Where Would You Go?

The advantage is the wide range of cameras you can find & see in person in one city. Financial advantage fades quickly when we buy something sight unseen & then it requires service. If you are a camera geek, Tokyo is a joy. Black paint models, Leica & Nikons....lenses galore. I always feel like a kid in a candy store there
 
Round the World This Fall-Suggestions?

Round the World This Fall-Suggestions?

I am in the initial stages of planning a 4-6 month round the world trip. I will probably be leaving at the end of September (airfares drop significantly). I have no ties left in the US (selling house and no debt) and I have a very good retirement income (33 years working for US government).

Presently, I plan on Japan, Korea, Philippines, Malaysia overland to Thailand, India, Israel/Jordan, Italy overland through Europe, and then home. I hope to use only carry on luggage but may need to purchase a bit of winter clothing by the time I reach Israel.

My photo equipment will probably be all digital with a Leica MP240 as the main camera. I will either take 25,35 and 90 focal lengths or just leave the 25 at home. Both the 35 and 90 are small and light. I have just preordered a Ricoh GR3 for backup but it also gives me a 28 FOV. It all fits nicely in a Hadley Small. I hope to write a blog (not video) and post photos and story as I go. Need to exercise the brain so I stay sharp.

So, I am looking for suggestions on places to visit. I have done a lot of international travel in my 66 years, especially during the last ten since I have been retired. But let me hear your favorite destinations and why.

Also, I am looking for suggestions on non photographic gear. What do you think is essential for travel? And my main computer is a seven or eight year old MacBook Pro. I need something much lighter but with the capability to post photos. I know nothing about computers and may be the oldest analog dinosaur around. It does not have to be an Apple product.

Thanks!
 
Just a few of suggestions.

For India Pune is one of the nicer destinations. No big sites, but they have trees and land. There is also wine country nearby (e.g., Sula vineyards) and actually pretty decent. There are also badlands like mountain formations close by.

For Europe my favorite region is the French/Italian Alps. Chamonix is a key place to visit. The drive from Gap to Briancon, France has some amazing villages and Roman outposts along the way (Ruta Napolean). Stop in Corps at the Hotel de La Poste for an amazing and reasonable alpine style gourmet meal. If you like religious shrines, La Salette is adjacent to Corps, and has amazing alpine views, especially if you hike up from the Basillica. In Italy Assisi is amazing.

If you are going to do RAW processing you may want to consider an upgrade to your laptop, but you probably know what you need.

La Salette

LaSallette Basillica in Snow by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr

Corps

Corps France by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr
 
For the past several years, I have used the Red Oxx Skytrain as my main carry-on bag.
I recommend it.

You also might anticipate that on certain internal flights you may have to check your carry-on bag, though you will be able to bring your camera bag on. For instance, when I took a budget airline from Saigon to Hanoi, I had had to check the Skytrain.

I have the Hadley small pro, now, but at the time only had the Hadley Pro, which I find a bit too big for everyday street shooting. What I did then was use the Hadley Pro as my second carry-on item, and had my camera equipment, phone, batteries, and chargers, reading material etc in it. But I also had a smaller barebones bag , which was in in the Skytrain, and stuffed with socks etc, which I transferred my camera equipment too when I was at my destinations. Now that I have the Hadley small pro, that would probably replace the barebones.

In other words, make sure you have a bag big enough to contain everything you are not prepared to lose for situations in case you have to check your main carry-on luggage. If you feel the Hadley small does that for you, then disregard my suggestion above.
 
ktmrider, please post your blog here so that we can follow your journey.
very excited for you.

Question, how are you going to backup your photos while travelling?
Will you be carrying a portable hard drive or save everything on your laptop?

If you have time, I recommend watching the TV show Departures. Very refreshing as it is not your typical travel show always going for the most scenic or iconic locations. Might give you some idea.
 
I notice Japan is on your list.

Decades ago, serving in the military, in Sasebo Japan, met a Japanese gent. Of course it was in a bar! During conversation I expressed an interest to go to Nagaski. He helped me, writing notes to get me there. It was a very interesting trip.

Info:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasebo,_Nagasaki

Suggest same for you. Need I mention, you should bring a camera along?
 
The new MacBook Air should work well for whatever image processing software you use. Some SSDdrives for backups would be helpful if it was me. I like the Samsung T5 drives - they are reasonably priced and have been bulletproof for me. I've found internet speeds lacking for cloud based back-ups, so I bring two external drives (one in each bag) for keeping everything well backed up.

I'd consider skipping the 25mm, as the Ricoh should cover that close enough, and the files from the Ricoh GR digital v2 are darn good - the 3 should be even better. The GR v2 was my main camera when I went to Madagascar two summers ago, and other than the wildlife stuff I could have likely just carried that. That GR is all I'm bringing with me next week I think.

Depending on how many batteries you have, I'd suggest extra chargers. I much prefer being able to plug in a bunch of batteries when I get to the electricity, and only have to (ideally) remember to swap the uncharged batteries once (after cocktail hour but before bed). I always travel with two chargers for whatever cameras I'm using.
 
There's absolutely no need to stress out about what to bring. I'd buy a cheap, lightweight laptop, things break or get stolen on travels. Lots of SD-cards or cloud for backup storage. You can buy everything on the road if necessary. Time is better spent researching where you want to go and learning languages.
all these countries are certainly wort visiting. Specific recommendations from me will be Palawan, Philippines, and to travel Italy all the way from Sicily to the north or vice versa. I personally would go to less countries in such short time, you don't magically experience more or see more of the world in a given time by crossing more international borders. This way there's more time to adjust to the local culture, learn the language a bit, immerse yourself more deeply. I think it will show in your photography.
P.S. buying local SIM cards (not at the airport!) is cheaper than some ridiculous international plans and less developed countries mostly have better mobile internet than the industrialized nations.
 
I’ve done two around the world trips so have an idea what’s involved.

Both were on open dated tickets which gave a lot of flexibility, not sure how practical that is today. Considered doing another ATW few years back and looked into first class rather than economy. Decided that the main place I was interested was India so just visited there. An advantage of ATW is that the shorter flights don’t give much jet lag.
Think about weather where you will be stopping, India before the monsoon can get well up in the 40s C.

With ATW tickets there’s no back tracking allowed, you have to keep going in the same general direction. What you can do is zigzag a lot provided you don’t exceed mileage allowed by your ticket. If I remember correctly mileage is figured from a hypothetical half way point. More and higher price if you dip below the equator. Visas will be needed, some you can now get online.

For camera gear my only advice is keep it simple, not too much. Pick what you plan to take and try carrying everywhere, and I mean everywhere for a week. You’ll soon know if you’ve made the right choice.
In crowded third world countries like India I’ve found a lens on the wide side useful. My favourite the 21mm Super Angulon, unfortunately not the best on digital.

One thing on my must take list, a really good pair of sound blocking ear plugs. Had them custom made to fit and found they work much better than anything else. Think the company was DBblocker. Helps to preserve ones sanity when the racket gets excessive.

There’s an India travel website that may help for that area.
www.indiamike.com

Cheers, Glenn
 
Few thoughts:

- I've found that while travelling most of my favorite photos when I get home are with the 43mm on a Mamiya 7 - so would be about 21mm on 35mm, but of course this is down to personal taste/style/etc. Suggest you look back through your favorite photos and see how many were taken with the 25mm and choose accordingly.

- Research as much as you can before you go. I was lucky enough to arrive in Malaysia/KL during Thaipussam once - I had no idea such a thing existed but it was amazing to experience let alone photograph. In my case I don't really get to set my schedule but in your case you can plan/shift things around to allow visiting these kinds of opportunities. Asia-Pacific has a lot of festivals going on, especially around Chinese new-year.

- Depending on your editing needs, you might be able to get away Lightroom mobile with a tablet (iPad or similar) and a keyboard which would save weight/space. If you get anything new, make sure you try it out well in advance of travelling.

- Remember: Baked, Boiled, Peeled or Fried, simple eating advice to avoid "Montezuma's revenge".

- I always take the Walgreens versions of DayQuil and Nyquil - can help you get through an otherwise miserable day. Also simple headache (Advil/Tylenol) and Imodium for when the last tip doesn't work.

- Probably know this - but check your shots. Especially Yellow Fever requirements - though you may be okay given your list - but it's better to get it in your home country than be forced to get it on arrival somewhere else. Also consider Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid, and Malaria prophylaxis.

- I have something called a bug bag - like a super-light sleeping bag embedded with permethrin - for those nights when sheets wherever you land are iffy. At the very least consider a permethrin-coated bandanna - many uses besides just keeping the bugs away.

- I also have something called a HooToo - its a combination of a USB battery and a portable router. So besides just charging my phone, if the hotel offers an ethernet connection you can have your own private wifi network instead of fighting everyone else.

- Hop on - hop off buses are great.

- If you have Google Maps on your device of choice, you can download maps of a specific city/area while you're on wifi so that you can still navigate when you're offline.

All I got for now,

Happy Trails!
 
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6075.html

http://www.go-nagano.net/killer/kiso

Still toying with the idea of going here myself.

amazing-places-japan-40-57556e025102b__880.jpg
 
Am currently traveling with iPad, but its not real substitute for a computer. Apple has kept OS intentionally limited, its good for reading and watching videos, but not for "real" computing. Am wishing I had bring only a phone. Laptop brings extra bulk to carry everywhere. Maybe Surface Go would be best of both worlds, tablet part being in camera bag while keeping keyboard (and mouse if needed) in travel bag. Haven't tried it myself, but seems viable option. Travel as light as you can.
 
Have a Lenovo 11.5" enroute for my RTW trip. It weighs less than 2.6 lbs and purchased it on the recommendation of a friend who may be the greatest computer nerd in the world.

Also, I just purchased a mint Fuji X100F from B&H with the idea of it being a backup for the MP240. However, I might just leave the Leica stuff at home and only take the Fuji. It is hard for me to reconcile owning all the Leica stuff and not using it on a major trip. Don't have any reservations at all about traveling with just one lens and the Fuji is an amazing camera.

I have done other trips with just one camera/lens combo including an M9/50 Summicron in Laos and Thailand, M2/35 Biogon in Guatemala and Peru, and hiking the C2C across northern England with the Fuji X70(28 FOV). Am trying to travel light with just a carry on for a six month trip.
 
^havent followed your recent activity, you’re no longer planning on getting either GRii or iii?
just going with the X100f and leaving the Leica behind seems to be a smart move.
it is lighter, usb charge, has wifi if you want to quickly share pictures and you’ll never have any dust issues.

are you planning on getting the wcl in case you want to shoot 28mm?
 
Sounds like a wonderful idea to travel around the world. The rest is unimportant, in comparison. I would plan a few longer stops to relax and to reduce the stress from the continuous traveling. I would check out RFF groups with who you could meet to chat a little and to"feel home" while being away from home.
 
ktmrider said:
Presently, I plan on Japan, Korea, Philippines, Malaysia overland to Thailand, India, Israel/Jordan, Italy overland through Europe, and then home.
Click to expand...

Fantastic plan!! If I were you, I'd skip the European leg of your trip and visit Russia (Moscow and St Petersburg) and some of the former Russian republics.
 
sepiareverb said:
The new MacBook Air should work well for whatever image processing software you use. Some SSDdrives for backups would be helpful if it was me. I like the Samsung T5 drives - they are reasonably priced and have been bulletproof for me. I've found internet speeds lacking for cloud based back-ups, so I bring two external drives (one in each bag) for keeping everything well backed up.
Click to expand...

Good advice, I'd do exactly the same. All SSD is a smart move. But I'd rather get a MacBook instead of the Air because it is actually cheaper, smaller, thinner, lighter, and battery lasts forever.
 
I have traveled extensively though not all at one go. Normally I travel to another country every other month. It is easy to do living in Asia with the region within easy reach. From your list I would give Malaysia, Korea and the Philippines a miss and instead spend more time in the Mekong Delta. Of course what I fancy may be different than what you fancy. However do go to Japan not just Tokyo but also Kyoto. Make Japan your first stop in Asia and while you are there pick up some stomach medicine for your trip to South and SE Asia. I don't have a online photo account so can't post any photos here but it is in an orange package and has a trumpet (or bugle) for a logo. You'll thank me later. In fact even my friends in Delhi get Delhi-Belly and this magic herbal medicine works wonders. It will cure diarrhoea in one day.

From Tokyo you can go to Bangkok directly or make a stop in Hong Kong. Bangkok is the regional hub where you can get cheaper flights to anywhere. Hanoi (not so much Ho Chi Minh City) is a must as is Cambodia both Siem Reap (Ankor Wat) and Phnom Penh. Myanmar is very interesting. You can skip Laos. This region will be good for a few months.

After SE Asia you can make your way to India my favourite country in the world. This great country requires months at a time. I have friends there and have done road trips. The little places are grander than the big places. You must visit Varanasi in your life time. Best city for street photography is Kolkata.

I was in Lahore, Pakistan two months ago and it is a wonderful city. Locals are very friendly in fact the friendliest in all my travels. I don't think it is still possible to walk through the border from India near Lahore due to the recent crisis.

Heading toward Europe you can make a stop in Istanbul for a few days. From Istanbul you can either go north to Greece or west to Morocco. I was in Marrakesh last year and regretted the short stay. Marrakesh and Fez are stunning. In Europe I have only been to usual places. Not much to tell. Next week I will be in Amsterdam and Hamburg. Budapest is a must visit. Paris is always good. Any random place in Italy kick the crap out of most Unesco cities I have visited. Oh yes..Brussels is good for 2 hours.
 
Indonesia. You will never forgive yourself (or me) if you miss out on seeing this truly wonderful country, which (alas) is now changing all too quickly, socially, politically and economically and seems sadly fixed in a downward spiral.

As one who has traveled here since 1972 and is now staying long-term in Surabaya (as a base for short photo trips elsewhere in SEA), I find an endless variety of things (andpeople) to photograph and occasionally write about in Java, with occasional visits to Kalimantan and Sulawesi in search of more exotic locales.

Surabaya is about business and money and offers little to tourists (it's why I like it) but can be a good starting-place, as it's close to Bromo, Madura island and Bali. Two other options are Jakarta (in the far west of Java island) and of course Bali, which has an amazing Hindu culture but is basically a tourist-shopper economy. I visit two times a year but I dislike even more with every sojourn. Still, it's a good landing place for an ongoing journey to other areas.

A good base for you in East Java would be Malang, a small city in the mountains south of Surabaya in the mountains. It has friendly locals, good food, and suburbs of Art Deco mansions with gardens that look like the Dutch left only a month ago and not in the 1950s.

Much good information on Indonesia on the 'net. Costs are reasonable if you avoid tourist hotels and resorts, take slow travel as the locals do and eat Indonesian or Chinese food. Everywhere you go, the scenery is superb and the locals are usually friendly.

Others have given you some wise advice on other travel matters, so I will skip that.

Your camera kit sounds ideal. I'm envious - my gear is a Nikon D700 and 3-4 lenses and occasionally for film, a Rolleicord Vb.

My on-the-road laptop is a small Acer I bought here for >A$300 in 2015. It does the job and keeps me connected to the planet. My Mac Pro stays safely at home (a A4300 a month serviced apartment in a ca 1916 colonial Dutch house on a secure property).

(Added later) After rereading your posts I realized you may have visited Indonesia already. The time to revisit, not so much Bali but the outer islands like Kalimantan and Sulawesi, is now, before it all changes.

Your Lenovo is an OK laptop and with a little care while you are traveling, will likely serve you well. On my quick trips around Asia I download the day's shoot in the evening to my Acer and back up to a Kingston 32GB plug in (I have three, cheap as chips in Malaysia and as reliable as anything) and copy to my Mac and two Western Digital 1 TB at home. Simple and safe.
 
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