Category Archives: travel

Going wireless in Europe: what you need to know about cell phones

Part 1 of 2 articles: the second covers cellular data in Europe Last updated: December 2011 To many Americans, staying in touch with a cell phone while in Europe can seem difficult and expensive. But savvy travelers know it doesn’t … Continue reading

Posted in cell phones, economics, europe, general, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 44 Comments

Going mobile in Europe part 2: data services

Updated December 2011 If you read the previous article, you now know the answer to the question “why doesn’t my American cell phone just work in Europe?” and what to do about it. This article will take a look at … Continue reading

Posted in cell phones, economics, europe, general, travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

What kind of power adapter do I need in Europe?

Figuring out how to power cameras and other gadgets in Europe can seem tricky, but it’s easy enough once you know how. Related Posts:Plug converters / adapters for EuropeSet up your iPhone for Europe and save moneyHow to phone home … Continue reading

Posted in europe, france, italy, travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Plug converters / adapters for Europe

An extremely common question, especially for those heading to Europe for the first time, is what kind of plug adapter to use for their cameras, laptops, phones, iPads etc. In this video, I take a look at three common adapter … Continue reading

Posted in electrical, europe, general, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Siena Palio horse selection video

We recently got back from a photo trip to Tuscany, where we got to see the July Siena Palio. This short (1 min 30 sec) video gives you a glimpse of the intense emotions of the Sienese around their favorite … Continue reading

Posted in europe, history, italy, travel, tuscany | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Set up your iPhone for Europe and save money

Travelling with your AT&T iPhone to Europe? Here’s how you can make sure it works when you get there and avoid a giant bill when you get back. Who doesn’t like to save money? First, a quick note for Verizon … Continue reading

Posted in cell phones, economics, general, italy, travel, tuscany | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The simple five-step guide to renting a Villa in Italy or France

Renting a villa in Italy, France or Spain isn’t just for millionaires or recluses. Perhaps surprisingly, villa rental can be more reasonable than staying in a hotel, especially if you’re a family a larger group (though being a millionaire does help … Continue reading

Posted in europe, food, france, general, italy, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

How to phone home from Europe

Phoning home from Italy, France, the UK or indeed anywhere else in Europe is easy since all countries in the European Union agreed on one standard way of making international calls. You dial two zeros (00), the country code, and … Continue reading

Posted in cell phones, europe, france, italy, london, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Traveling with photo gear & equipment

It is far harder to travel with photo gear than it used to be. Airport security is becoming more and more restrictive. US airport security now has a ban on carrying rechargeable batteries without a container: they must be in a … Continue reading

Posted in europe, photography, travel | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Sienese Flag Throwing: Story Behind The Picture

Eagle (Aquilla) contrade members and their shadows, Siena, Tuscany You might be forgiven for wondering what is going on in this photograph. It is a vertical view down onto the heads of a bunch of grown men in medieval yellow silk outfits waving large flags. You can only tell they’re … Continue reading

Posted in europe, history, italy, photography, story behind the picture, travel, tuscany | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment