Why take photos of ourselves traveling?

Travel Photos

“Did you ever get lonely?”

“No. I mean I always found people to travel with.”

And I did last year as I was traveling around the world. I almost always had someone around me as I traveled around the world solo.

In Thailand I went through a two girls who were returning home two days later, a Dutch couple, a British Boy, a Belgium Boy, and finally a California girl. I don’t remember every being alone.

So it was great for safety, sharing the bills, but also for photos.

Never thought of that did you? Well I did. It’s so awkward initially to ask people you just met to take your photo. I felt shy, indulgent, overzealous, silly, but I would still ask.

I wanted photos of myself in these new places.

Now I recently finished a month traveling through Europe. I didn’t have  a hostel to camp-out in to try and meet people. So I was basically on my own.

It was lonely, tiring and I had to take photos like this one above. Photos were are arm’s length.

And the worst part is I like to keep photos as my memories. They are cheaper and lighter than those souvenirs bought in a store.

But my question I pose in this random Sunday post is: does it matter if I am in them?

I don’t know, quite honestly. If you are traveling solo does it matter if you are in the photos? Aren’t photos supposed to remind you of events? Do you want to remember a time when you were on your own?

It’s something I have been thinking about. Does being in your travel photos matter?

I spoke with an artist today, actually, who said he tried to keep people out of his photos. He finds they date the photo with their clothes, hairstyles, etc…

It got me to thinking. Is this why we put ourselves in the photos? And by that I mean why take a photo of just me in Thailand? Is it to prove I was actually there? Does it add to composition?

Or is it a totally narcissistic venture that we indulge in?

I wish I could say I have the answer to these questions. Or maybe I don’t. Perhaps this is a post to think on. Or maybe it’s not that deep. Maybe I am simply wondering: Why put ourselves in our travel photos?

Japan for one?

 

Japan for one?

 

Yep. You read it. Japan for one on this one-time only basis. Well not really. Ok definitely not, but at least some tour operators are starting to catch-on that people travel solo.

What am I talking about? Have you ever tried to book a tour? They usually try to quote you a double room for the cruise or land-tour as it were. So I’m solo and I have to pay for two?

Uh…not going to happen.

Which is why Tauck Tours has introduced solo pricing for their tours in 2011!!! Can you believe it? Well if not you need to contact CTravel because they have all the details.

Which include this trip to Japan which reveals the essence of Japan through its temples, shrines, Shinto gates, feudal castles, and perfectly preserved villages. In Tauck’s Japan travel on the fascinating island of Honshu to off-the-beaten-path spots, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the vibrant cites of Tokyo and Kyoto for a full cultural immersion.

Experience ancient traditions firsthand when you stay in a ryokan-style hotel, attend a tea ceremony, and soak in hot spring baths. Tour legendary samurai residences and the Geisha district.

Ride the Bullet Train and a boat across a lake. See the Great Buddha, thatched-roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses, serene gardens, and priceless art treasures.

And Tauck has so many more tours than Japan for those on their own! But you have to contact CTravel to find out more.

 

Italy for Christmas and New Years

 

Still looking for that last minute trip this year? Trying to find somewhere for Christmas and New Years?

Why not spend Three days in Rome. A day in Assisi followed by two days in Florence and cap it off with Verona and Venice? For New Years?

Then, well, enjoy these tours brought to you by Globus and CTravel in Bermuda. They are offering the Italian experience over one of the most festive times of year in this country!

Visit the sights in Rome: the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Roman Forum. To enjoying a Christmas Eve dinner with wine in one of Rome’s lively restaurants, and spend time exploring Rome or attending Mass on Christmas day.

You’ll also travel to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, and Florence, home to Michelangelo’s David. Completed in 1504, the artist worked over thirty months for a mere 400 florins (roughly $50,000 today). On this tour, you’ll get a chance to see this famous statue. In Venice, see the famous sights, shop for Murano glassware, enjoy a roman- tic gondola ride, taste sumptuous Italian cuisine, and enjoy a drink in St. Mark’s Square. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Venice

For a price of $2,149 per person you can have all of this!

Swan's Cruises

Or how does sailing around the Aegean Sea for 15 days for just $2,250 sound?

Cruise through the land of harems to the land of democracy and back again and enjoy the crystal clear blue waters of Turkey and Greece from September 30th next year!

Starting in Istanbul and following the coast line of the multitude of islands that litter this sea, the cruise will drench you in both culture and luxury.

Contact Carl Paiva, the CEO of CTravel for more information on these deals and make sure you check back tomorrow for more adventures!