Tips For Taking Better Vacation Photos

No matter where you turn, someone’s taking a photo of something: a selfie, food, nature, animals, pretty much… anything. Well, whether you’re the type of person who can’t put their phone down, or someone who only snaps the occasional photo, you’re probably going to want to take some pretty epic pictures while you’re on vacation to share with your friends and family.

If you’re saying to yourself “I wish I could take better photos on vacation with my phone”, then this is the article for you. Even if you consider yourself to be pretty good with a camera, who knows, you may still learn something new. 

Know What Your Trip Entails

Are you kayaking, zip lining, snorkeling, hiking, or just roaming the city? Consider what props you may need to help you capture those picture perfect moments. 

Kayaking/Boat Tour 

A waterproof phone case

Zip Lining 

A phone case with a strap that you can wear around your wrist

Snorkeling/Scuba 

Don’t take your phone and see if you can rent or buy waterproof  camera or phone case

Hiking

A protective phone cover just in case you drop it

SUP Boarding - Beginner

Leave your phone behind (GoPro/Waterproof camera is your best bet)

SUP Boarding - Pro

Waterproof case with strap. (GoPro is the best option though)

Shopping/Exploring the City 

Any case will do, but a wallet case is very convenient 

Position Your Camera

There are many ways you can position your camera to get that perfect shot. One classic example is “The Rule of Thirds”. This is where you break your photo into 9 equal sections, two lines horizontal and two lines vertical. You’re going to want to try to position the focal points of the picture where the grid lines would intersect. This gives a photo balance that is pleasing to the eye. Luckily, many phones come with an option to turn on a grid so you don’t have to guess. 

More on the Rule of Thirds: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds

How to Enable Grid (and more) on an IOS Device: www.imore.com/how-to-set-flash-hdr-timer-grid-camera-iphone-and-ipad

Get Focused

There’s nothing more disappointing than looking at your pictures at the end of the day only to find out they all turned out blurry! One of the biggest culprits to blurry photos is the lack of focusing. Just take an extra moment to focus your camera on the focal point of the photo before snapping away. 

Changing around the focal point in your photo by focusing on different subjects is also a great way to start getting creative! 

Lighting is Everything!

Lighting can really make or break a photo. Too little the photo will be dark and unappealing and too much everything will look washed out. 

First, work with what mother nature gave you. If it’s smack dab in the middle of the day, with the sun directly above you, the lighting can come out too harsh. The best times are in the morning or the evening.

The iPhone has a very handy tool to help manually change the lighting of photos as you’re taking them! As you tap the screen on the focal point, move your finger up to brighten the image or down to darken. This is very useful when natural lighting just isn't cutting it.

*Further instructions for this action can be found in this link as well: www.imore.com/how-to-set-flash-hdr-timer-grid-camera-iphone-and-ipad

Take a Few

Action shots can be difficult to capture with a phone camera (although phone cameras are pretty impressive these days). While you’re out and about, especially when doing activities like zip lining, you may not have the opportunity to set up the photo properly to get a crystal clear shot. 

This is when the “burst” feature comes in handy (you can also repeatedly click the shutter button if that is easier for you). By doing this during a moment of high speed action, you’re bettering your chances of capturing the perfect photo!

More on Burst Photos: www.iphonephotographyschool.com/iphone-burst-mode/

Now, when you’re walking around town or trying to capture something still, it’s still a good idea to focus the camera and take a couple photos instead of just one. It’s not necessary to use the burst action in this case, but taking 2-4 extra pictures will increase your odds of getting that perfect shot. 

Watch Where You’re Going With a Selfie Stick

We thought we’d add this one just for fun!

Selfie sticks are a useful tool for taking pictures while on vacation (and other occasions). They allow everyone to get into the picture without having to ask anyone to take it for you.

But many of us succumb to “Travel Brain” while on vacation. This is where you are so enthralled by all of the new surroundings that you’re not quite paying attention to what’s directly in front of you, mixed with exhaustion and relaxation mode. We are all different people while on vacation. While you’re handling your selfie stick, be sure to look out and not accidentally bonk or poke anyone.

Well, there you have it! We wish you the best of luck during your next vacation. 

For more about zip lining, check us out at www.ziplinestthomas.com

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How You Could Get $300 Toward Your USVI Vacation in 2017

The USVI (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix) are giving guests to the island(s) a $300 credit to enjoy on various activities! This is not some crazy scheme or hoax just to get visitors; the island is celebrating its 100 year anniversary of becoming a United States territory and your invited to the party! the trio have always been a popular tourist destination, but 2017 they want to sweeten the deal to entice more too come and discover (or rediscover) America’s paradise. 

Once you land in the territory, there won’t be someone just handing out envelopes with $300 inside. There are a few (very reasonable) conditions.

1. You must book a minimum of three nights through the USVI Department of Tourism website
2. You can only spend the $300 on specific activities (you can choose from)

The whole point of this credit is to get visitors out learning and exploring all of the great things the island has to offer. Things such as historical/cultural tours, kayaking tours, eco-tours, museums and etc.

In order to take part in this awesome, once-in-a-lifetime deal is check out visitUSVI.com and book a minimum of three nights at any of the participating hotels. Then the USVI DOT will sent you $300 in credits that you can spend at any of the participating locations. 

Check out the full list here: Participating Vendors and Locations

March 31st is Transfer day, a date that commemorates when the Danish West Indies were formally ceded to the United States from Denmark, becoming the USVI (1917). The USVI bought these beautiful islands for $25 million in gold (which would be up in the 500 millions in todays market due to inflation). This makes March an extra special time to visit! The Department of Tourism will be giving a commemorative souvenir in March as a cherry on top of a perfect vacation. 

For more information about the festivities going on all year for the centennial, check out www.vitransfercentennial.org

For more information about zip lining, check out our website at www.ziplinestthomas.com

Why You Should Spend the Holidays in the USVI

We've all heard the songs "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas", "Let It Snow", "Baby it's Cold Outside", but not everyone shares that warm, fuzzy feeling about snow. Just because you don't like snow during the holidays doesn't make you Scrooge though. There are places for people like you. Behold... America's Paradise; the USVI.

Here are our 5 reasons why you should spend the holidays in the USVI:

It's Warm and Sunny
Let's start with the obvious: it's warm and sunny ALL YEAR LONG. Sure, it's a little breezier during the winter (AKA the Christmas winds), but it's roughly 85 degrees all year round. Swap snowmen for sand castles and white snow for white sand and it'll get your whole family singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year".

Local Holiday Events
Just because you're in the Caribbean doesn't mean it won't feel like the holidays. Santa visits the beach for the little ones, there's an annual tree lighting, and a holiday boat parade in the harbor.  String lights wrapped around palm trees and the whole island gets all festive; it's hard to not be jolly. The only thing that differs is you're in paradise.

It's a Great Experience for the Whole Family
There are activities to do for kids from ages one to 92... and even older. Obviously the beach is fun for all ages, kids 5 all the way to senior citizens have a blast zip lining with us at Tree Limin' Extreme. Kids can also meet Santa on the beach, enjoy the parades and experience exciting local cuisine. For the adults, there are parties at hotels, events at local bars, and shopping (of course).

Duty-Free Shopping
Speaking of shopping, the USVI has some really fantastic duty-free shops. If you're looking to save some cash, consider doing some of your last minute shopping while on vacation! Get your spouse their favorite wine or jewelry, your kids some beachy threads and toys; you'll be surprised what you'll find at in the stores. Explore historic main-street on St. Thomas, Mongoose Junction on St. John, or shops in Christiansted on St. Croix. We guarantee you'll find something for everyone.

Plenty of Villas to Choose From
Even though there's no place like home for the holidays, when you rent out a villa, you can certainly make it feel like home... without those relatives that stress you out.  The wonderful thing about the islands is that there are plenty of villas to rent that'll give your family a "homey" feeling. They range in prices, locations, size, each one different from the next, so you can pick one that works for your family. Don't forget to book many months (or even a year) in advance so you are guaranteed that reservation. The USVI is a popular place for people to visit this magical time of year and everyone wants a piece of paradise.

Even if you enjoy snow, there's still plenty of that white stuff after the holidays for you to enjoy your skiing, sledding, building snowmen... whatever makes your heart sing. The holidays are stressful enough, why not switch it up this year and treat your family to something really special?

Why You Should Zip Line on Your Next Trip To St. Thomas

As most of you who are familiar with the island, there’s a lot to do on St. Thomas! Beaches, shopping, eating/drinking; you’ll never run out of activities. The question is, have you considered zip lining? Although our opinion may be a little bias, the reviews on TripAdvisor speak for themselves. 

Click here for:

Tree Limin' Extreme's TripAdvisor

If you’re still a little apprehensive about the idea of zip lining, here are our 5 reasons why you should zip line on your next trip to St. Thomas!

It’s Fun for the Whole Family

Family should never be the reason you choose not to go zip lining! Our tour was designed with your family in mind. Our guides move at the group’s pace and will spend extra time with anyone who is a little nervous. Also, not to mention, safety is our absolute top priority, so you should never feel like you’re in any danger. For the really little ones (5 and up) we offer tandem. Now you can take your child on an adventure you both will enjoy and you can share that special, unforgettable moment with them. 

Great Way to Learn New Things About the Island

Our overlook features some pretty incredible views, like Megans Bay, St. John, Jost Van Dyke, Peterborg Point and much more! All of our guides love sharing captivating stories and trivia about life on St. Thomas as well. If you have any particular question/questions you’ve been itching to find out about St. Thomas and the surrounding islands… just ask! Also while you’re on the platforms, read our trivia signs that move along the course as you do. Our goal is to have everyone leaving thoroughly entertained and learning something new.

The Pictures

Imagine you’ve stepped into a postcard and could be transported to paradise. Well guess what, you can! Once you arrive at the top of line one, you will be instantly shocked by the expansive beauty of the Northside of St. Thomas and beyond. Bring your camera or rent one of our GoPros to capture the experience. Even get a chance to take a photo in front of world famous Magens Bay (Don’t be shy, ask your guide to take a picture)! No green screen here, just miles and miles of paradise.

It Gets You Up and Active

There’s nothing like relaxing all day in the warm Caribbean sun, but in between the hours of sunbathing and all you can eat and drink buffets, your body may be yearning for some physical activity. Many hotels and resorts have gyms, but who wants to spend their vacation in a gym?! (No judgement for those who do… maybe a little jealousy, actually). Why not head on over and try swinging through the trees? It’s so much fun, you won’t even notice that you’re getting a workout. 

It’s Something Different

Even though zip lines have been growing in popularity over the recent years, they are still considered fun and adventurous! There are so many run-of-the-mill things you can do while on vacation: sight seeing tours, swimming, window shopping, but there’s always time to shake things up! Isn’t it time you checked something off your bucket list? 

10 Ways to Better Enjoy Your Travels

Like most of us, we have that one vacation that stands out. It was perfect. Maybe you were 10 and your parents took you camping or possibly it was your honeymoon and you cruised your way through the Caribbean. Alright, now let’s focus on your worst vacation. That time you forgot to pack underwear on that 3 week long European trip, or when the airline lost your luggage and you only packed a swim suit on your carry-on; almost everyone has a uniquely horrifying travel story! 

We want to make sure you have less terrible travel experiences (even though they may be entertaining) and more delightfully unforgettable ones. Here are our 10 ways to better enjoy your travels:

Research Your Destination

Do some research about your destination before heading out. This one may seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked, especially if you’re cruising to multiple places. Knowing the basics, like what is the primary language and what currency is used is one thing, but try to make learning apart of your traveling experience. Examples could be: what kind of wildlife do they have, popular local cuisine, and/or a little background into their history. You may feel more connected to your time spent there, plus if you have kids, it could  be a really fun learning experience. 

Be Prepared

Know what you’re getting into, even the most basic vacations can go wrong. It could rain almost the whole time, your flight might get delayed, or the hotel’s restaurant might be closed during your entire stay; the options are endless. Make a mental list of what may go wrong and for one, don’t dwell, and two, get prepared. Things do and will go south all of the time. Pack a raincoat if you plan on doing a lot of outdoor activities (even if the weather says it’ll be fine) and pack snacks just in case you get stuck in a traffic jam on your annual family road trip. There’s no need to overdo it, but if you can make life a little easier for your future self, why wouldn’t you? 

Give Yourself a Budget You KNOW You Can Work With

I think we may all be guilty of overspending from time to time. Budgets can be a pain, but the pain of not having enough money to do that excursion you wanted to do because you spent too much at the hotel bar is much worse. Take some time and make a travel budget. Break it down into different categories. Examples of these categories are:

a) Cocktails

b) Food

c) Souvenirs 

d) Excursions

e) Travel

f) Other

Also, leave a contingency for those unexpected travel expenses. You can always make adjustments to the budget as your vacation plans shift, but having a base plan is way better than not having one at all. 

Don’t Stress The Small Stuff

We as humans have a tendency to panic over the little things in stressful situations… such as traveling. Maybe you have everyone’s matching outfits all picked out, but little Billy spilled his breakfast all over his white shirt and now all of those beach photos you planned are ruined! Don’t panic! Take a step back and really think about what’s going on. Is everyone okay? Yes. Traveling is going to be stressful at times, but we do it to have fun, see and experience new things, and relax. React in ways 10 years in the future you can look back and say “What a great trip!”, instead of cringing with embarrassment. 

Leave Room for Error

Maybe control is your thing, but trying to control every minute of your travels can seriously backfire! When is the last time your travel plans went exactly the way you expected them to? You wake up late one day and miss the time you allotted for breakfast so now you’re day is already starting out behind schedule. I get it, you want to do as much as you can during your trip, but this isn't scheduling your workweek; it’s exploring new territories. Go ahead, plan and set tour times, but always leave room for error. Traffic jams, sleeping in, slow service at restaurants, just about anything can make the perfectly constructed vacation itinerary crumble. Oh, and don’t forget about island time! 

Pack Smart

Some of us have a tendency to over or under pack, but few know the secret of the “Goldy Locks” zone. Don’t be hesitant to write out a packing list of the items you’ll need so nothing will be overlooked. Also, and possibly more importantly, don’t pack things that don’t make the list. There is nothing more frustrating than lugging around a heavy, oversized bag. Visit our Caribbean Vacation Packing Tips for more on how to pack smart. 

Eat Well

Eating well means something different to all of us. This is important for comfortable travels because digestion problems are common during vacations. The mixture of stress, dehydration, different sleeping and eating patterns, your body doesn’t know what to think! By all means, try new foods and be culinary curious, but be cautious as well.  Eat around when you usually do and even visit a local market to buy some food you are used to for packed lunches during your days lounging on the beach, after exhausting excursions, or when you aren’t in the mood to go out.

Get Active

Vacations are a time to take naps on the beach and sip on cocktails at hours you wouldn’t dare to back home, but adding some physical activity to your travels can be very rewarding. I’m not saying take a jog or go to the gym (unless you’re into that sort of thing), but going on a hike on St. John or that complementary yoga class that your resort offers can be just what you needed. Getting a little fun physical activity in your day can better help you relax and unwind. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a great way to keep them occupied and make memories… like zip lining for example! 

Try New Things

Trying new things and traveling go hand in hand. You’re in a new place and outside of your comfort zone. It’s the perfect time to test your limits with zip lining, or learn how to windsurf. For more on this, check out our 6 Reasons to Try New Things on Vacation.

Experience Local Culture 

Arguably one of he most captivating things about traveling is experiencing the local culture. One that is unlike your own, but rich with history and vibrant with their unique art, food, and music that you can’t help, but to want to experience it all.  Many popular tourist destinations have cliche tourist traps that can be pretty entertaining for an afternoon, but for a truly enchanting experience, seek out things such as local festivals, hole-in-the-wall cafes, and live entertainment. In St. Thomas, a great way to get a taste of the local culture is our annual Carnival that happens in April. It’s a time where both local and visitors can come and enjoy some of St. Thomas’s traditional festivities. 

Traveling is a lot of things: stressful, exhausting, intimidating, but it is also eye opening thrilling, and some of the best experiences we can have in our lifetime. We hope these tips can help you enjoy your travels just a little bit more! 

6 Reasons You Should Try New Things on Vacation

Vacation means something different to everyone. For some it means a week long getaway at a luxurious beach resort. For others, it’s grabbing a backpack and a map, and seeing where they end up. No matter what vacation means to you, there’s one thing that we can all agree on: vacation is a time to leave the everyday behind. So whether you’re treating yourself to a mud bath, or zip lining across through the trees, here are 6 reasons you should try new things on vacation.

1. Get out of your comfort zone

Humans are creatures of habit. We might not admit it, but 90% of us love the security of our 9 to 5. (Whether or not we love the job itself is a different story). It’s safe. It’s familiar. It’s comfortable. Vacation, on the other hand, is not the time for safe, familiar, or comfortable. Why jump from a plane 13,000 feet in the air when you can leave your feet planted safely on the ground? The greatest lessons in life- and the greatest adventures- come from leaving the everyday behind. Without change, we don’t grow. So even if a 13,000 foot leap isn’t what you have in mind for your next vacation, snorkeling, indulging in a new exotic dish, or practicing another language with the locals might be just the thing to get you out of your comfort zone.

2. Experience a new culture

It isn’t every day that we get to experience different cultures around the world, so vacation is the perfect time to soak it all in. Watch a traditional parade, meet a local artist at a street market, or spend the night dancing to the sounds of the island. Wherever you are, get out and see what the world has to offer.

3. Get the perfect shot

When in doubt, do it for the likes. If fear is holding you back from trying new things on vacation, just think of the amazing photos you’ll have to show your family and friends when you get return. Stepping off a 60 foot platform and zipping at 30mph might not be at the top of your bucket list, but your Instagram followers will definitely be impressed.

4. Give yourself a dopamine boost

Need another reason to try new things on vacation? It can be good for your health! Dopamine- one of several “happiness chemicals” in our brains- is closely associated with reward-motivated behavior. So from the rush of flying down a zipline overlooking the ocean, to the excitement of discovering new treasures on a snorkeling adventure, the more we conquer our fears and seek adventure, the happier we’ll be.

5. The Story

Ever been on an awkward first date? When you’ve got that story about the time you went hang gliding in Mexico and ran into a cactus on the way down, there’s no such thing as a dull conversation. Okay, so that’s a little extreme, but you get the idea, right? Even if it’s not a story of death-defying adventure, you’re sure to spice up any conversation with tales of your exciting travels.

6. Increase your confidence

Confidence comes from overcoming challenges, and doing things we didn’t think we could do. Whether you’re overcoming a debilitating fear of heights, or snorkeling next to a 5 foot sting ray, do the thing you’re afraid to do, and watch how your confidence follows.

So the next time you’re contemplating getting a little adventurous on vacation, just remember this list. You only live once, so why not experience what the world has to offer?

2016's Top 10 Things to do in the USVI

St. Thomas:

Tree Limin Extreme

Experience the ultimate adventure at Tree Limin’ Extreme! After you are geared up, take an exciting and wild ride up St. Peter Mountain in a six-wheel drive Swiss military vehicle. Journey through rustic tropical flora as you soar through the sky on six ziplines. Experience breathtaking views while walking across two incredible sky bridges. 

The final adrenaline filled zip called the Yo-Yo is the only zipline of its kind in the Caribbean. Tree Limin’ Extreme is a perfectly blended cocktail of fun, adventure, and breath taking views. Sore high up in the trees and learn about St. Thomas and all of the neighboring islands by your entertaining tour guides.

More information here:

www.ziplinestthomas.com

Coki Beach Dive

One of the most popular things to do in the Virgin Islands is diving! Guests come from all over the world to check out the beautiful coral reef that the Caribbean has to offer. Coki Beach itself is known for its excellent snorkeling and diving. For those of you who want to become certified, they offer professional and safe classes for all ages.

More information here:

www.cokidive.com

Shopping on Historic Main Street

There’s a lot going on, on Main Street! From jewelry to cameras, you can find a lot of good, duty-free deals. The market on the street is very competitive and everyone is trying to beat out the competition one way or another. Keep your eye out for alleyways too, as these can hold some great shops with the most amazing deals. 

One of the greatest perks about this area is the beautiful historic Danish architecture. St. Thomas has done a fabulous job at preserving this timeless look. It’s worth a visit whether you plan on buying anything or not.

Learn more here:

www.ziplinestthomas.blogspot.com/2014/03/shopping-in-st-thomas-usvi.html

Magens Bay

Everyone that has stepped foot on Magens Bay knows that this beach is absolutely stunning! That’s why it made this list of things to do in the USVI. This iconic beach has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, been the backdrop to movies like Twilight's Breaking Dawn Part 1, and has a wonderful hiking trail that is an adventurer’s dream.

Learn more here:

http://www.magensbayauthority.com

St. John

Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay is arguably the most famous beach on St. John as it is consistently ranked one of the top ten beaches in the world. Looking for an easy day, this is your one stop shop with almost everything you need to camp out and enjoy the water. This is the only place in the park where there is a nominal entrance fee.

Learn more here:

www.vinow.com/stj/stj-b/trunk-bay/

Hike National Park

For all of you nature lovers out there, you have to check out St. John’s National Park! With over 20 hiking trails, there is a lot for you to see! The trails range in difficulty, so there is something for everyone. Indulge in jaw-dropping views, historic ruins, and St. John’s wildlife.

Learn more here:

www.nps.gov/viis/index.htm

Shopping at Mongoose Junction

There are so many perks to shopping in Mongoose Junction. First off, it’s walking distance from the ferry docks, great bars and restaurants, and even some fantastic beaches. Secondly, there is something for everyone: high-end jewelry, touristy gift shops, and trendy beach clothes and accessories. Don’t miss this stop when you visit St. John.

Learn more here:

http://www.mongoosejunctionstjohn.com

St. Croix

Buck Island Reef National Monument

This small island off the Northeast coast of St. Croix is known for its vibrant coral reefs. It was first granted as a protected area by the Government in 1948 because its “one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea.” Later on in 1961, John F. Kennedy made this spot a National Monument after he visited the reef himself on vacation. The Monument expanded in size by Bill Clinton in 2001 and it typically sees about 50,000 visitors a year. Come check out this amazing site for yourself!

Learn more here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck_Island_Reef_National_Monument

Christiansted National Historic Site

This 18^th century fort became a historic site in 1952 through the initiative of concerned local citizens. The park is 7 acres on the Christiansted waterfront area and there are five historic structures: Fort Christiansvaern (1738), the Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse (1749), the Steeple Building (1753), Danish Custom House (1844), and the Scale House (1856).

Learn more here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christiansted_National_Historic_Site

Rainbow Beach

This lively beach is located on the West End of St. Croix and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. The amenities include a restaurant and bar, watersports rentals, snorkeling gear rentals, and chairs and umbrellas. There is often live music and other festivities going on, especially on Sundays (aka, Sunday Funday).

More information here:

http://tipsforfamilytrips.com/caribbean/rainbow-beach-st-croix/