.

Visited, Surrey UK, for work around ten years ago and it's surroundings were awesome for photography with next to nobody in the frame. Highest level of civilization compared to no taste, no heritage, but only profit GTA.

 

[x-ray]

Italy certainly is a wonderful place but I never can get enough of the western states, national parks. For a totally unique visit I highly recommend Yellowstone Wyoming, the Grand Tetons and Glacier National Park. Also consider the Petrified Forest and Grand Canyon in Arizona.