Destination for TRIP : VIETNAM

It's easy to see why Vietnam is a country on the rise - there's no time for rest ... the world is there and the local residents are trying to scratch a dollar off it. After hundreds of years of war, reinvention and persistence are prevailing and the Vietnamese are thriving. What a fascinating country to visit in these times! Vietnam has a bit of everything - fresh and fragrant food, bustling and rambunctious marketplaces, beautiful mountains and beaches and stunning French-Colonial architecture. Such is the natural diversity along it's 2000km coastline, there's never a bad time to go.

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Nepal

Located in beautiful South Asia and sandwiched between China and India, Nepal is one of the most incredible and fascinating places to visit on earth.  It is home to majestic Mt. Everest, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and is one of few countries in the world never to have been colonized.  This breathtaking country offers a uniquely diverse landscape with the Himalayan Mountains and hills in the north and flat expansive plains to the south.  From deep gorges to towering mountains, vibrant culture and charismatic people, Nepal is the ideal travel destination for adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike. But as with any journey, it’s important to be prepared before you go.

Our friend Prem Khatri from Ace the Himalaya shares the 5 things you should know before you venture off to this exotic land:

1. Culture and Respect

First and foremost, you’ll want to know how to greet the locals.  The traditional manner of greeting in Nepal involves placing your palms together in a prayer style and saying "namaste" or "namaskar".  Address anyone older than you with respect using the terms “dai” for men and “didi” for women.  And avoid stepping over someone’s outstretched legs or touching anyone with your feet as these are considered impolite.

Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll want to be sure to obey local culture so as not to offend.  Note that it is never acceptable to wear revealing clothing (including shorts), particularly for women.  While swimming, stick to a one-piece and leave the bikini at home.  Public displays of affection are also frowned upon in Nepal.

If you are lucky enough to be invited into a Nepali home, remember to remove your shoes before entering.  At dinner time, you must always wash your hands and mouth prior to eating.  Always wait for the host to serve you and avoid “polluting” food by letting it come into contact with a used plate or utensil.  Whatever you do, don’t use your own spoon or fork to serve food.  Bon appetit!

2. Trekking and Adventure Sports

Given Nepal’s incredible terrain, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the world’s most popular destinations for adventure tourism.  When you’re grabbing your gear, make sure you grab a buddy too.  Trekking or hiking alone is dangerous for a number of reasons.  You may also want to hire a guide, as the woods and mountain areas can be tricky and getting lost or injured is a real risk.  If mountain climbing is on your itinerary, be aware of and prepared for the possibility of altitude sickness and frost bite.  Dress accordingly and don’t take on more than you can handle.

In addition to trekking and hiking, Nepal offers a huge variety of outdoor adventures sure to satisfy even the most daring traveler.  Whitewater rafting in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli, canyoning, rock climbing, mountain biking, mountaineering and paragliding are just a few of the many exhilarating options.  If you’re particularly brave, you can experience the second-highest bungee jump in the world, which happens to take place over the mighty Bhote Koshi River.  Whatever your pleasure, be aware of the risks and use caution during your adventures.

3. The Water You Drink

If you plan on staying in Nepal for a while, you may want to pack a boiling pan and filter for the tap water.  Water from the tap is not safe for consumption, even if it’s from your hotel.  Remember to also avoid fruit that may have been washed in contaminated water or drinking soft drinks with ice in them, as the ice may have been made from tap water.  Stick to bottled water, which can be found in just about every store in the country.

4. Nepali Food (Dal Bhat)

When you’re heading to Nepal, don’t forget to bring your appetite.  Offering everything from traditional fare to popular international dishes, you’ll never go hungry there.  Typical Nepali food is called Dal Bhat, and is made up of rice and lentils.  Side dishes usually include a variety of fresh vegetables such as potatoes and cauliflower.  Traditional Nepali food is often spicy, but you can usually specify how mild or hot you want it when ordering.  You can get a taste of this customary cuisine at just about any local restaurant, which are plentiful throughout the country.

5. Everest Mountain Flight

If climbing the infamous mountain isn’t your forte, you can still behold its wonders and majesty by taking a scenic flight, which are offered by a number of different local airlines.  All flights depart from Kathmandu between the hours of 7 and 9.  Drift above the clouds, over snowcapped peaks, and view the spectacular array of lakes, glaciers, rivers and gorges below.  Most of the aircrafts used have clear, non-tinted windows that allow excellent photo opportunities.  You’ll want to capture this view for sure!

Of all the countries located in South Asia, Nepal is perhaps the most incredible to visit.  From breathtaking terrain that practically begs to be explored to friendly, colorful locals who are eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors, a trip to this exotic land is sure to entice, excite and inspire even the most intrepid traveler.  These five tips will give you the inside scoop on what to expect on your visit to Nepal and help you get the very most out of your amazing journey.

Related Articles:

Nepal - So Much More than Mountaineering and Trekking

Nepal Travel 101

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely.  Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.  

WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.

TAGS: NEPAL, 5 THINGS, SAFETY, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL, BUDDHISM

National Geographic Channel & WorldNomads.com: Travel Photography Scholarship 2011 - South Africa

WorldNomads.com and National Geographic Channel are giving one exceptional individual the chance to go on assignment with renowned wildlife and natural history photographer Jason Edwards to South Africa!

This is your chance to photograph in Kruger National Park on an 8-day trip with Gap Adventures. Step into the heart of Big 5 game country with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, as well as zebra, giraffe, kudo and monkey...to name a few. You'll also photograph Cape Town in all its vibrant colour and visit a pre-school community project on the outskirts of Cape Town, offering you a well rounded view of modern South Africa, courtesy of South African Tourism.  

A selection of your best photos will be published on National Geographic Channelwhere they will be viewed by thousands of travellers worldwide, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get your foot in the door of one of the most revered exploration organisations in the world!

Highly regarded for his wildlife and remote landscape photography, Jason Edwards is represented by National Geographic Image Collection.

Jason Edwards, National Geographic

Your Assignment Brief

* We'll fly you in from your country of residence to Johannesburg where you will meet your mentor and small travel group for your bespoke 8 day trip with Gap Adventures. You'll need to be available to be in South Africa between January 18-25, 2012.

* On the trip you will work alongside Jason Edwards photographing wildlife and landscapes in Kruger National Park at various times of the day and night. You will also work through a specific shot list as part of your assignment.

* You will gain invaluable mentoring and hands-on experience in everything from shot set up, technique and composition through to insights into his many years of diverse experience as an award winning photographer.

* Your assignment will involve observing and assisting Jason as well as undertaking your own photographic work. This will involve long days, early mornings and late nights working! 

* You will keep a daily diary about your time on the trip and upload this to a WorldNomads.com travel journal, including pictures you've taken.

* On your return you will work with Jason Edwards through the editorial process toshortlist your top photographs and colour balance to achieve professional looking shots for submission to National Geographic Channel for publication.

* Most of all, you'll be experiencing what it's like to be a photographer on-assignment with National Geographic!

See past travel photography scholarship winner Dat Vu's photos (2010) on the Nat Geo Channel website, and Anna Zhu's (2009) exhibition with Jason Edwards in Sydney.

Jason Edwards, National Geographic

Who can apply

* This opportunity is open to any non-professional trying to start a career in Travel Photography -  photography students or keen amateurs/pro-amateurs looking for a foot in the door. 

* Minimum age 18 with a good level of physical fitness.

* This is a global opportunity - you may be a resident of any country.

* You should be an exceptional photographer with a lust for adventure, have a strong desire to be mentored and grow your photographic knowledge and skills, an ambition to forge a career in Travel Photography, and of course a desire to travel to South Africa.

* Remember this is a scholarship, a learning experience, and therefore will not be suitable for professional or semi-professional photographers.

* Find out more about eligibility in our FAQ video blog

Jason Edwards, National Geographic

Apply now

Please look carefully at the 4 steps required to complete your application.
If your photos are not ready, we suggest you come back later to complete this entry.

1. Shoot a series of photos (maximum of 5)

They must tell a story about a place you have visited. 'Place' may be anywhere; somewhere in your own community or much further away. The judges will be looking for:

* originality
* ability to convey a story through photos
* excellent technique

Each of the 5 shots must have accompanying caption text to help contextualize the shot (see Point 7 in Jason's Judging Criteria).

Please see our FAQ video blog about the theme, making digital adjustments andJason's judging criteria.

2. Add your photos to WorldNomads.com.

Firstly create a journal, which is where your photos will be hosted, and fill in the entry form. Upload your photos either as a Flickr set or directly in the journal. (If you are already a member or have a journal, please sign-in.)

*Please don't remove the tags and title of the gallery we have set up for you - this is how we find you*

3. Tell us in 300 words or less about yourself and why you should be chosen.

Your written response will have significant weighting in the judging process, so think carefully about why you should be chosen.  Tell us about yourself, your passions, why you love photography, what drives you to take a better shot, where you would like to go with your photography etc. Help us form a picture in our mind of you as a person with your text (see Point 8 in Jason's Judging Criteria).

Remember this is a once in a lifetime learning opportunity, not a junket for professional photographers.

4. Finally the legal bit.

You know the Terms and Conditions of entry.

One entry per person

Applications close: 2pm November 8, 2011 (Australian Eastern Daylight Time)

The recipient of the Scholarship, along with the best entries, will be published onWorldNomads.com on December 1, 2011.

Check out our finalists and shortlist from 2010 along with judge's comments.

More Questions?

Take a look at our FAQ's video blog which provides more details on the task, technical guidelines, judging criteria, eligibility and more.

---

DOWNLOAD A SCHOLARSHIP POSTER TO PUT UP AT YOUR COLLEGE;

A4 SIZE
A3 SIZE

US LETTER SIZE

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely.  Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. Learn how to flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides and have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship. We'll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, get answers from other nomads to all of your travel questions (try the new 'Ask A Nomad' iPad app) and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.  

WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.

TAGS: SOUTH AFRICA, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, CAPE TOWN, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, JASON EDWARDS, TRAVEL, SCHOLARSHIP, WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY