The Best Places to See Nebraska’s Sandhill Crane Migration The half million reasons you should land in this flyover state The frosty grass crunched beneath my feet as if I was stepping on a trail of potato chips as I made my way to the Platte River ––winding, wide, and shallow––and reflecting a cloudless sky. Sandhill Crane Migration Entering the stark rectangular blind, warmth spread over me like a cashmere blanket.  How delightful not to have to sit in the cold. The strategically placed structure was approximately 20 yards from the water’s edge, running parallel to the river in an ..read more

Essential Antarctica Photography Tips: Practical & Creative Creative and practical advice to make the most of your photos Photographing in Antarctica can throw you for a loop if it’s your first time. Inclement weather, shooting from boats, high-contrast conditions, and wildlife flying, swimming, and waddling is not your usual mixed bag.  On my expedition cruise to Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions, which included the Shetland, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands, I learned a lot on the fly. But my hard-earned lessons are to your benefit. Here are some suggestions from my experi ..read more

Investing in a cruise to Antarctica is rarely a snap decision. It’s one of the most remote destinations, the world’s highest, driest and windiest continent, and even the best deals are a pretty penny. But is it worth it? Absolutely.  Years ago, a client showed me photos of her family’s cruise from Ushuaia to Antarctica. I was riveted. Nothing compared to anything I’d seen before, and bonus points, there were penguins. Lots of penguins. I knew then I had to go. At the end of 2019, just before the pandemic crushed travel, my dream came true, I went to Antarctica and then some. Why haven ..read more

There’s no denying Hawaii is a dream location for many. Me too, in fact. That’s why I asked a fellow travel writer who experienced firsthand all the fun Hawaiian adventures below to pen this piece. Enjoy. By Katherine Parker-Magyar There’s far more to the Hawaiian Islands than just eye-popping sunsets and mouthwatering mai tais (though [...] The post 12 Surprising Outdoor Hawaiian Adventures appeared first on The Insatiable Traveler ..read more

Sauntering on spongy feet, the big tusker’s truck-sized frame grows larger with every step. His ears are spread wide as if in warning, but his immense trunk dangles languidly, a sign he is relaxed.  “His name is Ummoja,” said my guide Daniel, of the 40-something pachyderm.  My adrenaline surged. Not from fear. From excitement. He [...] The post Porini Camps Deliver Affordable Sustainable African Safaris and Great Wildlife Viewing appeared first on The Insatiable Traveler ..read more

My bedroom at the Molori Safari Lodge The Molori Safari Lodge Experience “If you need anything your butler’s name is Isaac. “Butler?! I have a butler?!  It took me a moment to realize he wasn’t kidding. Toni Watson, my host at the Molori Safari Lodge in South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve, smiled and opened the massive wooden doors (think Game of Thrones worthy) that led to the Metsi presidential suite where I would spend the next three nights. Welcome to My Private Presidential Villa  Stepping into the vestibule, I froze. In front of me lay a huge living room larger than my New ..read more

Photography trips can be a spectacular adventure: You explore bucket list destinations, make new friends who have a shared interest, and improve your skills under the guidance of very talented (sometimes famous) photographic professionals. But with so many organizations offering excursions of all kinds, it can be a challenge to find the best photography trip to meet your needs To make sure you get the most of your journey and investment, keep these seven questions in mind when weighing your options. Ask Yourself These Seven Questions 1. Do I want a photo trip or a workshop? Both offer instru ..read more

Photos composed using silhouettes are shrouded in drama, mystery, and more than a drop or two of romance. I love silhouette pictures for what you don’t see as much as for what you do; It’s the lack of light that ignites the imagination. It isn’t hard to take silhouette photos; it just takes an understanding of the elements needed to make them pop! The First Step in Learning How to Take Silhouette Photos Understanding Backlighting When you take a photo of a subject with the light behind them (backlit)––say on a sunny day––your subject will appear in shadow. That’s because the camera ca ..read more

Nothing is worse than going to an amazing destination like Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest only to realize you didn’t pack the right clothes to wear. A good packing list can make the difference between a great vacation and life raining on your parade, but no worries. I’ve put together just what you need. What is [...] The post What Clothes to Wear in the Great Bear Rainforest: A Packing List appeared first on The Insatiable Traveler ..read more

Congratulations! You’ve decided to start traveling alone for the first time. That’s awesome! You won’t regret it. You’re probably thinking, now what? Where do I go? How do I go? No worries, I’ve got you covered.  I have a few suggestions to help get you started so that you’ll be sure to travel successfully. First, [...] The post How to Start Traveling Alone For the First Time Successfully appeared first on The Insatiable Traveler ..read more