Prepare for the Worst

Moving and action Traveling by bus or train is one of the most economical ways to get around. But taking photographs from a moving vehicle can result in blurred images, poor composition, or even missed shots. You can use a few simple techniques to avoid these problems. Panning, a common approach, involves moving the camera along with the subject in motion (this works whether you're using automatic or manual mode). When photographing from inside a moving vehicle, for example, move your camera in the same direction as the object you want to photograph—doing your best to keep the object or person squarely in the frame. This is a good time to use the auto-advance option if your camera has one: Keep your finger on the shutter button and let the camera take photographs continuously. It may take a little while for your digital camera to write the images to disk, but you're more likely to get the shot you're after. If you're shooting through glass from inside a vehicle, wait for the vehicle to come to a stop so you can open the window safely without the risk of dropping your camera. (See the next section for tips on taking photographs through glass.) Timing and technique are always important in action photography, but when you've left the bus and are shooting action from on the ground, good positioning becomes critical. Survey the scene for a minute or two, and then pick the spot that has the best point of view with the fewest obstructions. Steer clear of areas where people frequently pass by and jeopardize a clear shot, for example, or simply find yourself a perch that lifts you above objects that might get in your way. Your subject is in motion and won't give you another chance, so you need to freeze the action by using a very fast shutter speed like 1/250th or 1/500th of a second. If you're not comfortable using your camera manually or don't have the option, check to see if it has a sports or action mode, usually depicted by an icon of someone running. Select the mode, and the camera will automatically choose the highest possible shutter speed for the lighting conditions and then freeze the action. Higher shutter speeds and smart positioning will help you take crisp, beautiful shots of scenes like kids running at the beach, action-packed carnivals and parades, or even animals striding across the open plain while on safari.   Related: How to Take Better Sunset Photos   Through glass If you find yourself wanting to photograph something separated from you by glass, perhaps while visiting a museum or window-shopping, be aware that the glass can cause reflections that distort the object you're trying to photograph. A cloudy day works well because it yields low-contrast light that minimizes reflections, so put gray days to use if you can. Regardless of the forecast, you can easily reduce the effect of reflections (no fancy equipment or special skills needed!). First, turn off your camera's flash to prevent a burst of light that will cause a strong, bright reflection in the glass. Then try moving around while looking through your viewfinder until the reflection disappears. If you concentrate and work patiently, you may be able to find an angle where the light does not cause a reflection or at least dissipates enough to yield a more effective image. Also try to get as close to the glass as possible; your body and the camera will shield the glass and reduce, if not eliminate, the reflection. This is particularly useful for smaller objects on display in glass cases or behind store windows.   Related: Slide Show: 15 Travel-Inspiring Photos   In a crowd It can be difficult, even nerve-racking, to photograph in crowds. But remember that the more self-conscious you are, the harder it will be for you to blend in, capture un-staged shots, and enjoy the experience. You should also keep your equipment minimal: Don't pack extra gear, and try to use a bag that does not scream "camera." You'll find it easier to move around as you'll be less conspicuous and less of a target for potential pickpockets. Some photographers even cover the brand name of the camera with a small piece of electrical tape. Finding an unobstructed point of view can be tough with lots of other people around. One option is to photograph through people, using their heads and backs to frame the compositions. Place the subject you wish to capture in between the people in front of you. If the crowd is too deep to see the subject—often the case at a parade or festival—you can try what the pros call a "Hail Mary" shot. Place the camera above your head with your arms outstretched. If you angle the camera down slightly, you should be able to take a reasonably good shot. The advantage of having a digital camera is that you can check your results right away and make adjustments if necessary. Remember, it's not called a Hail Mary for nothing; if the photo looks bad, erase it and try it again. Another good trick is to look up. Are there any bars or restaurants around with a balcony? Is there a bench or a chair you can step on? Just about any degree of elevation is likely to improve your point of view and help remove unwanted obstructions.   Related: Photo Solutions: Digital Cameras With Practical Tools   In the snow or at the beach Anytime you photograph in the snow or near the water, you run the risk of underexposing your images. (When an image is underexposed, it lacks contrast and tends to look gray and washed out.) The reason is that your camera's light meter reads the highly reflective surface, whether it's snow or water, and bases its exposure on that. Our solution is counterintuitive: Turn your flash on when you take your picture. You can use the flash in automatic mode at full power or in a "fill-flash" mode if your camera has one. Either way, the flash helps to neutralize the highly reflective surfaces and significantly reduces the problems of backlighting and underexposure. When facing snow, sand, or water, remember that the elements at hand don't agree with camera equipment. At the beach, be sure to bring a cloth or small towel with you. Any cloth will do, but nylon dries a lot faster than cotton. Camping and outdoor outfitters such as rei.com or campmor.com will have a good selection. If it's raining, but you just have to get that shot, drape the cloth over the camera, being careful not to obstruct the lens. Salt and sand are the nemeses of all electronics, so once you've got the shot, immediately dry off the camera and the lens. Use your cloth to gently clean the camera body, and use a can of compressed air to clean the lens—a cloth could scratch the lens, but air will safely blow away any debris. Small cans of ozone-safe compressed air can be found at any good office-supply store. And one tip for cold-weather photography: Keep your camera close to your body. Cold weather tends to drain a camera's battery power and can slow your camera's controls in general. The warmer you can keep your equipment, the better it will function.   SEE MORE POPULAR CONTENT: 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls Our 10 Favorite Cherry Blossom Festivals 36 Outrageous Photos From Carnival

Cliff House, San FranciscoFor gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, few places beat Cliff House, which was rebuilt in 1909 after a fire. The neoclassical marvel earned raves from Sarah Blanke of Portland, Ore.: "Actually, not so much the actual house, but the [neighboring] mechanical museum of antique coin-operated novelty machines of all sorts and the walk-in camera obscura." Unfortunately, since Sarah visited, the mechanical museum has moved to Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf (415/346-2000, museemecaniquesf.com). But the camera obscura still projects a fantastically detailed view of the coast in a building on the grounds, using a trick with light and mirrors that's similar to the inner workings of a submarine periscope. Stroll the grounds for free, pay $3 to see the camera obscura, or dine at one of the two indoor restaurants that face the ocean. (1090 Point Lobos, 415/386-3330, cliffhouse.com)Photo Fort Mackinac and Mackinac Island, Mich.Following the American forces' unexpected success in capturing British outposts during the American Revolution, the British moved Fort Mackinac, brick by brick, from the Michigan mainland to Mackinac Island. It remained in British hands until 1796. The fort closed in 1895; today it stands as a public monument to its long history as a military outpost. Carol Feider of Midland, Mich., says: "Mackinac Island is a total tourist trap, and I love it. Renting a bike and riding around the island. Touring the fort and watching the guides shoot the cannon. Taking the horse-and-buggy ride. And, of course, buying fudge." (231/436-4100, mackinacparks.com, adults $10, kids 5–7 $6.25)Photo Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.Dolly Parton knows how to put on a show. The Dixie Stampede outside her theme park in Tennessee is a "North vs. South" extravaganza with thundering buffalo, horses leaping through fiery hoops, and rib-tickling ostrich races. If Dolly's showmanship isn't enough, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. "Pigeon Forge...is absolute fun and enjoyment," said Carl Wisnesky of Falls, Penn. "Lots of shows: breakfast shows, lunch shows, dinner shows. Great restaurants, nationally known ribs, and wonderful, reasonably priced food at diners, like Mel's. Plenty to keep you and your family enjoyably entertained." (3849 Parkway, 800/356-1676, dixiestampede.com, $45, kids $22)Photo Wall Drug Store, Wall, S.D.When Ted Hustead opened his first Wall Drug Store in 1931, he was hard-pressed to find customers. So Ted set up signs along the highway advertising free ice water, and Wall Drug Store has been the rest stop of choice for motorists in South Dakota ever since. Today, Western-themed statues—from Wyatt Earp to General Custer—fill the halls of the 76,000-square-foot shopping complex, which also includes a modest water park, a mining-and-panning simulation, and a 25-foot T-Rex that roars every 12 minutes. "It was here I first discovered what a tourist trap really is!" said Corie Lindemann of Coon Rapids, Minn. "Now, it is so camp and nostalgic, it just makes us laugh. Reading the billboards all across the state is still the most interesting thing about the drive to the Black Hills." (510 Main St., 605/279-2175, walldrug.com)Photo Mardi Gras World, New Orleans, La.If you've ever harbored dreams of starring in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade, or just want to know how participants construct such elaborate floats, check out Mardi Gras World. The museum showcases the best floats from past years (a giant sea dragon! a 15-foot Cleopatra bust!) and houses a workshop where workers glue and hammer together next year's creations. Even locals can't resist romping among the Mardi Gras masterpieces. "I took my brother there during his recent visit, and we had more fun than two adults should—playing dress up in the costumes, then taking photos beside our favorite floats," said Melissa Combs of New Orleans. "We laughed like we were kids!" (233 Newton Street, 800/362-8213, mardigrasworld.com, $17, kids $10)Photo Hoover Dam, Nevada/Arizona BorderThe Hoover Dam is big. Really big. In fact, it's downright colossal. The dam, completed in 1936 and 726 feet tall, is composed of enough concrete to pave a 16-foot-wide highway from San Francisco to New York City. "It's really a fascinating tour, and the enormity of the structure is awesome," said Sally Ridenour of Salem, Ore. But she especially liked the dam's tongue-in-cheek mementos: "The souvenir t-shirts are great—I WENT ON THE DAM TOUR AT HOOVER DAM." (30 miles southeast of Las Vegas on U.S. Hwy. 93, 702/494-2517, www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam, tour $30, children under 8 not allowed on the tour)Photo Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, Key West, Fla. Sword swallowing plus chainsaw juggling plus a dog on a tightrope equals the perfect sunset stroll? Clearly Key West's nightly ritual offers more than just another pretty photo op. Streets fill up with performers like Jace and Jean the Juggling Machine, Bible Bill, and local legend Will Soto, who's been juggling and tightrope walking in Mallory Square for 20 years. "It is such a wonderful tourist trap, but the sights are well worth it," wrote Patti Porco of Chantilly, Va. "The sunsets are always something special to watch, but the fun is in watching the street performers as well as their audiences, who both entertain while you wait." (305/292-7700, sunsetcelebration.org)Photo

Michael Luongo: Hi, This is Michael Luongo, author of the Frommer's Buenos Aires guidebook and webmaster of misterbuenosaires.com. I'm really excited to talk with you today about Buenos Aires and answer your questions. So let's get started _______________________ Bountiful, Utah: I have heard that it is better to skip the meal at most Tango shows and just see the show. Can you recommend a good show where you are not required to have a meal? Michael Luongo: This is a good question, and perfectly in line with a Budget Travel traveler! Really virtually all of the shows have that option. I think some really high quality ones are El Querandi, in the Montserrat area, and I think for glamour and orchestral quality, you want Esquina Carlos Gardel. What these options give you are things like drinks instead of dinner. You may save about 30% of the price of the ticket. There is always heading to some of the milongas, or tango salons that mix shows with the dance time, like Bien Pulenta. It's a cheaper option, the shows mixed in are fantastic and it's really friendly of a place. That said, it is a very late night, say 1 in the morning to begin. Dinner is optional too since it is a restaurant anyway. Really no matter what you do you'll enjoy it. _______________________ Orlando, Fla.: Hi. We will be visiting BA in late May and wondered how to best spend our 4 days there? Is a day trip to Uruguay a good idea, if the weather is good for a boat ride? I really don't care about the bars, but I am looking forward to some inexpensive, yet tasty, beef and wine. I will be staying at the Tryp Hotel, based on reviews I've seen and their prices. Another major worry, what is the best (not too expensive yet not too long) way to get from/to the airport to the area where I'm staying? Thanks, Lee Michael Luongo: Hi Lee in Orlando. I would not worry about weather during the boat ride since it is enclosed. You're better off with Colonia instead of Montevideo since it is much closer and designed for day trips. That said, with 4 days, that is a tight schedule for taking a day trip anyway. Taxis are a bargain for getting to the hotel. For about 15 to 17 dollars, you'll get from the hotel to town, which I think is good and also, it doesn't matter how many people. Yes, cheaper options are things like Manuel Tienda Leon and other options, which break the trip up back to the hotel on busses, but for the difference, you're better off. The airport is roughly 30 minutes to 45 minutes away, depending of course on traffic, etc. _______________________ Chicago, Ill.: What is the hippest, liveliest area to stay in? What hotel would you recommend in that area? —Tem Michael Luongo: Of course everyone might say hip is what you make of it, but most people would agree the trendiest area is Palermo Viejo, broken into the areas of Palermo Sojo and Palermo Hollywood. These were once broken down industrial areas, but their little houses have been converted into chic boutiques, restaurants and mini hotels. Like all chic areas, it will be the victim of its own success, especially as it gets overdeveloped, but for now it is a fun area where there is always something to do! Some hotels to recommend are Five Cool Rooms, you can find out more on the web at fivebuenosaires.com. And there is Home, which is where the Bush twins stayed on their visit to Buenos Aires too. It's got a great bar, large rooms and this backyard area where you can relax, which is of course why they call it Home! _______________________ Richardson, Tex.: How gay-friendly is Buenos Aires? Michael Luongo: Buenos Aires is a very gay friendly city with a huge amount of gay infrastructure, government support for gay tourism, a few gay hotels, including the new Axel Hotel and many others, like the original gay hotel El Lugar Gay. The Gay pride parade is in November. That said, not all Argentines are comfortable being out, but you'll have tremendous fun as a tourist. There is a concentration of gay activity in San Telmo, in Barrio Norte, and really, throughout the city. It's not an issue, especially in the tourism sector. _______________________ San Diego, Calif.: We (husband, daughter, & myself) are interested in traveling to BA in the last couple of weeks of June. What is the best approach as far as planning this trip? Do you recommend going through a travel agent, or do you think we can plan it on our own and still get a decent deal? Do you think we should try to find a package where we can also see another city/country (Santiago, Montevideo)? Thanks! Michael Luongo: San Diego, this is a great question...are you ski buffs? it'll be winter down there so maybe you can plan some winter activities. I really think a travel agent will be very helpful, one who knows Buenos Aires and the surroundings. Some companies like Borello Travel or Limitless Argentina can be of help. If you are spending a few weeks, you do have time for more countries like Chile or Uruguay. You can even do things like fly via LAN to Santiago, hope to Buenos Aires, then do Uruguay by boat, fly home via Buenos Aires. You have a lot of options, and the luxury of time. _______________________ Chicago, Ill.: Michael: After seeing the movie "Assasination Tango" with Robert Duval, I've been most interested in visiting one of the tango salons (or milongos) like the one I saw in the film. Do you have any suggestions for such places frequented more by the locals than tourists? Once there, are there any rules of etiquette or local custom I should be aware of? Michael Luongo: Ah, well you know tango is what made Duvall fall in love with Argentina! This is a tricky question to ask an expert, and I will tell you why. Tango is a fragile thing, and if the world knew the best most secret tango places, they wouldn't be secret tango places anymore. What I can tell you is this—go to the more popular ones like El Nino Bien, or one I highly recommend, Bien Pulenta. Get to know the places, and acting like Duvall himself, stake them out, get the low down, ask people their recommendations. The suburbs surrounding Buenos Aires do have amazing tango places no tourist goes to...but you have to sleuth a bit and get to know some tango people...that's your mission! Yes, there are rules—the specila way to look at the opposite sex (I don't know if you're a man or woman in the question). It's all in the eyes, the glances, the hand gestures and the nods. Remember when people talk about eyes meeting across a crowded dance floor, that's Buenos Aires...enjoy this! _______________________ Midland, Tex.: We are taking our mother to Buenos Aires on May 18 through May 26. She is 86-years-old and has limited mobility. She loves horses and demonstrations of horsemanship. Can you recommend an estancia for a daytime visit where there are activities for persons of limited mobility? Michael Luongo: Dear Midland...this is a tough one since by their nature, estancias are not really designed for those with limited mobility. You could try for a day trip Santa Susana and Fiesta Gaucha. it is touristy, but designed in such a way that you should have access to most of the shows, whether the gaucho games, or the dancing inside. You might have to arrange special transport rather than use of the usual busses that take people there however. Good luck and so nice to bring your mother to see Buenos Aires! _______________________ Fort Worth, Tex.: I'm planning to stay in the Plaza San Martin area for a week next month with my aunt, who is a cancer survivor and doesn't get around quite so well. Is this a pedestrian-friendly area for eating, sightseeing, etc.? Michael Luongo: Fort Worth...Oh yes, it sure is pedestrian friendly as it is just off Calle Florida. Portions of the access to Plaza San Martin itself are high steps, but certain areas will be easier for wheelchairs, you just have to go the long way. It is a beautiful park. Florida Street is pedestrianized. Not all the stores will have access, but major places like Galerias Pacifico will be accessible—it is a mall with shops and eateries. You can also do outdoor dining in Buenos Aires as well, and though it's heading to autumn, you should have good weather. Should you need medical attention, Buenos Aires has a great healthcare infrastructure. Hospital Britanico, the English hospital has a lot of English speaking doctors. _______________________ Denver, Colo.: Michael, my wife and I will be in Argentina the month of June. Can you tell us what we should expect for weather in Buenos Aires and Mendoza? Michael Luongo: June is the end of fall, beginning of winter in Argentina, so it will begin to be cold. That said it won't be as cold as in the temperate climates of the Northeast, but the weather will be changeable also. Mendoza will be in about the same range, maybe a little colder since you're near the mountains. Check ahead before your trip to make sure. _______________________ Lake Forest, Calif.: Is the civil unrest among laborers, farmers and the government a negative factor to consider for current travel throughout Argentina, especially if basing travel excursions from Buenos Aires? Michael Luongo: This is a really good question. It may or may not be an issue depending on where you go. I have not heard of any of the estancias for instance being harder to get to. The thing about civil unrest in Argentina is that it is just normal, happens all the time, with obviously larger flare-ups. People for the most part however get around it all. That said, once there, doublecheck roots etc. This can be a problem even in the capital too however as sometimes with a protest, parts of the city are blocked. But Argentines are used to these things. _______________________ Palm Springs, Calif.: I escape the hottest part of the summer here in the California desert by spending the months of July and August in Buenos Aires. In planning for packing my clothing, what kind of weather should I be expecting? Thank you, John Michael Luongo: John, I have been to Palm Springs in May and September and that is crazy hot, so must be awful in the summer! July and August in Buenos Aires can be cold and rainy. The best way to describe it is like British weather. Gray, cold, rainy, but never as cold as in say the Northeast US in winter (though Buenos Aires had its first snowstorm recently in something like 70 years.) So a jacket, coat, sweaters, umbrella for sure. You'll want to spend a lot of time indoors, so check out cafes, restaurants, and of course art galleries too. _______________________ Minneapolis, Minn.: Michael, Buenos Aires always seems to have the young beautiful people in there ads. Would some young 60's gals enjoy themselves there? What would we find to do and where should we stay? Michael Luongo: Minneapolis, I love your question! I find Buenos Aires is a great place for gals your age to enjoy themselves. Part of Argentina's European charm is the respect for women of a certain age, and in fact, you'll find plenty of North American gals your age living down there permanently. I don't know if you love to tango, or plan to, but I highly suggest some nights out—which are very late, I am talking busy time is like 2 in the morning. Some places to try are Bien Pulenta, which offers a great mix between milonga (tango hall) and show. You can also try afternoon places like La Glorietta which is an outdoors place. It does not matter if you tango and it is such a beautiful thing to watch. There are galleries, restaurants, all kinds of things anyone would do no matter their age group. Of course ads have beautiful people all over the place in them, but doesn't all advertising have that? _______________________ New Orleans, La.: I have always wanted to combine a trip to Buenos Aries with a ski trip in Argentina. Obviously this would happen between June and September. A week to 10 days would be the longest we could get away. Is it an impossible dream? Michael Luongo: New Orleans, of course you can. You're gonna overnight flight anyway either end of the trip. A few days in Buenos Aires, and a few days in say Bariloche or San Martin de Los Andes can always be done. Look at travel companies like Borello Travel or Sayhueque. You're likely to get more convenient flights and choices with Bariloche, so with your time schedule that is what I recommend. _______________________ Detroit, Mich.: We want to visit BA. He is loves architecture and I enjoy nature. Any suggestions on botanical gardens or nature reserves? What should I definitely bring back as a gift for my BFF? Michael Luongo: Detroit, I'll tell you a stroll down Avenida Libertador in Palermo will make both of you happy. It's a linear park system on one side, and grand architecture on the other. There are gardens at Plaza Italia and all kinds of beautiful greenery and grand buildings. Off Puerto Madero is the Nature Reserve. You'll both be very happy, and it is romantic too. The thing for your friend is anything leather, bought on Calle Florida or Calle Murillo. _______________________ Lynn, Mass.: We would like to travel to Argentina in November. When is the best time to purchase flight tickets so as to increase chance for the best rates? Michael Luongo: I would say the earlier the better. Flights can go up quite high then as that is the busy season. Hotels also fill up during that time period as well. That said, you can always find last minute bargains on kayak.com, and priceline.com and other websites, or even through your travel agent which might give you more flexibility than what you can book on the web. November is a really beautiful time too in Buenos Aires, especially early November when the jacaranda trees are in their purple bloom. _______________________ San Diego, Calif.: What areas of Buenos Aires would you avoid? Michael Luongo: This is a tricky question because it can depend on the time. I would say for sure, avoid La Boca at night. Monserrat can be a little dodgy, but is generally OK with spillover from busy San Telmo. In general, use good judgement, avoid abondoned streets as you would in any big city. _______________________ Bloomfield Hills, Mich.: Can you recommend an estancia that is within an easy distance for a day trip? Michael Luongo: Almost all estancias near Buenos Aires have day trip options. One for sure is Estancia Susana for Fiesta Gaucha. I would also recommend the small, family style El Cencerro, El Ombu and La Bamba, with its striking red color against the green Pampas is another great choice. Many of the estancias also have car service options making it easier to get to them. _______________________ Michael Luongo: It has been so great chatting with you all about Buenos Aires and answering your questions...there were just so many great ones, and so many I could not get to them all. But it shows how well loved Buenos Aires is! Thanks for spending time with me and see you in Buenos Aires! Take care, Michael Luongo

All the recent gloomy travel news—airline bankruptcies, skyrocketing fuel prices, and new baggage fees—is enough to make you want to stay home. Where to turn? We dug through our files to find photos so glorious that they're bound to get you dreaming and planning again. Dream Trips: • Amazon Rain Forest • A Deserted Beach • The Northern Lights • Overwater Bungalows Plus: Princeton Encourages a "Gap Year." What Would You Do With It? (40 blog comments)