Category: Inspiration

27 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Ireland and Northern Ireland

Posted on by Aaron Shade in Inspiration, Ireland, Photography, United Kingdom

Some of the first things that come to mind when you think of Ireland are music and a pint of Guinness. However, there is so much more that will blow your socks off when you visit the island. From the traditional Irish pub to The Giant’s Causeway and more. Ireland is a place that we know we will revisit again, as there was no way we could see everything. For now, enjoy these 27 photos that will make you want to visit Ireland and Northern Ireland.

coast-2

Continue reading “27 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Ireland and Northern Ireland” →

Advertisements

25 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Namibia

Posted on by Brianna Shade in Inspiration, Namibia, Photography

As a photographer, I couldn’t wait to get to Namibia.  I’ve dreamt about going on an African safari for years, and I was told this was a great alternative to the far more popular Tanzania.  What I didn’t realize is that Namibia has so much more to offer than just elephants and zebras.  If you’re debating a trip to this beautiful country, here are some photos that should tip the scales.

wildlife-2

Continue reading “25 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Namibia” →

25 Adventures from Around the World That Will Make You Want to Travel

Posted on by Brianna Shade in Inspiration, Stories

As we near our big departure (exactly two weeks from today!), we’re reflecting quite a bit on some of our past adventures.  We’ve come a long way (figuratively and literally), and we can’t wait to see where we end up at the end of all this (will there be an end?).  We’re crazy busy tying up final loose ends, so this week’s post will be short, but we wanted to share with you some of our favorite adventures from around the world… and perhaps tempt you to travel as well!

© LotsaSmiles Photography 2015

Continue reading “25 Adventures from Around the World That Will Make You Want to Travel” →

18 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Norway

Posted on by Brianna Shade in Inspiration, Norway, Photography

This time last year, we were exploring the spectacular wonders of beautiful Norway (thanks for the reminder, Facebook!).  From raging waterfalls to breathtaking glaciers, every day was a new discovery that fascinated us and amazed all our senses.  It was a trip we won’t soon forget.  We already can’t wait to return and catch all the sights we missed on the first time around, and with these photos, you’ll be anxious to check it out as well!

Continue reading “18 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Norway” →

5 Ways to Overcome Travel Anxiety

Posted on by Aaron Shade in Inspiration, Stories

Whether it is booking your first flight or packing up your belongings for a year-long trip, some anxiety is bound to happen. We’ve been on an emotional roller coaster as we say our final goodbyes to friends, leave our jobs, sell our stuff, and start booking all of the first leg of our trip. Most of this isn’t easy as we have been so used to living a certain way and now we are uprooting all of it to do something different for a while. Here are 5 ways we have found to overcome travel anxiety.

© LotsaSmiles Photography 2017

Continue reading “5 Ways to Overcome Travel Anxiety” →

I Just Quit My Life – As I’ve Known It

Posted on by Brianna Shade in Inspiration, Planning

I’ve grown up accepting that the 9 to 5 is just how things are done.  I never imagined that there could be another option.  Sure, there’s the entrepreneurial track, but that’s just a different role in the same machine.

But times have changed, and there are completely new paths available.  I have taken the leap, and I am leaving behind everything I’ve ever known.

work-1

Continue reading “I Just Quit My Life – As I’ve Known It” →

How I Dispelled the Fear of Travel

Posted on by Aaron Shade in Inspiration, Planning, Stories

Much of the news media focuses on the worst possible things that happen everywhere. I know this well as there are people outside of the USA that are afraid of America because of all the mass shootings. In America we have similar fears about places like Mexico, Colombia, or even anywhere in Africa. Because of the media, I am also guilty of having some of these fears. And the only way to conquer fear is by doing what scares you.

Costa Rica Barred Windows

Continue reading “How I Dispelled the Fear of Travel” →

Top 6 Worldwide Photo Ops to Anticipate

Posted on by Brianna Shade in Inspiration, Photography, Planning

As most of you know by now, I am a photographer.  (If you want to see more of my travel landscape photography, feel free to check it out over at www.lotsasmilesphoto.com.)  I love nothing more than a breathtaking scene and I get giddy immortalizing it and its associated memories in pixels.  In fact, while I can’t wait to experience some worldwide history and culture, while I long to stand atop some world-renowned trails, and while I’m an incurable foodie, I am most looking forward to the photography opportunities.  There’s so much to see; how could I not?

Here are the top items on my photo op bucket list.
Continue reading “Top 6 Worldwide Photo Ops to Anticipate” →

Norway: Epic Road Trip

Posted on by Aaron Shade in Inspiration, Norway, Stories, Video

The Drive

norway-pin-1

Driving in Norway was easier than we thought it would be. The road signs were easy to follow and many times we had the road all to ourselves. Doing a car camping road trip through the country was very peaceful compared to anything we’ve ever done in the U.S. or in Costa Rica. It was hard to believe we drove over 2,000 km, but some of the best views were right off the road. Why do a 20 km hike for one view, when you can drive for a thousand? Here were some of our best views.

Snowy Lake in Norway

Continue reading “Norway: Epic Road Trip” →