2020 has been a harsh year. Luckily I was able to finally fly to Maldives for a photoshoot. We all know that travelling is no longer the same and easy as it used to be, so here are some vital details you should know before you fly to Maldives in 2021.
This blog will list out 3 main factors:
Before Arrival
Packing essentials
Maldives is warm all year round and it's a beach destination so all that you will ever need is some sunscreen, speedos and flip flops.
Because life as a photographer does not end there, I also have my DJI Mavic Pro and Telesin Dome port for my GoPro Hero8. Below is a photo of what is possible with it.
Documentations and COVID!
Watch this video for more details. Else keep reading.
Upon Arrival
Once you land, you will see counter numbers upon airport exit. Your counter number will be mentioned in your boat transfer booking with your resort. Simply go to your counter and hop on to your boat.
Now it's time to enjoy the magical blue waters and relax. You will not need to wear masks at your resort except when serving food for yourself at the buffet.
Things to do
Most resorts provide a number of activities. Island hopping is one of the things, but sadly due to covid that is not happening anymore. These are the things that are possible:
Before Departure
I'm sure you are not ready to leave yet, but all must return home.
Here are some important things NOT TO FORGET before you leave for home.
That's mostly it. Short and simple but it can be daunting and stressing when you do not know these tiny details which are a must, specially in the pandemic.
Check out my MALDIVES highlight on my Instagram @traveller.chris for more.
Comment or drop me a message on my social media for any info and inspiration.
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Spoiler Alert* It was not easy!
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Pros:
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Cons:
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- I needed more space
- Must be travel friendly
- Strong and Durable
This is how I started my first quest (around mid 2019) on finding the best solid camera travel bag that could fit in all my gear.
Luckily, this one was easy as there are many option for backpack versions. I watched a couple of videos which convinced me to get the...
Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW
Pros:
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Cons:
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My Gear
- Nikon D750
- Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8
- Nikkor 50mm 1.8g
- Nikkor 85mm 1.8g
- DJI Mavic Pro
- Wacom Intuos Tablet
- iPad Pro
- Hardrives
- Chargers
- Power Bank
As you can see this backpack can sometimes weigh 15-20 kgs! Trust me I checked. Running around airports or streets with such a heavy bag can take a toll on your lower back and in my case it did. I do workout whenever I can to keep myself strong for all and such conditions but when the body calls you must listen. Hence it was time for my second quest to finding another bag. This time with wheels, and boy is that difficult.
Vanguard Alta Fly 55T Trolley Camera Bag
This bag was too small for someone like me.
Pros:
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Cons:
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thinkTank Airport Advantage XT Rolling Carry-On Camera Bag
Pros:
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Cons:
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Winner
Because I travel a lot via flight it was important I had something that would be spacious but also has wheels and can fit in overhead cabin. My Vanguard choice was a fail but this thinkTank works best for my pro kit and all the 100 other electronics I need to carry in my bag.
The only downside is that it cannot become a backpack, but hey! that's what I did not want in the first place.
thinkTank Airport Advantage XT Rolling Carry-On Camera Bag
Still have questions? Send me a message on Instagram or Facebook.
Share this with someone who may be looking for that perfect camera bag.
âRussian Visa is easy and fairly cheap. I found all the details on this website.
It was raining the day I got my Visa in Bombay. My backpack was ready and I was set to explore all the palaces, squares and cathedrals that Russia had to offer. I am more excited to try local food so I always try to meet locals who know secret gems to a place. I believe the best way to travel is to do it like the locals do, and that's how I met Marina. A few weeks before my travels I put up a request on Couchsurf.com to live and surf the city with the locals. I got a few replies and Marina and I coordinated to meet and see the city for my first day. She took me to the coolest eating spot in Moscow called Market Place which was filled with cuisines from around the world. Market Place is located at Tsvetnoy Boulevard street and a must visit for every traveller. This is what we ate from a Vietnamese Restaurant. Now that we have started with food let me tell you all about that first...
Food
Tsvetnoy Boulevard Street
Places to See
Moscow
The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, commonly known as Saint Basil's Cathedral, is a church in Red Square in Moscow, Russia and is one of the most popular symbols of the country.
St. Petersburg
We went to:
Fiddlerâs Green
Tesla Bar
Red Yard
Prilichnoye Mesto. All at a walking distance. I will always remember that night, to the fact how random and perfect it was.... new friends, new places and lots of beers.
I feed off people's energy and emotions, their thoughts and aspirations...
What I lost and Found?
I was lucky to meet so many amazing people on this trip. Zhenya and Tanya helped me catch my flight when I almost missed it. Vlada and Marina made my experience in Russia more special and local, it almost felt like we are old friends wandering in a city.
Moving on to the tragedies in this trip. The biggest one being losing my DJI Spark drone in St. Petersburg. Now, how the f*** did that happen? Just imagine a plastic bag being blown away by the wind into nowhere. That's exactly what happened to my drone, a strong blow of wind and there goes little sparky lost and crashed on a cold evening in Russia. To sober out from the heavy loss I planned out for that crazy Pub Crawl that night which u saw above.
The next day I forgot the one and only bank card I had, at Market Place breakfast place in St. Petersburg (see images above). George and I walked half way back when I realised I don't have my card. We rushed back and after 15 mins they showed me several other bank cards left behind and then mine. I realised it was not just me but it was crazy because I had almost no cash. But it would not have made any difference even if I had lost it forever.
Now I'll tell you why it did not make any difference. Because my card stopped working a day later anyway. Bear in mind I still have very less cash with me. It's been 2 months now and that card still does not work. FML.
So with no card, no cash I had to borrow money from my hostel to catch the slowest bus ride ever to the airport. When I realised I am about to miss my flight (given the fact that Russia gives you visa for exact days, that is up to your return flight, so if you miss your flight you pay a heavy fine!) I called up Zhenya, who then booked a cab from where I got off from the bus and helped me reach the airport just in time for my flight. (I mean I still had to cheat my way through the longest Check-in line ever, I will tell you that story when we meet).
Which brings us to the final tragedy of not being able to buy one single thing to bring back home from Russia because no cash and no card. Like an idiot I thought I'd buy things on my last day so that I don't have to carry around all that weight in my backpack. Guess what, I now buy whatever I want as soon as I see it.
Even after all these mishaps, I found such beautiful people who redefine friendship, hospitality and the way of life in general. I am blessed to have done this backpacking trip and cant wait for hundreds of more. Until next time...
Inspiring ⢠Passionate ⢠Meaningful Travels.
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Instagram: @Traveller.chris
2: Battery Power Bank (10,000 Mha)
3: Macbook Air
4: iPhone 6s
5: My Contact/Visiting Cards
6: Portable Bluetooth Speaker
7: Local Maps
8: Earphones
9: USB and Sd Card Case
10: Cologne and Concentrated Fragrance Oils (For those long sweaty transits and travels)
11: Polaroids that I click along the way
12: Reading Glasses
13: Polaroid Camera (Fujifilm Instax)
14: Water Bottle (MUST!!!)
15: Passport or Local ID
16: Sunglasses (Rayban India)
17: Debit Cards (Visa and Master)
18: Local Guide Book with attractions and Transport Maps
â19: DSLR Camera NIkon D3200 with 18-55 Kit lens. I use D 750 now but still with this Kit Lens. I need to buy a FX wide angle soon!!
20: Travel Pouch to keep luggage keys, coins, money, polaroids
21: DW Watch
22: Locks
23: Local Currency
24: My Rajasthani Kadda
â
In the end, there is no perfect way of packing. Everyone has different needs. This list suits my needs. It might not suit yours.
If you want me to do more flat lays, then let me know. Instagram: @Traveller.Chris
But first, what exactly is a Kurta Pajama?
And not just Kurta Pajama, India has a long history of vivid traditional clothing. This post tries to promote them all with the same ideology discussed below.
Pajamas or pyjamas, often shortened to PJs, jimmies, jimjams, can refer to several related types of clothing originating from the Indian subcontinent. Pajamas are loose-fitting garments for both daywear and nightwear, derived from traditional pajamas and involving variations of style and material.
(Wikipedia)
And not just Kurta Pajama, India has a long history of vivid traditional clothing. This post tries to promote them all with the same ideology discussed below.
...My heart sinks to see this “modern” generation loosing it’s sight of the Golden India and it's culture that it used to be.
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Before the beautiful culture fades away, I am doing my part to keep it alive and you will too once you read these 7 benefits of wearing a Kurta Pajam everyday.
First things first. When it comes to clothing, I am sure everyone loves comfort. As they say: Style is Comfort.
Comfortable
Wearing a certain kind of clothing affects our cognition in its early stages, but when we look good we feel more in control...
Dressing Your Brain
You don’t just get a fabric stitched to your fit, you stitch your personality with it.
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Customisable
Affordable
Durable
Formal and Informal
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Saves Time
Take The Culture for your kids to see
While wandering in Turkey with my loud and clear Indian self was the best feeling ever. People smiled, looked twice and asked me if I was Indian, Arabic or Italian! Italian?? Some even stopped me, befriended me and took selfies. It was an informative meeting for those abroad while they met me. All because I was my country and my culture all in all.
I believe this attitude of Indians has a lot to do with the dress codes set down by colonial forces while they were around.... Anyone not wearing a suit was viewed as less important...
Good Morning from Pamukkale with #travellerchris
A post shared by Chris Rathore □ □□□ (@traveller.chris) on
I found this interesting question during my research to understand just why? And the question on this Quora post explains it all:
Why don't Indian men wear kurta pajamas or other traditional garments in daily life? I felt frowned upon while wearing my kurta pajama in posh areas of Delhi. When I traveled to Dubai, I noticed that Arabs wear their dishdasha & keffiyeh with pride.
I believe this attitude of Indians has a lot to do with the dress codes set down by colonial forces while they were around. If you see the attires of people back in the days, you’d see everyone in what were considered to be respectable clothes in their region.”
When the White Man descended on our lands wearing trousers and ruffled shirts and waistcoats and hats, people began to look up to them as sahibs…people worthy of respect and reverence. Anyone not wearing a suit was viewed as less important. This mental attitude has become a part of the mental make-up of almost all societies the world over. Arabs wear their traditional costumes when they are in societies that accept it. When they move outside to foreign lands, they too wear formal wear for official meetings and smart casuals at other times. Indians do the same thing in a much smaller circle, though. (Raakhee V. Menon, 2016).
You can read the entire thread here.
And here is me again in a Kurta Pajama at my very official Christmas House Party! Until next time.... Happy Holidays.
Getting in the holiday season and my house party like... Merry Christmas y’all! #travellerchris
A post shared by Chris Rathore □ □□□ (@traveller.chris) on
Thank you for reading.
Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan
Please download the daily event schedule PDF below so that you don't miss on anything.

Pushkar 2017 Schedule.pdf | |
File Size: | 397 kb |
File Type: |
See you all between camels and lost times in sand.
The following blog is in relation to creating photographic and textual content to be published on Instagram.
So you have this amazing way to create content for yourself and believe that you could do it for someone else too, in return of some remuneration. Brilliant! But how do we really go about that?
Its simple, find the brand or organisation you like and send them your work over a simple email or contact form from official website. One message could land you a great deal with your favourite brand.
Mention some important information while sending these emails such as:
- Your work portfolio (website or attached documents)
- Your Instagram user base, stats and reach
- How your work is unique
- How the brand's ethos can make an impact on your follower base.
"I just got an email from a brand for a collaboration, but how do I take the conversation further and make a deal?" Many of us have been here, including myself on a very regular basis and this is what one may do.
When a brand approaches you, it means they are obviously interested in working with you but might actually not. With brands and companies, its 90% of the time about what they want and how they will benefit from a social media promotion deal. So think wisely and work through the following two most important factors of all:
- They want me to Upload a photo of me in their clothing line.
- Then Tag their Instagram.
- Use specific hastags (#)
Now lets observe and evaluate the situation. Again this is my perspective and it will depend on person to person so be smart about it. As of now, here are some facts.
- I don't know the brand at all and never heard of it.
- I am a travel account so should I even do it all?
- If I find out a way to do this, should I do it only for the garment or cash?
- Search upon the brand first, it might seem unknown at but could be making waves in it's sector already.
- Look at how both the parties could benefit from this deal.
- Does the brand message relate to your audience? (In my case, as a travel account, it definitely won't)
- And if at all you decide to do it, calculate upon what they offer you in ratio to your reach, followers and impressions (this can be found in your stats tab on top of your Instagram profile)
So in this case I decided I don't want to do it for product trade but I can still offer my services at a price. Which brings us to our next important factor:
By now, you should realise that your gallery is an asset. Not just in terms of branding but your own identify and messages you send as a creator. Save that gallery from death: If you have a seasoned gallery, with a specific genre, then don’t let a brand post ruin it for peanut payments or products. But if you really want to do it, then try to sync in with your style while delivering the message softly.
The time and effort you put in your gallery was not free so don't let brands sweep you away with a product or payment worth $5.
Don’t get trapped by dodgy and fabricated promises new brands/apps/website make to you.
NEVER fall for “ we have 100000 of users and we will credit your name for using the content”. Instead get your images licensed, sell the copyright and be smart about it. If they are a genuine company and value your work, they will never ask your time and energy for free. Just don’t do it. Ignore such emails and spend time creating more unique stuff.
Start saying, NO! Always be clear of what you want in return, and be open for negotiations. Finally be creative upon what you deliver, here are some of my brand collaborations in the past and how I did them.
This one is clicked from iPhone 5s.
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Photo Project: VRINDA
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Travel Video: MUMBAI
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Info: This post focuses on sharing my travel style, tips and how I manage to balance it all around with multiple jobs.
But before I dive in, here is a post with a thoughtful quote I made few days ago....
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"We don't seek out friends... We associate with people who occupy the same small, physical spaces that we do. " |
Work, Save, Travel...
A photo posted by Chris Rathore ? ? (@traveller.chris) on
How I Travel and Earn?
Okay, so lets clear the main thing first. I do not travel 24x7 because I cannot. By 24x7 I mean not coming home for 4 or 6 months straight. When I took my first solo trip when I was 19 to Prague and then another one when I turned 20 to Cambodia I clearly realised that I cannot do this continuously for too long. Not because I get homesick but because I feel emotionally vulnerable and that shapes me in a permanent way, sometimes negatively. Although it is possible that I would not feel this way if I am traveling with a special someone and not alone. (I don't know this myself as I never found that "someone" yet!)
Which means that I do as many edits as I can while I'm travelling during night time, after seeing all the amazing places or maybe early mornings. Because 90% chance is that, I will be out, on foot, somewhere random, with a stranger in a place I know nothing about, during the entire 12 hours of the day. Then edit the rest when I'm back home.
And travelling squeezes somewhere in between. But it definitely does!
I will just name my jobs below and then you can do the math as they are super simple but mostly creative!
1. Part Time at a Hotel
2. Teacher at a School
3 and 4. Working for 2 different Travel Companies
5. Content Creation for Brands
and
6. Professional Photographer
And travelling squeezes somewhere in between. But it definitely does! It has to, because its like an itch that happens at the back, every now and then for no reason!
So, because I don't travel 24x7, I am working when I am home, making as much money as I can. Although some jobs like, content creation can be done even while Im travelling. I just need my laptop and a phone.
It took me a while to carve out my life, travelling and making money. But if I can, you can too and I'm sure someone is already doing it better than me. So if you are reading this please lend me some tips. (I say this and it instantly makes me down to earth, ha-ha!).
What apps do I use to edit my images?
I wish I could go back to my early days of Phone Photography when my world was my iPhone 4 and a hand full of editing apps. After 2 years of merry making with my phone I bought my first camera, Nikon D3200 which I use till date. With large files and my infinite imaginations, I switched to hardcore softwares like Photoshop or Lightroom and minimised using those cute apps.
As of today I use, Photoshop CS6 on my Mac and Snapseed editing app on my iPhone before posting any image online. I test new apps every now and then but so far I have never found anything better and free like Snapseed. The image of the dog above, is only edited with Snapseed and clicked on my iPhone 5s. Although if you want to go even further, another amazing but a little complex app that I love is Filter Storm which works amazing while editing phone images.
Last but not the least, Picsart. I have not used this app a lot, but things that it can do, such as masking, is a pretty decent tool that can come very handy for manipulation or fine art imagery. But then again its good for phone images not for DSLR files. Which means for budding photo artists without heavy softwares, its the app to be.
A photo posted by Chris Rathore □ □ (@traveller.chris) on
Final Thoughts
I plan my trip in advance > then calculate a rough budget > then work and make money to reach my target just in time to book my tickets and accommodation and voila > Happy Travelling > then plan next trip > .......
This way I have a perfect balance of life with experiencing new places and then spending just enough time back home. Although there are cases when I get to travel because of my work, such as photography assignments elsewhere. But if you are not a photographer then simply follow the above recipe and you will live a happier life. If you still have questions, send me a message.
Until then enjoy some of my storytelling with surreal images on my Instagram and Facebook
Thanks and I love you all, a little too much hence, some free wallpapers for you.
ok Bye!
Compiled by: Priyanka Dodia
1. Australia
Delhi–Sydney: Rs29,252 (AirAsia X; stopover in Kuala Lumpur; 12–19 October).
Mumbai–Sydney: Rs49,480 (Malaysia Airlines; stopover in Kuala Kumpur; 12–19 October).
Bengaluru–Sydney: Rs49,851 (AirAsia; stopover in Kuala Lumpur; 12–19 October)
2. Canada
Delhi–Toronto: Rs51,343 (Saudia; stopover in Jeddah; 12–22 October).
Mumbai–Toronto:Rs53,101 (Air Canada; stopover in Newark; 12–19 October).
Bengaluru–Toronto: Rs50,379 (Saudia; stopover in Jeddah; 9–22 October).
Delhi–Vancouver:Rs58,319 (Asiana Airlines; stopover in Seoul; 12–19 October)
3. Paris
Delhi–Paris: Rs54,989 (Air India; 10–18 October) and Rs33,648 (Oman Air; stopover in Muscat; 10–18 October). Mumbai–Paris:Rs39,259 (Jet Airways; 12–19 October). Bengaluru–Paris:Rs48,835 (Air France; 10–20 October) and Rs37,410 (Etihad; stopover in Abu Dhabi; 12–19 October) |
4. UK
Mumbai–London: Rs36,850 (Air India; 10–18 October).
Bengaluru–London:Rs43,295 (British Airways; 12–19 October) and Rs34,153 (Qatar Airways; stopover in Doha; 12–19 October)
5. USA
Delhi–San Francisco: Rs59,632 (China Eastern; stopover in Shanghai; 12–19 October).
Delhi–Honolulu:Rs62,229 (China Eastern; stopover in Shanghai; 11–17 October).
6. New Zealand
Mumbai–Auckland: Rs62,206 (Malaysia Airlines; stopover in Kuala Lumpur; 12–20 October)
7. Japan
Mumbai–Tokyo:Rs36,503 (ANA; 12–19 October).
Bengaluru–Tokyo: Rs29,216 (Malaysia Airlines; stopover in Kuala Lumpur; 10–21 October)
8. Russia
Delhi–Moscow: Rs23,078 (Aeroflot; 12–19 October).
Mumbai–Moscow: Rs32,259 (flyDubai; stopover in Dubai; 10–18 October).
Bengaluru–Moscow:Rs34,058 (Qatar Airways; stopover in Doha; 12–19 October)
9. China
Delhi–Shanghai: Rs33,349 (Air India; 14–21 October).
Delhi–Beijing: Rs27,633 (Air China; 11–17 October)
10. South Africa
Delhi–Cape Town: Rs61,613 (Ethiopian Air; stopover in Addis Ababa; return by Emirates; stopover in Dubai; 14–20 October).
Mumbai–Johannesburg: Rs23,485 (Ethiopian Air; stopover in Addis Ababa; 11–17 October)
11. Denmark
Delhi–Copenhagen: Rs33,034 (Aeroflot; stopover in Moscow; 11 – 21 October).
Mumbai–Copenhagen: Rs38,324 (Turkish Airlines; stopover in Istanbul; 12–19 October).
Bengaluru–Copenhagen: Rs40,080 (British Airways; stopover in London; 12–19 October)
12. Switzerland
Delhi–Zurich: Rs48,489 (SWISS; 12–19 October) and Rs33,628 (Aeroflot; stopover in Moscow; 14–21 October).
Mumbai–Zurich:Rs42,804 (SWISS; 12–19 October).
Bengaluru–Zurich:Rs40,665 (British Airways; stopover in London; 12–19 October)
13. Croatia
Delhi–Zagreb: Rs36,710 (Aeroflot; stopover in Moscow; 12–19 October).
Mumbai–Zagreb: Rs38,602 (flyDubai; stopover in Dubai; 9 – 18 October).
Bengaluru–Zagreb:Rs51,490 (Lufthansa; stopover in Frankfurt; 11–18 October)
14. Iceland
(If we include the cost of the new wireless AirPods, roughly around Rs15,000)
Mumbai–Reykjavik:Rs73,448 (British Airways; stopover in London; 9–16 October)
All Flights calculated from India to x location.
Via Conde Nast Traveller
Here are some of the most beautiful entries of the contest, including one of the winning entries:
Mystic Shed, Finland
Jonas Blizzard And The Flatiron Building, New York, United States
Beast, South Dakota, United States
Wherever You Go, I Will Follow You, Japan
Golden Sunrise, Tuscany, Italy
Family Ties, Japan
Blizzard In The Mountains, Switzerland
Trollstigen, Norway
Namibian Desert, Namibia
Terraces Village In The Mist, China
Farming The Sea, China
Childhood, China
Ballet Dancer, Japan
Misty At Cemoro Lawang, Indonesia
Fascination, Japan
Havanna, Cuba
Selfie Taken With A Drone, New Hampshire, United States
Blue Heaven, Japan
Children With Painted Face, Ethiopia
Lombard Street, San Francisco, United States
The Spaceship, Antarctica
Timeless Lunch, China
Beneath The Eiffel Tower, France
On Guard, Indonesia
La Fournaise Volcano, Réunion Island
Tombstone Impression, Yukon, Canada
Sunrise Over Bagan, Myanmar
Yemeni Fortress, Wadi Dohan, Yemen
Balanced Rock, Utah
Yalimo, West Papua Indonesia
Urban Jungle, Hong Kong, China
Winding Roads, Morocco
I Am Not Superman, Indonesia
Powered Sight, Uluru, Australia
Where Is My Boat, Morocco
Author
Chris Rathore aka @traveller.chris on Instagram
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