Top Stops Along the Pacific Coast Highway

Ready for the ultimate American road trip? Get a convertible, pack your bikini and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

Spanning nearly the entire length of California, the Pacific Coast Highway is the perfect way to see the West Coast in all its glory. Starting north of San Francisco and working your way down the coast, you’ll hit all the highlights of the Golden State!

Here are just a few of the gems to uncover on your Pacific Coast Highway journey!

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– – Point Reyes – –

This 71,028-acre park preserve has a rich history. Stop by the museum to learn about your fellow explorers who came before, and then hike the picture-perfect Point Reyes National Seashore.

– – Point Bonita Lighthouse – –

For a world-class view of the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge, and the nearby cliffs, come discover the natural beauty surrounding this striking lighthouse.

Built in 1855, Point Bonita was the third lighthouse built on the West Coast and help shepherd ships through the treacherous Golden Gate straights!

– – San Francisco – –

Needing no introduction, the City by the Bay is home to the world’s greatest mashup of cultures. From the new age to the high tech, San Francisco has everything you have ever dreamed of and countless things you’ve never even imagined.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to San Francisco in a Weekend

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– – Half Moon Bay – –

An idyllic oasis, this quiet city has it all. Sample craft beers at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, ride a horse at Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail, and admire the stunning views from Half Moon Bay State Beach.

– – Monterey Aquarium – –

It’s easy to see why Monterey Aquarium is rated among the world’s best aquariums. With otherworldly beauty and educational opportunities galore, this is the perfect place to spend the afternoon.

– – Pfeiffer State Beach – –

Easily one of California’s most impressive beaches, Pfeiffer State Beach is a must see along the Big Sur coastline. With its legendary purple sand and prominent rock formations, you’ll want to come with a fully charged camera.

– – Morro Rock – –

This 581-foot volcanic plug is located just off of Morro Bay. The iconic rock has been turning heads for the last 23 million years and is most definitely worth the detour.

– – Solvang – –

Craving a quick European getaway? Head to Solvang for a taste of Denmark. With more than 100 nearby vineyards, remarkable architecture, and mouth-watering authentic Danish bakeries, this quaint little city is unlike anywhere else on the West Coast.

– – Madonna Inn – –

I fell head over heels in love with the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo when I was there celebrating The Blonde Abroad’s fourth birthday. The extravagant decor of this landmark hotel is unlike anything else you have ever seen. If you can’t spend the night, you have got to at least stop in for a decadent bite to eat.

Read More: Celebrating The Blonde Abroad Blog’s 4th Birthday at the Madonna Inn

Hearst Castle Photo by Justin Ennis

– – Hearst Castle – –

A National Historic Landmark, this gorgeous mansion was built by media magnate William Randolph Hearst right off Highway 1 in San Simeon. Once only open the top elites of the planet, you can now get a peek inside this remarkable place. Be sure to get a selfie with the zebras!

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– – Splash Café – –

Find out why this award-winning café in the heart of Pismo Beach serves more than a whopping 30,000 gallons of clam chowder in a single year. Come hungry and indulge in some of the best homemade bread in the state!

– – State Street – –

Wander around State Street in Santa Barbara and take in all of the amazing shops, top-rated restaurants, and beautiful architecture. Plan on taking some extra time just to lounge, bask in the sunshine at a sidewalk café, and people watch.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Santa Barbara in a Weekend

– – Santa Monica – –

Walk around downtown and the Third Street Promenade for everything from artisan chocolate to renowned boutiques to outdoor movie screenings. When you are ready to unwind, head to Santa Monica’s sizzling coastline. To really get your heart racing, don’t miss the flying trapeze school!

– – Laguna Beach – –

As one of So Cal’s top beaches, this resort city is a seven-mile stretch of heavenly surf and sand. Bring your bikini and a list of reasons why you should ever go home again.

Read More: The Ultimate Beachside Retreat: Surf and Sand Resort

– – La Jolla – –

This hilly seaside neighborhood in San Diego is a top-notch collection of restaurants, shops, and beaches. From low tide to high fashion, this is the place to be in San Diego.

READ NEXT: The Girl’s Guide to a California Coast Road Trip

 

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5 Romantic Places for Couples in California

SHOP my favorite California styles!

Top Stops Along the Pacific Coast Highway is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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10 Reasons The Yacht Week Should be Your Next Girls’ Trip

Ready for the ultimate girls’ getaway? It is time to start planning your trip on The Yacht Week!

I’ve done FOUR all girls trips on The Yacht Week and they’re some of the best trips I’ve ever had. You’ll make memories and have inside jokes for years to come.

The Yacht Week is a week long sailing trip that takes you to different island destinations with activities and parties planned along the way. You can currently explore the shores of Croatia, Italy, Greece, Turkey, the British Virgin Islands or Thailand with your girlfriends and people from around the world.

Each route is made up of of about 15-30 boats with crews from around the world. No sailing experience necessary — just book a boat, grab your girls and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Here are ten reasons why The Yacht Week should be your next girls’ trip!

It is Nothing Like the Real World

Where else can you travel with people of all different nations while getting to share quality time with your girlfriends — all while sailing to exotic destinations and experiencing some of the best parties in the world?

In the course of a week, I saw a beer-swing on a Mexican Catamaran, speedo-donning Canucks with super-soakers (no pun intended), Aussie girls taking body shots off inflatable dolls and, well, you get the idea. People from around the world come for a good time and a good laugh.

While the fun is just one element of the overall experience, I can’t think of a better way to travel than by boat. You get to enjoy the beauty of the ocean, soak up the sun all while discovering a new destination.

It’s no wonder their tagline is “It’s nothing like the real world!”

Friends that Sail Together Stay Together

There’s something so intimate and special about doing an all-girls trip on The Yacht Week. I can’t tell you how many moments us girls found ourselves locking eyes and ear-to-ear smiling because we were all thinking the same thing — “this is the best trip of my life!”

Not only do you get a week to have the time of your life with your girlfriends, you get the opportunity to meet new people from around the world. I’ve made so many lifelong friends on TYW and I’ve seen more than a few soulmates connect here.

One of my favorite things about TYW is hopping from boat to boat and meeting new people. The average age of a “Yacht Week’er” is around 20-to-30-something and most people are young professionals. It’s a great way to network, expand your friend group and maybe even fall in love.

Unpack Once

Forget about hauling gear from place to place. The beauty of sailing is that you travel to each new destination by boat. Unpack once and spend the rest of your time unwinding!

BONUS: This is one trip you really won’t need to overpack for. Bikinis, a few summery outfits and sunscreen is all you’ll need!

Less Planning

Organizing a girls’ trip can be a nightmare. Believe me, I’ve planned more than I can count. Having to organize all your friends, plan accommodation AND plan transportation is a mission.

So, if you want a girls’ getaway without the stress, The Yacht Week is perfect.

When you go for The Yacht Week, your accommodation and transportation is covered, plus most activities, parties and dinners are also organized. Save your precious vacation time and do the things you really love, like relaxing with your friends!

Discover the World Together

Imagine waking up on a sailboat with your besties then sipping rosé all day in the Mediterranean sun. There really is nothing like The Yacht Week,

In one week, you’ll get to relax, spend quality time together, skinny dip in the sea, dance until the sun comes up and experience some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

Quality Time Apart

We all know that even the best of friends won’t always be on the same page with travel plans, and living on a boat for a week could spell disaster. However, the beauty of The Yacht Week is that every day you meet up with the rest of the group and will have countless opportunities to spend time apart.

This can be a HUGE game-changer for traveling. Rather than compromising on what you want to do, or spending too much time together, you can split up and enjoy parts of the trip alone or with new friends.

No Arguing Over the Bill

Traveling as a group can sometimes be annoying when it comes to splitting up costs. Who wants to waste time splitting every single expense with a big group of girlfriends for the course of the week?

Buzz kill!

The Yacht Week makes it simpler because you’ll do one big grocery shop before your trip. My girlfriends and I have always planned to have breakfast and most lunches on the boat, then go out for dinner.

The easiest way to organize everything is for one person to be responsible for a group fund. Have everyone on your boat pitch in around $200 toward the group fund. Pay for the groceries, booze, dock fees and dinners from the group fund so everything is easy and fair.

Dressing Up

I don’t mean LBD’s and high heels. One of the best parts of TYW is that dressing to impress means having fun and not taking yourself seriously.

Pack the body paint, the swan pool float and your all-white outfits. Go shamelessly loud and proud — let your freak flag fly!

Sexy Skippers

Not all girls that go on TYW are single and not all skippers are men! You can request a female skipper to keep it a 100% all- girls crew. Or, you might get lucky and score a handsome seaman

Whatever you choose, all skippers on The Yacht Week have sailed countless crews and will take amazing care of you.

Memories to Last a Lifetime

“OMG, do you remember that time on The Yacht Week”? is how nearly every one of your conversations will start for a year following your trip.

Whether it’s seeing dolphins off the shores of Greece, partying your face off on the Croatia route, going topless on the Italy route or drinking rum with your toes in the sand on the BVI route, your memories from The Yacht Week will last a lifetime!

So what are you waiting for?

BOOK THE YACHT WEEK HERE

More on The Yacht Week

How to Pack for The Yacht Week in a Carry-On

The Ultimate Guide to The Yacht Week Greece

The Ultimate Guide to The Yacht Week Croatia

The Ultimate Guide to The Yacht Week British Virgin Islands

The Best Route on The Yacht Week

SHOP my favorite yachting styles and essentials!

10 Reasons The Yacht Week Should be Your Next Girls’ Trip is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Staying at Rixos The Palm in Dubai

The Palm in Dubai is unlike anywhere else you’ve ever seen on the planet. This ultraluxe island is part of the man-made Universe archipelago that is the pride and joy of Dubai.

Standing proud on this impressive island is Rixos The Palm Hotel. This Turkish five-star hotel chain has an unparalleled view. Ready to live it up among the rich and famous? It is time to get packing!

Here’s my experience staying at Rixos The Palm in Dubai!

– The Hotel –

Rixos The Palm Dubai is the only luxury multiconcept resort in the United Arab Emirates. With 360-degree views of the turquoise seas of the Arabian Gulf and the world’s tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa, you will want to have your camera ready when you arrive here.

Offering an all-inclusive package as well as half board deals, the Rixos is the sort of place where you can have a dream getaway without ever leaving the hotel. With the a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, a pool, and spa amenities that you would expect from a five-star hotel alongside an amazing private beach, it can be hard to find a reason to leave the hotel!

– The Rooms –

Designed in a posh cream and gold style, all 230 rooms and suites at Rixos have a sea-view balcony. With striking views of the sea and the city, you won’t find a more impressive window in Dubai.

From the lovely king room with a courtyard view to the jaw-dropping 4,090-square-foot king suite with a dedicated private butler, maid, and private chef, the Rixos is truly fit for a royal.

Featuring a rainfall shower, soaking tubs, premium bedding, bidets, and soundproof walls, the Rixos prides itself on its first-class attention to detail.

– Food & Drink –

Specializing in Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine, the food at the Rixos is top notch. The resort’s main restaurant, À La Turca, is a glorious buffet of delicacies from the Aegean region, Eastern Anatolia, and the Black Sea. Come for kebabs, mezzes, and grill,and stay for the live music.

For more Mediterranean-inspired dishes, head to L’Olivo or indulge in fresh seafood from Salt. If you are in the mood to lounge, order your meals poolside or right from the beach.

When it comes to drinks, go for laid-back luxury at the EDEN Beach Club, or opt for a lively night at The Bar.

In the mood to indulge?

Get to the Nargile Shisha Lounge for tea and belly dancing, and then treat your sweet tooth with baklava and other Turkish delights at Patisserie Istanbul. With three restaurants and six bars at the Rixos, you’ll always be spoiled for choice.

– Spa & Leisure Activities –

Anjana Spa at the Rixos brings the best Turkish traditions together with the latest wellness technology. Browse the spa menu over a world-famous cup of Turkish tea and decide on a massage.

The Rixos Royal Spa offers all of your faves like Swedish, Balinese, and Thai massage. Once you are feeling zen, get done up for the night at the Rixos’s Platinum Black Beauty salon. You can get your hair done there, and then go for a manicure, pedicure, or waxing.

Be sure to drag yourself out of bed early the next morning to hit up the Rixos’s fitness center. You’ll have certified personal trainers ready to help and a fully equipped gym with everything that you need to burn off some calories before you get up to the amazing breakfast buffet.

 

More Information

• Hotel: Rixos The Palm
• Location: Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah East, Dubai, U.A.E.
• Accommodation: Luxury
• Price Range: $$

READ NEXT: Dubai Through My Eyes

 

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Thank you to Rixos The Palm for hosting me during my stay. As always, opinions and thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.

Staying at Rixos The Palm in Dubai is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Iceland

So you want to move to Iceland? Reykjavik is the city of Sigur Rós, breathtaking scenery, and innovative tech and culture scene. Geothermal pools, long midsummer days, and little pollution.

It’s the hip place at the moment, for tourists and expats alike, and every day more and more people are arriving to make Iceland their second home.

But wait—before you go ahead and pack your bags, remember that life here is no fairytale. Prices are exorbitant, many jobs pay poorly, fresh produce is a distant memory and, for citizens outside the EU, immigration laws are strict.

Here’s my quick guide to moving to Reykjavik and surviving as an Expat there!

– What to Expect –

Iceland has the benefit of being smack-dab in between the Americas and Europe, and you can see a lot of the influences from both sides. Icelanders love their burgers and the latest Apple gadgets but also their Nordic fashion. There’s a Dunkin’ Donuts right across the street from a creperie.

So chances are, you’ll feel a bit at home already!

• The Kennitala

There’s a magical personal number called the kennitala- this is your ID number, similar to a social security number. Every registered resident of Iceland, temporary or permanent, has a kennitala, and you need one to do practically anything—open up a bank account, go to the doctor, borrow books from the library, etc.

• Climate

Iceland is up near the Arctic Circle, so this means long days in the summer and long nights in the winter. Summer is the best time to visit, as most shops and roads are open and the countryside is ripe for exploring–but winter can be cozy with the Northern Lights!

In general, the weather changes dramatically day to day, and even hour to hour, giving rise to the local proverb: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes.” It generally doesn’t rise more than 65 degrees F even in summer, however—so be sure to pack a lot of hearty clothes and layers to keep yourself warm! A windbreaker is a must if you are venturing anywhere outside of the city.

• Safety

It’s incredibly safe. As a solo woman I often walked around the streets at night with no worry whatsoever. If you don’t believe me, just check out the Reykjavík Metropolitan Police’s Instagram!

Seriously, do it. It will provide you entertainment for hours!

• Pools!

Each town in Iceland has a hot pool and downtown Reykjavik has three! The Icelandic swimming pool is unique in that it is heated with geothermal energy and most of them are outdoors. So you can enjoy a steam bath even when it’s snowing! Icelanders love to bring their families after work here to sit in the hot water and chat about latest politics.

• Language

If you don’t speak Icelandic—don’t worry! Almost everyone in Reykjavik speaks English and you can get by even if you’re monolingual. That said, don’t be afraid to try your hand at Icelandic—it’s difficult, but a fun and beautiful language. You can sign up for classes at a language school or the University of Iceland.

• Cost of Living

Say goodbye to product diversity because Iceland, located in the cold North far away from nearly everything, has limited selection. Other than lamb, seafood and dairy, most things need to be imported and so fruits and vegetables can be scarce or sometimes poor quality. Naturally, this also means hefty prices.

Electronics, furniture, alcohol, and restaurants are all going to be costly. There are also high taxes, foreign currency limits and crazy rental prices you should prepare yourself for. That said, the grocery tab is still fair—so you’ve got that going for you!

– Visas and Immigration –

The standard tourist visa is valid for 90 days—so if your goal is a summer in Iceland, great. If you want to stay longer than 3 months, take note that it is very difficult to immigrate for US Citizens into Iceland. Ideally, you have dual citizenship—problem solved and no questions asked.

Otherwise, you have to go through the lengthy process of either obtaining a work permit, applying for university studies, or getting cozy with a spouse from Iceland or the EU/EEA.

Securing a job in Iceland is a challenge, as there are laws put in place that prioritize Iceland and EU citizens first. It helps if you have a specialized skill—if you’re a programmer or brain surgeon, great! You’ll have better luck than most.

If not, your only hope is basically networking and personal connections, if you have any. Move to Iceland for a few months on a tourist visa and try to find a sponsor.

If you’re lucky enough to score a job, you must get the company to sponsor your work permit and you must receive said permit without being in the country—that means the company has to be willing to wait for you no matter how many weeks it takes to process.

The student visa is the easiest option, but it takes a while to set up.

International applications to the University of Iceland close around February each year, so if you miss the cut off, you have to apply again next year! You find out if you’re in around March or April, then once you have your acceptance letter, you can apply with the Directorate of Immigration for your student permit.

This permit requires a bunch of paperwork, including a bank statement and FBI background check, and it’s only valid for 6 months, so you have to apply again at each semester (unless you’re a Ph.D. candidate that is).

– How to Find Accommodation –

Accommodation is a challenge in Reykjavik! There’s a housing shortage and you are always going to compete with locals, students and other immigrants. Everyone wants to live in the 101 district (city center) where all the bars and top restaurants are—so if you’re one of them, expect to pay top dollar.

Single rooms can price up as much as 80,000 ISK, if not more. Vesturbæjar, just west of the city center, is another somewhat trendy neighborhood. If price is a factor, opt for the nearby yet significantly less-cost neighborhoods like 105. The cost is not much regulated and landlords can charge whatever they want.

Most importantly—if you see something—grab it! It will likely be gone within the day.

In addition, landlords are turning their places into major profit through Airbnb, pushing locals out on the street. There have been some recent legislature set in motion to change this, but so far, that’s the situation.

– Getting Around –

Reykjavik is so small you can practically walk everywhere downtown. Of course, if you live in the suburbs—Garðabær or Kópavogur, for instance, pick up a bus pass or a bike.

In the winter, bikes and bus traffic can slow down a lot, so do take that into account. If you want to travel anywhere else in Iceland, you have to have a car or a lot of patience to deal with the near-non-existent intercity buses.

The short of it: if you’re living downtown, stick to walking!

– What’s the Expat Community Like? –

The good news is that there’s a thriving expat community! Young people from all over Europe, Asia and the Americas move to Iceland to live a laid-back lifestyle and earn the mullah.

Yes, it’s expensive, and yes, the winters are cold, but any hearty expat can weather through.

I highly recommend joining the handful of Facebook groups—here you can ask questions to veteran expats and find out the best hairdressers. The Facebook group called Away from Home – Living in Iceland is a good place to start!

There are tons of concerts, organized meet-ups, and events like board game nights and poetry readings to keep you occupied.

– Other Helpful Tips –

• Currency

Give up your cash and checks—Icelanders only pay with card, even for the smallest things. The only thing that still takes cash officially is the bus.

• Grocery Shopping

Do all your shopping early—grocery stores close around 6pm or so, and everything closes up for the holidays or bad weather.

• Get Outdoors

Take advantage of the outdoors and the beautiful scenery while you’re here—there are several gorgeous hikes just 30 min from downtown, some easily accessible by bus.

• Weatherproof!

Bring lots of weatherproof clothes, rain boots, a windbreaker, and layering options to protect you from the moody and unpredictable Icelandic weather. Of course you can buy these in Iceland, the quality is quite high—but so is the price.

You haven’t truly integrated until you’ve made visiting a geothermal swimming pool part of your weekly schedule!

READ NEXT: The Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Iceland

 

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The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Iceland is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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My Travel Photography Gear (Perfect for Female Travelers!)

Every day, I get questions about my travel photography gear. I want to disclose that I am not a professional photographer and I won’t be using technical terms to describe my gear.

I’m just passionate about telling stories and sharing my travel experiences through beautiful photos.

As a female traveler, there are a few things that are important when choosing photography gear. The first is size- I don’t want to lug around a big camera or have a camera so large that it draws unnecessary attention to myself.

I’ll be honest. 90% of the time, I’m shooting on Auto. So, secondly, I want a camera that is easy to use and has great automatic features.

Lastly, I look for quality. Above all, I want a camera that’s shooting incredible images, and that’s why I choose Fujifilm.

Here’s the complete list of my cameras and lenses by Fujifilm that I bring on my travels!

– – Camera Bodies – –

Fujifilm’s X Series combines traditional styling with cutting edge, innovative photography technology- here are my favorite models!

Fujifilm X-T10

This mirrorless digital camera is one of my favorite to shoot with when I’m out exploring for the day. Of all the cameras I have used over the past few years, I’ve found that it has the best automatic settings. It uses the new AF system, so you’ll see that the camera’s ability to capture moving subjects is top notch.

If you want to test your skills at manual shooting, you are able to easily adjust the combination of aperture, shutter speed and shooting functions while concentrating on picture taking- so you have options!

In addition to the pretty vintage style, the body is super lightweight and small in size, making it more discreet than other models.

Lastly, my favorite feature is that the X-T10 has a large and fast viewfinder. It offers a clear, high-definition live view of what you’re shooting which helps you line up shots- or if you’re traveling solo, it allows the random stranger taking your picture to see what they heck they’re doing!

This camera is great for people that are just starting to get their feet wet in photography and will mostly be shooting on automatic settings!

More on the Fujifilm X-T10 Body

Fujifilm X-T1

Let me just start out by saying that this camera was introduced with the fastest digital viewfinder in the world- so you’ll immediately see improvements to your pictures and composition as it keeps you in touch with whatever you’re shooting.

This camera body is slightly smaller and heavier than the X-T10, but has some better features when it comes to protection and durability. It is weather resistant, meaning it is dust-resistant, water-resistant and allows operation down to -10°C, which is great for outdoor adventures.

Now, this camera is much more manual-focused allowing you to control the manual shutter speed, exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity and metering via dials on the body. While the design and ease of use is amazing, you’ll need to have some experience shooting manual to take advantage of the features of this camera!

This camera is great for technical photography and for people that will mostly be shooting on manual settings!

More on the Fujifilm X-T1 Body

– – Lenses – –

There is a range of FUJINON interchangeable lenses for X Series cameras- here are the ones I use!

FUJINON XF18-55mmF2.8-4.0 R LM OIS Zoom Lens

• When to Use: Every Day

This 18-55mm lens is the first one I got for my Fujifilm X Series bodies and it is the lens I shoot with 90% of the time– it is the most versatile lens in my kit. It is great for most shots you’ll take day to day exploring.

The lens also has a great range of zoom and a solid option for everyday use!

The “every-day” lens will capture most shots on your travels, from lounging at the beach to wandering rice fields- it is my standard, go-to lens!

Photography Tip: What is Aperture?

In photography, aperture is expressed in f-numbers, for example f/5.6. These f-numbers, also known as “f-stops”, are a way of describing the size of the aperture, or how open or closed the aperture is. A smaller f-stop means a larger aperture, while a larger f-stop means a smaller aperture.

The iris of the lens, or diaphragm, controls the size of the aperture. Its purpose is to block or stop all light, with the exception of the light that goes through the aperture.

Larger f-stops like f/32, is a smaller aperture and when shot, it will bring all foreground and background objects in focus. A smaller f-stop like f/1.4 will isolate the foreground from the background by making the foreground objects sharp and the background more out-of-focus.

FUJINON XF10-24mmF4 R OIS Wide Angle Zoom Lens

• When to Use: When Space is Required (Indoor & Landscapes)

Ever wanted to go an epic shot, but all the elements wouldn’t fit in the photo? You’ll need a wide angle for that!

Having a wide angle lens is awesome for landscape shots or shooting indoors in tight spaces. I typically use it when I want to shoot a large building or monument, or give something scale. If there’s not a lot of room to capture the entire scene, I’ll always switch to this lens.

Wide angle lenses can have some warping around the edges, but this lens has very mild distortion and, as you zoom, it minimizes it even further.

The wide angle lens will capture the whole scene- it’s what I always use for “Follow Me” shots because it frames the body and allows for more background in the shot.

Photography Tip: What is a Prime Lens?

Prime lens is a lens of fixed focal length. This means that the lenses have larger apertures while staying compact in size. A prime lens has fewer moving parts (no zoom), so there is less of an opportunity for problems and prime lenses generally capture images that are sharper!

FUJINON XF56mmF1.2 R (Prime Lens)

• When to Use: Portraits and Lifestyle Photography

For those not familiar, a prime lens has no zoom capability- it shoots a fixed range of distance, which allows for a better range of depth of field. The lens creates a beautiful out-of-focus background so it’s ideal for lifestyle and portrait photography.

If you’re looking for a good lens for fashion shots or photos of people when traveling, this is it!

I would consider this lens to be my “fashion lens” – I love the depth of field it provides, and allows the eye to focus on the outfit and foreground!

FUJINON XF35mmF2 R WR (Prime Lens)

• When to Use: Variety of Situations

This lens is the second 35mm prime made for the X Series cameras, but it is smaller and less expensive than the first. Your eyes see in 35mm, so this lens will offer a normal perspective to your images. It is most useful for shooting images with a shallow depth-of-field and working in low-light conditions!

This lens is weather sealed for added protection- 8 sealing points for weather and dust-resistance and will operate in as low as 14 degrees.

This lens is great for detail shots and getting up close and personal with the subject!

FUJINON XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Zoom Lens 

+ FUJINON XF1.4X TC WR Teleconverter Lens

• When to Use: Working with Distant Subjects

This is a big zoom lens and not something I bring on every trip. It obviously takes a lot of space in my backpack, so I only bring it when I know I’ll need it, like when I’m going on a safari!

The lens has a focus range is 1.75m with a maximum magnification of 0.19x so when you add the 1.4X Teleconverter you get an additional 1.4X zoom. A teleconverter is great because it means you get the power of a really big zoom lens without adding the bulk.

Mind you, this elephant was about 100ft away! This lens is the perfect tool for capturing distant subjects.

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My Travel Photography Gear (Perfect for Female Travelers!) is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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