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BY  Joy Majhi Jul 19, 2022

Are you familiar with the terms “photography tourism” and “photography tours?” With many iconic hotspots like Westminster Bridge & Big Ben, Notting Hill, etc, you will find many places to take pictures in London.  Now, taking snaps at these places is beyond capturing the moments or creating souvenirs for posterity. For the longest time, photography has been a crucial part of tourism.  Along with being the most beautiful documentation of personal memories, photography has also been an important tool for marketing or promotion.  However, recently, the “Photography” part has taken center stage with the rise of “Phototourism.” In Photography tourism or photographic tourism, a traveler visits a place with the primary interest of clicking pictures of the unique landscapes or subjects.  In fact, I was exploring Instagram, and I found 337k posts with #phototour and #19.9k posts with #phototourism. In fact, photography tourism is cool in this age of social media, with pictures and videos being the primary elements in travelogues, reels, and vlogs.  Further, editing photographs has now become easier with photo editor tools. Click a good snap and make it great with simple tricks! So, are you ready to explore photography tourism in London? These are the places you can visit.  Places To Take Pictures In London: 11+ Places You Cannot Miss With the rise of photography tourism in London, you can now be a part of various photography tours. The tours include “Private Landmark Photo Tours,” “Night Photography Tour, “Exploring the Iconic Landscapes of London,” etc.  The cost of these photography tours in London will be between £150 to £265. You can even join a street photography workshop in London, and that will cost you around £515.  Having said that, these are the best places to take pictures in London. 1. The Houses of Parliament  The Houses of Parliament tops our list of best places to take pictures in London. When you are on a tour of the UK Parliament, you take photographs for personal or non-commercial use.  To be more specific, you can take photographs in St. Stephen’s Hall and Westminster Hall. Further, photography is allowed at New Palace Yard’s visitor area. From the Visitor Area, you will get an excellent view of the Elizabeth Tower.  Tour And Travel Note  If you want to take photos or videos for wider publication, you need permission in advance. You can email the Media and Communications Team. Moreover, if you want to take photographs at the House of Lords, you can call Black Rod’s Office at 020 7219 3099.  2. Big Ben/ The Elizabeth Tower Usually, people take the snap of the Big Ben or the Elizabeth Tower from the Westminster Bridge. However, if you want to try a different spot and capture a better frame of Big Ben, you must go under the bridge. Take the staircase and take the walkway that stretches along the River Thames. Find your spot with the River Thames creating the barrier between Big Ben and you.  Tour And Travel Tips If you want the best snap of the Big Ben, you must be under the Westminster Bridge at around 7-8 AM. The light is soft in those hours and the rush is less.  3. St Paul’s Cathedral  St Paul’s Cathedral, the beautiful building and the seat of the Bishop of London, is best photographed from Millennium Bridge. You can also take photographs inside St. Paul’s Cathedral when you are on a sightseeing tour. The common places for photography inside the church are the Golden Galleries, the Crypt, or the Stone.  4. Tower Bridge You can head to More London or London Bridge City to get the best shot of this iconic landmark. The Tower Bridge is probably the most popular landmark appearing in the photo postcards of England.  Along with More London, some other places to Take photographs of the Tower Bridge include,  Butler’s Wharf London Bridge Tavolino Bar & Kitchen Thames Path So, it’s your turn to capture this Victorian structure and an engineering marvel.  5. The Tower  While you are at More London, swivel slightly and get a long-distance snap of The Tower, to get the best snap of The Tower. Of late, The Tower of London has become a great place of interest for photography enthusiasts.  2024 has been the 130th birthday of this London Landmark and an open-air exhibition held earlier this year to mark the occasion had some rarest photographs of the London Tower.  These unseen photographs were from the opening week of The Tower in 1894.  6. Westminster Bridge The Westminster Bridge, with its Gothic architecture, is one of the best places to take pictures in London. Its distinct architecture complements the structure of Big Ben and the UK Parliament.  You can take a panoramic snap of the Westminster Bridge, and you know why this landmark has inspired William Wordsworth and many other noble minds for their creations.  Further, for the best snaps, visit the bridge during sunrise or sunset.  7. Notting Hill Notting Hill in West London exudes a casual and bohemian vibe with its quaint cafes. Further, the annual Notting Hill Carnival is the biggest draw for tourists. You can explore the best chances of street photography here.  8. Covent Garden Covent Garden is a popular shopping and tourist attraction in London. The highlight of this district is the Royal Opera House, which is often called the “Covent Garden.”  Now, Covent Garden is one of the best places to take photos in London with the following areas.  The Covent Garden Infinity Chamber Neal's Yard The Dial  Ave Mario The Royal Opera House Flower Barrows British Phone Booths Floral Court Covent Garden becomes the ideal place for photography tourism during Christmas. The festive spirit is high and tangible here, with themed decor and the best delicacies served.  9. Greenwich Park  Greenwich Park is the home of the Greenwich Observatory and the Prime Meridian, and it also has panoramic views of London. So, it is the perfect place to get fantastic snaps. This YT video highlights three great photography spots within Greenwich Park and explains how to take the perfect photograph of each one of them. 10. Holland Park This park is the most heavily wooded in London, so if you want shots of avenues of trees, it is the place to head to.  When you are at Holland Park, don´t forget to take a few shots of its beautiful waterfall and interesting statues. 11. King Henry VII´s Mound In Richmond Park If you love history and photography, King Henry VII´s Mound In Richmond Park will be an ideal destination. This burial ground from the Bronze Age became famous after King Henry VIII stood here once for hunting. Further, it was a popular viewpoint for falconry and hunting.  12. Parliament Hill At Hampstead Heath Parliament Hill At Hampstead Heath is the best place to capture the London skyline. Further, Parliament Hill itself can be a subject of photography thanks to its association with the English Civil War.  Restaurants That Have The Wow Factor! Great Places To Take Pictures In London In London, there is no shortage of places to eat. According to the latest data from  The Office of National Statistics, the city has 9,505 full-service restaurants and clubs.  It also has thousands of bars serving food, street stalls, and food trucks. So, it is not hard to find somewhere to enjoy a nice meal. As you can see from this list of most Instagrammable restaurants in London, many of them have invested a lot into transporting their diners to another world.  When you eat in these restaurants, don’t miss your chance to take pictures. Here are the details of our few favorite favorites. If it is the food you want to take pictures of, head to Heston Blumenthal´s Dinner at 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA. Call them at +44 20 7201 3833.  For snaps of you dining in unique restaurant settings, head to Sketch at 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG (Contact No: +44 20 7659 4500).  The dining area is divided into four zones making it easy to get the interesting shots you are after. For more inspiration, click the link above. If you want the sunlight beaming through the window arches to be the hero of your photography, 65a in London will be your go-to place. Visit this restaurant and bar at 65a Brushfield Street, E1 6AA. You can reach out to them at +44 20 7846 6548. Read Also: 6 Things To Do At The Beach This Fall 10 Best Days Out In London For Football Fans 10 Best Places To Travel In June – Travel Guide 2022

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 2, 2021

Everyone should travel abroad and explore the mysterious corners of the world at least once in their lifetime. And what better place to start your journey than Europe, which literally has it all. From quaint little hamlets to breathtaking natural wonders, bustling spired cities to soul-soothing golden beaches, Gondola rides in the Venetian canal to romantic candle-lit dinners atop the Eiffel Tower. Not to mention, the friendly indigenous folk, the local cultural events, and the refreshingly unique food. Indeed, traveling across Europe is sure to turn your life around for the better, enriching it with precious memories of interesting adventures. But there are a lot of factors to take into consideration before you can begin this Euro trip. Let me help you with a few backpacking tips if you prefer to travel on foot and point you in the right direction. Here are 5 Backpacking Tips for an Unforgettable Euro-Trip: Everything depends on your budget. If you can afford to stay in one of those pricier hotels, then go for it. But if you’re a backpacker, then you might want to save on the accommodation costs, for which there are plenty of options. Here are a few helpful backpacking tips: 1. Seasonal Selection: If it is during wintertime that you decide to begin your Euro-tour, then head over to the places with the best skiing facilities and the most tasteful New Year parties, like Finland, Sweden or Austria, etc. In the case of the spring season, perfectly balanced between the dying winter and the emerging summer, select Netherlands, Greece, France, or Ireland as your European destinations, in full bloom. For an autumnal golden view mixed with browns and greens, travel to the Mediterranean. As the tourist traffic dies down, enjoy the pleasant quietness of the coastlines and explore the eerie cities of Spain and Italy, etc. Finally, if the hot summer season is your choice for the trip, then make your way to the Baltic regions, the eastern Slovenian mountains and the wonderful Balkan coastline. Just make sure to pick your season wisely and not begin your journey haphazardly. 2. Euro-Train Travel There are many ways you could go around Europe, but the best mode of transportation for backpackers is the railway. It is featured in many wanderlust movies, like Before Sunset (2004) which shows the characters getting the most out of their journey via train travel. You can order these movies by visiting here, for further inspiration. Why the train, you ask? Well, for starters, you can better enjoy the multi-colored view of the European landscape from your train window, rather than from an airplane. Other than that, if you sleep overnight in your cabin on one of those long rides, then you’ll save on accommodation costs. Plus, most countries require a single train pass, like a Eurail or an Interrail Global pass, in order to become accessible. Cool, right? 3. Accommodation Options Visiting Europe is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From searching hotels in west London to packing your bags for the southernmost tip of Prague, there is so much to do. If you truely want things to be just right, here are a few useful tips: Guesthouse: This is a private mode of lodging, where the hosts allot one separate section of their house to a paying guest for staying in. It also goes by the name of the bed and breakfast. You can book your spot in such guesthouses online by going for digital accommodation apps like Airbnb etc. They give a much homelier welcome than the super-formal hotels, so you won’t feel home-sick. Hostel: Also known by the name of an ‘inn’, this accommodation system goes way back to medieval times. It is an establishment that gives inexpensive lodging and food to students, workers, and travelers mostly. Book your rooms beforehand to avoid any sort of inconvenience. Camp: If you want to truly test yourself and connect with the nature on the rawest level, then book your spot on a well-equipped camping site. It is not only quite affordable, and but comes with a special bonfire bonding. University Stays: Most of the universities in certain countries offer cheap lodgings to students. You can avail of this option as well. There are other accommodation options too, but these are the ones which I’d recommend. 4. Cultural Delve Once you reach a place, be sure to collect as many experiences as you can, and such experiences begin once you indulge in the local cultures. Festivals are a major part of any culture, so plan your trip around such events in advance. There’s the orange battle festival in Italy, the bullfight in Spain, the shamrock-jeweled St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Ireland, and the interesting naked run Roskilde festival in Denmark, etc. In addition to such events, be sure to savor the curious, indigenous cuisines. Instead of going to the expensive restaurants, save on your backpacker’s budget by eating like the locals. Refresh your taste buds with the multi-colored street food. Popular dishes include French crêpes, Denmark’s smørrebrød, the Italian trattoria, currywurst of Berlin and the Belgian fries, etc. Apart from this, the best option would be to cook your own food. Handpick ingredients from the local markets, which come with their own titillating flavors. Markets are a hubbub of interesting activity. Don’t forget to add them to your tour. Do buy small souvenirs, like key chains, to hang from your backpacks. 5. Nightly Forays One word: pubs. Even though the days are full of invigorating explorations, nights are equally alive with inebriation in the European countries. So, there are plenty of reasons to stay up late and go on nightly forays. There are hipster dives in London and Berlin, ruin bars in Budapest, and wine tastings in France and Italy. Moreover, the flamenco music scene in Seville, historic pubs of Oxford, and cafes in Brussels are a must-visit too. Do not miss out on these dark, happy hours by wasting them away on sleep. One important tip that you should definitely keep in mind is that your safety is your own responsibility once you go backpacking tips across Europe. So, do not take any chances with expensive cameras or jewelry, and always be on your guard. Especially, when you go on the roads less taken and explore under-the-radar areas, like Berat or Olomouc. Be sure to take the basic precautions to stay safe. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: How long is the backpacking trip to Europe? A:  For larger Europen sites you will need 2 to 4 full days and 3 to 5 nights. For smaller sites, you will need 1 to 2 days maximum. So it all depends on how much time you can spend on your trip to Europe.  Q2: Is backpacking to Europe is cheap? A: If you choose the peak time which is the Summer season, then it is going to be expensive for you as well as the place will be crowded. To have a smooth trip to Europe with any crowd and also where accommodations are 50% cheaper, travel during the shoulder or offseason. Q3: Are hostels in Europe safe? A: Not that much, the common security issue you will face is theft, especially in larger cities like Paris and Rome. therefore the hostels have lockers that save your belongings from getting robbed. But always carry your purse along with your passport, credit cards, IDs with you.  Q4: Is there any age limit to take a trip to Europe? A: Hostels and Hotels will only allow you if you are 18 or above, otherwise a guardian accompanying you will be nice. Exception when counted, Germany’s Bavarian Region does not consider this age thing in most hostels.  Wrapping Up: So, whenever you plan your backpacking tips journey, be sure to pay attention to the aforementioned tips. These will surely benefit you in the long run and make your Euro-trip bump-free. Read More: How to Choose A Backpack 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe

BY  Sibashree Sep 5, 2025

Funchal, the capital of Madeira Portugal was recently in the news for hosting the European Aquatics Artistic Swimming Championships from 2nd to 5th June in 2025.  However, Madeira, the Atlantic gem, has always been in focus as the home to a unique culture, history, and a beautiful landscape. Furthermore, it is home to the oldest Laurisilva Forests.  Also, despite being a popular tourism attraction, Madeira Portugal has been able to retain its pristine charm. This archipelago has the main island of Madeira and Porto Santo. These two are inhabited islands of the region.  Furthermore, the other two smaller islands, Selvagens and Desertas, are uninhabited. Moreover, Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is the hometown of soccer giant Cristiano Ronaldo. It can’t be bigger and better than this.  So, as you can see, Madeira is the focus of this Tour and Travel Blog. The key areas we will be talking about are:Where Is Madeira Portugal? Is Madeira Part Of Portugal? How To Get To Madeira Portugal?What To Do In Madeira Portugal?1. Exploring The Iconic Levada Trails: The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure 2. Feel The Ancient Connection In The Laurisilva Forest: A Precious Experience In Nature3. Enjoy The Thrill Of Walking On The Cabo Girão Skywalk4. Relax In Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools5. Wander Through Funchal’s Mercado Dos Lavradores And Buy Fresh Produce6. Tour Madeira’s Wine Cellars: A Unique Cultural Experience 7. Take A Cable Car To Monte For A Wonderful View Of The Funchal Coastline8. Go Whale Watching Or Dolphin Spotting: How About Some Marine Fun?9. A Food Tour In Madeira: This Is Something You Don’t Want To Miss10. Know About The Rural Heritage Of Madeira At The Town of SantanaWhere To Stay In Madeira Portugal? Madeira Wine Route: The Crown Jewel Of Tourism In Madeira Portugal 1. Between São Vicente And Seixal2. Estreito De Câmara De Lobos3. Experimental Viticulture Station4. Quinta De Santa Luzia5. Fajã Do Barro Viewpoint6. GinjasMadeira Portugal: Some Fun Facts That Truly Make This Atlantic Gem Special 1. The Largest Fireworks Displays In Madeira2. Flower Festival In Madeira Madeira, Portugal: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Where Is Madeira Portugal? Is Madeira Part Of Portugal?  Madeira, Portugal, is located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is an autonomous region of Portugal and a part of the Macaronesia region.  This archipelago has the Canary Islands to the South and Morocco to the east. Furthermore, despite being a part of a European country, it is closer to Africa (450 km) than the mainland of Europe (1000 km). It is also the outermost region of the European Union.  Moreover, you can reach this beautiful archipelago from Lisbon by air in 90 minutes.  How To Get To Madeira Portugal? The Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) in Funchal is the main access point to Madeira Portugal. It is well connected to major Portuguese cities such as Lisbon and Porto, and other European countries.  Furthermore, you can cruise to the Port of Funchal, the port city of Madeira, for a touch of luxury.  Once you reach Madeira, enjoy a ride in the local buses, rented cars, and cable cars to explore like a local.  What To Do In Madeira Portugal? Clichéd, it may sound! But truly, Madeira has something for every type of traveler. You can relax at the Madeira beaches, enjoy hiking, explore the charming towns, and soak in its unique culture.  Here are some unique things to do in this picturesque paradise.  1. Exploring The Iconic Levada Trails: The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure  It is unique when ancient irrigation trails double as the most scenic hiking trails. Yes, I am talking about the “Levadas” network of trails.  Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Levada dos 25 Fontes are the two most popular trails in this route. Overall, the 2000-kilometer scenic route of Levada trails consists of waterfalls, greenery, and mountain peaks.  2. Feel The Ancient Connection In The Laurisilva Forest: A Precious Experience In Nature You can hike through the Laurisilva Forest and feel ancient times speaking to you. The trails here are suitable for hikers of all skill levels.  Also, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to diverse flora and fauna. So, with some patience, you will be able to spot wildlife here.  3. Enjoy The Thrill Of Walking On The Cabo Girão Skywalk Cabo Girão in Madeira is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The Cabo Girão Skywalk is located at a height of 580 meters, and as you walk through this transparent glass platform, you can see the stunning coastline of Madeira.  4. Relax In Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools Madeira is famous for its volcanic rock formations, and nowhere is this more evident than in Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools.  These pools are filled with crystal-clear seawater and surrounded by dramatic black lava rocks. It’s the perfect spot to relax, swim, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 5. Wander Through Funchal’s Mercado Dos Lavradores And Buy Fresh Produce Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores, or the Farmers’ Market, is a place of bustling energy with exotic fruits, fresh produce, local cheese, and Madeira wine.  Don’t forget to buy specialties such as custard apples and passion fruits.  6. Tour Madeira’s Wine Cellars: A Unique Cultural Experience  Don’t miss a visit to the Madeira wine cellars and see the process of making fortified wine. You can even taste the best ones brewed and be a part of the guided tours conducted by some cellars.  7. Take A Cable Car To Monte For A Wonderful View Of The Funchal Coastline You can go for a cable car ride from the City Center to the town of Monte. Throughout the journey, you will enjoy a beautiful view of Funchal and the surrounding coastline.  The Monte Palace and Church of Our Lady of Monte are two notable attractions on this route.  8. Go Whale Watching Or Dolphin Spotting: How About Some Marine Fun? Madeira is one of the best places in Europe for marine wildlife spotting. April to October is the best time for these marine wildlife spotting tours.  Funchal is the main hub of these tours, and you can spot the adorable animals on a catamaran trip, sailing trips, and fast boats.  9. A Food Tour In Madeira: This Is Something You Don’t Want To Miss The local food of Madeira stands out with the use of exotic fruits, fresh seafood, and rich flavors. Try grilled meat on skewers or Espetada, salted cod or Bacalhau, and Madeiran flatbread such as Bolo do Caco.  Like Moroccan food, food in Madeira also has bread as a staple. Moreover, Madeira Cake is something that gives you a taste of the famous Madeira wine. It’s a dessert.  10. Know About The Rural Heritage Of Madeira At The Town of Santana The rural areas in Madeira still follow a lifestyle that speaks of the island’s history. The town of Santana is especially a place that preserves the rural heritage of the island at its best.  The houses here are triangular and they have thatched roofs. They are also colorfully painted.  Where To Stay In Madeira Portugal?  The best place to stay in Madeira Portugal depends on the kind of experience you want. Have a look at the table below to decide where to stay in Madeira.  Places to Stay in MadeiraExperience You Will Get Funchal• Vibrant Nightlife• Bustling Market• Cultural Exploration in the Historic Old TownPonta do Sol• Resort Experience• Beaches And Coastline• Ideal for RelaxationMachico• Local Experience• Peaceful and Ideal for Family Vacations• Conveniently Located for the Island ExplorationSão Vicente• Rural Experience• Traveling through the Central TunnelsSeixal• Natural Setting• Picturesque View of the North Coast Madeira Wine Route: The Crown Jewel Of Tourism In Madeira Portugal  The Wine Festival in Madeira in August-September is the pride of the local ethnographic and cultural identity. You never know when a wine cellar or brewer in rural Madeira will present you with a century-old elixir.  Nevertheless, irrespective of the time of your visit, you can visit the following places for a delightful wine tour in Madeira. 1. Between São Vicente And Seixal It is an iconic route filled with vine trails by the sea. So, it is ideal for a mixed experience of a coastal getaway and wine tourism.  2. Estreito De Câmara De Lobos Estreito de Câmara de Lobos covers an area starting from the coast to Jardim da Serra, which is at a height of 600 meters.  It is the largest vineyard area in Madeira.  3. Experimental Viticulture Station Located in Arco de São Jorge, the Experimental Viticulture Station is the best location to learn about wine production and the heritage of Madeira wine.  It has a vine and a wine museum. 4. Quinta De Santa Luzia Quinta de Santa Luzia belongs to the Blandy family, who still follow the traditions of Madeiran farms.  They still produce some grape varieties, which were used in the Madeira Wine Company’s wines.  5. Fajã Do Barro Viewpoint This viewpoint in Porto Moniz will present a never-ending stretch of vineyards in front of you. Moreover, from here you will see the vineyards of Fajã de Manuel and how the Atlantic embraces the coastal landscape of Arrudal da Ribeira da Janela.  6. Ginjas Enjoy the most fascinating view of the São Vicente valley from Ginjas. Here, you will notice vineyards on both sides of the mountain.  Madeira Portugal: Some Fun Facts That Truly Make This Atlantic Gem Special  Madeira has one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world, and during the springtime, it hosts one of the most vibrant flower festivals.  1. The Largest Fireworks Displays In Madeira Madeira celebrates New Year’s Eve with great pomp. Also, it once held the Guinness World Record for hosting the biggest firework display.  It took place at Funchal.  2. Flower Festival In Madeira  With its mild climate and volcanic terrain, Madeira gets an abundance of flowers such as orchids, bougainvillea, Bird of Paradise, etc.  The local markets also gear up during this festival, and traditional performances by children and adults celebrate the Madeiran tradition.  Madeira, Portugal: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Madeira, Portugal.  1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Madeira, Portugal? April to June is the best time to visit Madeira. Along with being the season of the iconic flower festival, it is also the ideal time for spotting whales and dolphins.  2. How Far Is Madeira From Lisbon? It takes around 90 minutes to reach Madeira from Lisbon. There is no road connectivity. However, you can take a luxury cruise ride to the port city of Funchal.  3. Is Maderira Cheap or Expensive? Madeira is a more budget-friendly destination compared to other European cities and countries. There are many budget-friendly hotels, and local food here is also affordable. However, car rentals and short-term vacation rentals here can be a little expensive. A package for a person for a Madeira trip for 3 nights and 4 days can be around $1000.  4. Which Is Better, the Azores Or Madeira?  Your choice between Madeira and the Azores will depend on the kind of experience you want. The Azores, with its dramatic volcanic landscape, is more ideal for outdoor adventures. From a protected marine sanctuary to the hot springs, it also shows a massive geological diversity. Madeira, on the other hand, despite being a dolphin and whale spotting hub, has a more relaxed vibe. It is great for wine tasting, urban experiences, and cultural exploration.  Read Also: Lisbon To Porto Distance: Different Ways To Travel, Accommodation Options, And More “Winter Is Coming!” Where Is Hot In October? Explore Places To Visit In Europe Lisbon to Algarve Distance: Know The Best Ways To Travel And More