Why You Should Visit:

1. Masks and costumes like you wouldn't believe. Beautifully dressed men, women, and children take to the streets in works of art that look great on camera, but stun in person.
2. It's this big, amazing celebration and everyone is in on it. There's a palpable buzz and energy radiating through the streets.
3. You can choose to be a spectator, or join in the fun. Oh, and spoiler: everyone wants their photo taken, so don't be too shy to ask the lady with the peacock headdress on if she'll be in one with you.

4. Even during this crazy-busy season, you can get lost, find a quiet street, and escape the crowds for a slice of the 'real' Venice.
5. Perhaps the biggest selling factor, IMO, is that Venice during Carnival feels like this fantasy world, from the age of Casanova that's been dialed back in a time machine, of elaborate galas and star crossed lovers. It's kind of magical.

Why You Should Skip It:

6. The crowds. The people! The lines and hoarding masses that make crossing narrow bridges and visiting top attractions nary impossible are headache inducing.
7. Last minute decisions are out of the question. You'll have to plan ahead and book in advance as rooms fill up fast and prices skyrocket.
8. It's flood season, people. Pack those waders or prepare to duke it out over the last pair of oh-so-stylish, waterproof, neon sock/boots.

9. The city trades in some of its charm for pop up booths in otherwise charming squares,  selling knockoff masquerade attire to junk collecting tourists.
10. Leave the cocktail dress at home and layer up. Cool temps and chilly winds will freeze your knickers off if you're not ready for 'em. It is still winter, after all.

The post 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit (or Skip) The Carnival of Venice appeared first on Camera & Carry On.

1. Skip China. Go to Japan.
2. Plan ahead, but not too much.
3. Whenever someone offers to take your photo, kindly accept, and return the favor.
4. Learn a bit of the language.
5. Sundays are a quiet day in Europe and some cities literally shut down. If you're not ready for it this may catch you off guard, especially when hunger strikes.
6. Pick your favorite booking sites (we like kayak.com, booking.com, and airbnb.com).
7. Try meat on a stick.
8. Plastic bags can save your feet (and socks) when you don't have waterproof shoes.
9. Say yes a few times you might be inclined to say no.
10. Visit fewer places for longer.
11. On a diet? Try to work with it, but don't deprive yourself; that would just miserable.
12. In a busy and unfamiliar place, try not to look clueless.

13. ...But don't be afraid to have fun, act silly, and be yourself.
14. Take lots of pictures, but not 16 of the same, exact shot.
15. A big breakfast and several cups of coffee is a bad idea before a 5 hour hike.
16. Do you really need your computer? If the answer is no, it shouldn't be weighing you down.
17. Map out your hotel before you arrive.
18. Keep the address and phone number for your hotel easily accessible, and in the correct language (e.g. Thai if you're going to Bangkok, so you can hand this over to your cab driver and get there without a hitch).
19. Bottled water is best (or use one of those fancy purifier thingies).
20. Ziplock bags are your friend: perfect for snacks, leaky toiletries, and random junk you just need a tiny bag for.
21. Charge your camera batteries.
22. Backpacking sounds romantic, but let's be realistic. Showing up in a new place without a clue of where to go or stay could mean a full day wasted.
23. Live in the moment.

24. Feeding the monkeys is a big no-no. They bite and steal.
25. The biggest cities are not always the best ones.
26. Check to see if you need a visa for the country you're visiting. Some can take weeks or months to get approval for.
27. Try getting foreign currency from your bank prior to travel (currency exchanges can give poor rates).
28. Sharing an entire lemon Pannetone cake between two of you, on a train, is a good way to make yourself sick.
29. ...Swiss chocolate, on the other hand, is perfect.
30. Bring some basic meds along (tylenol, decongestant, anti-nausea, and cold/flu) as it can be tough to communicate exactly what you need with a pharmacist in a language you don't speak.
31. Like to read? Bring a book. Draw, perhaps? Paper and pencils. Whatever it is, have something to keep you occupied during down time and when you're stuck on a layover.
32. Wear good shoes.
33. If the political climate of a city/country you're visiting has your parents feeling a little uneasy, don't panic and change plans immediately. Do your homework, use your smarts, and then make your decision.
34. Never put items you absolutely need or would be devastated to lose in a checked bag (contacts, glasses, medication, jewelry, cameras, etc.).

35. Order a pint in an Irish pub and strike up a conversation with a stranger.
36. A granola bar could save your life. Have one at arm's reach at all times.
37. If your phone is unlocked, pick up a sim card abroad to use your GPS and make emergency calls, especially if you're renting a car.  Most airports sell them.
38. Less is more. Pack smart and light, leaving a little room to pick things up along the way.
39. Do what you find interesting, not what guide books and websites tell you to do.
40. Bring extra memory cards.
41. Use the restroom before you head out. Public toilets can be hard to find, sometimes pretty sketchy, and not always free.
42. Always carry napkins (and hand sanitizer).
43. Embrace the local cuisine, but don't shame yourself for just wanting a burger for a change.
44. Don't let the windows to your soul get lost in photos. Mascara is the one makeup item I always pack.
45. How many Filipino pesos to the US Dollar? Know the currency conversion.

46. Do not order "spicy" in Malaysia, even if you like heat. You will burst into flames.
47. Walk in favor of public transportation as much as possible. You'll see more that way.
48. Smiles are, generally, universal.
49. Wander.
50. Get (a little) lost. Chances are, you'll find your way back, or you will come across someone happy to help with directions. Either way, it'll be an experience.
51. Have patience.
52. Use zip ties to secure zippers (duh!), when carrying your backpack in a crowded area.
53. TSA-friendly locks and luggage cables keep things buttoned up when you need to leave your things behind.
54. Mind your money.
55. Keep track of expenses and stick to the budget (with a small cushion built in for the unexpected).
56. Over-pack underwear.

57. Do something touristy, just once, even if it's not your style.
58. Make sure you're getting on the right train before you board.
59. ...And don't forget to validate your ticket.
60. After 10+ hours on a plane, you'll be thankful you wore those yoga pants and not your skinny jeans.
61. Load up your music player with good tunes.
62. Heading to Switzerland but are plagued with an intolerance to dairy? Better pop a pill to help digest lactose because trying to resist the milky, cheesy goodness is futile.
63. Being fashionable isn't everything, unless you're in Paris. You'll want to look nice but dressing appropriately is key. You don't need heels in Iceland.
64. It's okay to put the camera down now and again.
65. Sit back and observe.
66. You can't see it all, so stop trying to cram everything in.
67. Enjoy yourself and your adventure; hiccups and all (because some of the lowest moments make the best stories).

The post 67 Random Tips for Better Travel appeared first on Camera & Carry On.

The Chocolate Shops

DUMON --- high quality, super creamy chocolates, goodness in every bite

• raspberry white chocolate: yogurty, creamy inside with a beautiful outer shell. lovely.
• amaretto milk chocolate: very smooth and light amaretto flavor. classy.
• hazelnut milk chocolate: suuuuper creamy

GALLER --- deep flavors and nice quality, for the pure cocoa lovers

• gingerbread milk chocolate: slightly grainy texture with gingerbread flavor.
• pistachio marzipan milk chocolate: meh… bad pick on our part. marzipan not is not my favorite.
• “the island” dark chocolate: nice for a dark chocolate, but too rich for our taste buds.

LEONIDAS --- not a luxury brand, these are good everyday chocolates

• praline milk chocolate:  a dense chocolate, but the whole nut on top gets a thumbs up.
• coffee milk chocolate: needed more coffee flavor, and a bit thick.

• “concerto” vanilla cream and caramel: mighty sweet and creamy center.
• “pop” praline with caramelized nuts: nutty texture, a little heavy, but still nice.

VERHEECKE --- middle of the road in quality and taste

• irish cream milk chocolate: not overpowering flavor, subtle, creamy.
• strawberry cup white chocolate: filling is a little too jammy for our liking, but the cup and chocolate were yummy.

THE OLD CHOCOLATE HOUSE --- if you’re up for something super sweet, this will do the trick

• marshmallow caramel milk chocolate: strangely familiar to those egg shaped chocolates you can find around Easter in Walgreens. kind of guilty pleasure good.
• cookie crunchies inside milk chocolate: a little heavy, but the texture is good with lots of crunchy bits.

• salted caramel milk chocolate: perfect salty/sweet balance with uber smooth chocolate cointreau - very smooth flavor and soft center.
• praline with cookie milk chocolate: so many crunchies! delightful texture.

MARY --- in a word… perfection

• “paola” vanilla fresh cream on praline base: fluffy, light, and airy. unlike any cream chocolate before. yum!
• “florentine” milk chocolate mousse garnished with nougatine: the top tastes like a miniature lacey cookie with a center that just melts around it. complex flavor and texture. VERY good.
• milk chocolate with caramel: a simple classic.
• “fabiola” milk chocolate with coffee mousse: the perfect balance of chocolate and coffee flavors.

TSJOKOREETO --- butter for dessert… who knew?!

• “room” fresh cream and white chocolate: the first words out of my mouth were, “almost like butter,” so that’s that.
• champagne truffle: also very buttery with a slight champagne flavor

• pumpkin: totally missing the pumpkin flavor, but the texture was smooth as can be and light as a praline should be.
• rice crispy praline mousse: pop rock surprise! good stuff.

CHOCOLATERIE DE BURG --- these heavy chocolates will fill your belly up in no time

• praline bresiliene: very dense center and the chocolate was a little ‘cheap’ tasting.
• strawberry: thick outer shell and the inside was a bit too sweet.

JAN DE CLERCK --- lots of flavor options here, but choose wisely or it’s a miss

• cappuccino: nice coffee flavor and pleasant texture.
• banana: strong, artificial banana flavor (think banana runts), and a little too gooey.

CHOCOHOLIC --- a chain chocolate shop with a little something for everyone

• speculoos milk chocolate: thick outer layer of milk chocolate with a gritty, speculoos (cinnamon cookie) center. yummy!
• lemon ganache dark chocolate: bright and drippy tart center, but the dark chocolate was a touch too strong and quashed the flavor.

The Results

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