Rob and Lauren Blog

I second (or third) Peru, the Andean people/culture/colours are amazing and you also get some breathtaking scenery and ruins in Machu Picchu. Throw in the northern surf beaches and the amazon jungle and you have one heck of a visually fascinating vacation. Despite this, Peru is not my favourite place.

For a combination of visually fascinating + amazing I would go to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls.

I would also recommend Ethiopia (though I haven’t been their myself) or somewhere in West Africa (but that will be expensive and really hard if you can’t speak French).

New Zealand has been highly recommended in these comments, while it is amazing and will probably be one of the best trips you ever have, it is very much nature photography. I think you may find that tedious after awhile.

I could go on and on and on and on. We link to our pictures from our world trip on the blog above. Pic your faves and go from there!

I would recommend either Poland – for beautiful mountains, wonderful people and funky, inexpensive cities like Krakow – or Slovenia – for super friendly people, amazing architecture and towns with names like “Bled.” Awesome.

You know what though, before I moved to Alberta, I was talking with a National Geographic Photographer and he told me that there are three places in the world that are his favorite after traveling everywhere. Egypt was one, China (the untraveled part he said) and Alberta Canada. He said Alberta is as diverse as they come. Then I told him I was moving here, and he almost cried on mee/almost fell over and told mee to take every opportunity I got while here…
So, exploring the unexplored parts of Alberta, does that count as a good answer? tee hee

First off, you were in DC! What I have family there, I could have given you all kinds of tips!!! Ok NEXT TIME!!
As for the trip: Start in Main, take the ferry across to Yarmouth Nova Scotia or Digby watch the whales all around then drive all along the cost in and out of these quant little lighthouse towns with the nicest people smell the ocean, get great treatment, eat fresh fish or not and see beautiful coastline. Then make your way up to PEI. Voted best kept Western Secret…I don’t know, just a thought ;)
Except I kinda want to go with you, maybe we’ll go on a road trip adventure soon with you guys…that might be pretty shake-your-socks-off fun!!!
Cheerio
-Melissa E Earle

you should go to machu picchu. hike up there, spend some time in the Peruvian world. you would get some amazing photos there AND experience an amazing culture.

Louisiana…New Orleans…Southern USA. Bet you’d see some very interesting things on a road trip down south. ;)

Not as exotic as some of the other locations suggested but interesting nonetheless!

Definitely the south island of New Zealand. It’s easy to get around, there are mountains, glaciers, and ocean all within an hour of major cities. The people of NZ (Kiwis) are warm and generous, it’s a little like going back to the 1950’s in America sometimes but it’s heart warming.
I’ll be going there someday soon and when I do, I’m definitely bringing my camera!

I would say Scotland for sure. I’m Indian and feel like I’m doing a disservice not recommending India, but it is really expensive to get there. On the other hand, I went to Scotland on a student’s backpacking budget and came home with some of the most incredible images and memories. The rainclouds and mist over the rolling green hills combined with age old castles and ruins make for some spectacular photography :)

I agree with Danita – New Zealand… but I say the South Island, not the North!

I just got back (yesterday!) from 16 days touring the south island of New Zealand.

The mountains are breathtaking.
The glaciers magnificent.
The island is small, so you can do all of it fairly quickly while still experiencing everything.
The wildlife (seals, penguins, kea [parrot], kiwi etc) are fantastic to photograph
The culture is amazing (we went to Kotane in Christchurch for a Maori experience and it was great! it is where we saw the Kiwi too)
Was pretty cheap. We hired big campervan, but we have a kid. For just the two of you, you could easily make do with a smaller one (Juicy seemed to be the favourite, while escape campers came second for the ones we saw on the road, though best choosing diesel engine as diesel MUCH cheaper than petrol).
Milford Sound was mind blowing.
Lake Tekapo – amazing colour!
Waterfalls a million…
Great coastal drives
Renwick/Blenheim great for bicycle tour of vineyards etc etc…

I could go on and on and on… but I won’t ;)

two snapshots from our last day

Can’t recall if this is morning or evening over Lake Tekapo
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s169/tianakaesha/NZtemp/DSCF6143.jpg

Taken from a moving vehicle, but the lake reflected in the clouds..
http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s169/tianakaesha/NZtemp/?action=view&current=DSCF6135.jpg

How about South Africa, or maybe an African safari in general? There are some pretty spectacular sunsets in South Africa, if these images are to be believed: http://hougaard.deviantart.com/gallery/

I would have to say Rome. definately. I am not a photographer at all and I captured some amazing images on my little digital point and shoot. You get the old, incredible architecture of the coliseum and the vatican, as well as the culture in the newer city. You will definately not regret it – I honestly can’t believe no one has suggested it!

We went two years ago and got flights for $700 round trip! GO!!!!

And u must check out Pondicherry, its south of India…..

Although this location is not as exotic the rest of them, my suggestion would have to be Havana. The culture and history there is amazing, it’s like being stuck in a time warp… and it won’t be long before it becomes Americanized.

U guys are just brilliant…
i have spent last few days looking at ur blog and its awesome…

Hey peeps!
I would suggest you check out El Salvador, but I am pretty sure you can scope out the place in under a month. Its in the heart of Central America so you can check out the surrounding countries such as Hondouras, Costa Rica, Nicargua.

El Salvador is so so incredible. Of course there is a lot of poverty, but its still such a beautiful place with beautiful people. PLUS they have volcanos and delish food!

CAMOBODIA! Oh my gosh, there’s the most gorgeous ruins and waterfalls. I want to go someday so badly!

I just got back from Peru and I wish I was an amazing photographer because it is beautiful there. It is not too bad to fly there (price) but really cheap when you are there. I think you should seriously consider it. Plus you could go to Maccu Piccu also. If you are hikers then you should do the Inka Trail. I did it and it was amazing. If you have already been then you know exactly what I am talking about.

Not that we’ve done a lot of traveling, but we went to barcelona last year and it was so cool. so much appreciation for art and architecture!

Wow! Thanks for all the suggestions guys! I think we’re really starting to open up to the idea of both the Philippines and South America (maybe with a stop in New York :)

That second photo is just brilliant. I feel as if Rob is shooting directly into a giant mirror taking a self portrait. Visually stunning. Nice work.

hi guys!

Well, if someone gave me a camera and told me to go anywhere in the world I would head for Japan (Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo) so fascinating to me!!
But, probably expensive.

My other choice, would be the southern states of the US. Georgia, New Orleans… sigh! The history, humanity… so interesting!

Wherever you go, it will be beautiful!

Prague is definitely one of the cities I would love to photograph.

My fave countries right now:
– Mexico – good people, amazing scenery, small towns, big cities, villages, mountains, beaches, jungles, ruins, deserts, lakes, great food. CHEAP!

-Turkey – beautiful mix of old islamic culture and modernity – also very good food. Not as cheap as I thought it’d be.

-Morocco – lovely beautiful arches, amazing landscapes, good food. CHEAP.

Did not like Peru – awful food. Like, ridiculously bad. Like, made me go to McDonalds three times in the last couple of days I was there because I was SO HUNGRY for something to eat that wasn’t awful. Also, so much altitude sickness. Although, beautiful landscapes.

My fave countries right now:
– Mexico – good people, amazing scenery, small towns, big cities, villages, mountains, beaches, jungles, ruins, deserts, lakes, great food. CHEAP!

-Turkey – beautiful mix of old islamic culture and modernity – also very good food. Not as cheap as I thought it’d be.

-Morocco – lovely beautiful arches, amazing landscapes, good food. CHEAP.

Did not like Peru – awful food. Like, ridiculously bad. Like, made me go to McDonalds three times in the last couple of days I was there because I was SO HUNGRY for something to eat that wasn’t awful. Also, so much altitude sickness. Although, beautiful landscapes.

My vote is for the East coast of Canada. I haven’t been there but my parents went to Halifax and PEI last year and the scenery is amazing and the people are apparently equally amazing! If you haven’t been there, my vote is to discover the beautiful scenery of Canada you have yet to see :D

I love your images of DC and the park! Have you ever been to Cape Cod or Nantucket? Not so exotic, but beautiful shores, lighthouses, and New England “chaaahm” (“Charm” with a Boston accent).

Why not try Brazil? I spent just under a month in Salvador (it’s on the coast) and it was unbelievable!!!!

Haida Gwaii. I spent a month in and around the southern island. Abandoned villages, totems emerging from the mist, Hotsprings island. The rugged west coast is very photogenic.

anywhere as long as it’s in april

Egypt.

I am going to go with Chile. Not just because I live there but because it’s the most random/coolest place you will ever find. The really awesome thing about it is that Chile to the south has some of the most beautiful forests/volcanoes you’ll ever see. To the North is the world’s driest desert. To the west is the beach, stunning coastlines and great surfing. And to the east are the Andes mountains. I’m like 99% sure that you’ll never find another country that has such a varied landscape.

You’d want to look for tickets to SCL (Santiago airport).

Central America…Belize towns are great – the people are super friendly and Caye Cauker is so chilled out. The blue hole is there AND the #2 largest great barrier reef. I am told Guatemala and Nicaragua are amazing and very inexpensive. Plus the coffee…oh the coffee.

OK You may think I am nuts but I say New Zealand. Amazing scenery, perfect for geeks (Lord of the Rings type geeks), and although the flight may be pricey when we went we rented a trailer and stayed in campgrounds for really great value. The campgrounds there were off the hook – full facilities, water parks and wild animals like peacocks hanging outside your camper.

Rotorua is beautiful (Hells Gate is a must see, sorry about the smell) and the Maori cultures would provide some fantastic photography. The geothermal activity is amazing and the colors in the silica terraces outside the area have to be seen to be believed. You can also do a Scree Slide into Mount Tarawera (into the volcano) I didn’t do this, but will someday go back and do it. If you like rafting the worlds highest rated rafting waterfall is there too…. insane.

There is my vote. Something a little different anyways!

You guys should go to Tokyo!

Can’t beat New York!

Not as cheap as South America, but definitely not as expensive as Western Europe – Eastern Europe! I spent a week in Prague last year and wished I had taken more photographs; it’s ridiculously cool there.

We loved Guatemala down through to Costa Rica- we back packed central america last year. But Nicaragua totally stole my heart- and you can live on 10 bucks a day! It would be amazing to go to Argentina or Peru too…...

I rarely travel (I don’t travel well) so I can’t even suggest somewhere to go but take lots of pretty pictures. I like tropical birds so if you take pretty pictures perhaps I can get a canvas!

I love the photo with the columns and the lady standing there, its just so pretty.

Go to Malaysia! :) my parents’ home country!

Surrey, BC.

I agree with Andrea. You should check out the Philippines. I visited there about 10 years ago to a place called Peurto Gallera and it was amazing. Flight over would be a little pricey but getting around, food and accommodations were reasonable. I stayed at a diving resort for 2 weeks and had an amazing time.

I would also suggest Nepal even though I’ve never been.

You know a lot of folks travel to S.E. Asia and do all the common stop offs (Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan), but what about the Philippines? I lived there for 10 years (from 4–14) and the stuff I saw out there was ALWAYS MIND BLOWING. I lived through a coup d’etat, Mt. Pinatubo, A mega quake (7.8 on the scale). MIND BLOWING.

Check out Honduras!

Our first suggestion would be Iceland, but its pricey. So our alternate is Alaska.

If you are looking for somewhere hot we recommend Chile & Easter Island. Its cheaper to travel around Chile.

I say Peru! Btw, can I vote more than once? I want to win :)