Travel company that lets you take a photographer on holiday with you 


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It is the ultimate 21st-century dilemma - how to ensure you have the best possible holiday snaps to post on social media.

From selfie sticks to Instagram filters, there's only so much travellers can do. Which is perhaps why one company is cashing in on the trend for perfect profile pictures by sending photographers away with holidaymakers. 

El Camino allows travellers to hire a personal photographer to follow them around and take all the incredible travel pictures they can't manage themselves - ensuring an envy-inducing photo album.

If you have ever wanted holiday photos like this, look no further than El Camino, a travel company who provides you with a personal photographer

If you have ever wanted holiday photos like this, look no further than El Camino, a travel company who provides you with a personal photographer

Sunset shots! No one needs to miss out on the group shots on these holiday as you will have a professional to take care of the pictures

Sunset shots! No one needs to miss out on the group shots on these holiday as you will have a professional to take care of the pictures

Get the dream bikini shot for Instagram on your time away with El Camino
Leave the holiday with priceless photos of you having fun, instead of having to stop and pose for the camera

Get the dream bikini shot for Instagram, or priceless photos of you having fun, instead of having to stop and pose for the camera

If travelling in a couple, you do not need to worry about having to get blurry selfies as the only reminder of your holiday 

If travelling in a couple, you do not need to worry about having to get blurry selfies as the only reminder of your holiday 

Gone are the days with wasting time trying to get the perfect shot and the most appealing filter, all that is taken cared of by a photographer who gives holidaymakers daily pictures to share for the envy of your friends on social media.

Each morning they receive 20 or more photos that can be uploaded, with an extra 150 images provided after the trip.

Not only does the travel company take care of providing incredible photos, it also organises the whole thing; either for groups of 10-12 people, or by adding solo travellers to other groups.

The company currently offers adventure trips to Colombia or Nicaragua, but is open to helping plan bespoke trips.

The sorts of activites organised, which can photograph well, include volcano bathing and salsa-dancing in Colombia, surfing, and roaming artisan markets in Nicaragua. 

El Camino works with you and speaks to you individually to see what kind of trip you are seeking and how they can tailor it to you

El Camino works with you and speaks to you individually to see what kind of trip you are seeking and how they can tailor it to you

Each morning you receive 20 or more photos that you can treasure or upload daily to your social media (and you will get an extra 150 images after the trip)

Each morning you receive 20 or more photos that you can treasure or upload daily to your social media (and you will get an extra 150 images after the trip)

Pick up tips on how to improve your own holiday photos from the professional photographer who is there to impart tricks of the trade

Pick up tips on how to improve your own holiday photos from the professional photographer who is there to impart tricks of the trade

Co-founders Marianna and Katalina ensure the company speaks to everyone who wishes to travel with El Camino to find out their exact requirements, photographer included of course.

The professional snapper will also impart tricks of the trade during the adventure, so travellers can improve their own holiday photo-taking skills.

If you are booked onto a trip, the pair aim to ensure you end up with like-minded travellers, so you can come away from the trip with not only amazing pictures, but also friends.  

The profits from the trips also help the local community, with each trip promoting a social entrepreneur in the area, who will meet travellers during their trip to share how they are radically changing their country. 

Prices start from $1,100 early sign up for Colombia for four nights, five days, but each trip price can vary depending on what individual requirements.

The trip aims to attract travellers not tourists and hopes to connect you up with like-minded people so you have great lasting memories

The trip aims to attract travellers not tourists and hopes to connect you up with like-minded people so you have great lasting memories

Take part in island-hopping, volcano bathing and salsa-dancing in Columbia
Perhaps secluded beaches, surfing, and roaming artisinal markets in Nicaragua is more your thing - you can choose

Take part in island-hopping, volcano bathing and salsa-dancing in Columbia, or perhaps secluded beaches, surfing, and roaming artisinal markets in Nicaragua is more your thing - you can choose

Do not worry about having to pack a camera, or constantly get nervous about leaving it on the beach or it getting stolen - that is someone else's job!

Do not worry about having to pack a camera, or constantly get nervous about leaving it on the beach or it getting stolen - that is someone else's job!

The profits from the trips also help the local community, with each trip promoting a social entrepreneur in the area, who will meet travellers during their trip to share how they are radically changing their country

The profits from the trips also help the local community, with each trip promoting a social entrepreneur in the area, who will meet travellers during their trip to share how they are radically changing their country

If you want to plan your own trip just grab 10-12 friends and you will end up getting the best photographs of your group, with no one having to miss out

If you want to plan your own trip just grab 10-12 friends and you will end up getting the best photographs of your group, with no one having to miss out

Create a trip which is tailored for you, with action activities or relaxing options available for your time away

Create a trip which is tailored for you, with action activities or relaxing options available for your time away

Enjoy time on the beach surfing or doing action sports, or simply relax, but all will be captured by a professional photographer
Enjoy time on the beach surfing or doing action sports, or simply relax, but all will be captured by a professional photographer

Enjoy time on the beach surfing (left) or doing action sports, or simply relax (right), but all will be captured by a professional photographer if you wish

Prices start from $1100 early sign up for Colombia for four nights, five days, but each trip price can vary depending on what individual requirements

Prices start from $1100 early sign up for Colombia for four nights, five days, but each trip price can vary depending on what individual requirements

 

 

 



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Lithuanian photographer sells images of Nepal to raise money after earthquake


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The devastating Nepalese Earthquake has seen a death toll of over 7,500, and aid workers still desperately trying to deliver vital supplies, search for survivors, and track lost family members. 

The tragic event left award-winning Lithuanian journalist and photographer, Berta Tilmantaite, wishing she could do something to help, especially as she had been hiking in Himalayas two years ago and the experience strongly impacted her life.

She has decided to share her incredible photographs of the stunning landscape and the memorable individuals she encountered living in the mountains, with all funds raised going to help people affected by the devastation.   

Innocenr happiness! A smiling child carries a basket using a strap around their head as they go about life in the Himalayas

Innocenr happiness! A smiling child carries a basket using a strap around their head as they go about life in the Himalayas

A mother and baby go for a walk in the stunning natural surroundings, with the baby staring nonplussed at the photographer

A mother and baby go for a walk in the stunning natural surroundings, with the baby staring nonplussed at the photographer

The sun peeks over the snow-capped mountains as Berta Tilmantaite attempts her three-week hike two years ago

The sun peeks over the snow-capped mountains as Berta Tilmantaite attempts her three-week hike two years ago

A mountain man collects water from a tap in a huge urn in the Himalayas. The 7.8-magnitude earthquake occurred on 25 April 2015 destroying over 191,000 homes and causing more than 7,500 fatalities

A mountain man collects water from a tap in a huge urn in the Himalayas. The 7.8-magnitude earthquake occurred on 25 April 2015 destroying over 191,000 homes and causing more than 7,500 fatalities

Huge impact: Report shows the scale of destruction and those needing help following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake last month

Huge impact: Report shows the scale of destruction and those needing help following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake last month

Berta Tilmantaite travelled to Nepal two years ago, where she spent three weeks living among the mountain people as she went on her trek. 

Describing it as one of the best experiences of her life she said she was prompted to act after seeing the pictures of the devastated country.  

She told Bored Panda: 'I will donate all the money for these prints to organisations and charities working now in Nepal.'

'The mountain people are strong as mountains themselves, they will survive and keep on living.' 

The talented photographer has been featured in numerous publications, including National Geographic, and was the winner of the Sony World Photography Awards' National Award this year. 

The charitable prints can be bought online, with prints starting from around £56. 

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake occurred on April 25, destroying over 191,000 homes and causing more than 7,500 fatalities. 

The estimated cost to reconstruct the damaged cities, towns, schools, houses and communities comes to over $5 billion, and many charities and organisations have stepped in help the victims. 

With over 8.1 million people in need of assistance, and 3 million people requiring food, the need for donations and aid is overwhelming.   

Four Nepalese hildren play on their mat while a woman naps behind on rug in the mid-day sun

Four Nepalese hildren play on their mat while a woman naps behind on rug in the mid-day sun

A child collecting fire wood for her family. Describing it as one of the best experiences of her life Berta said she was prompted to act after seeing the pictures of the devastated country

A child collecting fire wood for her family. Describing it as one of the best experiences of her life Berta said she was prompted to act after seeing the pictures of the devastated country

The stunning landscape is complemented by the colourful clothes, and decoration used by the mountain people
The stunning landscape is complemented by the colourful clothes, and decoration used by the mountain people

The stunning landscape is complemented by the colourful clothes, and decoration used by the mountain people

Yaks carry packs up the steep Himalayas, with the exquisite mountains behind. The long-haired bovid found throughout the Himalaya region of south Central Asia 

Yaks carry packs up the steep Himalayas, with the exquisite mountains behind. The long-haired bovid found throughout the Himalaya region of south Central Asia 

A mountain girl in a remote village in Nepal notices the camera is on her during Berta's hike to the area

A mountain girl in a remote village in Nepal notices the camera is on her during Berta's hike to the area

A splash of colour! The women are radiant with a multitude of colour and patterned fabrics 

A splash of colour! The women are radiant with a multitude of colour and patterned fabrics 

Yaks, a distant relative of cattle and bison, are used in the mountainous region for transporting goods in the high-altitude Himalaya

Yaks, a distant relative of cattle and bison, are used in the mountainous region for transporting goods in the high-altitude Himalaya

Berta's stunning charitable prints can be bought online, with prints starting from around £56

Berta's stunning charitable prints can be bought online, with prints starting from around £56

The estimated cost to reconstruct the damaged cities, towns, schools, houses and communities comes to over $5 billion, and many charities and organisations have stepped in help the victims

The estimated cost to reconstruct the damaged cities, towns, schools, houses and communities comes to over $5 billion, and many charities and organisations have stepped in help the victims

The talented photographer has been featured in numerous publications, including National Geographic, and was the winner of the Sony World Photography Awards' National Award this year

The talented photographer has been featured in numerous publications, including National Geographic, and was the winner of the Sony World Photography Awards' National Award this year

With over 8.1 million people in need of assistance, and 3 million people requiring food, the need for donations and aid is overwhelming

With over 8.1 million people in need of assistance, and 3 million people requiring food, the need for donations and aid is overwhelming



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Travel guide berates Chinese tourists for not spending enough money


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A tourist guide in China has had her licence revoked after she was caught on video berating a group of holidaymakers for not spending enough money.

The woman, identified by Chinese media as Chen Chunyuan, unleashed a lengthy rant as she stood at the front of a tour coach as the group travelled from the ancient town of Lijiang to Xishuangbanna in Yunnan province.

She wasn't aware that she was being recorded by a passenger, who was seated in front of her, as she scolded the visitors and urged them to stop being so frugal with their money.

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The woman wasn't aware she was being recorded when she launched into a lengthy rant on the coach

The woman wasn't aware she was being recorded when she launched into a lengthy rant on the coach

The People's Daily and Shanghaiist reported that the woman's employer, the Kunming Fenghua Travel Agency, was fined 20,000 Chinese yuan (approximately £2,100 or $3,200) after the incident.

It has also suspended operations following an investigation by Chinese authorities.

Chinese media reported that the woman launched the tirade after the tourists visited a jewellery shop during a four-city tour on April 12.

The video has gone viral on the internet after it surfaced online last Friday.

Tourism bosses revoked the woman's licence and fined the travel company 20,000  yuan (£2,100 or $3,200)

Tourism bosses revoked the woman's licence and fined the travel company 20,000 yuan (£2,100 or $3,200)

Chen, quoted by Shanghaiist, angrily told the travellers: 'The bus is prepared for tourists who have moral standards and conscience.

'If you do not have these, you are not fit to sit here.

'If each of you cannot spend 3,000 to 4,000 yuan, we will cancel the trip. Your flight tickets home will also not be covered in this trip as well.

The woman threatened to cancel the trip if the tourists didn't spend up to 4,000 yuan each (£425 or $650)

The woman threatened to cancel the trip if the tourists didn't spend up to 4,000 yuan each (£425 or $650)

'You need to at least spend for the sake of your conscience. If you cannot do that, there will be retributions coming to you.'

According to The People's Daily, the Yunnan tourism bosses revoked the woman's licence and fined the travel company, which is suspected of committing further violations.

Even though it is against Chinese law it's not uncommon for travel companies to strike deals where they bring busloads of tourists to a shop in exchange for commission, national media reported. 



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Island Escape cruise ship passengers take action over fever on Mediterranean


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Nearly 100 holidaymakers are taking legal action against Thomson Cruises over claims that they fell violently ill during Mediterranean voyages last year.

Several passengers claim they were so ill that they were confined to their cabins for days while sailing on board the MS Island Escape at various times between March and November 2013.

A pair of honeymooners, a couple celebrating their 10th anniversary and a man celebrating his 60th birthday are among those who said they suffered symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and dehydration.

Nearly 100 holidaymakers claim they fell ill on board Thomson Cruises' MS Island Escape

Nearly 100 holidaymakers claim they fell ill on board Thomson Cruises' MS Island Escape

Passengers who suffered gastric illness symptoms claim they were served lukewarm and undercooked food, and there were occasions where fresh food was piled on top of old food at the buffet.

They also claim cutlery and plates were often dirty and communal toilets weren't cleaned regularly on board the all-inclusive cruise ship.

George Gowans, 63, said he and his 60-year-old wife, Norah, fell ill near the end of their two-week, £2,500 cruise in May 2013 and were not well enough to leave their cabin.

George, from West Calder, West Lothian in Scotland, told MailOnline Travel: ' There were loads and loads of people ill. We were ill for two days prior to leaving the ship and my wife was severely ill on the flight home [from Palma de Mallorca].

'It was about two weeks after that before we were able to go back to work and lead a normal life.'

George and Norah Gowans fell ill during a two-week Mediterranean cruise with Thomson in May 2013

George and Norah Gowans fell ill during a two-week Mediterranean cruise with Thomson in May 2013

George, who is semi-retired, said the couple was diagnosed with norovirus, and were offered a £100 voucher from Thomson for another cruise.

He said: 'They were not prepared [for the illness], they didn't acknowledge the fact that anything had happened and all they wanted to do was shut you up.'

Newlywed couple Colin and Lynsey Young, from Livingston, West Lothian, said their honeymoon was ruined when both fell ill.

Lynsey, 26, said: ' Colin fell ill before I did. He started to suffer with diarrhoea and vomiting and he spent the rest of the week feeling very lethargic and suffered with dehydration.

'As I tried to care for my husband, I also suffered from severe vomiting and diarrhoea. At one point, I was trying to get to the bathroom as I felt sick but I had to vomit in a bin as I couldn't make it in time.

'I was experiencing agonising abdominal pain along with hot and cold sweats.'

She said the cruise ship's medical team gave them injections and hydration sachets, and claimed that it took nine hours for a staff member to attend to her husband.

Honeymooners and a man celebrating his 60th birthday were among those who said they fell ill

Honeymooners and a man celebrating his 60th birthday were among those who said they fell ill

Lynsey said: ' This was meant to be a relaxing and luxurious break for us to start our married life and spend some quality time together as a couple.

'But instead our honeymoon was a disaster as we were largely confined to our cabin after the start of our illnesses which meant that we missed two ports, Naples and Rome, which we really wanted to visit.'

Londoner Melissa Barnes, 53, said she and her 59-year-old husband, Rod, fell ill about two or three days into their trip.

She told MailOnline Travel: 'It affected us badly as we were unable to leave the ship in the ports we visited as we couldn't be away from a toilet.

'We had a week's stay in Alcudia after the seven nights on board and we were still ill then so it ruined our stay.'

Maureen Brotherton, from Droylsden in Manchester, was celebrating her husband Frederick's 60th birthday when she fell ill three days into her cruise.

The 57-year-old said she continues to suffer ongoing symptoms. 

She added: 'Frederick was so worried about my deteriorating condition that he telephoned the ship's doctor who came out to see me and prescribed some antibiotics and gave me an injection to try and help with the symptoms. We just wanted to go home and put the nightmare behind us.

'Since we arrived back home, I have continued to experience problems with my bowels and I've lost a lot of weight because of this.'

Passenger George Gowans said he and his wife, Norah, were not well enough to leave their cabin

Passenger George Gowans said he and his wife, Norah, were not well enough to leave their cabin

A spokesperson for Thomson said: 'We are sorry to hear of these customers' experience on board the Island Escape in 2013.

'The ultimate priority for Island Cruises is the health, safety and comfort of all our customers. We operate stringent health and hygiene procedures in line with industry standards.

'Island Cruises took over 35,000 passengers on holiday in 2013 and the vast majority had no complaints about their cruise.

'As this case is now subject to legal proceedings it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.'

Irwin Mitchell said it is the fourth time in six years it has pursued complaints about MS Island Escape, which offers Mediterranean cruises to destinations such as Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Rome.

Thomson said a 'vast majority' of passengers who boarded the ship in 2013 'had no complaints' 

Thomson said a 'vast majority' of passengers who boarded the ship in 2013 'had no complaints' 

The law firm said it has represented more than 300 passengers who were on board the vessel in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

Amandeep Dhillon, a partner at Irwin Mitchell, said: ' The large number of people who have instructed us to investigate their complaints about this cruise ship is very worrying.

'Some of these passengers suffered from severe gastric illness symptoms whilst on board the cruise ship when they should have been relaxing and enjoying themselves.

'Any reports of illness on board cruise ships or at holiday resorts across the world are a concern, but of particular concern that is that this is the fourth year in the last six that we have been asked by passengers to help them following episodes of illness on board this particular liner.

'Guidelines are in place for cruise ship operators to follow and we are working to determine what the Defendant has done to investigate and resolve any underlying issues following the problems experienced in recent years.' 



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