Posted: 9/25/17 | September 25th, 2017

Amateur and professional photographers alike agree: getting locals to unwind for a good photograph is one of the hardest aspects of travel photography — but not entirely impossible.

Lola Akinmade Åkerström is an award-winning photographer whose work has appeared in publications all over the world. She loves capturing the people in her travels and connecting with them in the process. Here’s how she does it.

While traveling through a region where you see locals you’ve only saw in magazines (for example, monks in Southeast Asia or Zulu tribesmen in east Africa), there is a tendency to get thrilled while subconsciously putting up a “no-interaction” wall.

You tiptoe around them in a delicate fashion. Whether it is through eye contact or some other form of personal acknowledgment, you have to engage them. This transforms them into living, breathing beings.

While shopping in Cusco, I felt a little tug on my pants. initially frightened, I peered down only to find an old lady sitting on the floor, organizing flowers, and asking for money. It could have been easy to paint her into the Peruvian market scene, but I quickly squatted down and spent quite some time down on the floor with her.

When we make these local connections — no matter how subtle or fleeting — they transform the people we typically gloss over into see three-dimensional human beings. When we actively seek out these connections, you’ll not only learn much more about the destination you’re going to but you’ll be able to snap deeper, much more meaningful photos.

Here are a few essential suggestions to keep in mind when you’re wanting to photograph people while you travel.
 

1. Make an effort to Communicate

Cambodia sitting down” width=”670″ height=”400″ />
She was fiery and infectious. I could never forget this old lady I met in the tiny remote village of Krang Yaw in Cambodia. I didn’t speak a single word of Khmer, yet we were able to converse through gestures. Oral communication can in some cases be overrated.

By breaking the ice and communicating with the people you want to photograph you’ll find your photos become much much more important souvenirs, reminders of the shared experiences we all have — no matter where we’re from.

Moreover, you can use this opportunity to learn things about the culture and destination. Don’t be scared to ask questions, even if there is a language barrier. These answers will open doors in both your photography as well as your travels in general. The much more you learn, the much more empowered you become as a traveler.
 

2. Observe Their daily Lives

Let them know their work isn’t unimportant and, if possible, momentarily partake in their work with them. Whether helping a porter take down the tent, or financing a hand to a baker, it communicates that you find their responsibilities equally important.

Breaking down barriers through action works hand-in-hand with communication; it’s a easy gesture you can use to build a relationship that will help you learn more, have a deeper travel experience, and get a better shot.

Once in Lima, I wandered into a gift shop. After chatting with the shopkeeper, she seemed perplexed as to why I would want to take her picture. letting her know that I found her much more interesting than the wares she was hawking quickly warmed her.
 

3. Cheesy grins Work

Smiling typically disarms people and breaks down their defensive walls. A smile and gentle nod always goes a long way and lets your subject know that you are very approachable.

Moreover, smiles are universal. They are something everyone does no matter where in the world they live. It’s a cross-cultural connector. embrace it.

When photographing children (something you need to be particularly careful with, especially if you are sharing those photos online), remember they love to be entertained. This always starts with a smile.
 

4. show Respect

Connecting with people ultimately boils down to respect. give them their space. know when to quit stalking them for the ideal shot. They will naturally open up to you of their own accord.

If they don’t, take that as your cue to say goodbye and relocation on. Not everyone wants to be photographed. That’s ok. As long as you keep an open mind and work to communicate with locals whenever you can, you’ll encounter plenty of other opportunities down the road.

***
These experiences have happened organically during my travels. When it concerns personalities, people are inherently different, so only by trial and error (and, frankly, embarrassment in some cases!) would you be able to hone the body language required to communicate through your lens.

Lola A. Åkerström is an award-winning writer, speaker, and photographer with national geographic Creative. She frequently contributes to high profile publications such as AFAR, the BBC, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, travel + Leisure, and national geographicTraveler. Lola is also the editor of slow travel Stockholm, an online magazine dedicated to exploring Sweden’s capital city in depth. She lives in Stockholm and blogs at Geotraveler’s Niche.

Book Your Trip: Logistical suggestions and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a low-cost flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches sites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the most affordable rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t forget travel Insurance
Travel insurance will safeguard you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s extensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it numerous times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

SafetyWing (best for everyone)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Ready to book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

ever considering that we began travelling, we’ve been on the search for lush jungles, eco-lodges, gorgeous beaches, excellent coral reefs, friendly people as well as tasty food; as well as from what we’ve heard, Costa Rica has all of that in spades! However, we’ve likewise heard mixed evaluations about Latin America’s eco-friendly nation as well as while we’re ecstatic to visit, we do have our reservations.

A great buddy of ours recently travelled to Costa Rica as well as though he did speed with it quite quickly, he told us that it was extremely expensive as well as the people were rather cold. We’ve considering that dubbed it “Costly Rica” in anticipation of the travel expenses, however we hope to have much better people experiences than our friend.

Despite some mixed evaluations about the country, we are still extremely ecstatic to go there as well as discover out for ourselves!

Here are 5 reasons why we are ecstatic to go to Costa Rica

1. The Jungles & Rainforests:

You just cannot go to Costa Rica without diving deep into the tropical rain forests. We like jungle hikes as well as we would absolutely like to head out into the Costa Rican jungle and area a few of the flora as well as fauna that makes this country so unique.

2. Eco Lodges

Our buddies Dan as well as Casey over at ACruisingCouple.com have told us all about the incredible Cristalino Lodge in the middle of the Amazon Jungle. In their evaluation of the lodging they stated that this lodge was “the best combination of eco as well as high-end in the Amazon“.

Since reading their article, we’ve wished to go to this extraordinary Eden as well as see for ourselves. The lodge likewise uses tower lookouts, jungle treks as well as night-time campfires. We can’t wait to go to some of Costa Rica’s lots of eco-lodges!

3. Volcanoes

We haven’t climbed a steamy, geothermal mountain bomb considering that we were in Indonesia back in 2009 as well as it still stays one of the highlights of our very first trip with Southeast Asia. One thing we didn’t handle to see was online lava, bubbling in molten pools. This is something that is absolutely on my container listing as well as the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is popular for spouting off radiant volcanic liquid from time to time. While we don’t requirement to get as well close, we both want to climb Arenal as well as get a great look at its molten core.

Conquering A Volcano In Kintanami, Bali
4. The Beaches

Who doesn’t like a gorgeous beach? According to CNN, Costa Rica’s Dominical beach is one of the top 100 nicest beaches in the world! however this nation’s shoreline isn’t just for swimming. Dariece as well as I are dying to provide surfing one more try and Playa Cocles is indicated to be an exceptional location for beginners. We very first attempted to trip waves in Lombok, Indonesia as well as ever considering that we’ve been waiting to get back on the board and provide it one more go.

5. Diving

If you checked out this blog regularly, then you understand that I am a diving diving addict. anywhere I go I like to get under the sea as well as check out the reefs as well as Costa Rica will be no different. even though it’s a fairly new dive destination, there are lots of fantastic sites around Osa Peninsula as well as Caño Island. So far the only dives I’ve performed in the region have been in Tulum, Mexico, Isla Mujeres, Mexico as well as Ambergris Caye, Belize, however I’ve yet to dive on the Pacific Coast. The Osa Peninsula is on the West side of the country so it will be the best chance for me to try out new waters.

When will We Go?

We still haven’t made a decision precisely when we will be checking out Costa Rica, however we figure it will be sometime in the next 5 months. My buddy Jeff over at middle class daddy has some fantastic recommendations in Guanacaste, Costa Rica that I’ll be inspecting out.

We’re currently (slowly) making our method south with Mexico as well as into Guatemala (eventually) as well as we figure that we may be in CR by July of this year. however (as you understand if you comply with us) plans always modification as well as we’re not completely sure when we’ll be there. One thing is for sure though, we’ll be costs about a month in the country as well as seeing as much of it as we can, while still travelling sluggish as well as soaking everything in.

Do you have any type of suggestions for us in Costa Rica? We like discovering new locations based on our visitors ideas. Was our buddy ideal about the high costs as well as chilly people? Please show us in the comments below!
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We’ve conquered some pretty epic feats in our day, from trekking for 8 days across the Mongolian Steppe to flying over the Pamir Mountains in a helicopter, but we still have lots of adventures that we have not yet completed. These experiences lay dormant in the recesses of our travel obsessed minds, waiting to one day be surmounted. The world is full of so lots of extraordinary adventures, but these are a few that we feel we need to DO before we kick the bucket!

1. The Rickshaw Run: This is one that we’ve wanted to do ever considering that we saw this video of it on YouTube. think of getting a piece-of-crap tuk-tuk (gas powered rickshaw), with a sputtering 145cc engine, packing a few pals into it and trying to drive across the entire country of India! The traffic is insane, some hills are so high that the tuk-tuk can barely make it up, but the views are spectacular. The entire journey is between 2,500 – 3,500 kms long and takes up to 3 weeks (depending on the which run you take). For us, the most incredible part would be seeing the extraordinary Indian countryside from a tiny, motorcycle-like vehicle. It would allow us to take in the amazing mountain breeze and the complete serenity of the rural areas, but definitely we’d be slapped by the stark contrast of the hot sticky air and the absolute mayhem that only an Indian city can provide. The Rickshaw Rally is genuinely one of the greatest adventures on Earth. Click here if you want to sign up now!

Photo By: The Adventurists
2. The trek to Machu Picchu: this one isn’t quite as off-track as the Rickshaw Rally, but it’s still an epic travel experience that we’re just dying to have. Machu Picchu has been around for around 565 years, so it’s not going anywhere, but we’re still anxious to get there. We hope to tick this one off our travel bucket list sometime next year. The entire trek takes about 4 days and reaches a maximum height of 4,200 meters, before descending down to where the extraordinary ancient city lies perched on the hillside at 2,400 meters above sea level.

Recently, the policies have changed on this trek and now all tourists are forced to trek with a local guide. While we love to help the local economy by hiring guides and porters, we would like to do the trek on our own. pals of ours have told us about an alternative route that can take a few a lot more days, but it’s a lot more off the beaten path… which is exactly what we’re into. We also have a 7 Wonders Of The world list, so by doing the Machu Picchu trek we’d actually be killing two birds with one stone.

Photo By: Allard Schmidt by means of Wikimedia Commons
3. The Mongol Rally: another crazy race you say? We’ll this one is just as epic as the Rickshaw Run, but it takes us through all of Europe and nearly all of Asia. In July of every year, hundreds of “racers” meet in London to embark on the road trip of a lifetime. This long, rugged, crazy, multi-country journey goes all the way from London, England to Ulan Bator in Mongolia. The appeal of it is that you can take as long as you want to complete the run. Some people have completed it in as little as 10 days, while others have taken nearly 2 years to reach the finish line. There are just a few policies to The Mongol Rally.

The automobile need to have an engine no larger than 1000cc

You need to raise £1,000 for charity

You must get lost…

We nearly subscribed for the Mongol Rally in 2015, but we’re just not sure if we’ll want to head over to Europe again next year, so we’re holding off. We want to do it with our pal Jason, whom we met in Kyrgyzstan last year, so we’ll wait until the three of us are ready to join the race. Our plan is to deck out our automobile to look like a enormous goat. It may not be in 2015, but someday, possibly very soon, you’ll see pictures, videos and articles of our extraordinary Mongol Rally journey here on Goats On The Road.

Photo By: The Adventurists
4. Drive from Alaska to the idea of South America: This drive may just be so epic that it will be nearly impossible to complete, but we will absolutely make the effort. We’ve always wanted to drive the Oregon coast trail and this really is the main reason for taking on this journey. but I’m sure that the west coast of Canada would be just as, if not more, beautiful. We’d absolutely want to pick up a camper van or an old Volkswagen type 2 to make this trip.

5. Geocaching around The World: I actually got this idea from Subaru’s adventure Page, and it’s something I’m really interested in. thanks to the availability of handheld GPS devices, the world can now be one big treasure hunt! people bury treasure, or save coordinates of a special place online, and any individual can follow the clues, the trail or the directions straight to an incredible travel experience. From stunning forests to stark deserts, there are now 6 million geocachers hunting down treasure across the world. apparently there are lots of “treasures” in Grenada as well to be found, but we didn’t come across any when we were living there!

6. Camino de Santiago: completely inspired by one of our much-loved travel movies: “The Way”, this holy pilgrimage from Paris, France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain transverses over 200 kms through some of Spain’s a lot of spectacular scenery. We love the idea of staying in tiny villages on the way, meeting lots of trekkers who are walking for lots of different reasons, and a lot of of all, seeing Spain by foot. We wouldn’t be doing the pilgrimage for religious reasons, we’d be doing it to get a deeper understanding of Spain, it’s landscapes and it’s people. If you haven’t seen the motion picture yet, download it or stream it now because it features some breathtaking montages of Spain’s evocative countryside.

“The greatest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams”

-Oprah Winfrey

This is really just a small portion of the adventures that we have swimming around in our brains. The a lot more travelling we do, the a lot more incredible experiences we hear about. We’re always inspired by other peoples’ journeys and we’re regularly adding to our travel bucket list. There might just have to be a part two of this article!

Thanks for Reading! What epic adventures are on your travel bucket list? how lots of experiences have you ticked off? share with us in the comments below.

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When the bad Traveler was planning this trip to Ilocos, I did not have much expectations. sure I had heard about Ilocandia as well as all the raves about it before on TV however in all honesty, it did not truly charm to me. I just wished to see the Bangui Windmills, Pagudpud as well as Vigan. That was all I wanted.

But I got more than I bargained for.

The Ilocos region is house to the most amazing tourist destinations in the country. I was pleasantly surprised that even as much as now, this trip to Ilocos stays on my short listing of my finest domestic travels. Ilocos is pure love.

One of my buddies was right. Each location has its element. Each location offers an intimate connection with nature. He believes, for obvious reasons, that wind is the aspect of this wonderful region. He’s right. Yes, the Bangui Windmills is a proof however really, when you’re in Ilocos, you’ll feel like it is a “wind realm,” not just since of its existence as well as power however likewise there’s this constant feeling of being embraced by the wind. I don’t know, the wind there seemed to welcome as well as entertain us.

For example, during go to to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse — my preferred part of the tour — I was standing on the top of the tower, looking over this incredible terrain as well as it made me recognize just exactly how wind modifications landscapes as well as shapes cultures. That’s just me.

Day Zero

Our trip began with a satisfy up at the Trinoma car parking great deal at around 9pm. We were a group of 7 as well as a tour guide-slash-driver was with us. We were able to leave the location 30 minutes later. We had a number of stopovers starting at a gas station along NLEX. reality is, I really don’t keep in mind much about our moments inside the van since I was sleeping most of the time. However, every time we stop (which occurred 5 times so a few of us might buy food, pee, buy food, as well as pee) I would get up however would go back to dreamland after 2 seconds.

Day 1

The next time I woke up we were on the car parking great deal of Bantay Church. Here’s our itinerary for Day 1:

Bantay Church as well as Belfry in Ilocos

Breakfast at cafe Uno in Vigan

A Wild encounter at ‘Baluarte’

Some History, Some politics inside Crisologo museum

Old institution Pottery at the ‘Pagburnayan’

The magnificent Paoay Church

Overnight at Java hotel in Laoag

We spent the night 1 at Java hotel in Laoag City. We really shown up at the hotel around 4:30pm however we were sooo tired that all of us went to sleep right after inspecting in. We woke up at around 8pm for dinner as well as went back to bed.

Day 2

Our Day started earlier than 6am. With renewed energy, we were more than excited to hit the road once again particularly that we already had an concept on what was in store for us that day.

The Breathtaking Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Blown Away by Bangui Windmills

Swept Away in Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud

Kabigan Falls in Pagudpud

It was already dark when we got out of the woods. It was a bit frightening however there were many of us so it was not truly a problem. We inspected in at Polaris beach home that night. It wasn’t truly a high-end lodging however we were just there to sleep anyway so we didn’t complain. After all, the tour was so inexpensive we really believed we got what our money was worth. We had buffet dinner as well as hit the sack at around 9pm.

Day 3

La Funeraria Baquiran
Vigan was the only product on our itinerary for that day. We explored the city especially Calle Crisologo, had lunch at cafe Leona, bought a tonne of pasalubong as well as hit the road back to Manila at noon.

Gone to Vigan

We shown up at around 8pm in Manila.

EXPENSES

Here’s the rough quote of our expenses:

P3300 — 3-day, 2-night tour inclusive of transportation, lodging as well as entrance fees.

P1500 — overall food costs including incidentals (drinks, snacks)

TOTAL: P4800

Note that this does not include pasalubong yet. I spent around P1200 on pasalubong, mainly longganisa. Hehe. That makes the overall P6000. That’s it. I hope this helps!

Overall, I like Ilocos. I believe it’s one of the very best as well as most gorgeous locations I have visited EVER. Ilocos is just extremely simple to autumn in like with.

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Blue Lagoon at Maira-ira Point: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Paoay Sand Dunes: getting Down as well as filthy in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Quarter-life crisis. I assumption it’s starting to kick in. practically every night because my 25th birthday I would just lie in my bed at night as well as believe about my childhood. When I close my eyes, I try to relive the days when I would just spread my arms broad open as well as pretend to fly. I try to keep in mind the day when I very first rode a bicycle. I try to envision climbing a close-by hill just so I might see the beach as well as feel the wind on my face. numerous times I would even dream about it. Unfortunately, unless time travel becomes a reality, all I can do is remember.

Woot! Sentosa!
Sentosa Merlion
I have always thought about Singapore to be a extremely contemporary as well as futuristic city. I had never been to any type of location in Singapore where I might not see or hear a close-by construction. advancement is unrelenting. however it is in this city where I had an chance to relive my lost childhood.

It was Day 4 of our Singapore-Malaysia cruise. Our cruise ship, the Superstar Virgo, docked in Singapore that morning. It wasn’t long up until we discovered ourselves stepping on Singapore soil again. It was unfortunate to quote goodbye to the ship however we were optimistic that there were still so much in store for us on the last day of this four-day trip.

Our trip bus chauffeur was already waiting on us when we emerged from the Harbourfront Centre. In no time, we were crossing over to Sentosa Island.

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

Tastes of Asia
GoGreen Segway Eco Adventure
The Luge as well as Skyride
Sentosa 4D Magix as well as Sentosa Cine Blast
Tiger sky Tower
Top budget plan hotels as well as Hostels in SingaporeSearch for much more Singapore Hotels!

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Tastes of Asia

Our very first stop was a restaurant called tastes of Asia. Perfect, I thought. I was truly starving that time as well as I my stomach was making strange seems already. We shared the table with the hospitable women running the island. They were extremely accommodating as well as I liked exactly how curious as well as excited they were about the blogging as well as social network culture in the Philippines.

A few minutes later as well as samosas, appetizers, were served. The primary program was a option between spaghetti, Hainanese chicken, as well as laksa. I purchased Hainanese poultry since I was truly hungry as well as there was a hole in my tummy that only rice might fill that time. I liked exactly how tender the poultry was. So far, I had not tasted any type of Hainanese poultry in Singapore that did not deliver.

Laksa.
My blogging partner was kind sufficient to provide me some laksa since the serving was quite huge. IT WAS PHENOMENAL. I loved, loved, liked it. I started kicking myself in the rear from that moment. I ought to have purchased laksa.

GoGreen Segway Eco Adventure

After lunch, we headed directly to Segway Eco Adventure, which provides a trip on one of their personal mobile transporters. visitors may utilize these transporters to check out Palawan as well as Siloso beaches. however because we were all beginners, we stayed within the confines of what appeared like a training ground. In fact, there was a short tutorial before we were enabled to utilize them on our own.

Finally trying the mobile transporters!
While I was using my helmet, I was reminded of exactly how terrified I was when I was still discovering to trip a bike, exactly how embarrassing it was to autumn as well as hit the ground, exactly how aggravating it was to autumn once again as well as again, as well as exactly how satisfying it was to lastly discover exactly how to manage it. thankfully for me, whatever went smoothly.

The Luge as well as Skyride

After a short affair with Segway, it was time to autumn in like with the beautiful shoreline of Singapore from afar. We boarded the Skyride as well as it was truly unforgettable. I felt like an thrilled young child as we were taken to the top of the hill while drowning in the amazing view.

Skyride!
Bloggers aboard the Skyride (foreground) as well as our good friends from Airphil reveal photobombing (background)
Going downhill
Although we did not try the Luge, I was satisfied with just viewing other tourists have fun as they slide down the 650+ meters of the Dragon path or Jungle Trail. It was like viewing your playmates. funny exactly how other visitors on the ground would wave at us as well as we would wave back at them.

Sentosa 4D Magix as well as Sentosa Cine Blast

I like viewing in 3D theaters (or 4D, for that matter). I delighted in Mickey’s Philharmonic at Disneyland Hong Kong as well as the Shrek 4D experience at universal Studios Singapore, so I was truly expecting to be entertained at the Sentosa 4D Magix although there was quite a queue. One thing that made it a refreshing experience for me was that the film was notan animation however online action. It was a fun experience.

Sentosa Cine Blast as well as 4D Magix
Cine Blast, on the other hand, takes visitors to an interesting 4D motion-simulated ride. integrating HD projection with a “rollercoaster” ride, the Cine Blast features a online trip with mountains as well as valleys as well as wild rivers!

Tiger sky Tower

Standing 110-meters tall, the Tiger sky Tower is the tallest observation tower in Singapore. The trip takes you 131 meters above sea level, providing you a amazing panoramic views of Sentosa as well as Singapore. If you’re lucky as well as the sky is as remove as glass, you ought to likewise be able to see some islands of Malaysia as well as Indonesia.

Siloso beach as well as islets as saw from the Tiger sky Tower
These are just a few of the attractions in Sentosa. There are a great deal more. I was especially eyeing iFly: indoor Skydiving however we ran short of time.

iFly: indoor Skydiving
I liked Sentosa as well as exactly how it bombarded me with youth memories. Something tells me I ought to fly back to Singapore one of these days.

Top budget plan hotels as well as Hostels in Singapore

As placed by Agoda reviewers.

Dream Lodge (Picture courtesy of Agoda)

Dream Lodge. inspect rates & Availability! ✅

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Hipstercity Hostel. inspect rates & Availability! ✅

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Cube shop capsule hotel @ Chinatown. inspect rates & Availability! ✅

Chic Capsules. inspect rates & Availability! ✅

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With a paper plate of chocolate-banana chocolat banane waffle in one hand, I surveyed the park for a vacant seat and found one punctuating a grove of manicured trees. Sweet, I whispered as I pulled a chair and settled. The scene was just as cliché as I imagined, but, heck, I was loving it. I was enjoying waffles in one corner of the Tuileries garden and listening to Lana del Rey while keeping my eyes on that pointy metal structure that poked the Parisian sky — the Eiffel Tower.

View of the Eiffel Tower from one edge of the Tuileries Garden
But the world-famous landmark would have to wait at that point. It was my first day in Paris, and the tower was not yet part of the plan. That afternoon was reserved for Champs-Élysées, ending here at the Tuileries Garden. just in front of me was place de la Concorde, Paris’s largest public square. The place is serene now. Over 200 years ago, however, it was the site of one of the most important events in French history. This was where King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were executed by guillotine. Today, the only commotion that occurs here is that of tourists finding a good spot for a quick rest after hours of sightseeing.

My walk began at the other end of Champs-Élysées, a 1.9-km long boulevard that connects place de la Concorde and place Charles de Gaulle. A stroll along the famed avenue introduces many of the city’s most popular tourist spots. here are some of them.

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

1. Arc de Triomphe
2. Champs-Élysées
3. fashion Stores
4. Grand Palais
5. Jardins des Champs-Élysées
6. place de la Concorde
7. Tuileries Garden
8. The Louvre

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1. Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe has its own metro station called Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile, making it an optimal start of a walking tour. Smack at the center of place Charles de Gaulle in the 8th arrondissement, it enables a terrific view of Champs-Élysées.

Looks small but…
Voila. It’s a pretty colossal structure.
The Arc is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. Erected between 1806 and 1836, it was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte after the victory at Austerlitz and was designed by Jean Chalgrin in honor of those who fought at the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. names of generals and all French victories are inscribed on the structure.

I had a foolish impression before coming here that the arc was small (I don’t know why) and was, thus, surprised to be greeted by a Neoclassical mammoth. It measures 50 meters in height, 45 meters in length, and 22 meters in width.

2. Champs-Élysées

The boulevard itself is worth a look. Each year, it plays host to many Bastille Day (July 14) events including a military parade. On regular days, it boasts rectangular groves that fringe a maze of retail shops, theaters, and restaurants.

Champs Elysees is one busy road.
Pavement restaurants amid tree groves
Champs Elysees is flanked by fashion shops and boutiques.
So tempted to just run around and disturb their peace, haha
There was a time when Champs-Élysées was just a flat shade of green on the map: fields and gardens. The initial plan, made by André Le Nôtre in 1667, pegged the site to be just an extension of the nearby Tuileries Garden. Over centuries, it has evolved into one of the most famous and most fashionable streets in the world.

3. fashion Stores

The area has become synonymous with shopping. shopping has been ingrained in its history, starting in 1860 when the merchants along the boulevard established an association. now called Comité Champs-Élysées, “it is the oldest standing committee in Paris,” according to my good pal Wikipedia.

Flagship store of Louis Vuitton
Popular brands and luxury labels are all here, including the flagship store of Louis Vuitton, which stands proudly on the southern side of the road.

4. Grand Palais

Another important historic site along Champs-Élysées is the Grand Palais, a “monument dedicated by the Republic to the glory of French art.” The grand, imposing structure edifice houses an exhibition hall and a museum complex. The Beaux-Arts beauty also serves as the venue for many of Chanel’s fashion shows.

As viewed from Champs Elysees
Built in 1897, the palace wears a blend of classical and Art Nouveau designs, most evident in its stone facade and ironwork, as well as in its grand staircase. the most appealing are its glass barrel-vaulted roofs, framed by light steel, allowing natural light in.

Just across the Grand Palais is the Petit Palais.

5. Jardins des Champs-Élysées

At this point, you’ll probably be exhausted from all the hours of walking. fret not! beyond the groves of trees that line the avenue are pockets of greens, perfect for a brief rest. Some statues and fountains adorn the gardens. but you might want to spend a few euros on a serving of crepe from the unassuming stalls that hide under the foliage.

Jealousy.
Groves of trees fringing the avenue
One of the many creperies along the avenue
A human statue amuses a passerby

6. place de la Concorde

The largest public square in Paris, the place de la Concorde spans 8.64 hectares at the eastern end of Champs-Élysées. Its most prominent feature: the Obelisk of Luxor, a giant needle-shape Egyptian monument at the very center of the site. The obelisk is flanked by the Fontaines de la Concorde, designed by Jacques Ignace Hittorff. but the place itself was laid out Ange-Jacques Gabriel in 1755 in honor of King Louis XV.

One of the two Fontaines de la Concorde
The Obelisk of Luxor
At the height of the French Revolution, the square was bestowed with a new name: aptly, “Place de la Révolution.” It was here that the guillotine would end the reign (and life) of King Louis XVI on 21 January 1793.

7. Tuileries Garden

Just east of place de la Concorde lies the Jardin des Tuileries, once the garden of a royal palace which was opened to the public after the French Revolution. construction of the Italian Renaissance garden was ordered by Queen Catherine de Medicis in 1564, after the death of her husband, King Henry II. She enlisted the help of Bernard de Carnesse, an architect from Florence. It has seen a number of redesigns over the centuries as ownership of the site was passed on from one ruler to another.

View of the Eiffel Tower from one edge of the Tuileries Garden
Tuileries Garden
Octagonal basin of the Tuileries Garden
Today, the Tuileries garden is a famous tourist spot and public park. Its centerpiece is an octagonal basin, a realization of landscape architect André Le Nôtre’s vision.

8. The Louvre

Walk straight across the garden and you’ll find yourself admiring the Louvre, the world’s most visited art museum, attracting over 9.7 million visitors a year, and also one of the world’s largest, covering an area of over 60,000 square meters. The museum shelters and showcases around 35,000 pieces, the most famous of which is probably the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.

The Louvre is open from Wednesday to Monday, 9am-6pm (closed on Tuesdays), but try to check out on a Wednesday or Friday, when the operating hours are extended until 9:45pm, giving you more time to explore more rooms and see more pieces.

I will be writing about my time inside the Louvre in a separate post. stay tuned! 🙂

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A much more updated version of this short article can be found here:
Bacolod travel Guide

Negros Occidental is one of the most significant provinces in the Philippines in terms of land area and population. Yet, a big part of its territory remain unknown to numerous non-residents. but at the rate that the country’s tourism is growing, it looks like it is only a matter of time before numerous of its best kept secrets will be discovered and rediscovered by the travel-crazy public.

Bacolod City is many well-known for three things — sweets, chicken inasal, and Masskara Festival. but there’s much more to the city and the rest of the Negros Occidental province than its food and festivities. Its coasts are strewn with white sand, its streets flanked with historic buildings, and its islands blessed with rich natural resources. Not to mention that its people are some of the friendliest I have had the honor to meet, making a trip to this jewel of the Visayas an unforgettable experience each time.

Danjugan Island in Cauayan, Negros Occidental

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

How to get to Negros Occidental
Where to stay in Negros Occidental
Top hotels in BacolodSearch for much more Bacolod Hotels!

What to Do, What to See in Negros Occidental
Expenses
More suggestions on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:

How to get to Negros Occidental

Flying is the easiest and fastest way to reach Negros Occidental. The Bacolod-Silay airport is the gateway to the province, opening the door to curious guests who are ready to go back in time, indulge in sugary treats, and wander in the arms of nature. here are some airlines that fly to Bacolod and the cities they fly from:

Cebu Pacific – Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro

PAL/PAL express – Manila, Cebu

Seair/Tiger Philippines – Manila

Just to be clear, the airport is not in Bacolod City but in Silay City. Hence, I highly encourage you to check out the attractions in Silay on your last day (so you won’t be stressed out and too concerned about being late for the flight).

Where to stay in Negros Occidental

I have only been to Negros Occidental once so all I can share for now are those that I have tried during that trip. I’ll be updating this list as soon as I pay the province another visit. In the imply time, here are the inns and resorts that I have some things to say about.

The Circle Inn Bacolod

Baldevia Pension House, Silay City

Punta Bulata, Cauayan

Danjugan Island, Cauayan

Circle Inn, Bacolod.  A budget hotel at the corner of Lopez Jaena and Malaspina Streets, near Robinsons Bacolod. The rooms are okay, clean, and big enough. friendly staff. outstanding service. Double rooms from P1090 per night. 63-917-445-9972

Baldevia Pension House, Silay City. set in an old building, it has hospital-ish atmosphere. (That’s sort of a bad thing.) The rooms are comfortable and clean but there’s plenty of room for improvement. The staff is very valuable and friendly, though. +63 34 495 5140

Punta Bulata, Cauayan. tucked in a remote corner in Cauayan, five hours south of Bacolod, this resort can give you the peace and quiet you need. It’s pretty hard to reach but the service is wonderful and the beach is gorgeous. double rooms from P2000. +63 34 433 5160

Danjugan Island, Cauayan. one of the best island trips I have had in my life ever. Danjugan Island is a true paradise off the coast of Cauayan. It is blessed with spectacular natural beauty! A snorkeling and diving paradise. catch is, the whole island uses solar energy so electrical power is very limited. basic accommodations only. +63 34 4416010

Top hotels in Bacolod

Here are some of the top hotels and inns in Bacolod, as scored by Agoda customers.

Seda Capitol Central. photo through Agoda.

Seda Capitol Central. check rates & Availability! ✅

Khokoon Inn. check rates & Availability! ✅

Mahogany traveler Inn. check rates & Availability! ✅

GT hotel Bacolod. check rates & Availability! ✅

L’Fisher Hotel. check rates & Availability! ✅

Search for much more Bacolod Hotels!

What to Do, What to See in Negros Occidental

Like I said, the province is large and there are numerous activities and numerous sites waiting for you here. but I’ll try to list down some what I have gathered. You may click on the photos below for a much more comprehensive look at how I delighted in the activity.

The Ruins

Bacolod Capitol Park

Calea Cakes, Bacolod

Manokan Country, Bacolod

San Sebastian Cathedral, Bacolod

San Diego Pro-Cathedral, Silay City

El optimal Bakery, Silay City

Cinco de Noviembre, Silay City

Balay Negrense

Bernardino-Jalandoni Museum, Silay City

Punta Bulata, Cauayan

Danjugan Island, Cauayan

Other points of interest in Negros Occidental include Mambukal mountain resort in Murcia and the beaches and dive spots in Sagay and Victorias, and Sipalay.

Expenses

Allow me to share with you the list of expenses during this trip. Yes, you will be making different choices when you go there but just to give you an idea on how much purse damage this trip can cause, here it is.

Day 1 – TALISAY and BACOLOD
P200 – terminal fee (NAIA terminal 3)
P82 – Cab to The Ruins from the airport (P246/3 pax)
P50 – entrance fee (The Ruins)
P140 – Manokan country dinner (with extra rice, LOL)
P 85 – Calea cake
P433 – room at The Circle Inn – Bacolod (1300/3 pax)
P48 – other transportation expenses
P1,038- DAY 1 SUB-TOTAL

Day 2 – CAUAYAN
P155 – Bus ride to Cauayan (via Ceres Liner)
P100 – Habal-habal ride
P880 – room at Punta Bulata (Night 2)
P1500 – Danjugan Island Day trip (with lunch and snacks)
P220 – dinner at Punta Bulata
P100 – total suggestions given (P300/3 pax)
P2955 – DAY 2 SUB-TOTAL

Day 3 – TALISAY
P155 – Bus ride back to Bacolod (via Ceres Liner)
P100 – Habal-habal ride
P19 – ride from Bacolod to Silay
P50 – Trike to airport
P200 – terminal fee (Bacolod Airport)
P110 – Lunch
P634 – DAY 3 SUB-TOTAL

TOTAL
P2208 – Day 1
P2955 – Day 2
P634 – Day 3
P4,627 – TOTAL

Note that this does not include pasalubong. You might want to allot P1000 for pasalubong as their local products are really tempting.

When we were planning this trip, we weren’t really that hot about it. To be honest, the only thing I knew about Negros Occidental before this trip was, well, chicken inasal.

But I have to say this: this trip was a enjoyable surprise. This trip is probably one of my favorites! I delighted in every single second and every single thing I experienced in Negros Occidental — from the gastronomic treats in Bacolod, to a welcome history lesson in Talisay and Silay, to a much greater appreciation of nature in Cauayan. Negros Occidental is a gem in much more ways than I expected.

More suggestions on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Related Posts:

Preparing a Bacolod schedule – Negros Occidental, Philippines

THE RUINS in Talisay City (Near Bacolod)

How to get to Punta Bulata and Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental, Philippines

PUNTA BULATA resort in Cauayan, Negros Occidental (Splurge Option)

5 Heritage sites to check out in SILAY CITY, Negros Occidental

The Circle Inn: Where to stay in Bacolod City, Philippines

San Sebastian Cathedral from outside the Gates: Bacolod City, Philippines

Capital Park and Lagoon, Bacolod: A Late night Walk