Amazing and Invaluable Experiences on my #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter Journey 

As for my #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter journey, I can’t recall when I first started joining #TTOT chat. Those golden years on Twitter, knowing more like-minded travellers on Twitter, making travel and tourism related industry friends, getting more local travel knowledge, they were so priceless and invaluable. 

Thanks to an invitation from Melvin Bocher (founder of #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter), I took on the mantle to be a co-host for #TTOT chat in November 2020. You can read more about how I became a #TTOT co-host (here is my story https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/travel/join-ttot-travel-talk-on-twitter). As a co-host, I have also created a page on my TGH Photography and Travel website (#TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter Page – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/ttot-travel-talk-on-twitter), helping out with the #TTOT topics schedule and TTOT questions for the topic of the week. 

From November 2020 to May 2025, a total of 54 months (4 years 6 months), it was a very fruitful and enriching #TTOT co-hosting journey with fellow co-hosts Melvin and Sonja, together with like-minded fellow travellers in the #TTOT community. 

From Twitter to X – Changes, Challenges and Difficulties 

While the travel community was thriving on Twitter, this social media platform took many different twist and turns, their journey started spiralling and diverging somewhere else, when it was sold away, rebranding to X as most of us know by its name today, yet we older tweeps still call it Twitter affectionally. 

The change in Twitter ownership caused immense changes and drove many people off the platform and some of them away from social media. All those damages and demise weren’t just affecting the travel community on Twitter, other genres such as photographers, artists, creatives, writers, all slowly started to migrate away from X to other social media platforms. 

#TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community chat was also affected, over the years since the change in ownership, it just got so much more difficult to get the travellers and travel chats back on track, it also got very tiring with all those changes on X platform, and people are leaving/left, tweeps are also much less engaging as compared to previous years, maybe due to social media fatigue or disappointments with the Twitter platform. 

On a personal note, there had been many times where I felt very tired and discouraged, the difficulties in getting people back to/interested in #TTOT chat, whether I was doing a good enough job as a co-host.  

Eventually, it got to a point where we decided that it is inevitable that #TTOT has to make a decision to pause, plan for changes and potential strategic directions in the near future, due to the demise of the platform, loss of a travel community network that many of us painstakingly built up over the years. 

That’s why #TTOT is going for a SLOW TRAVEL break, we are taking a break, reorganise and plan for the future, hopefully a revamped #TTOT or a new travel related community/chat in the near future. 

I also need a break too, strategise/work on my photography business, content creation/social media marketing work, as well as my travel related segments, in this current difficult world economy, a world facing angsty, fighting, quarrelling and narcissistic people showing off on social media, just too much noise.

Thank you #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community!

Yes, #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter is going for a SLOW TRAVEL break, we would keep you updated of new updates and developments down the road on #TTOT chat or #TTOT related, planning the Future of Travel!

I am grateful and thankful for the travel friendships and networks built from the #TTOT Travel Chat on Twitter community, the local travel knowledge sharing, travel tips, travel trends and updates, they are so invaluable. 

Like Twitter in the early days, the golden era of social media networking, I hope we can take our online presence/chats to IRL (in real life). I would then get to meet fellow #TTOT travellers in real life, whether I am travelling to their country or #TTOT folks travelling to my home country Singapore. 

Keep travelling and keep in touch! Thank you #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community of travellers with your passion, travel sharing and adventure spirit!

The post TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter is on a SLOW TRAVEL break appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography 

Photography (Business)

Running a small business is really very tough and challenging, let alone running a small size photography business in an ever-changing media/social media landscape that is already going towards video consumption over photography, coupled by smaller budgets, a shrinking pie to share in the market, filled with a pretty saturated pool on the supply side of things.

Fellow competitors in the same industry (whether photography or other industries) would not easily give up their share of their pie for you, it’s a cruel and harsh capitalist world out there. My photography business is still impacted and affected, there were many a times when it was so stressful and pressuring to run a small business.

The future of the creative industry, whether you are a photographer, videographer, artist etc etc, modern technology in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to make you stand up and pay close attention to them. AI can help us creatives, it can also possibly replace part of our creative work. Do check out and read my interview article, “Q&A on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries”.   

Having contacts and networks with agencies doesn’t give you guarantees in business, sometimes there were opportunities, sometimes there weren’t. Disappointments are part and parcel of my business operations. 

Building up more contacts and networks have always been on my business plan and agenda. As I am reviewing my Year 2023, moving from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024, I am also strategising new directions and plans, that I would share a bit more without going into too much details in my Yearly Theme 2024. 

Photography (Personal) 

On my personal/leisure photography sector, I had been active in the creative, arts, history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation sectors, enjoying the visual storytelling and writing time that gives a deep fulfilment and accomplishment. Down the road, I hope that they would also help to bring in another source of business revenue as well. 

My personal visual storytelling/photography projects were still mainly digital and social media, written, published and uploaded for the world to see, read and view. I didn’t plan any of my personal projects to bring it to life as a physical tangible showcase, in the form of a zine, book, prints or exhibition.

Travel 

International travel 

For this segment, it’s disappointing for me, I haven’t begun to explore travel again as I didn’t travel out of Singapore. The high cost of travelling and pent-up frustrations around the world have not subsided yet. Therefore, I am practicing patience even though my travel wanderlust went up a few notches higher. 

Travel Content Creation 

There were some travel content creation opportunities that didn’t materialise, coupled with zero international travel trips in Year 2023, it can come across as double disappointments. Nevertheless, I am biding my time, preparing and actively networking with travellers around the world during regular co-hosting of #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community chats.  

Creative (Arts and Writing)

In the creative fields of arts and writing, Year 2023 was a very interesting year of creative exploration and writing that brought me into a new dimension, style and artistic direction. Thanks to local creative artist Wei of House of VSE/Very Small Exhibition/Bring Love Everywhere with his local artists and international artists collaborations that opened up my creative world to view and approach arts and creativity in different ways to immerse, interact and connect with the audience. Check out my visual story, “Tension by House of VSE”.

Another local creative artist that I followed and supported in Year 2023 (and still doing so) was Yip Yew Chong. His “I Paint my Singapore” – Familiar scenes of home was very heartwarming, nostalgic, connecting and bringing me back in time. Yew Chong’s visual storytelling via his paintings serves as an inspiration to me, in my own heritage, history and culture visual storytelling and documentation. 

Experiencing a major cross cultural performance between Korea traditional music and Nanyin music – “The Origins Cipher: A traditional Nanyin and Korean cross-cultural musical journey” in October 2023 also opened up my eyes to the international world of traditional arts and music coming together with the elements of history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation, combining together to show that it can be done, in such a beautiful and soothing manner. 

Heritage (History, Heritage, Culture, Conservation and Preservation)

I have always been covering the areas of history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation through the various museums networks, festivals and events. Through my heritage networks, I managed to discover more about traditional culture, craft and performing arts that may not have get the bigger slice of publicity and support. Personally, I feel that I can contribute more, help out and work together with organisations or like-minded people, whereby I can bring my skill sets and experiences in visual storytelling, photography, social media and digital marketing to those organisations in the history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation sectors. 

Media Relations

In the field of media relations with brands and agencies, the status quo is usually pretty good for those agencies and brands that I work closely with, some brands and agencies have been engaging for a period of time. As for the agencies that I recently engaged and worked with in the past 1-2 years, they would take a bit more time to build up the working relationship.

Personal

On a personal note and observations from a personal basis and perspective, there were a few recurring frustrating things that had been bugging me over the years. They seemed to have escalated in recent times. Here are a brief summary of them without going too deep into details and explanations:

• People don’t read
• People don’t want to understand you, they want you to understand them instead
• Passing judgement is getting more common, uncalled for at times 
• People assume things 
• Sometimes you are more on social on social media than me and you say I am very busy on social media 
• Human communications are getting worse
• Communications and friendships are strained by social media, egos and narcissism  
• Human memory is like becoming more like goldfish and they blame it on brain fog arising from the global pandemic period
• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is getting stronger and worse

Yearly Theme 2023 – Explore 

My Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel) was “Explore”, looking back at year 2023 in review and reflection, I did manage to explore bigger and wider, especially into the arts sector, following and supporting local artists in other creative genres, inspired and motivated by what they had embarked on, what they achieved, giving me new creative project ideas, motivations and directions for Year 2024.

I had also explored new partnerships with videographers, photographers as well even if we might be competing together in the same field. Finding partnerships would be even more crucial given the shrinking dollars and pie in the economy shared among an already saturated field. 

As for my international travel segment, I haven’t begun to explore travel again as I didn’t travel out of Singapore. It’s definitely disappointing for me no doubt. The lessons and desires would serve me well to plan my travels in Year 2024, and not just pent-up travel wanderlust frustrations since 2019 before the global pandemic period of 2020 to 2022.

Reflecting Year 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal) 

My year 2023 in reflection and review for my technology, business and personal are written and published separately on my TGH Technology and Business website. Since the two websites are operating in distinct fields, there are quite a fair bit of review and reflections written inside them too.

Final Note and Round Up

Year 2023 was not my best year, but I learned a lot. My review and reflection of Year 2023 articles that I wrote on both my websites, TGH Photography and Travel and TGH Technology and Business, may not have everything written down that took place in Year 2023, yet what I wrote down were quite a handful and lengthy to read for my readers.

To all who make the time and effort to read till the end of both articles, thank you for your support from the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate it! 

Looking Ahead in 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage)

Looking ahead in 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage), I would be sharing more information and details in my Yearly Theme 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage), this approach is unique and can be very different as compared to the goals and objectives approach that I learnt previously. 

Wishing all a Happy New Year 2024! Thank you for your support and encouragement! 

The post Reflecting Year 2023 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography

Photography business

I am not going to sugar coat, paint a rosy picture, or show off. The business side of photography hasn’t been easy, just like any other business industries, it’s competitive and saturated. Building new partnerships and collaborations take time as well, existing networks are sometimes dependent on economic conditions, demand and need for professional services.

Q4 2023 would be used for re-strategising and planning, while working on finishing existing projects and assignments. What lies ahead in YR2024? What could be my new strategies and directions? 

Any business can be cut-throat and brutal. This a very harsh reality that we live in. Market and economic uncertainties are still looming in YR2024 for the world economy, coupled with shrinking market share and opportunities locally. All these are definitely a lot more to think and strategise ahead in the very near future.  

Personal photography 

Beyond my commercial photography sectors, I still have my personal/leisure photography that I actively go for. From wildlife photography, history and heritage documentation, featuring creative artists works from other creative industries, personal projects, exploring locally etc. 

I don’t share my photographs as fast as some others out there, the fear of missing out (FOMO) is indeed strong, not just in the photography community, in some aspects, quite a lot of human beings can be quite FOMO on social media.

There are critics and commentators on not posting my best photographs. I have make certain decisions and workflow in my photography, on how I want to post my photographs. While my rule might be an outdated rule of thumb in this media crazy digital/social media world, I still decide not to overdo things such as oversharing of photographs, let alone my best photographs. 

My curated best photographs would be on my portfolio website TGH Photography, next set of curated nice photographs would be on Flickr, followed by Instagram. 

Educator/Trainer in photography and return of taking in disciples

In between my ongoing plans to take in photography disciples again, after years since I last took in a very small group of photographers under me, I am going to conduct a short camera / photography training again soon, part of my photography training and consultancy services.

Over my years of photography, I discovered one of the ways to improve my skills and knowledge further is to teach/train others, passing down my photography skills and knowledge.

Taking on an educator/trainer role, even in a field that I am experienced and skilled in, it wasn’t smooth sailing and straight forward. This journey itself is a new set of steep learning curve, striving to improve and become a better educator/trainer. 

A subject matter expert may not necessarily mean they can teach/train well. This also brought me back to the notion, “Train the trainer”. 

Therefore, I have to rethink and replan on the different approaches, style and likely a set of teaching curriculum, for people who are just starting out in their photography, that doesn’t know too much about photography and the basics, versus those who already have some basic knowledge and experience, and those who are on the advanced level, that requires another different approach. 

This new photography educator/trainer role adventure is now in its version 3.0. Time to bring it on!

Moved On 

In the last quarter, there was a matter that got me really disappointed. It’s buried, placed aside and I have moved on. I have nothing much more to say, I am touched by some of my friends support.  

Travel

Travel photography/Travel visual storytelling/Travel content creation 

Along with my travel wanderlust, travel visual storytelling / content creation, I am making a comeback with more travel visual storytelling and travel photography content. It’s been a few years since my last trip overseas, the global pandemic situation doesn’t help. 

I wasn’t successful in my attempts to enter those travel related sectors, I met with a number of obstacles that I would not go into detail. I am working on my travel visual storytelling and travel photography content again, finding my own travel journey, building up networks and opportunities.  

Some discussions and plans are the still on the table, ongoing for some time, it might bear some fruits soon, keeping my fingers crossed. There is the possibility of new opportunity in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors that my travel visual storytelling and content creation segments, could come into play. 

I have also been working on my travel networks, from my co-host role as #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community chat, learning and chatting with travellers , writers, travel, tourism and hospitality operators from different parts of the world.

My travel writing style has evolved as well, it’s time for a new era of TGH Travel Visual Storytelling version 2.0.

Travel (International) destination plans 

I previously spoke about travelling out for a holiday in Q2 or Q3, i didn’t get down to take action to plan my short travel holidays. It’s probably time to plan a getaway from Singapore since my last trips to Thailand and Vietnam in 2018, Malaysia in 2019.

Time to finally give myself a break away from Singapore, I am not going to be too ambitious, a short haul destination would be just fine. Shortlisting my travel destinations to Indonesia (Bali), Taiwan, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand.

Exploring Locally

Even though I haven’t been actively travelling overseas, I am exploring locally over the years, especially re-discovering places that I used to photograph, document and share, that I haven’t been visiting for quite a while.

No doubt Singapore is a small country by land size, there are some developments that I would work further on, heritage trails that I have a strong interest in, and the Singapore’s park connector networks that connects the various parks and nature reserves in Singapore together. 

A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production

I have been using the Canon EOS R6 Mark II for about six months (from late May 2023 till now), it had been a great camera for me over the past six months. After going through some fine tuning of personal photography settings, and getting used to a new camera, I am ready to write my review article and share more about this amazing, versatile and powerful workhorse Canon mirrorless camera EOS R6 Mark II.

Of both photography and travel

Sometimes, I do think quite a lot and deep into both my photography and travel since both are closely related deep inside my heart and soul, I write down quite a fair bit, although I might not publish all of them out in my article.

I am for long form writing, publishing my thoughts and views into articles on my websites than posting them on my social media platforms. I don’t know exactly who reads my articles as website analytics can only give you quantitative data. With the current digital and social media consumption turning humans with a goldfish memory.

For those who faithfully read till the end of my article, thank you for reading, I truly appreciate your support! 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production * 

The post Reflecting Q3 2023 and Plans for Q4 2023 (Photography and Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

As a F1 and motorsports fan, also a sports/motorsports photographer myself, I love watching F1 motorsports racing action on television. For my hometown Singapore GP, my last attendance was in 2015, after a few years gap, I am back enjoying F1 racing in town for Singapore GP 2023. I am also a technology geek/writer myself (check out my TGH Technology and Business portal/blog), I am also amazed by the technology setup behind the scenes powering F1 action on the ground, on broadcast channels, media outlets and on social media platforms.

Thanks to Lenovo Singapore hosting a media session on Friday 15th September 2023, I get to know more in-depth about Formula 1 x Lenovo Technology – Bringing F1 fans on a thrilling ride beyond the grandstand. Listening first hand and understanding how Lenovo Technology is powering F1, from Pete Samara, Director of Strategic Technical Ventures, Formula 1, Ken Wong, Executive VP and President, Solutions and Services Group, Lenovo, and Sumir Bhatia, President of Asia Pacific, Infrastructure Solutions Group, I couldn’t ask for more, from a F1 fan, a motorsports photographer, and a technology writer/geek myself!

Lenovo – One of the official technology partners of F1

In 2022, Lenovo as announced as one of the official technology partners of F1 in a multi-year partnership starting in 2022, which saw Lenovo’s cutting-edge technology used across F1 operations to bring the highest level of racing experience to a global fanbase and broadcast material that gets used by media outlets in more than 170 terrorises worldwide.

“In the highly competitive world of motor racing, technology plays an increasingly crucial role. Lenovo is providing us with its industry-leading technology and solutions, helping us to define new operating models to shape a faster, smarter, and more sustainable sport”, commented Pete Samara, Director of Strategic Technical Ventures at Formula 1. “We need to have military levels of control but also be extremely flexible in bringing in new and cutting-edge technology and production developments. Lenovo is helping us to incorporate innovative technologies into a 100% reliable, repeatable, and efficient operation whilst still accommodating continuous improvement.”

“At Lenovo, we are constantly focused on creating innovative technologies that allow for elevated experiences on all spectrums, all around the world. Lenovo’s transformation from a hardware company to a provider of end-to-end technology solutions and services has allowed businesses worldwide to harness the full power of technology”, said Ken Wong Executive VP and President, Solutions and Services Group, Lenovo. “The full power of Lenovo’s wide range of hardware and software, and professional support and services for Formula 1 will be on display at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, supporting its operations all the way from HQ to the track. As Formula 1 synchronizes a million and one moving pieces to create an exhilarating experience, we’re proud to ride along as an Official Partner.”

Millions of data points stored to capture the best broadcast

When you are watching F1 motorsports action from your television, technology gadgets, on social media/internet, do you notice the huge volume of data that F1 generates with each individual car generating millions of datapoint across all races. 

Therefore, you would need powerful, stable and reliable technology across the board to handle all that heavy requirements. Lenovo Technology has the servers, storage, edge, and device solutions to help F1 teams capture millions of data points that are then transformed into actionable insights. 

For those watching the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2023 will bring a deluge of data and insights on G-force numbers, steering angles, brake impact, throttle push, and all the audio and video from the cameras and microphones. Lenovo servers and edge devices collecting all that data will put it right back into the hands of the broadcast team instantly.

At the Formula 1 Media & Technology Centre in Biggin Hill, UK and at the onsite Event Technical Centre which are powered by Lenovo technology, including laptops and desktop devices, workstations, monitors, tablets and Motorola smartphones, the broadcasting team transforms all track-generated data, in real time, into an exciting experience as on-screen graphics and footage for hundreds of millions of fans and viewers.

Over 600 Formula 1 employees from executives to track-side operational engineers are equipped with a resilient slew of devices and digital workplace solutions that works reliably whichever part of the world or climate conditions they are in.

Racing towards a sustainable future 

The topic of sustainability is definitely on the agenda of Formula 1, they are making changes, actions and efforts on this area. The FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2023 will also witness Formula 1’s consistent efforts to improve sustainability in motorsports. 

Contributing from one race to another, Lenovo’s Asset Recovery Services help the organization develop and implement a sustainable disposal strategy for hardware. Through Lenovo’s asset recovery services, Formula 1 has been able to offset some of the cost of a technology refresh as well as guarantee secure and reliable data destruction.

Singapore GP is also playing its own vital role in F1 consistent efforts to improve sustainability in motorsports. Check out two local Singapore creative artists, House of VSE/Very Small Exhibition and It Takes Balls, their artworks on display at Singapore GP 2023, part of Singapore GP sustainability drive #SGPDrivesChange. 

Formula 1 x Lenovo Technology

As you are watching F1 action in Singapore this weekend (and upcoming F1 races), live in person at Marina Bay Circuit, or from the television from the comfort of your home, in different parts of the world. Do take the time to ponder on how Lenovo Technology is helping to power F1 action on your screens and social media, bringing you on a thrilling, high octane, adrenaline packed racing ride beyond the grandstand. 

Alright, it’s time let’s go for F1 action, have a great Singapore GP 2023 race day! 

* Information courtesy of Lenovo and Zeno Group *

** A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production ** 

The post Formula 1 x Lenovo Technology – Bringing F1 fans on a thrilling ride beyond the grandstand appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Fully Restarting Tourism

In my earlier article “Special Theme Q2 2022 – Fully Restarting Tourism“, we are finally opening up again, more people are expected to travel again over the next few months. While we are absolutely delighted in fully restarting tourism, this is not going to be an immediate change/recovery. All these things and changes are going to take a bit of time to get up to speed, from both demand and supply side of things, my personal estimation is that it would start to peak in Q3 (June school holidays) or Q4 2022 (year end school holidays, year end Christmas festive season). 

For those who are ready to travel, we still have to be mindful, be safe, practice safety and health measures. Scott Dunn has handled many unexpected global situations and travel emergencies for guests over the last 30 years, their team has the experience and expertise in keeping guests safe on their travels, from before they depart to returning home. There are two scenarios presented by Scott Dunn that are still relevant especially during this period when the global pandemic is still ongoing. Both scenarios are first-hand personal experiences – (1) Testing positive right before a flight and (2) Testing positive during a trip.

(1) Testing Positive right before a flight

What should I do if I test positive before departing for my trip? Scott Dunn’s Service and Sales Manager, Sheena, tested positive for COVID-19 three days before she was due to fly to the US for business meetings. At that time, a negative pre-departure PCR test was required before she could board the plane and there was a stipulated seven day recovery period before you were deemed “fully recovered” and released from SHN. As such, Sheena was unable to recover in time to board her scheduled flight to the US.

Here are Sheena’s experiences and tips on handling this situation.

What is the first thing one should do when you have upcoming travel plans but test positive?

If you get a positive result on a self administered ART test but feel relatively well or have mild symptoms, I would recommend visiting a Combined Test Centre (CTC) or Quick Test Centre (QTC) to undergo a supervised ART and have your results documented. Such results of infection as supervised at the CTC/QTCs can be used as proof of recovery for exemption from Singapore’s border measures. For those who don’t feel well, it’s good to see a doctor or do a teleconsult with one. Depending on your age/vaccination status, you should receive a recovery memo on either Day 7/14 which can also be used for travel purposes (more for entering destinations than departing Singapore)

While pre-departure tests in Singapore are no longer required, it’ll be good to wait till you test negative before you start travelling. It’s the socially responsible thing to do and I personally think it’s good to recover and be feeling 100% before you embark on any adventures! Also, it’s good practice to refer to the relevant destination countries’ border measure requirements to ensure you are able to fulfil them before going ahead with any travel plans.

Once the medical side of things are settled, be sure to reach out to your insurance provider to log a case so that you will have a reference number for when you wish to upload your supporting documents for insurance claims. It is important to always make sure you purchase comprehensive travel insurance with COVID coverage that will satisfy your requirements based on your own lifestyle or concerns.

Finally, you can then proceed to cancel or postpone all your travel arrangements and remember to request for cancellation invoices or notes as supporting documents for the claim later on – all largely dependent on your insurance policy of course!

Are there precautions one should still take after making a recovery?

Don’t be complacent after your recovery! There’s still the possibility of being reinfected, so err on the side of caution. Personally for me, I tried to take it easy and avoided heavy workouts for the 1-2 weeks following my recovery, thinking it’d be good to let my body rest and recover fully.

Is it still worth taking the risk to travel?

Most of us have had no international travel in the past 2 years, so I think cabin fever is real.  Prior to this incident, I had the opportunity to travel to London for a work trip and having gotten so used to our current environment here, the change of scenery was really nice and refreshing. I personally still think it is worth venturing out (when you feel comfortable enough to) and after my London trip, I felt more confident and assured after going through all the processes in person once. In fact, I’ve booked a few other personal trips for the year after returning from my work trip to London.

What are some of your top pandemic era travel tips?

My three top tips would be to –

• Ensure that you are purchasing a comprehensive insurance plan – don’t skimp on it.
• Remember to double check destination entry requirements when you are nearing your departure dates. Sometimes there may have been updates or changes, so it’s good to confirm instead of rushing or panicking at the last minute.
• COVID is all around us, so it’s good to maintain safety measures such as washing your hands, refrain from touching your face and if there are large crowds, it’s still a good idea to mask up!

Is it worth working with a travel operator for an upcoming trip?

I think the pandemic has definitely allowed the value of travel operators like Scott Dunn to shine through. While measures have now eased off significantly, when travel was first allowed to resume, many were confused and frustrated with the ever-evolving entry and departure requirements. This is where guests really turned to us for help and guidance when it came to planning and going on holidays. Also, having not travelled for two years, many of our guests are relying on us to help guide them through any new requirements, allowing them to enjoy their long-awaited getaways fuss-free.

Additionally, we also have a 24/7 emergency hotline, which provides comfort and reassurance to our guests as they know they have someone to call for help no matter where they are or what time it is.

(2) Testing positive during a trip

What should I do if I test positive while on holiday/prior to my flight home? Scott Dunn’s travel specialist, Jean, had tested positive for COVID during a pre-departure PCR test prior to her flight back to Singapore from Sweden. On her week-long work trip in Sweden, Jean started to experience symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and fatigue but continued to test negative daily on self-administered ARTs. As a negative test was required for her to board the flight then, Jean was unable to return home on her originally scheduled flight.

Here are Jean’s experiences and tips on handling this situation.

What should travellers do if they start to feel unwell on their trip?

It’s good practice to pack sufficient ART test kits when travelling so that if you feel unwell, you can always do a self-administered test to monitor your own personal situation, especially with COVID all around us. I also usually pack a small pouch of medicines such as some panadols, some flu tablets and medicine for upset tummies. At Scott Dunn, when we have guests that feel unwell, they can let us know and we will help make the necessary arrangements to bring them to the nearest healthcare facility or get a doctor to do a hotel visit.

What should one do after testing positive overseas or prior to their return flight home?

While pre-departure tests are no longer required to enter Singapore for fully vaccinated travellers, it’s good to be socially responsible and wait till you test negative or wait out the 7 day recovery period before returning home if possible.

Also, try to self-isolate so you don’t spread the virus to your travel companions or others- ie you may need to stay in another hotel room from your travel companions to avoid spreading it to them etc. You should also inform the hotel of your diagnosis so that the staff can take any necessary precautions or let you know if they accommodate COVID+ travellers. You may also want to switch to a more affordable hotel/alternative accomodation to recover before heading home.

Be sure to reach out to your travel insurance company and let them know of the situation as soon as you can so that you will be able to make claims when you return home. As you proceed to cancel or postpone your travel arrangements, do remember to request for cancellation invoices or notes as supporting documents for the claim later on.

Any tips to help mitigate such a situation? 

As we are living in a pandemic era and you never know what may happen, it’s good to ensure you have extra backup cash in the destination’s currency while travelling – in case you need to extend your trip and cash is not widely accepted in your destination. Other than packing a small pouch of medicine, I would also encourage you to pack some small packets of laundry detergents. You may need to wash some pre-worn clothes if you end up staying longer than expected. Laundry services at the hotel can add up quite quickly! Pack extra ART test kits – these may be more costly in other countries plus if you do test negative before your stipulated date of departure, at least you can go out for some sight-seeing or shopping!

Are there any post-travel precautions to take, or any tips should travellers test positive upon returning home?

If you have travelled overseas in the last 10 days, and test positive on an ART upon your return home, you’ll need to go for a confirmatory PCR test. You can head to a Swab and Send Home Clinic or Combined Test Centre to see the doctor and get the PCR test done. It’s also good practice to inform the doctor of your travel history and positive ART result. Then try to rest up and focus on recovering!

What are some of your top tips to keep safe while travelling?

I would strongly encourage travellers to:

• Wear a mask during flights and ensure that you sanitise often.
• Try to avoid crowded areas where people are not wearing masks. (Pro tip: Hop on a private tour where possible. With a private guide, driver and car, you can minimise your contact with the crowds.)
• Always purchase travel insurance enough to cover medical and hotel costs if you contract COVID whilst travelling. If you do contract the virus while travelling, inform your insurance company as soon as you can to open a case file for you to submit your test results and daily claims when you return.

Is it still worth taking the risk to travel?

As an avid traveller myself, I still think it’s worth it to take the risks and travel as we will have to learn to live with COVID eventually. After all, even if you don’t travel, there’s still a chance of contracting COVID in Singapore as well. I would highly encourage travellers to get their booster shots so that in the event they do contract it, the symptoms would be mild.

Is it worth working with a travel operator for an upcoming trip?

The perk of travelling with a travel operator is that we understand the high emotional stress such unforeseen or unexpected incidents can bring – especially so when you or a loved one is feeling unwell, and we will be there to step in and help so that your focus can be on recovering and getting better.

Additionally, with our strong connections with local suppliers and partners on ground – as a Scott Dunn guest, you’re well looked after no matter which part of the world you are in. I think it’s comforting and reassuring to know that you know you are in good hands and not alone, stranded in a foreign country.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Scott Dunn and White Label PR *

The post A Pandemic Era Travel Guide by Scott Dunn appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography 

Business

Running any business, no matter whether it’s a small, medium or big business, it’s just very tough, very difficult and very stressful. Throw in a global pandemic situation that further transformed into an economic crisis, the magnitude increased exponentially. No educational textbooks can really teach you everything about running and operating a business, let alone a photography business. 

While I didn’t exactly started off properly in my photography business a few years back due to some unforeseen circumstances, when this global pandemic wave hit us in 2020, this was a major setback. I didn’t know exactly know what steps to take, it took me a while to navigate, adapt and change my photography services portfolio. 

In a harsh and brutal analysis, switching photography genres and services can be playing catch up with fellow photographers in those particular fields. Considering the ongoing and near future impacts of this global pandemic situation, I have switched my photography genres services as well as adding digital marketing/social media marketing into a digital agency setup. Therefore, I established TGH Digital Studio earlier in the year and I am working to expand on this in Year 2022. 

Personal/Leisure

Although I didn’t put more time into my personal/leisure photography as I would love to, I was glad to rediscover the art and wonder of nature therapy/forest therapy, a.k.a. Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴) – forest bathing. Entering into the world of nature, green spaces and the great outdoors was my haven for refuge during this particular period whereby I was in a rut, in a really bad emotional and mental health well-being. 

A big thank you from the bottom of my heart to my photography outdoors explorer friends that trekked together with me exploring forest bathing and offering me priceless and unwavering support and encouragement during my downtime. 

Travel 

Exploring my own backyard / Domestic 

The good and bad thing about us being unable to travel overseas, is that we explore our own backyard. For me, even though I have been regularly going out to explore my own backyard, it feels good and refreshing to re-explore my own backyard again, documenting and updating my collections.   

The bad thing to me is, everyone is now a hiker, cyclist, nature lover or heritage and conservation advocate probably because they can’t travel out of Singapore for their regular holidays. While they probably have good intentions, their actions and ethics prove/shown otherwise. 

International 

At the start of 2021, I was cautiously optimistic that I would be able to travel out again around Q3 or Q4 2021. However, I got myself thrown into a spiral downwards into a rut due to various situations happening in mid 2021. The travel situation in the earlier part of the year wasn’t that optimistic as well. 

As time progressed into Q3 2021, there were vaccinated travel lane (VTL) arrangements between Singapore and a list of countries, opening up the possibilities for people to travel out. However, there were still many uncertainties with this ongoing global pandemic situation. The emergence of the new variant Omicron has put international travel back to a slowdown again.

As a co-host of Travel Talk on Twitter (TTOT) community chat on Twitter taking place every Tuesday 9:30am GMT and 9:30pm GMT, I learned a lot more about the international travel and tourism situations from fellow travel and tourism friends and networks. 

I was reminded on this life lesson, “Travel can be a privilege”, a constant reminder to myself. During this global pandemic crisis, this quote is even more prevalent, revealing the widening gap between the rich and the rest.

There are still many travel uncertainties, rules, restrictions and lockdowns can change at the snap of the finger by the respective authorities of the country. I also have a tight financial situation due to my photography business being affected by this pandemic. 

When can we really truly restart tourism again? I would share my thoughts and views in another article in January 2022, an update to my earlier articles “When can we Restart Tourism?” and “World Tourism Day 2021”. 

Last but not least

Year 2021 had been a very turbulent year of many ups and downs, disappointments and heartaches from unnecessary expectations. There were many life and business lessons handed out to me, priceless and painful.

Do visit my TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog too! I have also published a reflection, thoughts and views article in my technology, business and personal segments.

Signing off Year 2021 with a beautiful sunset to say goodbye to Year 2021, good riddance to bad rubbish. It’s been a very painful time, very difficult and tough, mentally, emotionally and financially for me personally. I will learn, remember and apply the good and bad lessons from this year. I will also make sure that I will never let myself fall as low as what happened to me in 2021. 

Year 2022 is starting soon, a new year, a fresh and brand new start in an ongoing global pandemic situation. I would share more about my plans and directions in the Year 2022 for my photography and travel segments inside my upcoming Theme and Goals for Year 2022 article. 

To all those who had pulled me up when I was down at the bottom, as well as those who supported and encouraged me throughout this very difficult Year 2021, I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart, no amount of words can show my utmost appreciation towards what you all had done for me. 

It’s time to say Goodbye Year 2021 and Welcome Year 2022.

The post Reflecting Year 2021 (Photography and Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I came across World Tourism Organisation recent article dated 2nd June 2021, “Tourist Numbers Down 83% but Confidence Slowly Rising”. During this difficult period for everyone in the world, it’s comforting to read this news, not just for the travel and tourism industries, it’s also for everyone of us feeling the travel wanderlust. We are still some time away from the reopening of the world travel and tourism and we would get there in time to come.

Travel bubbles

A number of travel bubbles have been mentioned in the local/regional press, it’s a start to get international leisure travel and tourism back on their feet again. I am unable to keep track of the travel bubbles arrangements around different regions of the world, therefore, I always keep in touch with fellow travelers from different regions and I would check with them.

Meanwhile, I am keep a close watch on the travel bubbles in Southeast Asia and Greater Asia, keeping my fingers crossed on their developments and changes. 

When can we travel overseas again?

Q4 2021? 

My personal humble opinion is, Q4 2021 is possible, given the rate and percentage of  the Singapore population that have two doses of vaccination. I am also not keeping my expectations and hopes too high, keeping it really low or even zero. 

Even though we may be vaccinated and ready for travel, the countries that we want to visit may not be ready to receive overseas visitors. Nobody wants to visit another country for leisure holidays and they have to be quarantined before they can travel around the country. Vice versa, we don’t wish to be quarantined when we return back home to our home country. 

Year 2022?

Setting the target to year 2022 is a more prudent, safer and sensible option for the countries to reopen their travel and tourism industries to welcome international visitors. 

What’s next? Mass tourism? Scheduled tours? Independent travel?

I am more of an independent traveler or small group (3-4 pax) travel type of traveler, not a fan of scheduled tour groups. Based on the current travel and tourism situation, as well as the restrictions imposed, I don’t think we would get back to the mass tourism days that fast, we might not be able to do independent travel, small group DIY travel package may still be possible with a licensed travel agency or travel guide in the destination country. 

Until the world reaches a stage whereby COVID-19 is endemic and becomes part of our everyday life, like the common flu, scheduled tour groups might be the traveling restrictions to adhere to for a period of time as the world travel and tourism industries safely open up again. 

Which countries would I like to visit?

My travel bucket list is getting more lengthy, I have a huge travel wanderlust, I would really love to travel around the world again. Since I am unable to travel around the world, my priority shortlist would be: 

Japan 

Kansai region – Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Wakayama and Mie

Chubu region – Shizuoka, Gifu, Nagano, 

Hokkaido – to continue my personal travel photography project on Hokkaido 

Malaysia – Visit relatives and friends in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah in East Malaysia

Africa – for wildlife safari and trekking 

Australia – visiting friends in SA, QLD

Other countries in my shortlist includes, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Finland/Norway, Austria/Switzerland and many more. 

I can only do much travel even in a post COVID-19 era, nevertheless, I still hope to travel to as many different countries all over the world. 

Collaborations with travel agencies, tourism bureaus with digital/social media marketing, content creation, visual storytelling and travel photography

Since I got onboard the Travel Talk on Twitter (TTOT) chat community as a co-host with Melvin and Sonja, I expanded my travel networks with many people from different parts of the world. The TTOT chat community is great, allowing me to meet a few travel agencies as well tourism bureaus. 

I have recently embarked on upgrading new skills and knowledge, going for courses to get myself certified with digital marketing specialist diploma. I hope to apply my digital/social media marketing, content creation along with visual storytelling and travel photography, seeking collaborations/partnerships with travel agencies and tourism bureaus. 

Therefore, I am reaching out to travel agencies and tourism bureaus, if there is an opportunity to partner and collaborate together, let’s chat!

We can overcome this

This ongoing global pandemic COVID-19 has severely impacted the world travel and tourism industry, it’s still ongoing, exerting massive stress on the livelihoods of those in the travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality industries. Let’s hope we can start to revive the travel and tourism sectors around the world soon.

Many of us travel wanderlusts are eagerly awaiting for the opportunity to travel away for a holiday again. A massive test for the world, it’s not easy, we have the resilience and tenacity to overcome this global pandemic situation. 

When can we #RestartTourism? Keeping our fingers crossed that it’s getting closer soon! 

The post When can we Restart Tourism? appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I have been on Twitter platform since June 2009 (and still counting!), my blogging/social media journey began in April 2006 (and still counting!) with the launch of my humble photography blog, that has since grown, transformed and evolved into the photography and travel portal/blog of today whereby I post and share my travel adventure stories and photos. My commercial photography portfolio of works are on this website, my photographs can be viewed on Flickr and 500px, as well as on my Instagram. 

Being a travel wanderlust myself, my passion for travel, the rich, amazing and wonderful stories that I experienced, from history, heritage, culture, city, food, photographing and documenting them became an integral part of my travel photography portfolio. Discovering #TTOT was a great and fun way to connect with fellow travelers around the world on a common topic, our love for travel. It has been enriching and a source of knowing travel info, news or views from the locals themselves, for travelers by travelers, away from the usual tourist trails. 

Most recently, I became a co-host for #TTOT! It’s definitely an honour for me to be appointed co-host and I hope that I am able to contribute more to the #TTOT community, growing and expanding the #TTOT community. Therefore, I would like to invite fellow travelers, wanderlusts, photographers and filmmakers to join this travel community’s biggest Twitter chat. 

Here’s a quick summary of #TTOT – Travel Talk On Twitter

Day: Tuesday 

Time: 9:30am GMT and 9:30pm GMT 

Twitter List: https://twitter.com/i/lists/34415531 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TravelTalkOnTwitter 

Find the 5 travel questions for discussion here on TravelDudes website: https://www.traveldudes.org/travelblog/travel-talk-twitter-questions 

Get to know your #TTOT hosts & organisers here: https://twitter.com/i/lists/34415531 

To all fellow travelers, photographers, filmmakers and wanderlusts, come join #TTOT – Travel Talk on Twitter every Tuesday at 9:30am GMT or 9:30pm GMT! Join in the travel community’s biggest Twitter chat, have a fun and interesting discussion on various travel topics every Tuesday!

The post Join #TTOT – Travel Talk On Twitter appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Looking back at some of my travel adventures below, they brought back many great memories, friendships, learning and understanding, beyond my travel photography and travel stories writing. A picture/photo speaks a thousand words. 

For many of us who are unable to travel internationally for our leisure trips, this would be the time to explore our own backyard, your own domestic tourism sector. Countries small in size such as Singapore, may not have the domestic tourism sector like those countries with big land space. Nevertheless, there are things to do, explore, learn and have fun in Singapore. With SingapoRediscovers, I hope to share more photos and stories of various locations in Singapore for fellow Singaporeans to explore and have fun, this would also serve as a guide for future travelers visiting Singapore when the Covid-19 situation is under control with a vaccine in place. 

Through my interactions, discussions and chats with fellow travelers on social media, such as Travel Talk on Twitter (TTOT), we travelers are reflecting, thinking and planning about the future of our world travel and tourism. This global pandemic Covid-19 has brought massive impacts to world travel and tourism industries, this would also be the time for a reset and reboot, for a better and more sustainable future, for Mother Earth, our society and future generation. 

I would write and share more in-depth views and analysis of the world tourism and travel sectors down the road. For all fellow travel wanderlusts, let us celebrate World Tourism Day 27th September 2020 by reflecting, rethinking and planning for a new future. 

The post World Tourism Day 27th September 2020 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.