I’ve had the opportunity to travel regularly for some time now. I am very fortunate to have been able to do so. Over the years, through travel to many destinations, I believe my photography has improved. And that’s not just how the photos are presented, it’s the mentality I have going into these photographic situations.

I travelled when I was younger. I took a handful of trips to Montreal, Quebec, to visit my aunt or road trips across the border in Maine with my mother. Growing up in New Brunswick, Canada, cross-border drives were not uncommon. In my teens, I recall driving to Calais, Maine, to purchase CDs and cassettes that were unavailable at home. A fantastic music store just over the border had an incredible selection of hip-hop albums.

I advocate for experiencing the world, and it’s great to do so while not spending needlessly. Make no mistake, I love a fight-class flight, and those lay-down pods are a taste of luxury. However, flight upgrades are expensive, and upgrades and add-ons can significantly increase the final cost of a trip. And if budget travel is the priority, the total price can quickly add up to something that may make you think twice about hitting that “pay now” button at the final step of your flight booking.

I’m not a travel expert, but my passion is evident. Based on the places I have visited and from my experience, I think I know how to travel wisely and affordably. I often discuss travel with friends and family. I am at a point now where frequent in-person conversations include, “So, where is your next trip?” or some variation of a travel-related question.

Reflecting on my travels, I’ve learned to adapt better to each new adventure. With each flight and each train ride, I discover more about how to make the most of my time and worry less about how to do so. Travelling for just a few days often brings common challenges, but it is possible to enjoy a destination in a limited time fully.

It’s late December, the day after Christmas. My last post of 2024. Our first significant snowfall occurred this week, which was perfect timing for that picture-perfect holiday. It’s cold, too. It’s not extreme, but enough to be uncomfortable. I’m not a fan of the cold; I prefer a temperature bordering on too hot for many.

With some additional free time this month, I have been planning a solo trip these past weeks. When looking at how I could use this time, there were many destinations I was considering. Using Google Docs, I was working on multiple itineraries and flights to consider. What would be the best option?

Planning travel is essential to enjoying our limited time in our destination of choice, but minimizing those plans can have benefits and make the entire event surrounding our trip more enjoyable. It has been said that the planning portion of a trip is a significant part of the enjoyment of the event. Before the trip, we have the advantage of discussing it with others: those coming with you, friends, family, and co-workers, for example.

As photographers, we can focus on the result more than the experience. We can research our destinations, looking for the “best” place to get the “best” photographs. Learning more about our destination is a logical and appropriate step to learn more about what to expect and what to hope to experience when we arrive, but focusing on the experience should be the point.