Tag: vacation

Capturing vacation memories with Nixplay

How To Capture And Relive Your Vacation Memories

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On August 28, 2019

In Photography

When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to forget about capturing the moment. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a sandy beach, taking to the snowy slopes on a skiing trip, or camping under the stars, you’re determined to enjoy the luxury of a few stress-free days. and sometimes, this means forgetting to take photos of those priceless vacation moments to share with your family and friends back home.

We get it. You’re ready to switch off, relax and unwind. But you also need to spend your time wisely if you want photos of your trip.

Now, we like to think of ourselves as valuable players in the digital photo game, which is why we’ve put together some top tips on how to take vacation photos and how to guarantee that your vacation memories are unforgettable. Read on!

How To Take Vacation Photos

You’ve spent a long time planning your dream vacation and an even longer time driving, boarding trains or flying to get there, so of course, you want to capture your trip in all its glory.

But how can you show off your holiday of a lifetime when your photos simply don’t do it justice?

Taking the perfect vacation pictures doesn’t have to be a challenge. Even if you don’t have an expensive digital camera, high-quality photos can still be taken on most smartphones – which makes it even easier to share a few snapshots on Instagram while you’re away!

Lighting

It sounds simple, but shooting in good light is the most valuable tool at your disposal when it comes to photography.

With natural lighting, timing is everything, and the best times of day to chase the light with your camera lens are sunrise and sunset.

In busy vacation destinations that are usually packed with tourists, you’ll also find these times of day are the most peaceful, giving you that extra bit of ‘me’ time.

Angles

Getting adventurous with angles is crucial, and you’ve got to grab photo opportunities with both hands – even if that means hiking to the top of a mountain to get a birds-eye-view shot or burying yourself in the sand to get a perfect close-up of the ocean.

The best vacation photos give their viewers a chance to completely immerse themselves in your journey. Conveying connections through photos is what it’s all about, and capturing those ‘caught in the moment’ candid camera angles is the most effective way to do this.

Editing

Have you ever felt a bit disappointed while going through the photos you’ve taken? Either the brightness is too high, the saturation isn’t balanced, or the contrast is wrong. Luckily, there are several handy smartphone apps you can use that will quickly solve any problems.

Picture editing can be daunting if you’ve never experimented with it, but once you’ve had a play around with some basic tools, it’ll become second nature and your photos will look completely refreshed!

Make The Most of Social Media

Taking pictures is one thing, but sharing them with the world is another. With platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, anyone can be a professional photographer. Even if it’s just a hobby, having all your vacation pictures in one place gives you the opportunity to build a following online and share your thoughts and ideas with likeminded people.

You can even set up a ‘highlights’ reel on Instagram, so your vacation pictures can be easily accessed and viewed as a full story.

What To Do With Vacation Photos

When your vacation comes to end, it’s natural to feel a bit gloomy. You’ve waited all year for that dream vacation, and then it’s over in the blink of an eye. But one way to beat the holiday blues is to weigh the positives. Your vacation may be over, but what you’re left with is a wealth of new memories, knowledge and most importantly, photos.

But what to do with vacation photos is entirely up to you. You can share them on social media, print them for a canvas board, or get imaginative with a photo album.

An inspiring way to combine all of this is to view, display and share your photos with a network of family and friends on a digital photo frame. Nixplay’s range of smart digital displays has reinvented the way you look back at your vacation memories letting you connect instantly to your social media channels and create the perfect keepsake for every occasion.

How to take family vacation pictures

What Is The Best Way To Organize Photos?

Sometimes you’d take such a variety of vacation pictures on your trip that they start to become a little muddled.

The best way to organize photos is to first categorize them into albums or folders on your smartphone or camera. Maybe you’ve got several family vacation photos that you want to separate from all the scenic beach sunset shots. Or perhaps you want to divide your vacation selfies from your tropical palm tree photos.

A tidy photo collection leads to a tidy mind, and Nixplay’s photo displays give you unlimited photo playlists and albums, allowing you to organize your photos in a few easy clicks.

So, whatever type of vacation you’re planning, make sure you don’t forget the camera!

cancun

Making Better Vacation Memories By Hiring A Local Photographer

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On August 12, 2019

In Photography

Bridget* was turning 35 when she decided to take a vacation on her birthday as a present to herself. In her mind, there was no doubt that Cancún was the place to go.

“The first time I went to Cancún was actually with my family, for a summer vacation when I was still in middle school,” Bridget said about her birthday trip to the tropical Mexican tourist town. “I remember it was my favorite vacation, and this year, with my mother passing away, traveling there again seemed like a good way to honor her as well as celebrate my birthday in a special way.”

Cancún attracts tourists from around the world, and Bridget isn’t the only one charmed by the seaside paradise. The stretches of white sand next to the Caribbean, the idyllic waterfront hotels, and the vibrant energy gives the entire city an atmosphere different from any other. This makes it an ideal vacation destination for travelers of all stripes.

While Bridget was mostly attracted to the beaches of Cancún, she also made a point to visit some of the other historic sites nearby. She learned about the El Rey Mayan ruins, an ancient site thought to be dedicated to the Mayan god of the sun. Bridget was impressed by the stone ruins of the temples, pillars, and monuments constructed by the Mayans who used to live in that region of Mexico.

Back in the city, Bridget also decided to visit the Museo Maya de Cancún to learn more about the ancient civilizations and the artifacts discovered at the El Rey site, as well as the discoveries from other archaeological excavations around the country. It was a good way to cap off the experience and learn more about the amazing sites she had seen at El Rey.

To make her Cancun trip more memorable, Bridget decided to enlist the services of a local photographer who can better capture her memories.

“When I was planning my trip, I decided to find local photographers in Cancún so I can do a photoshoot there,” Bridget shared. “I have a two-year-old daughter at home, and while she’s too young to come with me for this trip, I hope to bring her to Cancún someday. I thought it would be nice to have pictures to show her so she could see for herself how beautiful the place is.”

Bridget and the photographer took most of the photos on the beaches; with the stunning Caribbean and dazzling golden sand, every shot was picture-perfect without needing to stage anything.

“I was actually a bit nervous for the photoshoot,” Bridget confided. “I guess I don’t picture myself as someone who normally does things like that. But all my doubts went away when I met the photographer from Localgrapher. Everything was so relaxed and informal; I wasn’t even really sure where I wanted to do the photoshoot, and they gave me a lot of suggestions without overwhelming me. It turned out to be a lot of fun.”

“My decision to find a local photographer in Cancún was the right one to make. I was all worried that it would be stressful, or not worth the time, but it turned out amazing,” Bridget said. “Now I have these special photos to show my daughter, and we can hopefully plan our next trip to take some pictures together.”

complete your vacation memories by displaying your vacation photos on a Nixplay Frame! take advantage of our Back To School sale and get 25% off selected frames until August 25!

*name had been changed

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

What’s The Coolest Adventure You’ve Been On With Your Friends?

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On August 2, 2019

In Lifestyle

Few things can strengthen a friendship quite like an adventure. And it’s usually the craziest adventures that turn you into best friends for life. Have you been on such an adventure with your friends? Here are some real-life adventures of some of our Nixplay Family:

“My friends and I were on holiday at a beach resort, and we impulsively signed up to camp out overnight, Survivor-style, on a deserted beach island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean along with a handful of newfound friends. There was no electricity, we slept in tents and hammocks, and we built a bonfire for warmth and cooking. After dinner, we went skinny dipping in the sea while drinking beers under a starry night sky. It was definitely a night we’ll never forget!” – Megan, 33

“My best friend and I celebrated our 25th birthdays by planning a 2-month trip around South America. We visited the beaches of Brazil, went to the Machu Picchu in Peru, then continued our trip onwards to Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile. It wasn’t always easy–we had a few quarrels and got into a few mishaps, but we emerged from that trip closer than ever.” – Philip, 27

“After our college graduation, my friends and I went on a road trip across the USA. We started our vacation in New York (where we were based) and followed the Atlantic Coast, driving down the Overseas Highway and crossing New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, eventually making our way to Florida. It was a lot of fun, and I’d love to do it again!” – Jan, 41

“My closest girlfriends and I have been joined at the hip since high school, and we’ve been each other’s confidantes throughout the years. On the year we turned 50, we went on a girls-only trip to the Maldives for a luxurious vacation. We spent a week in a villa, snorkeling and SCUBA diving, watching dolphins, enjoying spa treatments, and watching the sunset while sipping drinks. We don’t know when we can go on an adventure like this again, so I’m glad we got the chance to do this while we’re all still alive and strong.” – Greta, 51

The best friendships are forever. Commemorate your bond with your pals with a Nixplay Frame! Get up to 25% off selected frames, only until August 4!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

summer solstice blog pet friendly destinations

5 USA Vacation Spots Where You Can Bring Your Pet

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On June 25, 2019

In Lifestyle

Our pets are our babies—they’re our best friends and the loves of our lives, and even if they sometimes make a mess out of our stuff, we have to admit that our lives would be less colorful without them. Our hearts break every time we leave them at home when we go on vacation, and we can’t stand the sight of their sad, hopeful eyes as we close the door behind us on our way out.

Thankfully, dogs and cats are more welcome everywhere these days, and thousands of establishments across the USA have opened their doors towards our furry friends. Here are some excellent vacation spots where both you and Fido can have fun this summer.

Huntington Beach, California

This Southern California city is one of the most famous pet-friendly destinations in the USA. The city’s main draw is Huntington Dog Beach, a 1.5-mile stretch of sand where your pooch can run free. The city also hosts several events for our furry friends, including Corgi Beach Day, a gathering of corgis and their owners, and Surf City Surf Dogs, an annual dog surfing competition. After a day of frolicking under the sun, you can stop by one of the city’s many animal grooming centers and pet-friendly cafes to unwind.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket, a quaint island off Cape Cod, has a great variety of trails and beaches that your pooch can explore to its heart’s content. You can even visit a farm or go sailing with your pet! You also shouldn’t miss exploring Nantucket’s historic downtown with your pooch—don’t hesitate to pause every once in a while to admire the architecture of the town’s well-preserved buildings. Just make sure your pet is on a leash when you’re exploring, and you’re good to go.

Bar Harbor, Maine

The town of Bar Harbor loves dogs so much, the townspeople named a beach after a local yellow Labrador named Brady. Start your day with a handcrafted cup of joe at Coffee Hound Coffee Bar, which is run by a dog-loving couple, and stop by the aptly named Bark Harbor dog store to pick up some treats and supplies for your pooch. When you’re all fueled up, go hiking at Acadia National Park, and finish your day with a sunset cruise.

Lake Placid, New York

Beautiful Lake Placid is one of the oldest vacation destinations in the USA, and one of the most pet-friendly. People will stop to pet your dog, and some shopkeepers will gladly offer your pooch treats. Got an active dog? Walk the 2.7-mile trail around Mirror Lake, and unwind on the beach while your pooch swims in the clean water. You can also visit the John Brown Farm, which has a nice trail suitable for pooches of any age.

Key Largo, Florida

A vacation in the Florida Keys is always a good idea, especially when you’ve got a furry friend or two in tow. Key Largo, in particular, has several pet-friendly resorts, as well as restaurants with outdoor patios for your dog or cat. Dogs are also welcome at a number of attractions and parks in Key Largo and the surrounding islands. You can bring Fido to the National Key Deer Refuge (but be on the lookout for alligators), as well as Jack Watson’s Nature Trail in Big Pin Key.

We wish you and your pet nothing but happy, sunny days this summer! Don’t forget to capture your vacation memories on a Nixplay Frame! Get 15% off selected frames, only until June 30!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

5 Things You Can Do With All The Travel Photos You Took This Summer

5 Things You Can Do With The Travel Photos You Took This Summer

By

On August 20, 2018

In Photography

Summer’s almost over, and we’re sure you went on a few out-of-town trips to enjoy the great weather. You probably also took hundreds of photos to immortalize your trip, as you should.

Now, we’d like to ask you a question: What have you done with all the photos you took? Are they still languishing in your phone or camera’s memory card, with none of them (save for a couple of Instagrammable ones) ever seeing the light of day?

If you find yourself nodding along—we’re guilty of this, too—then here are some things you can do to truly immortalize your photos. This way, if you find yourself reminiscing about lazy days in far-off places, you’ll know exactly where to look.

1. Organize and back them up

The first thing you should do with your travel photos is to go through all of them and sort them according to place or date. More importantly, don’t forget to back them up on an external hard drive or better yet, on a cloud-based data storage system. This way, if your computer breaks down or your memory card gets corrupted, your photos will remain secure.

If you don’t have the time or the willpower to go through your images one by one, you should try using Google Photos—it automatically sorts your images and keeps them secure online at zero cost. How’s that for hassle-free?

2. Share them on social media

Just because you’re back from your trip doesn’t mean you can’t upload your vacation photos anymore! Your Instagram or Facebook account, your rules—and if you want to upload a photo from your Barcelona tour a month ago, you shouldn’t let anyone stop you from doing so.  You may be back in your “real world,” but you can still let your social media persona bask in vacation bliss.

3. Frame them

When you have dozens of photos of beautiful places and incredible moments, it can be difficult to pick a few to print and frame. The easy solution: A digital photo frame that can store and display hundreds of images. NIX digital frames have USB and SD card ports for your pictures, while Nixplay Wi-Fi Cloud Frames lets you store and access your images and videos from the cloud.

And since we already mentioned Google Photos in a previous item, here’s another great thing it can do: If you have a Nixplay Frame, you can enable your Nixplay app to access your Google Photos account so it instantly updates the images on your frame for you. Displaying your travel photos has never been so easy!

4. Create art based on them

During your trip, you were probably lucky enough to take photos of some incredibly majestic sights. It doesn’t have to be something incredibly spectacular—a vivid sunrise or a particularly tranquil afternoon at the park can be just as inspiring. If you’re artistically inclined, take out your paints and brushes and paint your interpretation of the scene. If you’re pleased with your work, hang it in your home for an instant feel-good vibe.

5. Do some scrapbooking

Do you tend to keep tickets, receipts, cards, stickers, and other small printed paraphernalia accumulated during a trip? Take them out of the box you’ve been keeping them in and arrange them in a scrapbook along with printouts of your travel photos! This way, your children and grandchildren will have a well-preserved glimpse of all the adventures you’ve had.

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

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