What is included in travel expenses?

Transportation to and from the airport and to all activities
Local guide is with us 24-7 with his van
Photography guidance, photo discussions and a basic Lightroom ‘workshop’
AII hotel nights in a double roam with breakfast
Basically, all hotels have swimming pools and air-conditioned rooms
Bottle of water at the hotel
On the September trip, 3x dinner at the hotel
All entrances to the described activities
In case of emergency, a spare camera is available.

What is not included in travel expenses?

A fine tip for our wonderful local guide.
Flight ticket
Travel and cancellation insurance
Visa
Early check-in
Stay in a single room
Other meals and all drinks

Do I have to book my own airline tickets?

Yes, you have to do that yourself, but I want to guide you in that. We have to take into account the hotel check-in time when booking the ticket, so we don’t have to book an extra night’s stay or early check-in. (We can do that, of course.) We’II do our best to all book at the same time, so that we can also travel together comfortably if that is possible.

How can I confirm (and pay for) my participation in the trip?

You can confirm your participation by filling out the reservation form and making a deposit {15%) to the STO-garant fund. How that works Monique will let you know after you register. The reservation form can be found on the page of the corresponding trip.

What insurance policies do I need?

It is mandatory to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and accidents. Of course, with world coverage. It is also advisable to take out insurance for your photographic equipment.

What equipment should I bring?

We recommend bringing a good camera, preferably an SLR or system camera, several lenses (wide angle, portrait and telephoto), a tripod, plenty of memory cards (or an external backup drive) and batteries and charger. A laptop for photo editing is fine; a tablet or iPad will do as well.

Should I bring a tripod?

Especially for sunset, waterfall photos and landscape photos, a tripod is recommended. Monique brings a (travel) tripod and it can be borrowed.

Is the trip suitable for photography beginners?

This trip is suitable for beginners in photography, although familiarity with your own camera and adjusting settings on your own camera is helpful. The focus is mainly on visiting inspiring photo locations and shooting together. During the trip you will receive tips on camera settings, composition and post-processing.
It is worth noting that participants will not return as accomplished photographers. A basic understanding of photography and the exposure triangle is recommended.

How big is the group during the trip?

We travel with 6 people in a spacious van. The local guide/driver, Monique and 4 participants.

Can I join if I have difficulty walking?

You can certainly join us if you have mobility problems, but there will be activities where you will have to walk or climb quite a bit.We can discuss this in advance, not all activities are mandatory. lt’s up to you whether there’s enough left over that you want to go along for.

Are there any days or times off during the trip?

Yes, there are free moments planned when you can explore the area by yourself, take your photos or relax. Basically, all hotels have swimming pools.

What is the weather like in Sri Lanka in March and September?

During March and September it is generally warm and sunny in Sri Lanka, with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. There may be occasional showers, especially in the afternoon. In central Sri Lanka, where it is mountainous, temperatures can drop as low as about 16 degrees

What about security in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a safe destination for tourists. We provide safe accommodations and transportation.

What locations will we visit?

We will visit various photogenic locations such as the Temple of the Tooth, Pidurangala rock, tea plantations, various national parks and beaches. The program booklet with detailed description of the trip is on the website.

Are there any specific dress codes?

Comfortable and airy clothing is recommended due to the hot climate. Covering garments are required for temple visits (no shorts or bare shoulders).

Are there additional costs for excursions or activities?

AII planned excursions and activities (as described in the program booklet) are included, but optional activities may incur additional costs. This will then be clearly communicated during the trip and will never be mandatory.

Are meals included during the trip?

AII hotels include breakfast. Most lunches and dinners are not included. We often eat at local restaurants along the way to experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine; our guide knows the best restaurants everywhere. The food does not have to be expensive. Specific dietary requirements can be communicated everywhere in advance. The March trip includes 1 lunch and the September trip includes 1 lunch and 3 dinners. Drinks are always at your own expense. ln the hotel you will get a bottle of water from the hotel every day.

Can I provide special dietary needs?

Yes, special dietary requirements can be communicated in advance so we can take them into account during the trip.

What language will be spoken during the trip?

Monique speaks Dutch, the local guide speaks English. So when it comes to photography, Dutch will be spoken mostly, but Monique can switch to English if Dutch is not your language. lf we are with the whole group together with the guide, for example with dinner, English will be spoken mostly.

What happens if I have to cancel my trip?

ln case of cancellation, the cancellation conditions from our general terms and conditions apply. Cancellation insurance may come in handy. Always make sure you are properly insured.

l’m missing one more question

Send an email to Monique using the contactformulier on this website and she will answer your question as soon as possible. Of course, you may also call me anytime.