If you are one of Chris Burkard’s 3.3 million followers on Instagram, then you undoubtedly have a steady feeling of FOMO hitting your feed daily. There is no other way to describe it. Burkard posts some of the most incredible outdoor photography out there today, and it seems like his life is one big adventure. Well, spoiler alert. It is. Check out the article Burkard wrote for Resource Travel about how adventure is his biggest inspiration.

But, not everything always lines up perfectly in Burkard’s globe trotting life. Sometimes, the 32-year old photographer from Pismo Beach, California has those trips that don’t exactly work out as planned. But for Burkard, the stakes are always higher, as much of his travel is for large adventure brands.

Such was the case when I ran into Burkard in Patagonia last April. He was shooting a campaign called #SpiritOfExploration for the Montblanc 1858 Collection, and I was in the wild and remote region co-leading a month worth of workshops with my friend Colby Brown. Just as our first team departed from El Chalten, Argentina, a massive storm system rolled through. Suddenly, the postcard views of Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre were no where to be found, instead replaced with a wall of white. A thick wall of white. And that wall had a lot of rain. Sideways rain. And wind. Oh man, that wind. We got a taste of the real Patagonia, one of the most brutal and extreme environments in the world. 

To give you some context as to what is behind that wall, here is a photo I took at sunset shortly before the storm system came through. 

Well, as that storm rolled through, so did Chris Burkard. Needless to say, this wasn’t the conditions that he nor the film crew was expecting or hoping for. But, impressively, they took the cards they were dealt and told an engaging and beautifully filmed story about how the spirit of exploration can live on, even when the weather is your worst enemy. I sat down with Chris Burkard in between his adventures to follow up with him about his time in Patagonia, how the story of the film changed over the course of the harsh nearly two-week period, and about how he finds inspiration to keep shooting, even when the things aren’t going his way. We were also lucky enough to get some behind-the-scenes photos of the adventure from Ryan Hill.

We have talked extensively about your film ‘Under an Arctic Sky’ where things didn’t quite go as planned, but somehow in the end, the final adventure was even more exciting then the original plan. In this short film for Montblanc, it seems that lucky break you got in Iceland never materialized in Patagonia. With so much riding on this project, how do you keep yourself inspired when another day goes by without that lucky break? And more importantly, when it was all over, did the thought of ‘what could have been’ haunt with you when you returned home?

Dealing with adversary, especially bad weather days, is something that I’ve become very accustomed to on projects over the years. Almost so much to the point where they seem like a necessary part of the process, as it makes those lucky breaks so much more rewarding when they happen. I find that when things aren’t going the way I envisioned, my inspiration turns from what’s actively happening to what could be. It gives you time to really think about how you’re going to capitalize when things turn around, how you may approach things differently, and making sure your fully prepared for when it happens. Focusing on those things keep me inspired and help me stay positive.

I would lying if I didn’t say I thought of what could of been, but that’s a natural part of any creative process. Looking back I’m really satisfied with what the project embodied because I feel it really showcased the raw elements of exploration. We didn’t try to sugarcoat the experience or make it something it wasn’t. It was an honest look at what happens when things don’t go to plan.

In the film, you spend time in a mountain home with a very photogenic local farmer. Who was this man? And is meeting him an experience that may be would not have come to be if the weather did go as planned?

He is an old time sheep farmer turned alpinist and a bit of a local legend in Patagonia as he was the first porter in the region that helped guide the likes of Yvon Chouinard and a lot of the original pioneers of climbing in Patagonia. Our local guide is a long time friend of his and had told us a few stories about him so when we had some extra downtime due to weather we knew we had to meet him. It was pretty crazy being able to hear about the early days of climbing in Patagonia and what those guys went through in the pursuit of progressing climbing. That encounter is a great example of something that wasn’t originally planned for but ended up being one of my favorite memories of the trip.

I am imagining the final film concept wasn’t what the original storyboard looked like, but to me, the final result lives up to the #SpiritOfExploration campaign even more so than the original concept. Was there ever any doubt in your mind that the film would have told an original and inspiring story?

The exciting part of embarking on any type of expedition like this are the elements that are unknown. You can plan as much as you want but when you are dealing with such fickle things like weather you never really know what is going to happen, or if anything will even go to plan. But that is what the spirit of exploration is really about. It’s about not knowing. It’s about coming face to face with and acknowledging that risk and deciding to go anyway.

I was less concerned about telling an inspiring or original story than I was about really authentically capturing what I feel is the spirit of exploration. For me that was what took precedent. Embracing those highs and lows and showcasing what that rollercoaster really looks like was what I was most focused on and what I think we were able to convey.

In the film you said “A trip like this humbles you. If everything goes perfect, you walk away completely unchanged.” When all was said and done, how did this far from perfect and challenging expedition to Patagonia change you?

More than anything this trip inspired me to want to get back to Patagonia. The raw force of the conditions there were nothing like I’ve experienced before so I’m dying to get back and see more of the region. It has such a rich history of exploration and my experience there really just reinforced how many stories there are to be told there.

See more from Chris Burkard on his website, Facebook, and Instagram.

See more from Ryan Hill on his website and Instagram.

The post Braving The Extreme and Merciless Weather of Patagonia With Chris Burkard appeared first on Resource Travel.

So it was near impossible to contain my excitement when I was invited by Prom Peru to visit and uncover this bucket list country country filled with a wealth of experiences spanning centuries. I stepped back in time to ancient civilizations and explored their landscapes, sounds, colors and tastes.

Attracting the attention of people from all over the world, I left feeling that one single trip is not enough to discover all the mysterious wonders of this land. My trip was an insight to a place where the authenticity of the Peruvian culture permeates throughout the land and where the diversity of nature (one of 10 mega-diverse countries of the world) has lived in harmony for thousands of years.

But with so much diversity, 10 days didn’t seem like nearly long enough to properly explore some of the most remote and mythical nature landscapes – from the costal city of Lima, to the magnificent highlands of Cuzco and beyond, and lastly restoring in the heart of the Peruvian jungle. But those 10 days were magical, and left me with excitement as to what I will experience on my return to this South American gem.

As I daydream about the golden light and the vibrant colors, I have put together a list of things to do in Peru in a limited time span.

Explore Lima

24 hours in the capital and largest city of Peru, a bustling metropolis shrouded in history, where colonial facades and high-rise buildings rise from the crumbling sea cliffs. Lima is a charming place surrounded by fog and culinary delights that is certainly not to be missed.

Traveling from Australia, the flight path is long and the jetlag can hit you like 1,000 bricks, however it is all too quickly forgotten with an overnight stay in the urban sanctuary of Belmond Miraflores Park. A deliciously warm bath and dreamy nights sleep in the cloud-like beds, followed by a slow start to the morning and I was more than ready to explore the city.

My guide and I embarked on a journey through the most representative flavors of Peruvian gastronomy. We began with a tour through a typical Peruvian market; a morning spent sampling a broad variety of fresh national ingredients including tradition Peruvian fruit (Cherimoya, Lucuma and Aguaymanto). Our next stop was to Urban Kitchen for an explosive and interactive experience, learning how to prepare the delicious dishes from one of the most varies cuisines in the world. More than just a cooking lesson though, the dedicated and innovative owner catered everything to my Vegan diet and made a special emphasis on sharing the history of Peruvian Cuisine and the social and culture issues that made the experience not only focused on the kitchen, but the culture.

The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering around “the City of Kings,” learning about the most important city in America during colonial times. Some of my favorite locations that I wouldn’t suggest missing are the Main Square, Governments Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, City hall and the Cathedral. Once you venture out of the main city, make sure to visit the colorful bohemian district of Barranco. This is the hotspot for artists, musicians, designers and photographers, making it an amazing place to wander and get lost in. And if you happen to be traveling with your signifcant other, make sure to check out “Parque del Amor” (Love Park) in the Miraflores district, a park entirely dedicated to all lovers. Gaze upon the El Beso (the kiss), a large sculpture that sits in front of a stunning view over the bay of Lima. As the sun set and blue hour descended, I finished my first evening with a delightful dinner watching the waves crash into the rocks below.

24 hours in Lima is the perfect introduction to the diversity Peru has to offer.

Explore The Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is the heart of the Inca Heartland. 60 kilometers of Spanish colonial villages and fertile farmland have made the Sacred Valley an important part of Peruvian culture for centuries.

As a part of the exploration through the Inca Heartland, a stay in the Sacred Valley is a must. One of the most important agriculture centers of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley is named after the Vilcanota River or Sacred River of the Incas (also called the Urubamba River). The ancient Incas believed that they were connected with the galaxy, as they discovered a connection between the sacred river and the Milky Way.

With one of the most pleasant climates in the Andes nestled in-between green mountains, the Sacred Valley’s beautiful scenery and picturesque villages are the reflection of authentic Peruvian life. Known for some of the finest archaeological sites (including the Maras salt ponds and the circular ruins of Moray) the Sacred Valley is also a paradise for eco-friendly adventure sports such as trekking, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding and river rafting.

My stay began with a countryside backdrop at the most luxurious hotel, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba with breathtaking views of the valley and an ‘Earth to Table’ organic plantation – aka my kind of heaven.

The Sacred Valley is quiet, beautiful, and easy to access from Cuzco. Along with Machu Picchu, these three should all be explored one after another due to their close proximity.

Get Lost in Cuzco

With a glimpse of the richest heritage and oldest continual inhabited city in South America, Cuzco is likely a stop over penciled in-between Lima, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Valley or the Amazon, however it is worth slowing and immersing yourself here.  A unique place where the bustling cobblestone streets of the foremost city of the Inca Empire meets the 21st century.

The Cuzco adventure began with a visit to Piuray Lagoon as I kayaked around taking in the distant snow capped peaks and delighted surroundings. Followed by a mouth watering Pachamanca (Quechua for “earth oven”) experience, the traditional cooking of several of Andean ingredients by hot stones underground.

From here we stopped in at a local village by the name of Chinchero, where I met Mellyy (29) and her beautiful 9 month old baby Caqui (Kaki) and I captured some portraits as Mellyy proudly showed me around her town, her traditional dress and introduced me to their Alpaca’s. I walked away with my cheeks positively hurting from smiling so much during this interaction.

Visit the Ancient Salt Pans of Maras

Nestled in the Sacred Valley, in between Cuzco and Machu Picchu lies Maras, home of the ancient salt pans known as Salineras de Maras, which have been used for the past five centuries to mine salt in the Sacred Valley. Thousands of shallow pools are strategically dug into the mountains side that fill with salt water and eventually evaporates leaving behind crystallized salt in a process that has been practiced for over 500 years. I was mesmerized by the striking contrasts and textures of bleached white and rusty browns, hidden deep in the steep valley (3,000m) in the Andes – the color pallet during golden hour was something to write home about.

Explore the Golden Highlands by Mountain Bike

As it was nearing sunset we made our way to the nearby highlands by mountain bikes to watch the last light of the day channel through the mountain peaks and illuminate the golden fields below, as the full moon made her timely ascent. After another restful night back in the serene setting of the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, I rose for sunrise with burst of energy, as I was extremely excited about the day ahead. A day I thought I would only see in my dreams.

Visit The 15th Century Archaeological Site Of Ollantaytambo

The trek to my bucket list destination had begun! And there really is no better place to start an expedition to Machu Picchu than Ollantaytambo. In the 15th century, Inca emperor Pachacuti conquered the town, turning it and the surrounding region into his personal estate. The history of Ollantaytambo is rich and the town is gorgeous. Before heading out, I spent a few hours roaming the cobblestone streets meeting locals, patting their guinea pigs and learning (through translation from my guide) about the Huilloq and Patacancha communities, as I created some portraits with the ladies and their children.

Ollantaytambo is a place where I could see myself staying for days. Just a few hours wasn’t enough, but it was well worth it.

Take The Train To Aguas Calientes

There are many ways to get to Aguas Calientes, the small, hilly town that sits at the base of Machu Picchu, but by far the most exciting is by train. In Ollantaytambo, I boarded the luxurious and exclusive Hiram Bingham Train which takes you on a memorable journey through the Sacred Valley. If time is short or you don’t feel the need to visit Ollantaytambo, you can take the train directly from Cuzco. As if the scenery wasn’t enough to make the train trip worth it, guests are also treated to a delectable brunch, live onboard local music and the stunning backdrop of the Andes as it makes three hour journey to Aguas Calientes.

Fulfill A Lifelong Dream of Visiting Machu Picchu

For many around the world (myself included) a visit to the Inca City of Machu Picchu is the highlight of any trip to Peru and even to South America. The citadel of Machu Picchu (situated at 2,360m) is one of the best-known archaeological sites on the continent and one of the seven modern wonders of the world. I’ve dreamed of visiting for years.

The landscape is shaped by a series of sheer granite Andean mountains, rising thousands of feet above the raging rapids of the sacred Urubamba River and surrounded by a lush, dense forest.  Machu Picchu is one of the most mysterious and breathtaking places in the world.

From Aguas Calientes, the bus ascent to the ruins begins. For those looking for a little exercise or trying to save money, you can hike up from town, which is a STEEP 2 hour walk. Once I arrived, I knew that Machy Picchu was everything I thought it would be. The journey is one of the most unforgettable and once in a lifetime opportunities. I spent the entire afternoon exploring and relaxing taking in the grandeur of the awe-inspiring ancient city before me – a golden afternoon, floating as if I was in a dream.

Find Peace in the Amazon Jungle

As if leaving one dream and entering another, by the next afternoon I found myself gliding through the Amazon Basin in Tambopata National Reserve.

Switching off and immersing in the jungle environment – “Tomate in tiempo y disfruta” – “take time and enjoy it” – and enjoy it I did.

The Amazon River is the largest river system in the world, spanning over 6,400km and crossing the entire continent of South America. I spent four blissful days at the pristine Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica uncovering the world’s greatest rainforest, guided by boat and foot, watching as the jungle came alive.

Twilight each day was spent with a guided cruise on the Madre de Dios river excursions, witnessing the transformation from a diurnal to a nocturnal world. The animals and birds of the daytime give way to species specially adapted to the night, we were searching for nightjars, owls, capybaras and big caimans and learning about their habitats.

View the Wildlife and Pristine Shores of Lake Sandoval

Water is abundant in the Amazon jungle, and Lake Sandoval is one of the most impressive day trips you can do away from the rivers.  I spent a morning taking in the sights on this beautiful, mirror-like oxbow lake, which is home to the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, macaws and prehistoric hoatzins.

Explore Deeper into the Amazon Rainforest

I visited the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, and took guided tours through the forest floor absorbing every opportunity for bird watching in an environment which holds a record-settling number of animal species and variety of plant life that is greater than almost anywhere in the world.

The Amazon Rainforest is unlike anywhere else in the world. It touches nine nations in South America,  and while 60% of it is located in Brazil, Peru holds 13%, more, more than any of the other nations besides Brazil. Needless to say, Peru is an excellent place to get your first Amazon Rain Forest experience.

Stargaze in Dark Skies

There is very little light pollution in this part of the world, making the Amazon rainforest a stargazers paradise. After dinner each night was a routine of observing the spectacular night sky and an early retirement to the hammock in my cabaña, finally falling asleep whilst listening to the sounds of the jungle by night.

It was as if time stood still here, slowing to find the beauty in the simple moments of each passing day – There’s nothing like some reflection time in the Peruvian Jungle to refresh and restore and a perfect ending to what was an incredible taste of this captivating country.

Find a Sloth!

Now there is no sure fire way to find a sloth in the wild, but just keep your eyes peeled in the Amazon Jungle for these cute little guys! For those who follow along on Instagram or watch my stories, you might already be aware of my slight (okay borderline unhealthy) obsession with sloths. I was lucky enough to see two three-toed sloth in the wild –  TWO!!! Another dream come true.

From slowing down in the jungle to the exploration of remote and mythical natural landscapes, Peru has captivated my heart and mind. A place of immense beauty and culture – I’ve had my taste and I am constantly daydreaming to experience more.

Thank you for having me Prom Peru thank you for making a dream of mine come true.

Until next time, Peru. And believe me, there WILL be a next time.

Melissa Findley is an Queensland, Australia based travel photographer. Working with brands such as The Intrepid Foundation, Canon Australia and a number of different tourism boards across the globe, Melissa has spent the past few years relentlessly chasing her dreams, wherever they take her. Follow here adventures on Instagram, Facebook and her website. 

A version of this article appeared on her blog. 

Melissa  would like to give a special thank you to Australian eco Labels: Tasi Travels and Auguste The Label for the outfits you see above.

The post 13 Things You Must Do While In Peru appeared first on Resource Travel.

So when Phoenix based storm chaser and photographer Mike Olbinski woke up on July 9th in Blyth, California, he knew he had to rush home based off the weather models he checked first thing in the morning.

Olbinkski detailed the chase on his Facebook post.

I kinda had the entire day mapped out before breakfast based on models and how this same deal happened on July 29th, 2016…and sure enough it played out the same way.

 

Except BETTER. Because this time the storms were early. And we had 150 miles and hours to stay in front of a churning, dense haboob. From driving through it near Stanfield, to a gorgeous haboob approaching Vekol Road, then it was to Gila Bend and after that is when it really came to life and was a dream to chase all the way to Yuma.

 

Better yet was the fact that this wall of dust was so thick, NO traffic came from the east for at least an hour. All it was was about 5-7 storm chasers leapfrogging each other, jumping out along Interstate 8, hootin’, hollering and high-fiving.

It’s no secret that we are big fans of Olbinski’s storm chasing photos and time-lapse films. In fact, we have brought you along for the ride in 12 of his previous storm chasing experiences, and all are as beautiful and fascinating as the ones before. So when I saw this incredible moment on his Facebook post, I had to sit down with Olbinski and get the story.

That is one big haboob! Is this the biggest one you have ever seen?

No, it’s not the biggest, but I’m definitely ranking it #2 all-time now! The best will always be July 5th, 2011. That was the first time-lapse I ever did of a haboob and it went viral within an hour of sharing it online. One that size won’t be seen out here again I don’t think, but this one from July 9th, 2018 was absolutely stunning.

When the wall is quickly approaching, is there ever a fear of the unknown about being inside of one?

No fear for me really. I’ve been in countless dust storms, and they vary in intensity and strength. However, we could definitely tell this was a dense one and if you got stuck inside for too long, it would be very hard to get back out with the low to zero visibility. For a time-lapse guy like me, I usually let it hit me, wait about 20 seconds, then race out of it as fast as possible. The good thing about this one is that it was so dense, we really had no cars to worry about on the interstate because they’d all pulled over behind it.

Some of your footage looks to be taken from inside the haboob. After it would descend on you, what was the game plan?

That footage was in Yuma and was basically when it was dark and we decided to call the chase. So we pulled into a lot and waited it out. The wind and sand was so intense. I think my windshield may have thousands of tiny little dings in it now from what I noticed today. Once it passed, we went back east towards home to hopefully catch some lightning, but it ended up just being rain and wind.

How long were you chasing this one?

The storms that really helped spawn on this hit around the Casa Grande area, as well as rolled through Phoenix around the same time. So I was on it from the start west of Casa Grande around 4:30pm. The last video was shot at 8:30pm when we gave up, so a solid four hours. It was a dream to catch it with all that time and daylight left. I’ve done two similar chases the past two years, both of them were AMAZING haboobs, however, they came after dark or right at sunset too early, and the chase west to Yuma was so dark that the photos were impossible to do much with. But July 9th…150 miles of chasing and tons of stops and fun photos along the way. Great times.

Your friend Greg McCown has a photo of you and fellow chaser John Sirlin standing outside as the haboob seems mere meters away. Did he snap those pics and then you immediately ran for cover in the vehicle?

I think the haboob was further away than it looked! Those are monsters, being nearly 3000-5000ft tall. So while it looked close (and it still in reality was), it wasn’t a “shoot and run” situation completely. However, I’m sure within the next five minutes of those pictures, we were packing up. Sometimes you get in front long enough to time-lapse for half an hour, sometimes a mere 5-10 minutes.

Any advice for amateur storm photographers on how to safely photograph one?

If you see one, and you’re new, definitely keep ahead of it. Don’t wait for it to hit you. And be very cautious if you are trying to punch one to get to the other side. You never know who might have stopped in the middle of the road because of low visibility and didn’t pull off to the side.

What was it like to experience this incredible moment with your kids?

Well, my kids probably just love being with dad, on the road, getting snacks and being on their iPad…but we do have a ton of fun watching these storms, and while they don’t always understand it all, they definitely let out a few “wows” for this dust storm. And I got some cute shots of Eli on top of my truck, a selfie with them together and a dust storm behind us and my daughter was shooting BTS video all day which I loved. Hopefully someday in life they will look back with fond memories on all this, because for me it’s already amazing now.

So there you have it. Another day, another incredible storm chase with Mike Olbinski. Look out for his upcoming completed time-lapse film of this entire storm on an upcoming feature on Resource Travel.

See more from Olbinski on his website, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post See the Massive Dust Storm That Swallowed Southwest Arizona appeared first on Resource Travel.

Their newest film showcases California’s Death Valley National Park in the Mojave Desert. And, as is to be expected with Jim and Will Pattiz, the imagery of the largest national park in the continental United States is nothing short of amazing. Contrary to what the name conjures in the mind, Death Valley offers diverse landscapes and colorful scenery, with life far more prominent than one would think, plants and animals somehow managing to adapt to to the extreme conditions. And since the project was filmed primarily in 8K–the beauty of the place is even more prevalent.

You can head over to their site to check out other parks they’ve been too. And be sure to follow their Vimeo, Instagram, and Facebook as they plan to eventually cover all fifty-nine national parks.

The post Finding Colorful Life in California’s Death Valley appeared first on Resource Travel.

And I wasn’t the only photographer there. Not by a long shot. While the summer crowds have mainly departed, the vibrant fall colors that begin to dot the landscape attract some of the world’s best photographers, who are eager to capture the stunning mountains with the bold red and orange foregrounds.

One of those accomplished photographers was Michael Matti, who has contributed to Resource Travel some of our favorite stories. After years of knowing Matti online, it was a pleasure to sit down with him and talk shop as we waited out a not uncommon autumn rainstorm. Matti had told me that he was there capturing content for Venture Patagonia, and that they had something big up their sleeves. When we both arrived home, Matti told me.

Venture Patagonia is giving away a trip for two to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile! While the prize does not include airfare, everything else is taken care of by the tour guides at Venture Patagonia in their most popular tour, ‘The Out Route’. While the winners will have two nights booked in the Puerto Natales hostel (which has one of the best views of the famed Paine Horns), the real adventures of Patagonia can be found when trekking and camping in the pristine backcountry and ‘The Out Route’ includes 4 nights of camping along the famous ‘W’ trek.

Having just spent almost 2 weeks in Torres del Paine, I am sure of two things. One, it is some of the most stunning landscape I have ever seen, and two, it is crucial to explore this park with an experienced guide, especially when in the back country. So if you have ever wanted to check Patagonia off of your bucket list, this is the perfect opportunity to do so!

I sat down with Matti to look at some of his favorite photos from this year’s adventure and talk about what makes Torres del Paine so special. But before you read on, make sure to enter the contest today!

You have traveled the world in search of incredible locations. How would you rank Torres Del Paine against all of the locations you have visited with your camera?

Torres del Paine is definitely up there near the top, and maybe even at the very top. For me it’s always been a toss up between Patagonia and New Zealand for my favorite place I’ve been to so far.

What makes Torres del Paine such an unique and inspiring location to adventure in?

It is such a wild and rugged place full of dramatic mountains. The weather here can be harsh and I think the landscape reflects that.

It is also so far away from most places so the effort it takes to get there and explore the area makes it feel more special.

What is the most challenging aspect of photographing in this remote region? And what is the most rewarding aspect?

The most challenging part about shooting here is definitely the weather. It can be unpredictable and can change so quickly here. Plus the winds are like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. There have been a few times where its been a fight just to stay on my feet, and then trying to photograph in that just adds a whole other level to it.

The most rewarding aspect are those unique moments of beauty you get to experience here. Whether its a rainbow after a storm, or a break in clouds that reveal jagged mountain peaks, it is those moments that make all the travel and effort worth it.

You recently shared a eye-opening photo of the rapid retreat of the Gray Glacier since the last time you visited Torres del Paine, just last year. In your opinion, is this the end of visitors being able to see the glacier? What went through your mind the moment you saw the incredible change since last year?

We had planned on taking a shot like the one I took there last year so when we got to that bridge and saw the glacier, we were shocked and wondered if the glacier would even be visible in the shot. While the glacier may keep receding and not be visible from this particular spot, it is a massive glacier and can still be seen from further up the trail. There is even another suspension bridge up the trail where you can see the glacier from.

The Gray glacier last year and this year. 

Follow Matti on his website, Instagram, and Facebook.

The post Win a Tour for Two in Torres Del Paine, Patagonia appeared first on Resource Travel.

To celebrate Icelandair’s new Boeing 737 MAX 8, Jökull recently shared seven tips on how to get the perfect picture from cruising altitude. And though flying over the lovely landscapes of Iceland might help your cause (and some of these tips are specific to the country), the information presented is still going to be beneficial no matter where you find yourself traveling too. Just be sure to get a window seat.

Play with colors, lights, and shadows to add depth to your photo.

Clouds can make an interesting pattern on the ground. In Iceland, the contrasts of a snow-covered landscape against rivers or lakes can make for a great photo. The black sand beaches or a rocky coastline against the surf and the waves of the blue Atlantic also show off the amazing landscapes of Iceland. As the ground is slowly changing color from the brown and yellow autumn and winter tones you might find green colors popping out, like moss-covered lava fields.

Use the rule of thirds

Carefully balance the space between the sky and the ground: 1/3 sky versus 2/3 ground works well. When you are in the air and can only see the sky and/or clouds, you can use the wing and engine as a prominent part of the photo.

Including part of the aircraft wing in the shot can make the landscape really stand out.

The window of the aircraft also nicely frames the landscape. When you are photographing the landscape below, the wing will automatically point diagonally upwards in the photo, creating a connection between the plane and the ground.

Use aperture priority or manual mode to get the best results of sunrise or sunset photos.

If it’s getting dark then adjust your ISO setting to 800-1200. The golden hour before and after sunset or sunrise can be rather long in Iceland, especially in the winter because of the low angle of the sun. The sunset light can linger, providing up to two hours of beautiful golden, pink, red and purple colors until the dark blue color of the night takes over.

Reduce window glare

To reduce glare on your picture from the window of the plane, hold the camera lens close to the window or even covering it with your other hand so the reflection does not reach into the lens.

Take full advantage of the new Boeing 737 MAX LED light settings to help shooting at dark by waiting until the cabin lights are set to night mode.

Use a tripod

Photographing northern lights from a window of a plane requires the use of a tripod, as you would use on the ground. A small Joby Gorilla Pod is always a great tool to have around. Set the camera to ISO 2500-4000 and use f/2.8 or lower with 5-10 second shutter speed you should be able to capture some northern lights. Try to set the camera lens up to the window to minimalize glare reflecting the light of the window.

Left is best!

In general, it is better to sit on the left side of the plane if you plan to photograph through the window. It is easier for your posture and for framing the shot so you don‘t have to twist your body to get the shot.

Editor’s Note from Michael Bonocore: But sometimes, on long-haul flights, the view is best on the right and may be worth the uncomfortable photography posture. Use a site like Flight Aware to research the flight path on previous days. Use Google Earth to then find out what you ‘think’ may be the best side to sit in order to get the best view. Also, take into account the sunrise and sunset. Shooting into the sun, especially from an airplane, can be harsh. If I am flying during a sunrise or sunset, usually I will opt to sit on the opposite side of the sun.

So there you have it! 7 tips that should help you make those long flights a little more entertaining. Your Instagram followers will thank you.

The post How to Get the Perfect Picture from 32,000 Feet Above appeared first on Resource Travel.

But it’s a contradicting nature which a travel photographer knows all too well. For every awesome, beautiful place they get to photograph, there is the time spent back in reality, in their real life, using social media to find an audience and showcase their work, saving money at their day job before they are able to get away again. Golovac is in the midst of this hustle and learning the “other side” of the business, with the ultimate goal of being able to make travel photography a career. He was kind of enough to share some of his thoughts on his photography, the grind of social media, and how the more photos he takes, the more he enjoys his work.

When Golovac was 12, his mom gave him a camera and a notebook and told him two write down the settings of every photo he took so he could learn the camera. It’s the special kind of moment that might seem tedious and unnecessary as a kid, but in hindsight, becomes a key component of your life. He’s been shooting photos since. And though he has made cinematographer his trade since he graduated from film school, lately, still photography has been drawing him back, specifically in nature. “That’s where I’m finding the most the most creativity in my work, when I’m just alone shooting these places,” He said. “You aren’t dealing with someone else directing, how everyone is working on set, the moral, the schedule. With landscapes, I can spend time working how I wanna work it. So I think that’s kind of where that split in my brain has come up. Shooting stills, shooting landscapes and nature. I’m alone. And I love it.”

His desire to be alone has taken him to Svalbard, Ireland, and most recently, he made it to Tanzania and Iceland. The images he brought back are stunning. And with a few exceptions, they all play to a similar theme: immense, stark, open but with the briefest touch of humanity. Creating a sense that nature bears down upon human expansion and will, in the long run, always prove the victor. “Emptiness and vastness are the two words that came to me. Because there is this sense of expansiveness in the images but at the same time there is like a silence, a sense of silence,” Conrad said of his work. “A lot of my images don’t have these massive action shots. Some of the work I shot in Ireland. You see these cliffs and you see these waves crashing but a lot of the images are so wide that the waves crashing are pretty damn small. So the frame is just huge with this little amount of action happening and that would lend itself to I guess the sound distance. That’s what I would say. That is the visual description of the work. Vast, empty, expansive but silent.”

But taking photos is no longer just about presenting quality work and no matter how far you travel, social media has become an integral aspect of making a name for yourself–the contradicting nature of the craft: alone in the open world to the middle of a world based on socialization. And whether you like it or not, Golovac told me, navigating the world of Instagram has become a key component in the process. Creating a brand out of your name so there is uniformity in your work, curating that work, remaining disciplined in only displaying that work. From there, posting every day, at specific times a day. Then there is liking other users and photography’s photos, commenting on their photos. “I’m addicted to it. It’s become such a part of my life,” He said, shaking is end at the absurdity of the thing. “Numbers stupidly matter to me now because I am trying to build more and more following. As a photographer, there is no easier way to interact with people that like photographs than Instagram.”

But despite the exhaustion of the process, Conrad has found a way to be optimistic about it, pointing out how, in the long run, it has made him a better photographer: “I hate putting something out into the world that I don’t thoroughly enjoy. But, at the same time, that is what has pushed me to keep traveling and shooting: You have to get a massive quantity of quality. Just overshoot and just constantly travel to keep shooting so that way I always have enough to put out into the world to even gain traction to make more of a career. It’s wild. Cyclical. It’s wild.”

Despite the challenges of it all, from an outsider’s perspective, there is only forward momentum for the young photographer. There has been a noticeable change in Conrad’s imagery in the last few months, one that can actually be witnessed by scrolling through his previously posted photos. The change, in my opinion, is his transition from a photographer to an auteur. A photographer finding his style, revealing the photographer through the photograph and not the other way around. Yes, it is something that I’d imagine most photographers go through, most artist in fact, but it’s an interesting process to bear witness too.

But this wasn’t a conscious decision, he told me when I brought it up. The change came about because of multiple factors falling into place: trying to stand out because of so many other photographers, learning how to navigate the world of social media, realizing the importance of the edit, finding what imagery he actually likes to capture. But all of that can be attributed to, in the most simple form, just spending time looking through the lens. “I’m sure it happens with most artist and it’s cool to come to that point,” He said, “Just by shooting more and more you start to shoot more and more of the things you like and then you realize that everything you’re shooting is what you like.”

Poetry, baby.

Whatever he’s doing, it seems to be working. His work is amazing, truly stunning. A vastness that beckons to the viewer. Dark, cold, but inviting. The true reality of nature perhaps, the viciousness that has created an everlasting battle between man and wild. His work has the ability to take you away for a moment. Not just an image moving past on my Instagram feed, but chance to think about a world outside of my own, to get away for some time, however brief. It’s what a good photographer has the ability to do and, what I think, Conrad is doing.

Despite the few beers, I, of course, didn’t say this to him. Admiration is a difficult road to navigate, praise is a subcategory of that. Instead, we cheered glasses and I told him to keep doing what he’s doing. The praise could happen with a like on Instagram.

Follow Conrad Golovac on his Website & Instagram

Also, through Instagram stories, Conrad has been showing how he edits his photos. He provides before and after photos of his latest post as well as a detailed and technical account of what he is actually doing in the editing process. For anyone interested in photography and the techniques used behind the image, it’s definitely worth a look.

The post See Nature’s Vast Beauty in These Stark Landscape Photos appeared first on Resource Travel.

Arefin began drawing and sketching at a young age and initially had hopes of becoming a painter. But while pursuing a fine art degree, the battle with perfectionism caused him to lose interest in the craft. Eventually, using a camera that he bought to take photographs of his artwork, he registered for a 365 photo project and learned photography through taking photos and engaging with the online community. And most importantly, because he had to post photos every day, Arefin stopped worrying about perfection and instead begin to focus on the process of creating. Eventually, this choice led to his unique style–which, knowing he has a background as a painter, makes sense. 

We sat down with Arefin to ask him about those interesting elements of photography, what he looks for in the city streets, and what he hopes to achieve as a photographer.

It seems most of your pictures are taken at the beginning of the day or the end. I’d imagine this is partly because of the good lighting at that time of the day, but do you feel it goes beyond that?

It’s true that the main purpose of shooting either in early morning or late afternoon is the amazing quality of light. But at the same time another important reason is the mood and the ambiance. The light I work with is perfect for the soft, serene, and whimsical kind of look I want in my images. Also, personally, I feel that that particular light makes the images look a bit wistful and adds a certain kind of emotional aspect. It’s also great to capture the details and richness of colors.

The shadows and lighting and colors in your photographs are amazing. You kind of touched on this in the previous answer, but can you tell me a little bit more about why these elements are important to you?

Well thank you and yes, certainly these elements are the most important parts of my images. I’m especially obsessed with light, it’s probably the most important thing I pay attention to when I photograph something. After all, photography is painting with light, right? A dramatic use of light can turn something mundane and simple into something extraordinary and telling. Personally, I love shooting with backlight. For me, that dramatic contrast between light and shadows adds much depth and mystery. For color, I think if the light is the soul of a photo then color is the heart. Color can trigger human emotions and that’s how I try to use it. I use the tones and colors according to the mood and emotion I want to express through my image.

Your website describes your photography as “often whimsical, with a dreamy feel, yet the elements are utterly taken from real life.” When you set out to take pictures, are you mainly focusing on the real-life element and then later, in the edit, try to find the whimsical? Or do you have an idea about the whimsical and go looking for it in real life?

It’s actually a bit of both. Most of the time I try to take an ordinary everyday object or element, shoot and edit it in a way that makes it look whimsical. My idea has always been to make people believe that, if you open your eyes, you can both find beauty everywhere as well as see your surroundings with a fresh, different perspective. But yes, sometimes it happens that I get a certain concept in my mind and for that I need some unusual objects and props. For example, in the past, I created some fairy tale type images inspired by Harry Potter or Beauty and the Beast and for those images I had to collect props related to witchcraft and fairytales. So yeah, sometimes it’s taking something very ordinary and trying to represent it in a whimsical way and sometimes its about coming up with a concept and trying to find fitting elements to make that idea happen.

Did your street photography always have the whimsical dreamy feel as well? Or did you take the fantasy elements from your still life photography and try to apply it to people and city life?

The miniature or still life photography is something I started with and has always been the main focus. I love to work with still life objects. In all objects, there is a sense of human presence, emotions, and stories. You can tell a whole story through your images without even using people. As far as the other account, I actually started shooting street in 2016 when I took a solo trip to Kathmandu, Nepal. So by the time I was shooting the streets I already had developed a personal style and tried to apply that there. I wanted to see how my street shots would look if I shot them in the same manner of my still life photos. For both styles, I try to find something simple and and try to make it look beautiful and moody.

With a few exceptions, your photography, though never claustrophobic, does have an element of containment. For example, narrow alleys or the walls of a city seem to confine the subjects in your photographs. Living in New York City, I sometimes feel a little trapped, or restricted by everything around me. Is this something you are trying to capture or convey in your imagery? Or is it just a natural result of taking photos in a city?

I have never thought to confine the subjects. Personally, I just love narrow lanes and streets. This love grew when I was traveling in Varanasi, India. The whole city is full of really narrow streets, lanes and alleys. It was incredible to see how happening and lively the space can be. I enjoy shooting these places for few reasons, one is the way sunlight leaks through the narrow walls and you can actually create beautiful dramatic lighting effects. Secondly, I love vertical compositions and narrow lanes are perfect for that. And lastly, usually the kind of stories and events I look for, happen in those places. You will often find people doing everyday chores, chatting with other people, or just taking a break and having tea, or maybe someone is just sitting on his/her doorstep at the end of the day. For me these places are full of emotions, stories, and the unique essence of local lifestyle which I don’t find in the main city streets. So yes for me, it’s more about seeing life happening rather than getting restrained.

There is a contentment and serenity in the people going about these everyday task, which is partly what makes them special. I see it as these little moments that might seem like nothing but are important because they are part of life. Or maybe that even the little moments in life can be beautiful.  Am I way off?

You are absolutely right. I truly believe that it’s the little things and little moments that make living beautiful. And to find happiness you don’t really need to do much if you know the importance of simple small moments. As I mentioned my photographs are a reflection of my own personal realization: I realized that being happy and creating something perfect, didn’t mean I had to do something big. It’s just enjoying what you have, and looking at your surroundings with a positive mind.

Okay, loaded questions. What does photography mean to you?  And what do you wish to do with it?

Well I started photography as another medium to express myself and to create my art. I know that one way or another I’d still create no matter what, let it be photography or through drawing or painting. But yes one thing photography did for me is give me creative freedom and open up both my heart and eyes to find the beauty around me. I also overcame many of my fears, traveled to unknown places, and met so many wonderful artists and people who I really admire and am proud to call my friends. So yeah, photography is a world which, right now, I just can’t live without. In my artwork, I always wanted to create something that’s meaningful to other people and that’s what I want to continue with photography. To create images that will make me, and at the same time, other people happy. Through my work, I hope I can add a little beauty to their lives. This world has so many problems and bad things are happening everyday, if my work can make people feel happy and appreciate the beauty of life even for a moment, I’ll be happy.

 

Ashraful has definitely given us a chance to appreciate the beauty of life and find a moment of happiness with his imagery. And whether it is still life or street photography, we’re excited to follow his journey as a photographer. Now, if only we could convey his message about appreciating the little moments to almost anyone who rides the subway in New York City.

Follow Ashraful Arefin on his Website, Facebook, & Both Instagram Accounts: Street Photography & Still Life Photography

The post Discovering The Quiet Side of City Life in India appeared first on Resource Travel.

Listen, I know it could be worse, I know. But I’m just speaking for New York’s consciousness right now so don’t kill the messenger.

The point is that it’s moments like this where scouring the internet for travel stories becomes a necessity. It’s not even that I sit here pretending to be somewhere with warm weather, because I know I’m just as happy to look at a perfect wave in Tahiti as I am studying the Northern lights painting an Artic sky. It’s just the sense of escapism and wonder that these images will convey that will counteract the reality of being hunkered down in my apartments as the world turns white outside.

This film from Timefocus Films is helping fuel my wanderlust, however.

The film showcases the landscapes of New Zealand in 8K, which is way above the resolution most of us can view. But even watching this splendid film in 4k, you will be blown away by the sharp, vibrant visuals.  Using timelapse cinematography, as well as steller lighting and composition, the video showcases New Zealand’s gorgeous and stunning scenery. The cinematic music overlays the imagery enhances the experience, making everything feel even more incredible than the stunning visuals already do. And yes, the video description pays tribute to Lord Of The Rings, so they already know you’ve made the connection.

TimeFocus Fims, based in Czech Republic, specializes in time-lapse videos. And if you enjoyed this, they have videos of Iceland and Jeseniky (Czech Republic) as well, both of which are definitely worth watching.

But wait, I know you don’t want to go back to reality quite yet. Here are some awesome still shots from TimeFocus for your viewing pleasure.

See more on the Timefocus Film’s YouTube-page, Facebook page, Instagram and timefocusfilms.com

The post Time-lapse Film Shows the Stunning and Diverse Landscapes of New Zealand appeared first on Resource Travel.

He first picked up a DSLR camera in 2007 and over the years through trial and error, and two years as a nightlife photographer in Copenhagen, he has honed the craft. A brief stint away from the camera in 2013 was followed by a two month volunteer project in Botswana, Africa focusing on wildlife and environmental conservation. This experience gave Beiter ample opportunity to focus on what would become his favorite photography genres: travel, landscapes, and wildlife.

“Shapes of Lofoten” — Shortlisted Photo For The Sony World Photography Awards

Though he has traveled to Namibia, the Caribbean, Tanzania,  and New Zealand over the years, it wasn’t until 2016 when a trip to Lofoten, Norway sparked his obsession with photography. In the harsh Arctic climate, he found himself experimenting with filters, tripods, and long exposures, pushing himself out of his photography comfort zone, which made him eager to keep shooting and learning. So perhaps it is only fitting that his second trip to Lofoten would result in the beautiful photograph that has been recognized by The Sony World Photography Awards. Like learning, this honor has pushed Beiter’s inspiration in making his passion a career.

We asked Mikkel about the photo, his trip, and what attracts him to photography.

“Good Morning Sakrisøy”

Being shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards is a wonderful achievement. Did you have a good feeling about the photo before you submitted it to the contest?

It’s a huge milestone. I’ve always had a great feeling about this photo, I knew I caught a special moment when I took the photo but I had no idea it would reach so far in this competition.

“Lead The Way”

What is the story behind the photo? It just seems everything came together perfectly for the capture.

I took this photo during a morning walk around Sakrisøy in Lofoten, Norway. Here, there are a lot of classic spots when it comes to photography and my photo with the yellow cabin and the triangle shaped mountain is one of the classic locations. But I caught something special I think, as we had some fresh snow during the night and it covered the mountain perfectly. You can actually see how crisp the snow is when looking at the photo. Combining this fresh snow with a white to grey cloud covered sky made everything pop in the photo. The mountain stands out, the yellow cabin does as well, perfect contrasts! What makes it even more special is of course the triangle shape of the roof and the the mountain behind it, coming together in perfect alignment. Also, I took this photo handheld.

“Front Row”

What was it that drew you back to Arctic Norway?

This was my second visit to Lofoten in Northern Norway. This time I went with an old school buddy and our goal was actually to see the Northern Lights. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t cooperating with us during the trip and we only managed to see some faint aurora lasting just 20 minutes. Beside that it was a fantastic trip. I got to show my friend around the archipelago and he realized quite quickly why I really love Lofoten, its fjords, mountains and the small communities scattered around with small red cabins.

“Blue Hour”

What is your favorite aspect of travel photography?

It’s peaceful to be out in the field with your camera and this is one of the things I enjoy most about photography. I’ve always been an outdoor person and combining that love for nature with photography is just the perfect match! One thing that really attracts me about photography is that you are actually collecting memories, stories, or situations, either for yourself or others. I really enjoy to travel and sharing the beauty of the world with people from my perspective.

“After Glow”

You have a pretty impressive portfolio of images. Have you traveled to many countries?

My passion for photography and travel didn’t really exist before in 2016 and having a full-time job on the side limits you a bit when it comes to travel, so I have not visited as many countries as I would like. But I am sure that will change in the coming years! So far I’ve been to the following countries with photography being the main objective: Iceland, Norway, Faroe Islands, Germany, Italy, and Austria.

“Abstract Storm”

As far as travel and photography go, what is your next move?

That’s a hard question. I’m not really sure what my next move is. I don’t earn anything on my photography so I would probably continue as it is now, where I have a full-time job and then go and travel with my camera during my holidays. I hope I can make photography a full-time career one day, picking up assignments around the world.

It’s easy to see that Beiter has the eye and the skill set to be a successful travel photographer. We look forward to following his journey and seeing the beauty of nature through his lens.

Follow Mikkel Beiter on his Website, Instagram, & Facebook.

The post Finding Serenity in Lofoten, Norway With Photographer Mikkel Beiter appeared first on Resource Travel.

So, when I met my friend Rob McQueen for a cup of coffee here in Boise, Idaho, I was giddy when he detailed his life as the Field Operations Director for Waves For Water, otherwise known as W4W.

Founded in 2009 by Jon Rose, W4W works on the front-line to provide clean water to communities in need around the world. Rose’s original concept was simple. Provide water filters to travelers who are then able to bring the supplies to a pre-determined location, which allowed these independent vagabonds to continue to live their travel heavy lives, but help out along the way. This Do-It-Yourself program was a hit, and since then, W4W has grown into a well organized NGO who is often one of the first responders to locations in dire need, as Puerto Rico was after the devastation that Hurricane Maria left in its wake.

As W4W continues to expand their projects globally, they also launch specialized teams that aim to help the volunteers just as much as the communities on the ground. The Clean Water Corps is one such program. While many of the missions involve professional athletes, Rose and McQueen wanted to start a wing of W4W that enlisted the help of military veterans. McQueen, a former US Army Captain, heads the program that serve as a specialized clean water task force run entirely by military veterans. McQueen told me about why he he felt starting the CWC was important to him, as 14-year military veteran trying to transition to civilian life.

One of the biggest challenges Veterans face is loosing ones purpose and identity. Your entire time in the military you are driven by purpose bigger than yourself. Moreover, you are part of a team of equally driven people who all share that same goal and purpose. A team that is so committed to that cause that they are willing to give their lives for it. That shapes your identity, it shapes who you are, and that identity feels almost stripped away when you leave the military. Loosing that identity is a huge challenge in the transition to the civilian world. Creating that team and higher purpose is the goal of the Clean Water Corps. A real mission. A real purpose. One that the skills and experience of Veterans is perfectly suited for. A chance to continue to impact our world and a chance to find a new identity and purpose separate from the military.

As the success of the CWC became apparent, McQueen wanted to start producing initiatives that were made up solely of female veterans and military wives. And today, W4W announced their newest project, the ‘Clean Water Corps Nepal Women’s Initiative.’

Later this year, three Regional Directors, all of whom are women who served in Special Operations in the CWC, will accompany eight military wives to Nepal, where they will help provide clean drinking water to women at the midwives’ clinic Aadharbhut Prasuti Sewa. Founded in 2007 by Laxmi Tamang, APS provides free health care services for local women and children. The goal is simple. Help improve the health of Nepal’s women and children to help reduce mortality. And access to clean drinking water is a crucial component of APS’s overall mission.

Aadharbhut Prasuti Sewa founder Laxmi Tamang.

Having gotten to know McQueen and his wife Tiffany personally, I have been left speechless by the way the talk about his time in the military. McQueen was active duty for 10 years, and out of those 10, he estimates he was away from home on training and deployment missions for at least half of that, or roughly 5 years. Even the oldest of their three daughters, Devlin, was born when the US Army Captain was deployed in Iraq in 2008. Hearing their stories about how hard those times were for Tiffany is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as she was willing to make the sacrifices of a stable home life for Rob, his dreams, and their country.  McQueen opened up to me about why the Nepal Women’s Initiative is so important to him, and why he thinks this is just the beginning.

Rob McQueen on the tarmac, ready to board a flight to assist in an emergency operation.

Military Spouses are the bedrock of the military. Their strength and sacrifice is ultimately what makes the military function, and its also a defining factor in their lives. They give up many opportunities to hold things together through deployments and training. I saw this sacrifice and strength every day in my wife Tiffany and the wives of my friends. This is the opportunity for the women that have always sent their loved ones off to change the world to do it for themselves. To work for a purpose beyond holding down the fort, to connect with other spouses, and to take part in a great adventure of their own. To know the feeling of traveling across the globe and changing the lives of women they have never met, in a way neither group will ever forget. That feeling is something every military spouse deserves, and I am beyond excited to be able to help provide a platform for that opportunity. And with the passion and dedication that our military spouses posses, I know the Nepal Women’s Initiative is just the beginning of something truly remarkable.

Being a personal friend of Tiffany and Rob McQueen, I am beyond excited to share in their joy about launching this powerful program. So much so that I have volunteered to accompany them to Nepal to document the work of the female veterans and military wives to help tell this amazing story.

We will keep you updated on the dates as they get closer, but Resource Travel is proud to partner with Waves For Water to help bring clean water to every person who needs it.

You can help us along on our mission by contributing to the cause on the CWC Nepal Women’s Initiative website.

For updates on this project, as well as others, follow Waves For Water on Instagram, Facebook, and their website.

All photographs by Ethan Lovell  and Panu Lucksom.

The post The Story Behind Waves For Water and Their Nepal Women’s Initiative appeared first on Resource Travel.

Do you want to be featured on the Resource Travel Instagram? Make sure to use the hashtag #ResourceTravel when posting your adventures! And of course, always share your love for nature and adventure using the hashtag #Outside_Project to be featured on their well-curated  Instagram account.

We are also partnering with our friends at Atlas Packs to give away a one of their amazing adventure backpacks to one of our lucky readers. You can check out my experience with an Atlas Pack here, and use the below form to enter for your chance to win a $400 backpack.

Win An Atlas Pack

Check out the March Photos of the Month from The Outside Project explorers! And if you need more visual inspiration, check out the previous Outside Project Explorer’s Photos here.

Location: Kala Patthar, Nepal
Photographer: Sjoerd Bracke: @sjoerdbracke from The Netherlands

Since I was young, I always enjoyed hiking through the mountains and traveling the world to explore new places. Last year, I traveled for 6 months through several countries in Asia, ending with a big adventure in Nepal! 15 days of hiking through the Himalayas in the Everest Region and seeing Mount Everest in real life is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time. This self-portrait shows me walking down Kala Patthar with Mount Everest in the background. The Kala Patthar peak shows you incredible views of Everest and I am walking on the highest point that I reached during the trek, 5550 meters above sea level. It’s a challenge to reach the top in the early morning because of the freezing cold and the lack of oxygen at these heights, but the views are all worth it. For a moment I felt like standing on top of the world, until I realized the Mount Everest summit was still 3.5km higher than I was.

Location: Yosemite National Park, California
Photographer: David Patrushev: @davishev from the Unites States

We woke up 7 AM to get an early start to the day. We were super stoked because it rained the night before and we were expecting crazy foggy weather. Waking up to what we saw was just amazing. We later figured out that Glacier Point Rd. was closed, so it was either stay in the valley all day, or do the 10 miles roundtrip trail to make it up to Glacier point. We decided to do the trail and it was so worth it! Definitely one of the best days of my life!

Location: Italy
Photographer: Elisabetta Fox Piantoni: @foxsbackpack from Italy

I started getting into photography a few years ago, when I got my first phone with a camera in it. The more I traveled, the more I wanted to capture every little thing I saw and share it with all my friends and family. I got my first camera a couple of years ago and photography, along with travel, became my passions.

This is one of my favorite shots because it perfectly shows how you don’t need to be a master of photography to take a good shot. You just need to get out there with fresh eyes and realize that beauty is simple, just like nature. Sometimes you just need to kneel down a little bit or turn around to find a different perspective and .. there it is, right in front of you.

My advice for everyone who wants to get into photography is simple: go out and shoot. No excuses such as “I don’t have the right gear or the time”. If that is your passion then make time for it. Start simple, look for what attracts you in life, from people to landscapes and street photography. Do not be afraid of experimenting. Luckily for us, we live in the digital era where even if you take a “not-so-good shot” you can always delete it and start all over again. Always carry your camera/phone with you, you never know when a crazy landscape or beautiful sunlight pops out of the sky.

Get out there, find friends to share your passion with or even on your own, there is so much to learn and discover out there. Never stop exploring!

Location: Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Photographer: Travis Lippert: @travisvisuals from the Unites States

There are moments of my trips that overwhelm me and stop me in my tracks. This was one of those moments in Canada. I had seen hundreds of pictures of this spot and wanted to see it for myself. But actually being out there on that ledge, watching the sun start to fade and feeling the crisp cooling air was more than I could have ever imagined. In this moment I was completely enveloped by nature and nothing could change that, even though we saw a bear there earlier that day. It’s times like these I’m reminded that it’s important to take a break from the speed of life and just go with the flow of nature. Lose yourself to the world and just breathe.

Location: Noosa, Queensland, Australia
Photographer: Ben Savage: @ben.savagae from Melbourne, Australia

While on a holiday with my Girlfriend and her family in Noosa, we decided it would be a good idea to wake up at 4:30am to capture the sunrise at Sunshine Beach near the place we were staying at. We were fortunate enough to have a neat cloud formation in the sky as the sun popped up from the horizon which  created this scene. One of my most memorable photographic sessions, the best company and a magical morning all together.

Noosa is full of surprises and unlike any other place in Australia with its tropical weather, early sun rises and early sun sets making a completely different lifestyle while you are visiting. They say the early bird gets the worm and this place is a great example of that. Everyone is waking up early to go for swim, surf,
walk, run or even to just enjoy the serenity and views because it’s so beautiful in the morning here.

The post March’s Top 5 Travel Photos From The Outside Project appeared first on Resource Travel.

When both returned home, the talked about different ideas that they could collaborate on to tell an adventure story. Woodward  doesn’t remember when the idea of running across Iceland came up, but once it did, there was no turning back. There was only one problem. Whittle was not much of a runner. In his life, he had finished a couple 5k and 10k runs, and even a marathon five years earlier, but by no means was he a ultra runner. But once the idea was hatched, they couldn’t get their minds off it. To make it even more interesting, the team applied to make this a Guinness World Record attempt.

Whittle didn’t want to do this just for himself though. The 28-year old and his family suffered a devastating loss when Whittle’s nephew Sonny lost his battle to a rare form of cancer at just one year old. Whittle was determined to accomplish this challenging feat in Sonny’s name and to help raise awareness and donations for CLIC Sargent, a UK-based organization that supports families of children with cancer.

With all of the high level work done, the team started planning the details of the run. They would cover 450 miles of roads (both paved and dirt) as well as hiking trails. The Dyrhólaey lighthouse in the south was the desired starting point and the Hraunhafnartangi lighthouse in the north was where the team wanted to end their adventure.

When they arrived in Iceland, the typical Arctic weather already began to throw a wrench in their plans. Heavy rain had washed out a bridge just 80 miles from the starting point at the Dyrhólaey lighthouse that, if not repaired by the time the team got there, would end their quest for the Guinness World Record. Once the clock starts, there is no stopping it, even if your route is blocked. Making a last minute decision, they decided to flip the route and start at the Hraunhafnartangi lighthouse in the north and work their way south, which should give them enough time to arrive at the bridge after it was reopened. Once in the north, the team started the stopwatch and Tom Whittle began his run across the desolate Icelandic landscape.

The film is a beautiful look into the journey, and Woodward wrote an exceptional blog post about the details of the run over on the Backcountry website, who sponsored their ambassador’s bold attempt to run across Iceland on foot. The film is painful to watch at times, as us viewers can literally see the athlete’s body giving out throughout the course of the run. Even though they had brought multiple pairs of shoes for Whittle, they didn’t anticipate that his feet would grow over a full size throughout the journey due to the extensive swelling that running 40-50 miles a day would cause. But that wasn’t the only challenge the team faced, as the film shows, but they endured. Ten days, 13 hours, and 11 minutes after they started, Whittle channeled enough energy to jog across the final couple hundred feet to the Dyrhólaey lighthouse.

It is hard to put into words how inspiring this feat was, and especially for the reason why Whittle was compelled to achieve it. Eager to know more about the challenging journey, we sat down with Woodward to talk about this amazing accomplishment and his stunning film and photos that brought us along for the ride.

This story is truly remarkable. You have done some pretty cool stuff on your travels. Where does this adventure stack up?

This adventure was one of the most unique that I’ve been on. While many have an objective, few have had the cumulative number of moving pieces that we had to manage each day that this proved to challenge us with. This trip was also amazingly special in the goal, not just crossing Iceland, but honoring the passing of Sonny, Tom’s nephew.

At any point were you fearful that Tom wouldn’t be able to finish the route?

Absolutely. The first days were by far the hardest. The night before we were meant to start, the rain flooded the field we camped in, and continued on into the morning as we headed to our starting point. Whipping winds and cold rain chased us the entire first day, and by day three we were almost a full day behind our schedule. As Tom’s body adjusted slowly, the third day we were concerned that his knees wouldn’t hold out for the remainder. But each day we started he hobbled from his tent, ate breakfast in the truck, and began slowly down the path.

We can see in the film what the hardest parts for Tom was, but, as the filmmaker, what was the most challenging aspect of this record attempt?

We all shared many roles on this attempt. Mandy was in charge of logistics, Jason handled driving and most meal prep, and my main focus was filming and shooting, but that quickly changed to assisting during the transitions where Tom would need to change shoes or socks, as well as restocking food and water in his pack. We quickly realized that his feet would need medical attention each day, and that landed on my shoulders as well. As much as we wanted to document the journey, I was torn between the tasks that would help us towards the finish line and those that would allow us to do more than just write the story when it was finished.

What inspires you most about what Tom, and the team behind him, accomplished?

I think the most inspiring thing for me is how willing the team was to jump into the unknown. Tom wasn’t a long distance runner, we weren’t a trained support team. We all braved a lot during the trip that tested our limits to act at the edge of our comfort zones. It taught me to never assume that just because you may not have all the answers ahead of time, that it doesn’t mean that the risk isn’t worth taking. We learn the most about ourselves when we take a chance to find the limits to what we can accomplish.

The story is remarkable, and we applaud Whittle, Woodward and the addition team members Mandy Marr and Jason Sivyer for fighting off weather, pain, fatigue, and doubt to complete this challenge. And most importantly, to help raise awareness about childhood cancer and help support the families affected.

See the rest of the incredible photo essay below. 

See more from William Woodward on his website, Instagram and Facebook. 

The post Running 450 Miles Across Iceland For A Good Cause appeared first on Resource Travel.

Luckily for us who think this would be an amazing way to enjoy a night out in the wilderness, Bubble Tent Australia has set-up a glamping experience in New South Wales where bubble tents overlook the Capertee Valley.   

The company was founded with the idea of recreating an otherworldly stargazing experience on Lake Tekapo in New Zealand.

To be able to replicate… well dare we say it, IMPROVE on our Lake Takepo experience, is what we’re here for. We are introducing a concept which allows you and your special plus one to experience something you’ve never experienced before, sleeping under the stars in a clear and inflatable bubble tent in superior comfort and convienence in the remoteness of the country.

Inside each tent you’ll find a bed, chairs, and even a telescope to look at the night sky.  Outside, there is a campfire pit, a daybed, and a hammock and even a bathtub.  As of now, food isn’t provided.  So far, there are only three tents total on the thousand acre property, which all but guarantees a remote and private experience. 

The idea is pretty original, and the photos have us anxious to visit the Capertee Valley and set up shop in this paradise for a few days. The only negative? We may never want to sleep under a roof again. 

For more information and availability, visit the Bubble Tent Australia website. 

The post In Australia, You Can Sleep In a Bubble Tent…And It Looks Awesome appeared first on Resource Travel.

Do you want to be featured on the Resource Travel Instagram? Make sure to use the hashtag #ResourceTravel when posting your adventures! And of course, always share your love for nature and adventure using the hashtag #Outside_Project to be featured on their well-curated  Instagram account.

And starting this month, we are also partnering with our friends at Atlas Packs to give away a one of their amazing adventure backpacks to one of our lucky readers. You can check out my experience with an Atlas Pack here, and scroll down to the bottom of this article to enter for your chance to win a $400 backpack.

Check out the February Photos of the Month from The Outside Project explorers! And if you need more visual inspiration, check out the previous Outside Project Explorer’s Photos here.

Location: Squamish, British Columbia
Photographer: Brendin Kelly: @brendinkelly from Vancouver, Canada

This is one of my favorite photos that I have taken because it’s a spot that’s not very well known in British Columbia and I just met the guy pictured in the water that morning. That is what I love about Instagram. You can so easily meet people with similar interests and they wind up becoming real life friends.

We hiked up to the lake in 2 hours, when it usually takes people 2.5-3 hours. We got to the top and he looked at me and said “should I jump in?” I smiled and said “only if you want”.  This is a day I won’t forget.

If I had 1 piece of advise for an upcoming photographer, I would say.. just have fun. I think a lot of people worry about the number of likes they get or the number of followers they have on social media. I just love taking photos and I never lose sight of that. That’s what got me into photography, just the pure joy of capturing a great moment.

Location: Seceda, Italy
Photographer: Chris Poplawski: @chrispoops from Orange County, California

This morning spent on top of the Seceda in Italy is easily one of my most favorite photography adventures to date. At 8,264 feet of elevation, we had the mountain top to ourselves and slept through the freezing cold without the proper gear. We unzipped our tent while the biting freeze rattled our bones and realized we were officially above the clouds as the sun was rising. It was mesmerizing to say the least. My advice to aspiring photographers would be to not be afraid of trying new things. Conquer the comfort zone and get yourself outside of it. Start with local adventures, learn your cameras and keep challenging yourself to go further, pushing the limits of your comfort zone. Leave the rest up to nature and you might get as lucky as we did this morning.

Location: Lava Bed National Monument
Photographer: Ryan Thompson:@rynotime
from Redding, California

The first time I saw this cave I was surfing the internet and I knew I had to find it. Over the next eight months I found myself exploring Lava Bed National Monument dragging around my climbing gear, on seemingly never-ending hunt. I quickly became discouraged and began to throw in the towel. I couldn’t find any information and had no lead whatsoever until I met a new friend who claimed to know its location. I immediately called my father telling him I think I found it, I knew he wanted to see it equally as bad. After hiking 6.5 miles (one way) I found myself lowering into what I spent just over a year and a half looking for. I was so amazed at how their is only one way in and out. I watched as my dad entered the cave shortly after myself. We where in awe, we had finally found it. I snapped this image as he began to ascend out of the cave. This is a day I know we will look back on, a experience we will never forget!

Location: Larch Valley, Canada
Photographer: Colin Gillespie: @calin.charles
from Alberta, Canada

It had been a long night. I had planned to drive out to Lake Moraine for sunrise, before the cold chose to set in. It was late fall, and I knew that beautiful days like this would be numbered; I had to get one last experience it before winter came. I left Edmonton at around 12:30AM and began my drive southwest. It was not a short trip, and I had to fight to keep my eyes open throughout. When I finally reached the mountains, the northern lights danced above me, as if welcoming me from my long, tiring journey. Arriving at Moraine, the darkness still covered everything, hiding the lake’s beauty from my eyes. I had not been here before, and my body almost vibrated in anticipation of the light. As the sun rose over the mountaintops, the vibrant blue waters lit up the mountain lake. I had never seen something as beautiful as this.

After snapping a few photos, and breathing in the beauty before me, I started hiking up towards Larch Valley, A local and international favorite in the fall. The larch trees stood golden in the morning sun. As I found my way through the valley, I came to a small lake so still you could see your reflection. The golden larches and overarching mountains became doubled in it’s chilly fall waters, creating an image of perfection. There is no greater country than this.

Location: Sweden
Photographer: Gabriella Morton: @gabriellamorton from New Zealand

It became quite the reality check when I found out these woodlands were inhabited by Bears, Wolves, Lynx and Snakes… I’m used to cute little bird chirps not howling echoes. By this leg of the trip my phone (which I’d planned the entire itinerary on and doubling as our navigation device) had been completely destroyed after rugged terrain punctured the screen right through. We had no option but to take each day spontaneously as it came. From vast open coastline, to dense forest, our tent was our portable home and safe haven for 40 days straight. Quite incredible really!

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The post February’s Top 5 Travel Photos From The Outside Project appeared first on Resource Travel.