Capturing the Moment by Yourself

"Strap that camera to your arm, otherwise someone will grab it and it'll be gone."

This was my piece of advice from my Cambodian friend while I was visiting her country. We were riding a tuk-tuk, also known as a rickshaw, and I wanted to take some pictures along the ride. However, I was told that I would need to have the camera strap wrapped around my arm because it could fall (it is not an enclosed ride) or someone could grab it as they drove by our taxi. There are no enforced traffic laws in Cambodia, so there are no lanes that people stay in, so someone could easily have grabbed if if I wasn't paying attention. So just be aware of where your camera and phone is, and you'll be good!

A quick clip of some Cambodian traffic

However, I'd also like to say that it's not necessary to always take photos or videos. We all want to get pictures/videos of our travels to show to our friends and family, but don't forget to experience where you are. This sometimes means you need to put down the camera. I still remember when I was on a trip with my mom in middle school and all I wanted to see was some dolphins. When I did see some, I was so caught up in trying to catch them on film that I didn't really get to see or watch them, and they were only there for half a minute. So basically I didn't really "see" the dolphins.

Some of my best memories while I've travelled have been when I didn't have my camera with me. We all want to capture this moment or this thing that amazes our eyes, but what we should be asking ourselves is, "What about this moment or site do I love?" Sometimes there is something about it that film can't always capture. I'm not saying never take photos or videos because they are a lot of fun to look back on, but don't forget to really be there in that moment and take in with your own eyes what you're seeing. By doing so, you'll appreciate it even more and it'll be left up to your memory to remember.

Do Not Lose These Items

Let's face it, you're going to misplace something or its going to get snitched, and that's just the reality of travel. But when it comes to international traveling, do not let these items out of your sight!

1. Passport: This is your most important document! I generally carry it in a pocket in my purse that has a zipper so no one can reach in and easily grab it, but I'll also leave it in the hotel safe that's in my room. I know some people who carry it in a money belt, so whatever works for you, but be very aware of where you put it. To read more about Passports 101 click here.

2. Money: Don't keep your money all together in a nice envelope because if that gets stolen, then there goes all your money. In fact my mom told me this happened to one of the persons in her tour group, and it was on the first day of the trip! Split up your cash into different piles. Carry one of the piles with you in your purse, and hide the other piles in various locations like your hotel safe, your money belt, or deep in your suitcase (that hopefully is locked when you're out of the room). To read more about traveling with money click here.

3. Camera: If this gets stolen/lost, it's not the end of the world (unless your camera is also your phone), but this is another common item that gets stolen/lost. Just never leave your camera/phone out in the open. Whenever I'm not using one of these items, they are put away in my purse. Sometime we don't need our camera, and to read more click here. 

I have never lost or had stolen any of these items, but it's because I am hyperaware of where I place these items (more so than when I'm back at home). And if you do the same thing, then you should not have a problem.