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What is the speed of light? Here’s the history, discovery of the cosmic speed limit

On one hand, the speed of light is just a number: 299,792,458 meters per second. And on the other, it’s one of the most important constants that appears in nature and defines the relationship of causality itself.

As far as we can measure, it is a constant. It is the same speed for every observer in the entire universe. This constancy was first established in the late 1800’s with the experiments of Albert Michelson and Edward Morley at Case Western Reserve University . They attempted to measure changes in the speed of light as the Earth orbited around the Sun. They found no such variation, and no experiment ever since then has either.

Observations of the cosmic microwave background, the light released when the universe was 380,000 years old, show that the speed of light hasn’t measurably changed in over 13.8 billion years.

In fact, we now define the speed of light to be a constant, with a precise speed of 299,792,458 meters per second. While it remains a remote possibility in deeply theoretical physics that light may not be a constant, for all known purposes it is a constant, so it’s better to just define it and move on with life.

How was the speed of light first measured?

In 1676 the Danish astronomer Ole Christensen Romer made the first quantitative measurement of how fast light travels. He carefully observed the orbit of Io, the innermost moon of Jupiter. As the Earth circles the Sun in its own orbit, sometimes it approaches Jupiter and sometimes it recedes away from it. When the Earth is approaching Jupiter, the path that light has to travel from Io is shorter than when the Earth is receding away from Jupiter. By carefully measuring the changes to Io’s orbital period, Romer calculated a speed of light of around 220,000 kilometers per second.

Observations continued to improve until by the 19 th century astronomers and physicists had developed the sophistication to get very close to the modern value. In 1865, James Clerk Maxwell made a remarkable discovery. He was investigating the properties of electricity and magnetism, which for decades had remained mysterious in unconnected laboratory experiments around the world. Maxwell found that electricity and magnetism were really two sides of the same coin, both manifestations of a single electromagnetic force.

As Maxwell explored the consequences of his new theory, he found that changing magnetic fields can lead to changing electric fields, which then lead to a new round of changing magnetic fields. The fields leapfrog over each other and can even travel through empty space. When Maxwell went to calculate the speed of these electromagnetic waves, he was surprised to see the speed of light pop out – the first theoretical calculation of this important number.

What is the most precise measurement of the speed of light?

Because it is defined to be a constant, there’s no need to measure it further. The number we’ve defined is it, with no uncertainty, no error bars. It’s done. But the speed of light is just that – a speed. The number we choose to represent it depends on the units we use: kilometers versus miles, seconds versus hours, and so on. In fact, physicists commonly just set the speed of light to be 1 to make their calculations easier. So instead of trying to measure the speed light travels, physicists turn to more precisely measuring other units, like the length of the meter or the duration of the second. In other words, the defined value of the speed of light is used to establish the length of other units like the meter.

How does light slow down?

Yes, the speed of light is always a constant. But it slows down whenever it travels through a medium like air or water. How does this work? There are a few different ways to present an answer to this question, depending on whether you prefer a particle-like picture or a wave-like picture.

In a particle-like picture, light is made of tiny little bullets called photons. All those photons always travel at the speed of light, but as light passes through a medium those photons get all tangled up, bouncing around among all the molecules of the medium. This slows down the overall propagation of light, because it takes more time for the group of photons to make it through.

In a wave-like picture, light is made of electromagnetic waves. When these waves pass through a medium, they get all the charged particles in motion, which in turn generate new electromagnetic waves of their own. These interfere with the original light, forcing it to slow down as it passes through.

Either way, light always travels at the same speed, but matter can interfere with its travel, making it slow down.

Why is the speed of light important?

The speed of light is important because it’s about way more than, well, the speed of light. In the early 1900’s Einstein realized just how special this speed is. The old physics, dominated by the work of Isaac Newton, said that the universe had a fixed reference frame from which we could measure all motion. This is why Michelson and Morley went looking for changes in the speed, because it should change depending on our point of view. But their experiments showed that the speed was always constant, so what gives?

Einstein decided to take this experiment at face value. He assumed that the speed of light is a true, fundamental constant. No matter where you are, no matter how fast you’re moving, you’ll always see the same speed.

This is wild to think about. If you’re traveling at 99% the speed of light and turn on a flashlight, the beam will race ahead of you at…exactly the speed of light, no more, no less. If you’re coming from the opposite direction, you’ll still also measure the exact same speed.

This constancy forms the basis of Einstein’s special theory of relativity, which tells us that while all motion is relative – different observers won’t always agree on the length of measurements or the duration of events – some things are truly universal, like the speed of light.

Can you go faster than light speed?

Nope. Nothing can. Any particle with zero mass must travel at light speed. But anything with mass (which is most of the universe) cannot. The problem is relativity. The faster you go, the more energy you have. But we know from Einstein’s relativity that energy and mass are the same thing. So the more energy you have, the more mass you have, which makes it harder for you to go even faster. You can get as close as you want to the speed of light, but to actually crack that barrier takes an infinite amount of energy. So don’t even try.

How is the speed at which light travels related to causality?

If you think you can find a cheat to get around the limitations of light speed, then I need to tell you about its role in special relativity. You see, it’s not just about light. It just so happens that light travels at this special speed, and it was the first thing we discovered to travel at this speed. So it could have had another name. Indeed, a better name for this speed might be “the speed of time.”

Related: Is time travel possible? An astrophysicist explains

We live in a universe of causes and effects. All effects are preceded by a cause, and all causes lead to effects. The speed of light limits how quickly causes can lead to effects. Because it’s a maximum speed limit for any motion or interaction, in a given amount of time there’s a limit to what I can influence. If I want to tap you on the shoulder and you’re right next to me, I can do it right away. But if you’re on the other side of the planet, I have to travel there first. The motion of me traveling to you is limited by the speed of light, so that sets how quickly I can tap you on the shoulder – the speed light travels dictates how quickly a single cause can create an effect.

The ability to go faster than light would allow effects to happen before their causes. In essence, time travel into the past would be possible with faster-than-light travel. Since we view time as the unbroken chain of causes and effects going from the past to the future, breaking the speed of light would break causality, which would seriously undermine our sense of the forward motion of time.

Why does light travel at this speed?

No clue. It appears to us as a fundamental constant of nature. We have no theory of physics that explains its existence or why it has the value that it does. We hope that a future understanding of nature will provide this explanation, but right now all investigations are purely theoretical. For now, we just have to take it as a given.

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May 20, 2016

How does light travel?

by Matt Williams, Universe Today

Ever since Democritus – a Greek philosopher who lived between the 5th and 4th century's BCE – argued that all of existence was made up of tiny indivisible atoms, scientists have been speculating as to the true nature of light. Whereas scientists ventured back and forth between the notion that light was a particle or a wave until the modern, the 20th century led to breakthroughs that showed that it behaves as both.

These included the discovery of the electron, the development of quantum theory, and Einstein's Theory of Relativity. However, there remains many fascinating and unanswered questions when it comes to light, many of which arise from its dual nature. For instance, how is it that light can be apparently without mass, but still behave as a particle? And how can it behave like a wave and pass through a vacuum, when all other waves require a medium to propagate?

Theory of Light in the 19th Century:

During the Scientific Revolution, scientists began moving away from Aristotelian scientific theories that had been seen as accepted canon for centuries. This included rejecting Aristotle's theory of light, which viewed it as being a disturbance in the air (one of his four "elements" that composed matter), and embracing the more mechanistic view that light was composed of indivisible atoms.

In many ways, this theory had been previewed by atomists of Classical Antiquity – such as Democritus and Lucretius – both of whom viewed light as a unit of matter given off by the sun. By the 17th century, several scientists emerged who accepted this view, stating that light was made up of discrete particles (or "corpuscles"). This included Pierre Gassendi, a contemporary of René Descartes, Thomas Hobbes, Robert Boyle, and most famously, Sir Isaac Newton.

Newton's corpuscular theory was an elaboration of his view of reality as an interaction of material points through forces. This theory would remain the accepted scientific view for more than 100 years, the principles of which were explained in his 1704 treatise "Opticks, or, a Treatise of the Reflections, Refractions, Inflections, and Colours of Light". According to Newton, the principles of light could be summed as follows:

• Every source of light emits large numbers of tiny particles known as corpuscles in a medium surrounding the source.
• These corpuscles are perfectly elastic, rigid, and weightless.

This represented a challenge to "wave theory", which had been advocated by 17th century Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens. . These theories were first communicated in 1678 to the Paris Academy of Sciences and were published in 1690 in his "Traité de la lumière" ("Treatise on Light"). In it, he argued a revised version of Descartes views, in which the speed of light is infinite and propagated by means of spherical waves emitted along the wave front.

Double-Slit Experiment:

By the early 19th century, scientists began to break with corpuscular theory. This was due in part to the fact that corpuscular theory failed to adequately explain the diffraction, interference and polarization of light, but was also because of various experiments that seemed to confirm the still-competing view that light behaved as a wave.

The most famous of these was arguably the Double-Slit Experiment, which was originally conducted by English polymath Thomas Young in 1801 (though Sir Isaac Newton is believed to have conducted something similar in his own time). In Young's version of the experiment, he used a slip of paper with slits cut into it, and then pointed a light source at them to measure how light passed through it.

According to classical (i.e. Newtonian) particle theory, the results of the experiment should have corresponded to the slits, the impacts on the screen appearing in two vertical lines. Instead, the results showed that the coherent beams of light were interfering, creating a pattern of bright and dark bands on the screen. This contradicted classical particle theory, in which particles do not interfere with each other, but merely collide.

The only possible explanation for this pattern of interference was that the light beams were in fact behaving as waves. Thus, this experiment dispelled the notion that light consisted of corpuscles and played a vital part in the acceptance of the wave theory of light. However subsequent research, involving the discovery of the electron and electromagnetic radiation , would lead to scientists considering yet again that light behaved as a particle too, thus giving rise to wave-particle duality theory.

Electromagnetism and Special Relativity:

Prior to the 19th and 20th centuries, the speed of light had already been determined. The first recorded measurements were performed by Danish astronomer Ole Rømer, who demonstrated in 1676 using light measurements from Jupiter's moon Io to show that light travels at a finite speed (rather than instantaneously).

By the late 19th century , James Clerk Maxwell proposed that light was an electromagnetic wave, and devised several equations (known as Maxwell's equations) to describe how electric and magnetic fields are generated and altered by each other and by charges and currents. By conducting measurements of different types of radiation (magnetic fields, ultraviolet and infrared radiation), he was able to calculate the speed of light in a vacuum (represented as c).

In 1905, Albert Einstein published "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies", in which he advanced one of his most famous theories and overturned centuries of accepted notions and orthodoxies. In his paper, he postulated that the speed of light was the same in all inertial reference frames, regardless of the motion of the light source or the position of the observer.

Exploring the consequences of this theory is what led him to propose his theory of Special Relativity, which reconciled Maxwell's equations for electricity and magnetism with the laws of mechanics, simplified the mathematical calculations, and accorded with the directly observed speed of light and accounted for the observed aberrations. It also demonstrated that the speed of light had relevance outside the context of light and electromagnetism.

For one, it introduced the idea that major changes occur when things move close the speed of light, including the time-space frame of a moving body appearing to slow down and contract in the direction of motion when measured in the frame of the observer. After centuries of increasingly precise measurements, the speed of light was determined to be 299,792,458 m/s in 1975.

Einstein and the Photon:

In 1905, Einstein also helped to resolve a great deal of confusion surrounding the behavior of electromagnetic radiation when he proposed that electrons are emitted from atoms when they absorb energy from light. Known as the photoelectric effect, Einstein based his idea on Planck's earlier work with "black bodies" – materials that absorb electromagnetic energy instead of reflecting it (i.e. white bodies).

At the time, Einstein's photoelectric effect was attempt to explain the "black body problem", in which a black body emits electromagnetic radiation due to the object's heat. This was a persistent problem in the world of physics, arising from the discovery of the electron, which had only happened eight years previous (thanks to British physicists led by J.J. Thompson and experiments using cathode ray tubes).

At the time, scientists still believed that electromagnetic energy behaved as a wave, and were therefore hoping to be able to explain it in terms of classical physics. Einstein's explanation represented a break with this, asserting that electromagnetic radiation behaved in ways that were consistent with a particle – a quantized form of light which he named "photons". For this discovery, Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1921.

Wave-Particle Duality:

Subsequent theories on the behavior of light would further refine this idea, which included French physicist Louis-Victor de Broglie calculating the wavelength at which light functioned. This was followed by Heisenberg's "uncertainty principle" (which stated that measuring the position of a photon accurately would disturb measurements of it momentum and vice versa), and Schrödinger's paradox that claimed that all particles have a " wave function ".

In accordance with quantum mechanical explanation, Schrodinger proposed that all the information about a particle (in this case, a photon) is encoded in its wave function, a complex-valued function roughly analogous to the amplitude of a wave at each point in space. At some location, the measurement of the wave function will randomly "collapse", or rather "decohere", to a sharply peaked function. This was illustrated in Schrödinger famous paradox involving a closed box, a cat, and a vial of poison (known as the "Schrödinger's Cat" paradox).

According to his theory, wave function also evolves according to a differential equation (aka. the Schrödinger equation). For particles with mass, this equation has solutions; but for particles with no mass, no solution existed. Further experiments involving the Double-Slit Experiment confirmed the dual nature of photons. where measuring devices were incorporated to observe the photons as they passed through the slits.

When this was done, the photons appeared in the form of particles and their impacts on the screen corresponded to the slits – tiny particle-sized spots distributed in straight vertical lines. By placing an observation device in place, the wave function of the photons collapsed and the light behaved as classical particles once more. As predicted by Schrödinger, this could only be resolved by claiming that light has a wave function, and that observing it causes the range of behavioral possibilities to collapse to the point where its behavior becomes predictable.

The development of Quantum Field Theory (QFT) was devised in the following decades to resolve much of the ambiguity around wave-particle duality. And in time, this theory was shown to apply to other particles and fundamental forces of interaction (such as weak and strong nuclear forces). Today, photons are part of the Standard Model of particle physics, where they are classified as boson – a class of subatomic particles that are force carriers and have no mass.

So how does light travel? Basically, traveling at incredible speeds (299 792 458 m/s) and at different wavelengths, depending on its energy. It also behaves as both a wave and a particle, able to propagate through mediums (like air and water) as well as space. It has no mass, but can still be absorbed, reflected, or refracted if it comes in contact with a medium. And in the end, the only thing that can truly slow down or arrest the speed of light is gravity (i.e. a black hole).

What we have learned about light and electromagnetism has been intrinsic to the revolution which took place in physics in the early 20th century, a revolution that we have been grappling with ever since. Thanks to the efforts of scientists like Maxwell, Planck, Einstein, Heisenberg and Schrodinger, we have learned much, but still have much to learn.

For instance, its interaction with gravity (along with weak and strong nuclear forces) remains a mystery. Unlocking this, and thus discovering a Theory of Everything (ToE) is something astronomers and physicists look forward to. Someday, we just might have it all figured out!

Source: Universe Today

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How Light Travels: The Reason Why Telescopes Can See the Invisible Parts of Our Universe

Due to how light travels, we can only see the most eye-popping details of space—like nebulas, supernovas, and black holes—with specialized telescopes.

• Our eyes can see only a tiny fraction of these wavelengths , but our instruments enable us to learn far more.
• Here, we outline how various telescopes detect different wavelengths of light from space.

Light travels only one way: in a straight line. But the path it takes from Point A to Point B is always a waveform, with higher-energy light traveling in shorter wavelengths. Photons , which are tiny parcels of energy, have been traveling across the universe since they first exploded from the Big Bang . They always travel through the vacuum of space at 186,400 miles per second—the speed of light—which is faster than anything else.

Too bad we can glimpse only about 0.0035 percent of the light in the universe with our naked eyes. Humans can perceive just a tiny sliver of the electromagnetic spectrum: wavelengths from about 380–750 nanometers. This is what we call the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The universe may be lovely to look at in this band, but our vision skips right over vast ranges of wavelengths that are either shorter or longer than this limited range. On either side of the visible band lies evidence of interstellar gas clouds, the hottest stars in the universe, gas clouds between galaxies , the gas that rushes into black holes, and much more.

Fortunately, telescopes allow us to see what would otherwise remain hidden. To perceive gas clouds between stars and galaxies, we use detectors that can capture infrared wavelengths. Super-hot stars require instruments that see short, ultraviolet wavelengths. To see the gas clouds between galaxies, we need X-ray detectors.

We’ve been using telescopes designed to reveal the invisible parts of the cosmos for more than 60 years. Because Earth’s atmosphere absorbs most wavelengths of light, many of our telescopes must observe the cosmos from orbit or outer space.

Here’s a snapshot of how we use specialized detectors to explore how light travels across the universe.

Infrared Waves

We can’t see infrared waves, but we can feel them as heat . A sensitive detector like the James Webb Space Telescope can discern this thermal energy from far across the universe. But we use infrared in more down-to-Earth ways as well. For example, remote-control devices work by sending infrared signals at about 940 nanometers to your television or stereo. These heat waves also emanate from incubators to help hatch a chick or keep a pet reptile warm. As a warm being, you radiate infrared waves too; a person using night vision goggles can see you, because the goggles turn infrared energy into false-color optical energy that your eyes can perceive. Infrared telescopes let us see outer space in a similar way.

Astronomers began the first sky surveys with infrared telescopes in the 1960s and 1970s. Webb , launched in 2021, takes advantage of the infrared spectrum to probe the deepest regions of the universe. Orbiting the sun at a truly cold expanse—about one million miles from Earth—Webb has three infrared detectors with the ability to peer farther back in time than any other telescope has so far.

Its primary imaging device, the Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam), observes the universe through detectors tuned to incoming wavelengths ranging from 0.6 to 5 microns, ideal for seeing light from the universe’s earliest stars and galaxies. Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) covers the wavelength range from 5 to 28 microns, its sensitive detectors collecting the redshifted light of distant galaxies. Conveniently for us, infrared passes more cleanly through deep space gas and dust clouds, revealing the objects behind them; for this and many other reasons, the infrared spectrum has gained a crucial foothold in our cosmic investigations. Earth-orbiting satellites like NASA’s Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope ( WFIRST ) observe deep space via longer infrared wavelengths, too.

Yet, when stars first form, they mostly issue ultraviolet light . So why don’t we use ultraviolet detectors to find distant galaxies? It’s because the universe has been stretching since its beginning, and the light that travels through it has been stretching, too; every planet, star, and galaxy continually moves away from everything else. By the time light from GLASS-z13—formed 300 million years after the Big Bang—reaches our telescopes, it has been traveling for more than 13 billion years , a vast distance all the way from a younger universe. The light may have started as ultraviolet waves, but over vast scales of time and space, it ended up as infrared. So, this fledgling galaxy appears as a red dot to NIRCam. We are gazing back in time at a galaxy that is rushing away from us.

Radio Waves

If we could see the night sky only through radio waves, we would notice swaths of supernovae , pulsars, quasars, and gassy star-forming regions instead of the usual pinprick fairy lights of stars and planets.

Tools like the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico can do the job our eyes can’t: detect some of the longest electromagnetic waves in the universe. Radio waves are typically the length of a football field, but they can be even longer than our planet’s diameter. Though the 1,000-foot-wide dish at Arecibo collapsed in 2020 due to structural problems, other large telescopes carry on the work of looking at radio waves from space. Large radio telescopes are special because they actually employ many smaller dishes, integrating their data to produce a really sharp image.

Unlike optical astronomy, ground-based radio telescopes don’t need to contend with clouds and rain. They can make out the composition, structure, and motion of planets and stars no matter the weather. However, the dishes of radio telescopes need to be much larger than optical ones to generate a comparable image, since radio waves are so long. The Parkes Observatory’s dish is 64 meters wide, but its imaging is comparable to a small backyard optical telescope, according to NASA .

Eight different radio telescopes all over the world coordinated their observations for the Event Horizon Telescope in 2019 to put together the eye-opening image of a black hole in the heart of the M87 galaxy (above).

Ultraviolet Waves

You may be most familiar with ultraviolet, or UV rays, in warnings to use sunscreen . The sun is our greatest local emitter of these higher-frequency, shorter wavelengths just beyond the human visible spectrum, ranging from 100 to 400 nanometers. The Hubble Space Telescope has been our main instrument for observing UV light from space, including young stars forming in Spiral Galaxy NGC 3627, the auroras of Jupiter, and a giant cloud of hydrogen evaporating from an exoplanet that is reacting to its star’s extreme radiation.

Our sun and other stars emit a full range of UV light, telling astronomers how relatively hot or cool they are according to the subdivisions of ultraviolet radiation: near ultraviolet, middle ultraviolet, far ultraviolet, and extreme ultraviolet. Applying a false-color visible light composite lets us see with our own eyes the differences in a star’s gas temperatures.

Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) breaks down ultraviolet light into specific present colors with filters. “Science visuals developers assign primary colors and reconstruct the data into a picture our eyes can clearly identify,” according to the Hubble website . Using image-processing software, astronomers and even amateur enthusiasts can turn the UV data into images that are not only beautiful, but also informative.

X-Ray Light

Since 1999, the orbiting Chandra X-Ray Observatory is the most sensitive radio telescope ever built. During one observation that lasted a few hours, its X-ray vision saw only four photons from a galaxy 240 million light-years away, but it was enough to ascertain a novel type of exploding star . The observatory, located 86,500 miles above Earth, can produce detailed, full-color images of hot X-ray-emitting objects, like supernovas, clusters of galaxies and gases, and jets of energy surrounding black holes that are millions of degrees Celsius. It can also measure the intensity of an individual X-ray wavelength, which ranges from just 0.01 to 10 nanometers. Its four sensitive mirrors pick up energetic photons and then electronic detectors at the end of a 30-foot optical apparatus focus the beams of X-rays.

Closer to home, the Aurora Borealis at the poles emits X-rays too. And down on Earth, this high-frequency, low-wavelength light passes easily through the soft tissue of our bodies, but not our bones, yielding stellar X-ray images of our skeletons and teeth.

Visible Light

Visible color gives astronomers essential clues to a whole world of information about a star, including temperature, distance, mass, and chemical composition. The Hubble Telescope, perched 340 miles above our planet, has been a major source of visible light images of the cosmos since 1990.

Hotter objects, like young stars, radiate energy at shorter wavelengths of light; that’s why younger stars at temperatures up to 12,000 degrees Celsius, like the star Rigel, look blue to us. Astronomers can also tell the mass of a star from its color. Because mass corresponds to temperature, observers know that hot blue stars are at least three times the mass of the sun. For instance, the extremely hot, luminous blue variable star Eta Carina’s bulk is 150 times the mass of our sun, and it radiates 1,000,000 times our sun’s energy.

Our comparatively older, dimmer sun is about 5,500 degrees Celsius, so it appears yellow. At the other end of the scale, the old star Betelgeuse has been blowing off its outer layer for the past few years, and it looks red because it’s only about 3,000 degrees Celsius.

A View of Earth

Scientists use different wavelengths of light to study phenomena closer to home, too.

Detectors in orbit can distinguish between geophysical and environmental features on Earth’s changing surface, such as volcanic action. For example, infrared light used alongside visible light detection reveals areas covered in snow, volcanic ash, and vegetation. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer ( MODIS ) infrared instrument onboard the Aqua and Terra satellites monitors forest fire smoke and locates the source of a fire so humans don’t have to fly through smoke to evaluate the situation.

Next year, a satellite will be launched to gauge forest biomass using a special radar wavelength of about 70 centimeters that can penetrate the leafy canopy.

💡 Why is the sky blue? During the day, oxygen and nitrogen in Earth’s atmosphere scatters electromagnetic energy at the wavelengths of blue light (450–485 nanometers). At sunset, the sun’s light makes a longer journey through the atmosphere before greeting your eyes. Along the way, more of the sun’s light is scattered out of the blue spectrum and deeper into yellow and red.

Before joining Popular Mechanics , Manasee Wagh worked as a newspaper reporter, a science journalist, a tech writer, and a computer engineer. She’s always looking for ways to combine the three greatest joys in her life: science, travel, and food.

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Travel | December 1, 2023

These 15 Photos Capture the Beauty of the Northern Lights

Spiking solar activity could mean more chances to see the awesome aurora borealis

The northern lights cast an eerie glow upon an abandoned, wrecked airplane.

Photographs selected by Donny Bajohr

Text by Tracy Scott Forson

It’s a phenomenon that reminds us our planet is beautiful and full of wonder. The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, dance around the heavens in dazzling hues for us to enjoy.

While your best shot of glimpsing the aurora in the United States is by traveling up to Alaska, recent months have brought more frequent sightings in the lower 48. Scientists say increased solar activity since the end of last year is prompting the stunning displays, and 2024 could bring even more incredible views. But if you can’t make the trek north or stay up all night to catch a glimpse, here are 15 gorgeous shots of the spectral spectacle.

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Donny Bajohr | READ MORE

Donny Bajohr is the associate photography editor at Smithsonian . You can follow him on Instagram @donny_bajohr .

Tracy Scott Forson | READ MORE

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

12 Ways to Shoot the Perfect Travel Photograph

­ Today, professional photographer Laurence Norah of Finding the Universe continues his five-part series on taking better travel photos. Photographs are important for the memories they represent, so Laurence is here to help us take better pictures! Part two of the series is on how to get the perfect shot.

In the first post in this series , I talked about the key compositional rules that you can use to create better travel photos. If you’re new to this series, I recommend you start there.

Today I’ll be covering how to deal with challenging light and some introducing some advanced ideas for controlling your composition, including being selective with your focus and making objects seem closer together than they are.

Then I’m going to get into specific tips for common travel scenes to get you taking better photos faster.

I’ll begin, though, by talking about the most crucial element of photography — the light. The middle of a sunny day might seem perfect for photography. In truth, it’s the worst time to take pictures — the light is harsh, shadows are challenging, and your photos will not do your subjects justice.

The best times to shoot are closer to sunrise and sunset, when the light is soft and warm. These times are known as “the golden hour.”

You can’t be everywhere at the right time for the perfect light, though, especially when traveling. Here’s how to get the best shot from a bad lighting situation.  

12 Ways to Take Better Photos

1. be aware of the sun.

This is the most important tip of the lot. Ideally, you want the sun behind you so that your subject is fully lit. If the sun is behind your subject, you’ll end up with a much darker, poorly lit image. While this can be done intentionally for effect, for most shots you’ll want the sun to properly light your subject. To do that, position yourself so you are between the sun and your subject, as I did in this shot from my journey around New Zealand :

2. Get Creative

Don’t just take the same shot every time. Mix it up and get creative. Instead of having the sun behind you, take advantage of the harsh light for a more interesting image. Try shooting into the sun to create silhouettes, or use a high aperture to create a starburst effect , like in this Napa Valley balloon photo:

3. Use the Weather

Think about how you can use the weather to your advantage. How can you embrace a gray sky or a rainy landscape to capture a unique photo? How can you snap a picture of a blue sky without it being boring? Be aware of the weather so you can adjust your style and subject accordingly.

For example, when the sun is behind clouds, the light is diffused. Clouds also add interest and scale to otherwise plain, boring skies, as in this shot of the Painted Desert in Australia :

4. Seek Shade

If you’re taking pictures of people, find somewhere shady. Here the light will be more even, with fewer harsh shadows on faces. You’ll get a much smoother and more balanced photo. Just make sure you are mindful of where your light is and how dark your subject will be.

Here’s an example from the middle of the day in Sri Lanka :

5. Master Depth of Field

Depth of field is all about controlling which parts of the shot are in focus. It’s one of the most important photography concepts you’ll need to know if you want to improve your travel photography and capture that perfect shot. Mastering depth of field will allow you to compose a variety of shots just by changing where your focus is. For example, check out this shot of a monkey:

As you can see, only the monkey is in focus. This is known as a “shallow” depth of field and is used to isolate subjects and make the shot about them.

A wide depth of field is for shooting landscapes and scenery. Here’s a shot from New Zealand , where I used a wide depth of field to get much more of the scene in focus:

To manipulate depth of field on your camera you need to change the aperture — check your manual for how to do that. Typically it will be marked as “Av” or “A” on your mode dial.

Some smartphones allow you to manually set your aperture, either through the built-in camera app or by downloading an advanced app from your device’s app store.

A wide-open aperture (f/4 and lower) produces a shallower depth of field (less of the shot will be in focus), and a smaller aperture (f/8 and higher) puts more of the scene in focus.

There are plenty of tutorials on the internet about depth of field; take a look here for a more detailed explanation, and here for a depth of field simulator to get more of a handle on what it is.  

6. Utilize Street Scenes

Street photography is about capturing moments — immersing yourself in environments and finding interesting stories.

Patience and politeness are key to successful street shots involving people — not everyone wants to have their photograph taken, and it may be illegal to do so without explicit permission. If no one wants their photo taken, try wider crowd shots, or focus in on market goods — colorful spice piles or unusual-looking goods are always interesting subjects.

Alternatively, shoot the streets themselves. Doorways or intriguing architecture are a nice starting point — take this street in Bologna, Italy , for example:

As for the settings, use a wider depth of field (smaller aperture) for general street scenes.  

7. Learn to Photograph People

If you’re looking for portraits, your best bet is to make friends with people. Learn about them and their stories, then ask for that permission.

I prefer taking pictures of people I know, as I generally don’t have to worry about permission problems.

My favorite style of people photos is “candid,” unposed shots. This is the best way, in my opinion, of capturing the personality of people.

The key to the art of unobtrusive photography is persistence, patience, and keeping your eyes open to the photographic possibilities around you. Anticipating the moments that might be about to happen is key.

I’d advise a shallow depth of field (wide aperture) and fast shutter speeds for portraits and action shots of people.  

8. Use Beaches

Beaches are one of my favorite spots to shoot sunsets — nothing quite beats the sun setting over the sea! The water and the wet sand make for great reflection opportunities.

Think carefully about your composition, and in particular the foreground and mid-ground of your shot, as I talked about in the composition post. Try different angles, and maybe get above your subject to present the beach in the context of its environment, like this shot of Hellfire Beach in Western Australia:

Outside of sunset, beaches can be very bright environments, so you may need to adjust your exposure to compensate. Most cameras and phones let you shift exposure left or right manually with a button that looks like +/-, or from inside the app.

If you are shooting friends and can’t find shade, consider setting your camera’s flash to “fill” setting to compensate. This uses the flash to light up the shadows caused by the sun, and can make portraits shot into the sun look more pleasing.

Finally, take care of your gear. Fine sand and salt water don’t agree with most camera equipment!

Here are some more beach photography tips to get you started.  

9. Master Taking Pictures of Landscapes

There are two things that helped my landscape photography improve: a tripod and a polarizing filter (if you’re interested in my photography equipment, here’s a full list of my travel photography gear ).

Controlling depth of field is a key part of landscape photography. Unfortunately, as you increase the aperture, the shutter speed becomes slower — to the point where your hand movement can result in a blurry image. This is why you need a tripod.

Read more about how shutter speed, ISO (light sensitivity setting), and aperture are linked in this article on the exposure triangle .

A polarizing filter is fantastic for making blue skies and clouds pop, and for controlling reflections. It also reduces the amount of light entering the camera, so that tripod is even more helpful.

If the above two sound like too much effort, don’t worry. You can improve your landscape photography no end by thinking seriously about your composition . Leading lines, the rule of thirds, and finding a sense of scale by putting subjects in your foreground or mid-ground are key.

10. Learn How to Use Low Light

So often we’re out with friends at night and want to capture those moments together, but we can’t seem to get anything other than a blurry mess.

This is because most cameras aren’t great when working with the amount of light that’s available at night — they use slow shutter speeds that turn movement into blurs.

More expensive equipment can make a real difference for low-light photography. All is not lost if your pockets aren’t deep enough, though. First, you can increase the ISO setting on your camera. While this will reduce the quality of your shots, they will look better than blurry photos.

Another idea is to find something to rest your camera on. If you don’t have a tripod, try and find an alternative — anything that is stationary and not prone to shake like your hand does. Then, use your camera’s timer function to take the shot. If you’re taking pictures of people, get them to stand as still as possible!

11. Get Action Shots

For better action photos, you have two options. One is to use a fast shutter speed to “freeze” the action — such as a shot of a hummingbird in flight, or a surfer on a wave.

The other option is to show the motion by using a longer shutter speed — the resulting blur will convey a sense of action to your viewer.

In this shot of a train, I manually set the shutter speed to 1/30th of a second, slow enough that the trees at the edge of the shot would seem to be rushing past as I leaned out of the window, yet fast enough that the train itself would remain sharp, even when shot handheld. I think this worked pretty well!

12. Take Pictures of Waterfalls

Waterfalls are a fantastic photography subject. My favorite way to shoot them is with a slow shutter speed, creating a soft and fluffy effect. Shutter speeds of 1/15th of a second and slower give the best results — you’ll need to use a tripod or rest your camera on something to avoid blur from your hand movement.

Another good way to shoot waterfalls is from far away using a long lens, using compression to create a sense of drama around your subject. Or go the other way, and shoot super wide, taking in the full glory of the scene.

Finally, don’t forget to use the light. All that flowing water can cause beautiful rainbows, as seen in this shot of Vernal Falls in Yosemite:

I believe that taking better photos is a combination of three factors — being in the right place at the right time, knowing how your gear works, and knowing how to compose a great shot . Shutter speed and aperture are two key settings in the photographer’s toolbox, and you need to learn how to access and control those modes on your camera.

When you do, you will have much greater creative control over your photography.

Laurence started his journey in 2009 after quitting his corporate job. His blog,  Finding the Universe , catalogs his experiences and is a wonderful resource for photography advice! You can also find him on  Facebook ,  Instagram , and Twitter .  

Travel Photography: Learn More Tips

For more helpful travel photography tips, be sure to check out the rest of Laurence’s series:

• Part 1 – How to Take Professional Travel Photos
• Part 2 – How to Shoot the Perfect Travel Photograph
• Part 3 – How to Buy the Best Camera Gear
• Part 4 – How to Take the Perfect Photo: Advanced Techniques
• Part 5 – 7 Editing Tips to Improve Your Travel Photographs

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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9 Best Lightweight Cameras for Travel and Hiking in 2024

Finding the best lightweight camera for hiking and travel isn’t easy. You need the best camera to capture the magic moments from your next adventure. You don’t want a camera that weighs you down. And you need to know it can handle the hard life of a traveler.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

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We’ve got a collection of the best lightweight cameras that are ideal for travel and hiking. It includes DSLR and mirrorless cameras . And we have bridge and compact cameras too. They are all lightweight cameras. And they have features that’ll get the best out of your hiking and travel photography.

What is the Best Lightweight Camera for Travel and Hiking?

You need to consider a few things when buying a lightweight camera for travel. Image quality is very important. You need a camera that captures the world you find in all its glory. And backpacking cameras always need to be lightweight and portable. You don’t want anything weighing you down.

Video features are becoming just as important for modern travel photographers. And we’ve included some cameras dedicated to video creation. A rugged and weatherproof body is important in a camera for hiking. And autofocus and image stabilization are other great features to look out for.

• Compact and weather-sealed camera body
• 50 MP High-Res Shot mode
• 4K video quality and 120 fps frame rate for slow-mo
• 30 fps max burst rate

• Excellent image quality from the 24.1 MP sensor
• Face and eye detection and tracking AF
• Built-in image stabilization
• 4K video recording and webcam abilities

• 26 MP from the APS-C sensor
• 20 fps max burst speed
• Brilliant AF system for tracking moving subjects
• Tough, weather-sealed body

• 20 MP from a 1-inch sensor
• Long-lasting battery life
• Incredible 15x zoom from the Leica lens

• Rugged, weather-sealed camera body
• Wide ISO range and fantastic low-light performance
• Built-in shake reduction system

• Fantastic 4K video quality
• Wide ISO range
• Weatherproof compact body
• USB charging

• Completely waterproof for underwater pictures and videos
• Excellent video features for adventure
• Macro shooting modes for nature lovers

• Brilliant autofocus system for tracking
• No time limit on video recording
• Fully articulating screen for vlogs and selfies

• Built-in 5-axis image stabilization
• Fixed Leica lens has a 20x Optical zoom

9 Best Lightweight Cameras for Travel and Hiking

1. olympus om-d e-m5 mark iii.

• 50 MP High Res Shot mode
• 30 fps continuous shooting speed
• Up to 6.5 stops of in-body stabilization with certain lenses
• Excellent weather sealing
• Articulating screen for angled shots
• Excellent 4K Ultra HD and DCI video
• Only 10 fps with AF tracking
• Complicated Olympus menus
• No headphone out
• No video log profile for dynamic range or colors
• An average battery life

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is the perfect camera for hiking and traveling. It’s compact and lightweight. But it’s also rugged and packed full of fantastic features for photos and videos. The E-M5 Mark III has everything you’d expect from the best cameras for travel.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a micro four thirds (MFT) camera. It’s a mirrorless machine but uses a smaller sensor than an APS-C or full frame camera. You don’t have to worry about the image quality. The MFT sensor still gives you fabulous images with a resolution of 20 MP. That’s far better than any smartphone camera.

If 20 MP isn’t enough, the camera has a 50 MP High-Res Shot mode. You’ll need a tripod for this type of shot. But it gives you incredible images with fantastic detail and vibrant colors. It’s ideal for landscape photography.

The autofocus system is another highlight of this travel camera. It uses 121 cross-type phase detection points. It’s fast and accurate. And it tracks moving subjects across the screen. It’s a great feature if you want to try wildlife photography or shoot mountain sports.

The video specs are just as impressive. You get 4K video quality. And you can select a frame rate of 24, 25, or 30 fps. It has a port for external microphones. And there’s 5-axis image stabilization that reduces camera shake in video and photos.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is weather sealed for tough conditions. It has an accurate electronic viewfinder. And there’s a 30 fps burst with pro capture mode. The USB charging is another handy feature for travelers.

2. Canon EOS M50 Mark II

• Strong sensor resolution
• 4K and Full HD video options
• Time-lapse recording
• External mic port
• Webcam functionality
• 4K video is cropped
• No environmental sealing
• No sensor-shift image stabilization
• Disappointing battery life

Mirrorless cameras don’t come much more compact than the Canon EOS M50 Mark II . It’s a photo and video hybrid, giving you wonderful results with both media. And its small size makes it an ideal hiking camera for your next trip.

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is an APS-C mirrorless camera. And the image sensor has a resolution of 24.1 MP. That’s decent for a sensor of this size. And with a 100 to 25,600 ISO range, you also get fantastic results in low light .

The video features are why travelers are opting for the M50 Mark II. You can record 4K video at 25 fps. And there’s 120 fps for slow-motion videos when you drop down to Full HD quality. The rotating screen is perfect for travel vloggers. And the camera can double as a webcam with the EOS Utility app.

The autofocus is another positive for the M50 Mark III. It’s great with moving subjects. And the eye detecting and face tracking is another feature for vloggers and selfie-takers. The image stabilization system is a bonus too, reducing camera shake in photos and videos.

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II isn’t weather sealed, so you’ll have to take extra care if the weather turns. But the battery life is reliable. And the features and performance make it an excellent mirrorless camera for traveling.

3. Fujifilm X-T4

• Decent APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor
• A great frame rate of 15 fps
• 6.5 stops of image stabilization
• 4K video (DCI or Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
• A fully articulating rear touchscreen
• 12 Film Simulation modes
• Expensive for an APS-C camera
• Autofocus speed and accuracy depends on the lens and the subject
• Unreliable face and eye detection
• No external battery charger provided
• Limited video recording time
• No subject tracking in video mode

Fujifilm has built a reputation on its APS-C mirrorless cameras. And the Fujifilm X-T4 might be the best of the series. It has a powerful sensor that produces stunning images. And there are plenty of other features to excite travelers and hikers.

The sensor gives you a 26 MP image resolution. That’s impressive for a crop sensor camera. And you get excellent image quality and impressive low-light performance. The 5-axis image stabilization also works hard to keep your photos sharp. You don’t need to worry if you can’t pack your tripod.

The 15 fps burst is a fun feature for capturing the action. And the 4K video quality looks fantastic. There is some cropping when recording 4K video at 60 fps. But you’ll be able to shoot brilliant videos from your trips. And there’s slow-motion in Full HD.

The Fujifilm X-T4 isn’t the smallest mirrorless camera. But it’s still lightweight at 1.33 lb (660 g). The camera body is also rugged and weather sealed for outdoor shooting. It’s a quality camera. And one you should consider for hiking and backpacking.

4. Panasonic Lumix ZS200

• Excellent quality 4K video
• Incredibly versatile focal length range
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization
• Unmatched battery life
• High maximum aperture
• Fixed rear screen
• Not weather sealed
• 1.5x 4K crop factor
• AF occasionally hunts in video mode

A compact camera is a great choice for hiking and backpacking. And the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 delivers where it matters, so you don’t make any compromises on media quality. It’s small enough for any pack. And you’ll have impressive photos from your next adventure.

The Panasonic Lumix ZS200 has a 20.1 MP sensor that gives you outstanding photo quality. Compact cameras have suffered from the rise of smartphones. But the photo quality is far superior to anything a smartphone can produce.

Another advantage of the ZS200 is the wonderful fixed lens. It’s a Leica lens, so you don’t have to worry about optical quality. And it also gives you an incredible 15x zoom. That’ll get you close to the action no matter where you are.

You’ll have a pleasant surprise from the video quality too. It’s 4K video shot at a super-smooth 30 fps. And the Lumix 4K Photo mode allows you to select single frames from video footage to use as photos. That means you have a burst speed of 30 fps. You won’t miss a thing from your next hike.

You might not expect 5-axis image stabilization from a compact camera. But the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 is full of surprises. And the stabilization works well, keeping your images crisp and clear. You also have Wi-Fi connectivity for easy transfer and sharing when you’re on the road.

5. Pentax K-70

• Brilliant low-light performance with a wide ISO range
• Excellent image quality and sensor
• Built-in image stabilizer reduces camera shake
• High-quality pentaprism viewfinder
• Durable body with full weather sealing
• Limited AF system for fast-moving subjects
• Slow buffering when shooting in RAW
• Slow max burst speed of 6 fps
• Poor connecting Wi-Fi app
• Only Full HD video, no 4K recording

You can’t go wrong with a Pentax K-70 if you’re looking for a tough camera for travel and hiking. Pentax is known for its hardworking cameras. And the Pentax K-70 is a durable and affordable option for travelers. DSLR cameras don’t come much tougher.

This DSLR camera has a durable body. It’s dustproof and completely weather sealed, making it a fantastic option for hiking and backpacking. It isn’t the most lightweight camera on the list. But it still weighs under 2 lb (900 g). And you know it can take the strain of the hiking lifestyle.

The inside of the K-70 is just as impressive as the outside. The APS-C sensor has a resolution of 24.2 MP, so you can expect fabulous image quality. And the dynamic range is excellent for a camera at this level.

The low-light performance is another strength of the Pentax K-70. You get a wide ISO range starting at 100 and topping out at an impressive 204,800. That gives you options for dawn, dusk, and night photography. You might experience some digital noise. But not until you reach the higher ISO levels.

The Pentax K-70 also has a shake reduction mechanism. It counteracts camera shake when shooting handheld, keeping your photos sharp. This gives you more shooting options, allowing you to use a slower shutter speed without the risk of blurry images.

The durability and performance of the Pentax K-70 put it on our list of the best cameras for hiking. It’s a beginner-friendly DSLR camera. But the photography performance is fantastic, especially in low light. Photographers won’t find many better-suited DSLR cameras for traveling and hiking.

6. Nikon Z30

• Compact and lightweight body
• Responsive and accurate AF with eye detection and tracking
• Wide ISO range with excellent low-noise performance at the top end
• Vari-angle screen is perfect for videos and vlogging
• Environmental sealing for outdoor shoots
• Has no viewfinder, only an LCD screen
• No electronic shutter for quicker burst or silent shooting
• Video is cropped 1.3x when using the electronic vibration reduction system
• The battery life is disappointing for a Nikon camera

Modern photographers look at the video specs just as much as the photography specs. Video content is becoming more and more popular. And it’s no different if you want a backpacking camera. The Nikon Z30 is the vlogging solution for travelers and hikers.

The APS-C sensor has a resolution of 20.9 MP. That’s not record-breaking for a lens of that size. But it’s a vast improvement on smartphone cameras. And you get a strong ISO range for low-light photography. It starts at 100 ISO, and the top is expandable to 51,200.

But most people looking at the Nikon Z30 will be interested in the video features. And there’s a good selection of them. You get fantastic 4K video quality. The autofocus has eye detection and face tracking. And there’s image stabilization, so your footage is smooth when shooting from hand.

The Nikon Z30 has other features backpacking vloggers will appreciate. There’s Wi-Fi connectivity and remote shooting. You have a rotating screen for selfies and self-recording. And there’s a record light that tells you when it’s filming. The USB charging is another handy feature when you’re on the move.

Hikers will be happy to hear the Nikon Z30 is weather sealed for outdoor protection. And it’s the smallest and lightest camera in Nikon’s Z series. It’s the perfect size for hiking and backpacking. And you don’t need to break the bank for this vlogging camera .

7. Olympus Tough TG-6

• Very strong and durable body
• Waterproof to 50 ft (15.5 m)
• RAW file shooting capabilities
• Excellent macro shooting
• Smooth 4K video recording
• Only 12 MP image resolution
• No fully manual controls
• No touchscreen
• Annoying notifications with Wi-Fi app

The Olympus Tough-TG is the best waterproof camera on the market. As the name suggests, it’s a tough camera that’s built for a life in the wild. And it’s not just about the hard outer casing. The photo and video features are excellent too. It’s a perfect compact camera for hiking and adventure.

The Olympus Tough TG-6 is waterproof down to 50 feet (15 m). You can take photos and videos from beneath the waves. It’s also dustproof, shockproof, and crushproof. It’s also usable in temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius. It’s as rugged as they come.

It uses a 1-inch sensor that gives you a 12 MP image resolution. That is low compared to many modern compact cameras. But the detail is fantastic, and it still outperforms your average smartphone. The fixed lens has an 8x zoom. And it has underwater and macro shooting modes.

The video features are excellent for multimedia adventurers. You have 4K video at 30 fps. And you can record Full HD at 120 fps for brilliant slow-motion videos. You’ll have incredible action content from your next backpacking trip.

The Olympus Tough TG-6 has excellent battery life. And the rugged camera is small enough for a big pocket or a pouch in your backpack. The shooting options are fantastic for photos and videos. It has to be on the list of the best cameras for hiking.

8. Sony ZV-E10

• Top-end autofocus system that's great with photo and video
• Fully articulating screen and selfie modes
• External microphones and headphones ports
• Compact and lightweight camera body
• No sensor-shift stabilization, only a shake reduction system
• Visible rolling shutter effect with tracking shots
• The lack of a viewfinder is disappointing
• 4K video is cropped at 30 fps

Most travelers won’t have enough space in their pack for a Sony full frame mirrorless camera. But the Sony ZV-E10 is a more compact mirrorless camera option. And it’s another excellent choice for video creators and travel vloggers.

The photography performance is fantastic. The APS-C sensor gives you a resolution of 24.2 MP with fantastic detail and color rendering. There’s also an 11 fps burst that gives you action camera options .

The autofocus is one of the highlights of the Sony ZV-E10. It has a 425-point hybrid system that’s fast, reactive, and accurate. It tracks your subject when locked on, ideal for trekking and wildlife. And it performs well in low-light situations. You also have built-in image stabilization.

The 4K video quality is fantastic. The frame rate is smooth and steady. And there’s no pixel binning, so the video quality is just as good as the image quality. One problem is that the video is cropped when you use image stabilization. But you can work within that limit when necessary.

You might not get a chance for livestreaming on your hike. But the Sony ZV-E10 can be used as a webcam with no extra software if you want to go live on your trip. There’s limited weather sealing, so you’ll need to take care in bad conditions. But it’s a lightweight mirrorless camera that shoots amazing photos and videos.

9. Panasonic Lumix FZ2500

• Excellent quality Leica lens
• 5-axis image stabilization
• Solid build quality and large grip
• Good ergonomics
• Stunning 4K video
• Yellows occasionally look greenish
• Noisy JPEGs with high ISOs
• 1.4x crop factor with 4K video
• No USB charging

A bridge camera offers the simplicity of a compact camera with the features of a DSLR camera. The Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 is the perfect example of that blend. And it has all the features to make it a contender for the best lightweight camera for hiking.

The Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 has a 1-inch sensor. While it’s not the biggest sensor, you won’t be disappointed with the image quality. The images are sharp, rich, and vibrant. And the dynamic range is surprisingly good.

Bridge cameras have fixed lenses. And the FZ2500 has one of the best lenses in the division. It’s a Leica lens, so you’ll have no doubts about optical quality. But the 20x optical zoom gives the camera a broad appeal. It changes the possibilities of your photography.

The FZ2500 also has top Panasonic Lumix video features. Along with stunning 4K quality, you have frame rate options and the 4K Post Focus feature. You also get the Lumix 4K Photo that allows you to use single frames as photos. That gives you a burst mode of 30 fps so you don’t miss those fast moments.

The macro shooting modes are ideal for nature enthusiasts. And there are external microphone and headphone ports for more multimedia options. The battery life is more than reliable. And while it’s not completely weather sealed, there is environmental sealing for outdoor photography.

Our Verdict

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is our pick as the best lightweight camera for hiking and traveling. The Olympus micro four thirds series lends itself to travel because of the compact nature of the cameras. And the OM-D E-M5 Mark III has fantastic features hikers and backpackers will love.

But you don’t have to go with an MFT camera. You can also go for a mirrorless or DSLR camera. And we’ve included models that specialize in photography and video for modern content creators.

You need to know your lightweight camera is up for a life of hiking, traveling, and backpacking. All the cameras on this list are tough enough and deliver on quality and performance. Now you’re ready to shoot your next adventure.

Buying Guide for Lightweight Travel and Hiking Cameras

If you’re unsure of what to look for in a lightweight camera fro travel and hiking, we can help fill in the blanks. Here are some features and specs you’ll want to look out for in a travel camera.

The Camera Body

The size and weight are the first things you need to consider in a travel camera. You don’t want anything that takes up too much space in your pack. And you don’t want your camera to weigh you down. You need a machine that’s compact and lightweight.

You’ll also need something rugged for the road. The best hiking camera is a weather-sealed camera. You never know when the weather can take a turn for the worse. And you don’t want your camera getting damaged in the rain.

Image Quality

Much of a camera’s image quality comes from the sensor resolution. You should look at the number of megapixels the camera sensor has. That will give you an idea of the image quality you can expect from your action camera.

Other features also contribute to image quality. The ISO range will give you an idea of how the camera performs in low light. And an image stabilization system keeps your images sharp. This means you don’t have to pack a tripod.

Video Quality

If you want to make travel and hiking videos, you’ll need a camera that’s up to the job. Most modern cameras have video features. But if you’re serious about videos , you shouldn’t settle for less than 4K video quality. It’ll look professional, and it’ll blow your social media competition out of the water.

What Camera Bag Will You Need?

That depends on the type of camera you choose. If you’re using a compact camera, you can fit it into your pack. Maybe it’ll fit into a big pocket. But if you’re using an interchangeable lens camera, you need a bag that protects the camera and the lenses.

Many travel and hiking photographers opt for camera backpacks. They’re spacious and they’ll protect your gear. And they leave your hands free for other essential tasks.

We recommend you try out our camera comparison feature or our article on budget travel cameras next!

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100 Incredible Travel Photo Ideas to Inspire Your Next Adventure

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: December 28, 2022  - Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Travel

Are you looking for creative ways to capture your travel memories? Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting, plenty of unique photo ideas will make your travel photos stand out from the rest.

From shooting at unusual angles and playing with perspective to finding exciting subjects, here are some great ideas and tips for taking beautiful and eye-catching vacation photos. So get ready to explore the world through your lens!

Landscape photography is an easy way to capture your travels and the beauty of nature.

When traveling, it can be difficult to find the time (or energy) to take a landscape photo. But if you have the opportunity, don’t miss it! Landscape photos are a great way to capture your trip’s incredible memories. Here are some great photo ideas that will help you keep fond memories of the different landscapes you encounter:

• Sunset over the sea
• Lighthouses
• The view from the top of a mountain
• Sunrise over the mountains
• Misty morning shots of a city skyline or a mountainside
• A rainbow after a thunderstorm
• The view from your hotel window
• A tree with leaves changing color in the fall
• An old building or structure that has been around for years
• A photo of a city skyline at sunset
• A picture with a landmark or other famous place in the background
• A full moon over a lake
• A street in a new city
• An old building with character that has been around for hundreds of years
• The landscape
• A lush green forest in spring
• A film location

When you’re traveling, don’t be afraid to take a selfie. It’s a great way to document your experiences and share them with everyone back home. Try out some of these photography ideas:

• A photo of you with a local friend
• A photo of the view outside your window
• Yourself at a tourist spot
• A photo of your reflection in the mirror
• A photo of you eating
• A selfie with a foreign language sign
• A photo of you in front of your window seat on an airplane
• A selfie with a statue of someone you admire
• A photo of yourself in front of a famous painting or sculpture
• A selfie with your favorite piece of street art or graffiti
• A selfie of you walking on the beach
• A selfie of you jumping into the water
• A photo of you having a drink at the airport
• A photo of you and your suitcase
• Selfie with a famous person you met on your trip
• Selfie in your hotel room
• Selfie while walking on the street
• A picture of you in front of a famous landmark
• Selfie with your favorite tourist attraction
• Selfie on a boat
• Selfie of you at a local event or concert
• Selfie with traditional clothes

Local Culture

Local culture is an essential indicator of a country’s identity. It’s essentially the way of life and habits of the people. It’s their way of thinking and acting that makes their country unique. Here are some ideas for travel photos that you can use to document the cultural side of your trip.

• The local color
• A poster of a local celebrity
• Architecture
• A photo in a museum or art gallery
• An animal you don’t see every day
• A photo of a local product purchased
• A local delicacy
• A selfie with a local statue
• A photo from a local market
• A photo of a festival or parade in the city
• A religious building
• A religious ritual or ceremony (if allowed)
• A local place to relax after a long day
• Local people in traditional dress (if approved)
• Local food stalls
• A local dance performance
• A local sports team playing a game
• Local transportation
• A game popular with the locals
• Cultural symbols

Capturing Moments

Capturing moments in photos is something I love to do. It’s a great way to express your feelings and emotions without having to say anything.

I used to make the mistake of not taking photos to live better in the present, but now I know that memory can fade, and now I love capturing moments in photos because it brings back all the beautiful memories from the past.

• Sailing and boating
• A photo of your tour guide showing you something
• A photo of a map (or screenshot of Google Maps) or directions that help you reach your destination
• Your plane is making its way through the clouds to your destination
• A surfer riding the waves at sunset
• Trying to catch a wave
• A hike in the rainforest
• A photo of you or friends jumping into a pool
• A photo of something that represents what it means to be from where you’re from
• A photo from inside a vehicle
• Photos while riding in cabs or busses
• A photo with someone who makes you happy, such as a friend, family member, or even your pet!
• A photo of your feet in the sand
• A photo of a street performer
• Your going away party
• The reflection of something in the water, like an animal or a tree
• An empty bus stop on a rainy day
• An empty street in the rain
• The terrace of a café on a sunny day

Creating a Social Impact

Traveling is about more than just seeing the sights and taking selfies. It’s about taking in your surroundings, learning about other cultures, and connecting with the people around you. And when you travel to a place that needs more attention, it’s even more important to spread that awareness. After all, travel isn’t just about exploring new places – it’s also an opportunity to contribute to the lives of the people you meet.

• A place destroyed by natural disasters.
• Plastic bottles on the beach
• Taking a photo of an endangered species
• A national park
• Unusual weather
• The local school that needs help
• Local charity (make sure the organization is reputable)
• Photo of your donation
• The entrance to an orphanage (don’t take pictures of children unless you have official permission to do so)
• A picture of an abandoned building or house
• An animal shelter
• Local vegetarian or vegan food
• Local wildlife
• Take a picture of yourself holding up a handwritten sign that says, “I believe in peace.”
• A CO2-reduced mode of transportation

What Makes a Good Travel Photo?

Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, taking photos is a great way to document your trip.

The best travel photos are those that capture the natural beauty of your surroundings. Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, taking photos on the road is a great way to document your trip.

Here are a few photography tips on how to capture beautiful images and make sure they look their best:

Shoot in Color Instead of Black and White

Color is more than just a pretty face. It’s also your best friend when it comes to travel photography, helping you capture the vibrancy of your surroundings and giving your vacation pictures a time frame as technology advances.

When you shoot in color, you have the ability to capture every detail and texture of a scene. You don’t have to worry about getting the perfect exposure or how the image will look on paper – you can just focus on capturing what you have in front of you and worry about the rest later.

Black and white photography, on the other hand, requires you to think about what makes an image work, because there’s no color to cover imperfections or distract from flaws in composition or subject matter. Rather than focusing on getting everything right in every shot, black-and-white photography requires you to analyze every element in the image to ensure that everything fits together seamlessly for maximum impact – whether it’s making sure that each subject is sufficiently separated from the others, or ensuring that there is enough contrast between light sources and shadows within a scene so that there are no unwanted distractions from what should be the focus of the image.

What makes black and white photos special is that black and white photos are timeless, while color photos can quickly look dated as technology advances. Some photographers even choose to convert their images to black and white after the fact, believing that it gives them more creative freedom than shooting in color.

Color is vibrant and eye-catching, but black and white can be just as impressive – if not more so – than its counterpart.

When Possible, Use Natural Light

When traveling and taking photos, it’s easy to get into the habit of shooting only when the sun is shining. But if you have the time, you should shoot with natural light as much as possible.

Natural light is softer than artificial light and gives your photos a more flattering look. It also makes your subjects look more natural and less posed.

If you don’t have much time or access to natural light, find a place with good artificial lighting. If you’re at a restaurant, ask if there are any empty seats where the light isn’t too bright or harsh. If there isn’t, move outside or around the corner to another area where the lighting is better than your current spot.

Experiment With Angles and Perspectives

Photography is about capturing the world around you. It’s not just about taking a photo, it’s about conveying your feelings and emotions. The best travel photos are the ones that show you a place from an angle or perspective you’ve never seen before. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to make your photos even more interesting – you may discover something new about a place that no one has noticed!

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your camera. Using filters and other effects can add life to your images, but remember that these are just tools, not rules. If something doesn’t work for you, don’t use it again!

A photo should tell a good story. When choosing where to shoot, look for areas where there are lots of exciting objects that you can include in the shot – a fountain or sculpture would be ideal. If there are no apparent subjects, look for patterns in architecture or street signs; these can make great subjects for photos!

Get Up Close and Personal With Your Subject

Zoom in to see the details of a flower, or zoom out to capture the scene of a busy cityscape.

Zooming in allows you to focus on one part of the image while leaving other parts out of focus. This can be very effective at isolating your subject from its surroundings and focusing the viewer’s attention on what matters most to you.

When photographing landscapes and scenery, use a wide-angle lens that shows large areas of the landscape in one shot. If you’re photographing small objects like flowers or insects, you should use a macro lens that allows you to take extreme close-ups that show intricate details of small objects like petals and leaves.

How to Share Your Travel Photos

We used to organize an evening with family and friends to share our travel experiences. Nowadays, everything is shared instantly. So if you’re a photography enthusiast, it’s time to start thinking about your next trip.

There are many ways to share your photos online. Here are some tips on how to show off your travel photos online:

Set Up an Online Gallery

Setting up an online gallery is the easiest way to show off your travel pictures. There are many services on the Internet, including Flickr and SmugMug. You can also use your website or blog to showcase your photos.

The purpose of an online gallery is to share your best shots with friends and family, as well as potential clients and employers. If you’re serious about becoming a professional photographer, it’s a good idea to create such a gallery, even if you don’t plan to charge money to view photos.

Use Social Media

If you don’t have much time and don’t mind strangers seeing your pictures, you can post them on social media. Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat are easy ways to share photos with friends. You can also post them on travel forums or blogs if you want feedback and advice from other travelers.

• On Facebook, simply upload your favorite travel photos to your Timeline and tag them with where they were taken. Your friends will see them in their news feeds over time – some may even like them or comment on them!
• On Instagram, use hashtags to link your Instagram photo to other images from the exact location (e.g., “#paris”). This way, people can search for images related to their destination and find yours too!
• If you use Snapchat, create a story that lasts 24 hours so people can view a series of snaps together without having to keep going back to old snaps. If you’re on Twitter or Tumblr, try posting updates in real time by sharing photos with your followers every few minutes (or seconds!). This is fun for both sides because it creates a sense of excitement for what’s happening!

Create a Blog

A blog is one of the most effective ways to show off your travel memories of the best places you’ve been and the amazing people you’ve met, while detailing your trip. Nowadays, blogs are easy and intuitive to create and can be used to showcase your best shots from around the world.

Blogs are also great for sharing your experiences with others, such as advice on what to do or not do when visiting a particular place or region. For example, if you’ve been to Australia several times and know the best places to go, why not share some tips about those places on your blog? You might even want to share some stories about your experiences there!

Another reason blogging can be beneficial is the opportunity to connect with people who have traveled to similar places. This is especially important if you want to connect with like-minded people from around the world with similar interests.

The first step is to choose a platform on which to create your blog. There are many options, like WordPress or Tumblr, but they all offer similar features. The next step is to choose a template that fits your style and needs.

You can also use free websites like Weebly or Squarespace, which allow you to create a beautiful website without any coding knowledge.

A great way to showcase your photos is to use a grid layout, where each image fills an entire column or row. This way, users can see each travel photo without having to scroll down a lot, which makes browsing photos much easier.

Another good option is to add captions under each travel photo so viewers can read what’s happening in each image or why you chose it as one of your favorites.

Create a Physical Travel Photo Album With Your Favorite Photos

A physical travel photo album of your favorite photos is a great way to showcase your photos, especially for those who don’t use the internet, like older people.

It’s also a great way to preserve your memories and share them with family and friends. Or maybe you want to stay offline to protect your privacy.

You can create a photo book at home or hire someone to create it. Many companies offer a photo book service where the book is designed and printed for you.

You can also design a photo book yourself at home or hire someone to create it. Many companies offer a photo book service where they design and print the book for you.

Here are some tips on how to create a physical photo album:

• Select your favorite travel photos from your collection . It’s better to start with fewer photos than too many, because it can be difficult to choose which vacation photos to put in an album.
• Select your favorite photos in terms of quality and content – this will ensure that all the images go well together. For example, if you’re creating a vacation album, all the pictures should have been taken during that road trip so they have similar backgrounds and lighting conditions.
• Create a theme for your album (e.g., “vacation,” “family portrait,” “friends”). If you give yourself guidelines for what kind of photos you need, it’ll be easier for you to choose good photos from your collection.
• Consider adding captions or short descriptions next to each photo . These little extras make the album more personal and interactive – perfect if it’s intended as a gift!

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Capture the World in 2024 – 12 Expert Tips for Travel Photography Essentials and Techniques!

Posted: February 29, 2024 | Last updated: February 29, 2024

Travel photography is about telling a story, preserving memories, and seeing the world through a different lens. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a passionate amateur, understanding the right gear and techniques can elevate your travel photography. This guide will explore essential equipment and practical tips to help you capture stunning photographs embodying your spirit of travel.

1. Choosing the Right Camera

Selecting the right camera is the first step in travel photography. For professionals, a DSLR or a mirrorless camera offers versatility and high-quality images. These cameras provide manual control over settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, allowing for more creative freedom. Compact point-and-shoot cameras or advanced smartphones can suffice for casual photographers or those with space constraints.

They offer convenience and increasingly high-quality results. Consider factors like weight, size, durability, and functionality when choosing your camera. Remember, the best camera is one that fits your travel style and photography needs.

Insider’s Tip: Invest in a good quality camera bag with padding to protect your equipment during travels.

2. Understanding Lighting

Mastering lighting is crucial in travel photography. The best natural light is typically during the golden hours — shortly after sunrise or before sunset—when the light is soft and warm. Harsh midday sun can create strong shadows and overexposed spots.

Learn to work with available light by adjusting camera settings or using techniques like backlighting to create dramatic effects. In low-light conditions, a tripod can be invaluable to stabilize your shot and avoid blurriness.

Insider’s Tip: Use a reflector or even a simple white sheet to bounce light onto your subject for better illumination.

3. Composition and Perspective

Composition is key to creating visually appealing photographs. Familiarize yourself with basic rules like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find unique ways to capture a scene.

Don’t be afraid to play with symmetry or break conventional rules for a more dynamic composition. Pay attention to your foreground and background to ensure they complement rather than distract from your subject.

Insider’s Tip: Sometimes, stepping closer to your subject or changing your vantage point can drastically improve your composition.

4. Lens Selection

The lenses you choose can greatly impact the style and quality of your photographs. A versatile zoom lens is practical for travel, covering a range of focal lengths without switching lenses frequently. With their fixed focal length, prime lenses offer superior image quality and wider apertures, ideal for portraits and low-light photography. Consider the types of subjects you’ll be shooting most often to determine the best lenses for your travel kit.

Insider’s Tip: A wide-angle lens is excellent for landscapes and architecture, while a telephoto lens is ideal for capturing distant subjects like wildlife.

5. Capturing Local Culture

Travel photography offers a fantastic opportunity to capture the essence of local cultures. Respect and sensitivity are key when photographing people. Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo. Try to capture candid moments that reflect the everyday life and traditions of the place.

Local markets, streets, festivals, and events are great for this type of photography. Engage with locals to understand their story, which can add depth and context to your photographs.

Insider’s Tip: Spend time in one location to observe and understand the rhythm of life there, which can lead to more meaningful photographs.

6. Dealing with Different Climates and Environments

Different climates and environments pose various challenges for photography. Protect your gear with waterproof cases or bags in humid or rainy conditions. Keep your camera and lenses clean and protected in dusty or sandy environments like beaches or deserts.

Cold weather can drain your batteries faster, so keep spares in a warm pocket. Adapt your camera settings to suit the environment, such as a faster shutter speed for windy conditions or a polarizing filter for bright snowscapes.

Insider’s Tip: In challenging environments, taking extra precautions with your gear can save you from costly repairs or damage.

7. Travel Tripods and Stabilizers

A tripod or stabilizer can be crucial for certain types of travel photography. They’re essential for long exposures, time-lapses, or shooting in low-light conditions. For travel, consider lightweight and compact tripods that are easy to carry around. A stabilizer or gimbal for video shooting can also be beneficial if you capture moving subjects or shoot while in motion.

Insider’s Tip: Some compact tripods double as monopods, offering greater flexibility when on the move.

8. Editing and Post-Processing

Post-processing is vital in travel photography to enhance your images and achieve the desired effect. Familiarize yourself with photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. Basic adjustments such as cropping, adjusting exposure, and color correction can significantly improve your photographs.

Be careful not to over-edit; the goal is to enhance the natural beauty of the shot, not to create an unrealistic image. Organizing and backing up your photos regularly is also crucial, especially when traveling for extended periods.

Insider’s Tip: Learn to shoot in RAW format for greater control during editing, as it captures more image data compared to JPEG.

9. Street Photography

Street photography is a compelling aspect of travel photography, capturing the essence of a place through its people and everyday life. It requires a blend of patience, observation, and, sometimes, spontaneity. Use a lens that allows you to maintain a respectful distance from your subjects.

Be aware of your surroundings and look for interesting scenes, expressions, or interactions. Street photography often involves quickly capturing fleeting moments, so being ready and comfortable with your camera settings is crucial.

Insider’s Tip: Blend into your surroundings and observe without interrupting the natural flow of the street to capture authentic moments.

10. Wildlife and Nature Photography

Wildlife and nature photography can be incredibly rewarding but requires patience and respect for the environment. Use a telephoto lens to capture animals from a safe and respectful distance. Understanding animal behavior and being patient is key to capturing compelling wildlife shots.

For nature photography, consider the landscape’s vastness and use a tripod to achieve sharp, well-composed shots. Be mindful of the natural environment and adhere to local guidelines to avoid disturbing wildlife or delicate ecosystems.

Insider’s Tip: Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best natural lighting for wildlife and nature shots.

11. Backup and Storage Solutions

Regularly backing up your photographs is essential, especially during long travels. Invest in portable hard drives or cloud storage solutions to safeguard your images. Consider having multiple backup methods to ensure the safety of your photos.

Organize your images in a way that makes them easily accessible for future use or reference. Losing photographs due to a lack of backup can be a traveler’s worst nightmare.

Insider’s Tip: Use a wireless hard drive to back up photos directly from your camera or phone without needing a laptop.

12. Ethical Photography

Ethical considerations in travel photography are paramount. Always respect local customs and people’s privacy. Be aware of and sensitive to cultural norms, especially when photographing religious sites, ceremonies, or local communities.

Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in close-up situations. Your responsibility as a photographer is to capture beautiful images and do so in a way that respects and honors the subject and the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Research and understand the cultural and ethical photography guidelines for each destination you visit.

The Bottom Line

Travel photography is an art that combines technical skill with creativity and cultural sensitivity. It’s about capturing moments that tell a story, convey an emotion, or reveal the beauty of the world. With the right gear, techniques, and ethical approach, your travel photographs can transcend being mere snapshots to become lasting memories and powerful narratives of your journey.

Remember, the best photographs often come from a deep understanding and connection with the subject. So, immerse yourself in the environment, engage with locals, and explore different perspectives. Your camera is not just a tool but a passport to experiencing the world in a unique and profound way.

Keep shooting, keep exploring, and let your photographs be a celebration of the incredible diversity and beauty of the world around you. Happy shooting, and may your travels bring endless opportunities for stunning photography!

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The post Capture the World in 2024 – 12 Expert Tips for Travel Photography Essentials and Techniques! republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Zukiman Mohamad.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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More From Forbes

How one company is changing luxury travel.

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The luxury travel industry is experiencing a noticeable transformation to provide consistently comfortable stays while incorporating the newest technology and numerous high-touch amenities. Here is how one industry leader is adapting to today’s demands to provide memorable vacation home stays that an influx of travelers expect for work or leisure.

Luxury property on Wander.com

How the Luxury Travel Industry is Changing

High-quality accommodations are a cornerstone of luxury travel. Five-star hotels and resorts dominate the landscape where guests expect a consistent experience across a brand’s portfolio. While each location may have its unique traits, certain “creature comforts” like rainfall showerheads, fireplaces, or comfortable bedding are uniform.

The coronavirus pandemic is a catalyst for the industry’s rapid changes. Specifically, many travelers started staying at vacation homes for extra privacy and personal amenities. However, the lack of hotel-grade amenities at many properties detracts from the guest’s experience.

Experiencing the imminent need for better stays himself, John Andrew Entwistle founded Wander in May 2021 to provide luxury vacation home experiences without sacrificing the quality of luxury hotels.

Entwistle’s timing is impeccable. He had just stepped down from running his last company and was using this getaway to reflect on his future. Specifically, his Colorado rental cabin with uncomfortable beds, unreliable internet, and no dedicated workspace inspired him to mesh the quality of luxury hotels with the comfort of private vacation homes.

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Currently, Wander embraces his dream by owning and operating more than 90 locations in desirable destinations across the United States, including Big Sur, Yosemite, Malibu, Vail, Telluride, the Atlantic Coast, and the New England countryside.

Each property includes the following core amenities:

• AI-assisted services
• Smart bed technology
• Modern workstations
• Wellness features (i.e., pools, saunas, and hot tubs)
• 24/7 concierge service

“With an industry-leading 93%+ guest satisfaction rate, we’re the first end-to-end travel platform for trips, experiences, and concierge service,” says Entwistle who is currently Wander’s CEO and previously a Forbes 30 under 30 and Thiel Fellow.

Entwistle continues, “In a world where expectations are high and disappointments are plenty, where so much of the infrastructure to experience the world is broken, Wander stands as a

beacon of what the future of luxury travel can be: consistent, beautiful, and

unforgettable.“

Luxury Travel Growth Trends

Luxury hospitality is the fastest-growing travel segment with 6% anticipated annual growth through 2025, reports McKinsey in its The State of Travel and Hospitality 2024 report.

McKinsey finds the rapid increase stems from several factors:

• Younger generations prefer experiences, thereby allocating more for travel than previous generations at a similar age.
• 66% of surveyed travelers are more interested in travel now than pre-pandemic.
• 35% of travelers have a net worth between $100,000 and $1 million. The advent of aspiring luxury travelers who splurge on select trip components—lodging, special meals, or flight upgrades—debunks the notion that luxury travel is only for millionaires.
• Luxury travel is no longer almost exclusively for travelers from the United States or Europe, as more international residents have increased purchasing power.
• An increasing number of modern travelers prefer branded luxury and loyalty programs to independent operators while seeking personalizable itineraries and experiences.

The burgeoning interest in the upscale travel segment is increasing competition among operators of luxury hotels and vacation homes, which are adapting to today’s travel needs.

Guests Want Standardization in Luxury Travel

As the industry pivots to a growing audience and more diverse traveler behaviors, McKinsey recommends digging deeply and segmenting by age, nationality, and net worth to serve the needs of their primary guest with a standardized experience.

Recognizing the industry-wide changes and learning from personal travel experiences, Wander has had over 17,000 guests experience its modern, white-glove amenities so far.

Unlike most vacation rental platforms, which simply list properties from a broad swath of individual hosts and agencies, with vastly different amenities and minimum property standards, Wander fully operates each home on its platform. This practice allows the company to provide a uniform experience across its portfolio.

Further, implementing the latest technology available is one of Wander CEO John Andrew Entwistle’s priorities to provide a personal touch from booking until checkout. Embracing technology is second nature as Entwistle was previously the co-founder of Coder.com before launching Wander.

Instead of just browsing listings by destination at the beginning of the booking process, aspiring guests receive AI-assisted property recommendations to find the ideal destination. Further, each listing includes virtual house tours, local attraction guides, and guest testimonials to get an in-depth grasp of the stay experience and panorama before arrival.

Economic Challenges Facing Luxury Travel Providers

While the increased demand for premium travel experiences is a net positive for travel hosts, financial obstacles lie beneath the surface that can impact the profitability of high-end short-term rental properties.

Specifically, in 2023, short-term rental owners experienced a double whammy of inflation and an overall decline in revenue per available room (RevPAR). Thankfully, the industry forecasts modest improvements in the average daily rate and revenue so hosts can continue offering services that affluent and high-income travelers expect.

Wander is leaning into the industry’s changes through the following strategies :

• Authentic experiences: Focus on differentiation and make customer experiences the core emphasis instead of offering a cookie-cutter solution for all guest backgrounds.
• Portfolio diversification: Be rigorously selective when choosing homes and locations. Inspiring destinations are one research factor, but choosing the right spot is crucial.
• Top 1% of vacation rentals: Data points indicate the top 1% of properties earn 35% of all short-term vacation rental revenue. Wander prides itself on only owning top-tier properties resulting in strongly positive guest reviews for a win-win situation.
• Ignore the hype: Many temporary distractions—especially advancing travel demand—make it harder to achieve the cardinal goal of building a stable and durable business.

Entwistle’s vision is to be a resilient smart vacation home platform for the foreseeable future while remaining receptive and adaptable to guests' needs for a top-notch experience. Guests can expect a level of consistency across Wander’s portfolio at their favorite destinations and new adventure spots to spend more time exploring instead of adjusting to a property’s shortcomings.

Recent studies indicate that 77% of travelers care more about the best-fitting travel experience than about the cost of the trip, according to the 2024 Global Travel Trends Report from American Express Travel .

For instance, Wander’s ambitions include establishing a global footprint while expanding its United States portfolio simultaneously. As the company grows, it plans to seamlessly integrate other travel booking options, such as flights and additional services, that the next generation of travelers is seeking. Premier guest stays remain its core focal point, though, assures Entwistle.

Final Thoughts

Leisure and business travelers flocked to luxury vacation rentals during the pandemic. While many enjoy the coziness and extra living space, the lack of hotel-grade amenities and cleanliness leaves something to be desired. Wander is addressing these shortcomings through vacation homes meeting the travel needs of the 21st century to work or rest.

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Air Canada suspending decades-old Cleveland-to-Toronto flight

• Updated: Jul. 02, 2024, 4:06 a.m. |
• Published: Jul. 01, 2024, 4:08 p.m.

Air Canada is suspending service between Cleveland and Toronto in October. Courtesy Air Canada

• Susan Glaser, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Air Canada is suspending nonstop service between Cleveland and Toronto, a short flight that many Northeast Ohio travelers use to connect to destinations in Europe, Asia and throughout Canada.

The airline said it was suspending the route “for commercial reasons.” According to one source, the airline is experiencing issues with aircraft availability.

Air Canada service from Toronto Pearson International Airport to least five other U.S. cities is being suspended as well, including Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Hartford.

The suspension begins Oct. 13. A spokesperson for Air Canada said the flight would resume in early May.

Air Canada has flown the route for decades, since at least 1990, according to the airport.

Most Cleveland travelers on the flight are not headed to Toronto – an easy five-hour drive from Northeast Ohio – but rather use the route as the first leg on a longer trip. Air Canada flies from Toronto to more than 70 international destinations, including cities in Asia, Europe, South and North America.

Air Canada currently flies the Cleveland-to-Toronto three times per day on a Bombardier 76-seat CJR-900 aircraft. It is the only route offered by Air Canada in Cleveland.

The elimination of Air Canada from Hopkins will mean the airport is back to 10 carriers, at least temporarily. Earlier this year, Sun Country Airlines launched new service between Cleveland and Minneapolis, becoming the 11th carrier at the airport.

The airport, in a statement, said: “The airline industry is facing myriad challenges that can negatively impact capacity. Air Canada has served Northeast Ohio via Cleveland Hopkins International Airport for many decades and we look forward to that partnership continuing for years to come.”

One year in, Cleveland Hopkins director reflects on Burke, bathrooms, Browns and building a better airport

Delta Air Lines bringing back Cleveland nonstop route to western hub city

Want to fly someplace new? Airlines adding 11 routes from Cleveland Hopkins, all in one week

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The Best Times to Visit Paris for Great Weather, Events, and Fewer Crowds

Not that you can ever go wrong with a trip to the City of Light.

Paris is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, stuffed with iconic landmarks, renowned museums, designer boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants.

There are advantages to visiting in every season. Although January through March are the chilliest months, they're also the quietest and the best for wrapping up in a chic coat and experiencing Paris like a local. In the spring, vibrant blooms in the famed jardins are a major draw, while the long summer days create the ideal conditions for sipping cocktails at an outdoor brasserie late into the evening. September and October are arguably the best months to visit, when the air turns brisk, Paris Fashion Week is in full force, and changing leaves accent the city.

To help you decide when to travel to Paris, here are the main tourist seasons:

• High season: June to August and late December
• Shoulder seasons: April to May and September to November
• Low season: Early December and January to April

Ready to book your trip to the City of Light? These are the best times to visit Paris depending on your priorities.

Best Time to Visit Paris to Avoid Crowds

Paris is one of the most popular destinations in the world, with tourism peaking between June and August. There are major downsides to visiting Paris in its high season: Large crowds make exploring popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre more time-consuming, and you might need a reservation to dine at trendy restaurants. Hotel prices, too, will inevitably climb in the summer months.

If your main objective is to avoid crowds, visit between October and April — sidestepping the jam-packed holiday season in December. Go at the beginning or end of this window for temperatures still comfortable enough to sit outside at one of the quintessentially Parisian cafe tables.

To see the city's top tourist attractions with fewer people around, aim to visit on weekday mornings, but check the official tourism website since many museums are closed one day or more each week. Other crowd-beating tactics include buying tickets that allow you to skip the line and walking instead of squeezing into public transportation. Paris is best enjoyed on foot anyway.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Best Time to Visit Paris for Good Weather

Travelers are drawn to Paris in the summer because of the long days and sunny weather. It's a stunning time to see the sights, from Sacré Cœur to the Jardin du Luxembourg, and the laid-back atmosphere at cafes and along the Seine is a treat. It's worth noting, however, that Paris is not known for its air conditioning. In fact, AC isn't as common in Europe as it is in the U.S., though most hotels have it. While Paris can see heat waves that bring temperatures in the 80s and 90s, summer temperatures are generally comfortable, in the mid-70s range.

Winter in Paris is relatively mild, but avoid visiting between December and February if you're averse to temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Does it snow in Paris? Not really. The city receives a dusting now and again, but visitors needn't pack bulky gear for extreme weather. Spring temperatures are typically pleasant, in the 50s and 60s, but come with a higher chance of rain — May is one of the rainiest months in Paris. Fall can also bring wet weather. From mid-September to November, after the Labor Day and Fashion Week rushes, Paris quiets down and the weather becomes crisp and autumnal.

Best Time to Visit Paris for Lower Prices

The cheapest time to visit Paris is during the off-season — in the winter, before and after the holiday rush, which means early December, January, and February. These months see average temperatures in the 30s and 40s, but if you don't mind the cold, you'll likely save on flights, public transportation, attractions, and accommodations.

Visiting Paris in winter is special — not least because the restaurants are less crowded and attractions quieter — as well as easy and affordable. Cons include fewer tour options and less frequent tours, including a reduced timetable for cruises on the Seine.

Best Times to Visit Paris for Holidays and Festivals

The city's calendar is packed with festivals, holidays, and traditions worth traveling for. Let's start with the biggest sporting events: the Paris Marathon is typically held in April, the French Open begins in May and ends in June, and the Tour de France typically zooms into Paris in July.

In May, museums across the city open their doors for free perusing after hours on La Nuit des Musées . In the summer, the iconic Fête de la Musique brings live music to parks and other public spaces on June 21, and Bastille Day is marked by military parades and fireworks on July 14. The Paris Jazz Festival is an ongoing event from June to September. Both fall and spring attract the international style set to Paris Fashion Week, held in late September/early October and late February/early March.

Starting around mid-November, the holiday season in Paris sees grand boulevards like the Champs-Élysées ablaze with Christmas lights and holiday markets popping up around the city. Parisians wrap up the holidays with the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, which is when you'll find king cake (or galette des rois ) on market tables and in bakery windows everywhere.

Worst Times to Visit Paris

There's no bad time to visit Paris — the city is remarkable any time of year, even when it's bitterly cold or sweltering and teeming with tourists. But if you're easily annoyed by heat and crowds, you should probably think twice about a trip in July or August. If you happen to be in Paris during a heat wave, you could be quite uncomfortable sans AC in some attractions, shops, and cafes. And during the high season, prices are correspondingly high.

The holidays are another chaotic (albeit magical) time in Paris. By all means, go in December if you want to shop for unique gifts and see Christmas lights galore, but avoid this period if you're hoping for a quiet trip.

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SCOTUS immunity ruling helps Trump, angers Democrats. Plus, July 4th travel tips

Suzanne Nuyen

Trump Wins Broad Immunity, Beryl Makes Landfall, First Millennial Saint

Good morning. You’re reading the Up First newsletter.  Subscribe  here to get it delivered to your inbox, and   listen  to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day

Today's top stories

The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that former President Donald Trump has broad immunity from federal prosecution. In a 6-3 opinion along ideological lines, the justices said a former president is entitled to a presumption of immunity for his official acts but lacks immunity for unofficial acts. The court sent the case back to the judge in Trump's election case to determine whether any of Trump's actions were part of his official duties. President Biden said the ruling sets a "dangerous precedent " and "undermines the rule of law" in remarks from the White House.

President Biden gives remarks on the Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity at the White House on July 1. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images hide caption

• 🎧 The timing of the court's decision means there's "no chance" voters will have a verdict in Trump's Jan. 6 case before the November election, NPR's Domenico Montanaro tells Up First. Trust in the court has nosedived due to controversial decisions and ethics issues, according to an NPR poll. The next president could potentially nominate three new justices, as Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Sonya Sotomayor are all above 70. If Trump wins the presidency and is able to appoint younger, conservative justices, it could "set Democrats back another 20 years," Domenico says.

Hurricane Beryl strengthened to a Category 5 storm yesterday after it made landfall on Grenada's Carriacou Island in the Caribbean. It's the earliest Atlantic hurricane to reach this strength on record due partly to record-high ocean temperatures.

• 🎧 The speed at which Beryl grew is something climate scientists have been expecting, NPR's Michael Copley says. Though climate change is still an active area of research, Copley says it's clear hotter temperatures are strengthening hurricanes . Coastal communities will see the biggest risk from storm surges, which are walls of water that get pushed on shore. Hurricanes can also hold a large amount of water vapor, causing torrential rains and floods that threaten inland communities, even if they're not in the storm's path.
• ➡️ Experts are expecting an extremely active Atlantic hurricane season . The best time to prepare is before a storm forms. Learn how to pack a go bag , an essential tool during natural disasters.

Longevity researchers have their eyes on a generic drug that they think could help extend people's lives. The FDA first approved rapamycin in the 1990s for transplant patients to suppress the immune system and prevent transplant rejection. At lower doses, it helps decrease inflammation. Now, the FDA has approved rapamycin testing in patients with gum disease — a common condition that tends to accelerate with age. Jonathan An, the doctor leading this research, gum disease is the " canary in the coalmine" of age-related diseases , as it's linked to a higher risk of heart disease and dementia.

Life advice

Nearly 71 million people are expected to make trips for the Independence Day travel period, AAA predicts. David Schaper/NPR hide caption

Nearly 71 million Americans are expected to travel for the Fourth of July this week, the AAA predicts. It could be the busiest Independence Day travel season on record — both in the air and on the roads. Here's what to know and how to avoid slowdowns if you're planning a trip this week:

• ✈️ It's vital to get to the airport well before your departure time, says Gerardo Spero, the TSA’s federal security director at Philadelphia International Airport. Travel volumes are up at many airports, so allow extra time for parking,, checking your bags and security.
• 🚗 Drivers in metro areas can expect the worst traffic tomorrow. If you haven't hit the road already, the best time to start is before 10:00 a.m.
• ☀️ High temperatures and thunderstorms may slow trains and planes. Traveling in the morning or evening can offset these risks.
• 🚫 If a flight is canceled, airlines must offer travelers a refund or book another flight. But the rules for flight delays are more complicated. Check your airline's policy on the Transportation Department website.

Picture show

Abdul Jabbar's Boli Khela, a century-old traditional wrestling competition in Chittagong, draws thousands of eager spectators annually. In this picture captured in Chittagong, Bangladesh on April 24, 2023, two individuals are seen wrestling on a sandy stage in front of a street audience. Sanchayan Chowdhury hide caption

A pack of pelicans, a snowed-in village and a wrestling match: these are some finalists for the 2024 Siena Drone Photo Awards. Thanks to technological advancements, drone photography has evolved over the years. Drones can fly faster, secure better-quality images, and move more precisely, allowing photographers to capture stunning aerial shots. Emanuela Ascoli, one of the judges, says she'll consider each photograph's "emotional and aesthetic impact" and how well it captures "the perfect moment."

• 📷 Take a look at this year's finalists . Winners will be announced in September.

3 things to know before you go

An image of 15-year-old Carlo Acutis is unveiled during his beatification ceremony at the St. Francis Basilica in Assisi, Italy in October 2020. Gregorio Borgia/AP hide caption

• Carlos Acutis, a teen tech whiz who died of leukemia at age 15, will be canonized as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint . Acutis is fondly remembered as "God's influencer" and the "patron saint of the internet" for his work cataloging Eucharistic miracles worldwide.
• Naomi Osaka won her first Wimbledon match in six years yesterday. In 2021, she took a short hiatus from tennis for mental health reasons. She's been vocal about her struggles on the court
• Celebrity stingray Charlotte, who was declared pregnant without a male mate earlier this year, has died. The North Carolina aquarium where she lived previously announced she had a " rare reproductive disease ."

This newsletter was edited by Majd Al-Waheidi .

Hurricane Beryl, now Cat 4, targets Jamaica with ferocious winds: Live updates

Editor's note: This page reflects news on Hurricane Beryl from Tuesday, July 2. For the latest news on Hurricane Beryl , which is now a Category 4 storm, please follow USA TODAY's live updates on the storm for Wednesday, July 3 .

Hurricane Beryl weakened slightly Tuesday into a Category 4 storm − from the monster Category 5 it became overnight − as it pushed farther into the Caribbean Sea, homing in on Jamaica and triggering warnings and advisories across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Cayman Islands.

Beryl made landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada as a Category 4 on Monday with 150-mph winds, causing at least three deaths and devastating Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The fast-moving storm then regained strength over the Caribbean Sea, and on Monday night it became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record.

The National Hurricane Center said in its 11 p.m. ET advisory that Beryl had maximum sustained winds of near 150 mph − just 7 mph below the Category 5 threshold and down from 165 mph earlier in the day. But forecasters say Beryl will remain a powerful hurricane this week as it moves on a west-northwest path at almost 22 mph.

Forecasters said the center of Beryl will "move rapidly" across the central Caribbean Sea on Tuesday night before it reaches Jamaica. Beryl is "expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to Jamaica" on Wednesday and to the Cayman Islands that night and into Thursday, the hurricane center said .

The storm surge along the Jamaican coast could be as much as 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels, according to the hurricane center. As Beryl passes over or near Jamaica, currently about 300 miles east-southeast from the capital Kingston, its winds are forecast to decrease but the danger will remain high.

"Winds are expected to first reach tropical storm strength early on Wednesday,'' the NHC said, "making outside preparations difficult or dangerous."

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness warned residents on Tuesday night "to take the hurricane as a serious threat," and advised people to prepare for potential impacts but to remain calm. Holness added that officials have taken several precautionary measures in anticipation of Beryl.

The hurricane center is forecasting 4 to 8 inches of rain and up to 12 inches in isolated locations of Jamaica and the Barahona Peninsula in the southwest Dominican Republic, which could lead to flash flooding and mudslides.

Hurricane Beryl in photos: See the damage as storm moves through Caribbean

The storm is predicted to pass near or over the Cayman Islands, potentially raising water levels by as much as 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels and drenching the area with torrential rain. The southern coast of Haiti was placed under a hurricane watch as forecasters warned both Haiti and the Dominican Republic could start to see tropical storm conditions Tuesday.

Elsewhere, residents and visitors in the Cayman Islands, Belize, the Yucatan Peninsula and the Gulf are advised to closely monitor Beryl's path. Additional weakening is expected later in the week, though Beryl is forecast to remain a hurricane in the northwestern Caribbean.

Hurricane Beryl tracker: See projected path of storm

Developments:

∎ Officials in Mexico and Belize have issued advisories for parts of their countries, according to the National Hurricane Center. In Mexico, the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is under hurricane watch while Belize issued a tropical storm watch from the south of Chetumal to Belize City.

∎ Winds gusted into the high 40s in Puerto Rico on Tuesday morning, while a gust of up to 54 mph was reported at Buck Island in the Virgin Islands.

∎ Swells capable of life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are expected to reach the southern coasts of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola on Tuesday afternoon, the NHC said.

∎ Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados announced on its website that it's resuming operations after it closed on Sunday before Beryl caused considerable damage across the island.

∎ Jamaica's government has issued a hurricane warning for the island country, while tropical storm warnings were in effect for parts of the southern Dominican Republic. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area along the south coast of Hispaniola by late Tuesday, the hurricane center said.

President Biden is monitoring Hurricane Beryl, White House says

In a statement posted on X , the White House said President Joe Biden is “closely monitoring” Hurricane Beryl and his administration is poised to assist Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the region.

The statement added that Biden has been in contact with officials on the ground, including those with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the National Weather Service said Beryl's impacts were minimal. However, coastal flood and high surf advisories will remain in southern Puerto Rico for another night.

Will Hurricane Beryl hit Texas, the US Gulf Coast?

As Hurricane Beryl heads across the Caribbean Sea after tearing through the Windward Islands, impacts on the U.S. and Gulf Coast remain unclear. There is still no consensus among the forecast models for the path Beryl could take after it crosses the Yucatan Peninsula and emerges in the Gulf of Mexico.

The models don't agree on the strength or location of a possible break in the ridge over the southern United States. Weather Service offices in Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas, still aren't expecting impacts outside ocean conditions by Saturday, but forecasters in both field offices Tuesday morning said they'll be closely monitoring the center's forecast over the next couple of days as the track becomes clearer.

"Folks in the Texas coast, as we go into the holiday weekend, you're going to want to make sure you check back on the forecast and make sure you're ready for any potential impacts,'' National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan said. "If we were to see tropical storm conditions affect those areas in the far western Gulf of Mexico, it could be during the day Saturday."

Because the forecast track puts Beryl in the Bay of Campeche − at the southern end of the gulf − as a tropical storm by Friday night and Saturday morning, a few models are showing an influx of tropical rain starting Saturday afternoon.  

There’s likely going to be "an increasing rainfall threat in Mexico and Texas” by the weekend, said Alex Lamers, chief of the forecast operations branch at the service’s Weather Prediction Center. But there remains “a really high degree of uncertainty in the forecast once you get beyond Saturday.”

Regardless of Beryl's exact track in the gulf, the weather service office in Corpus Christi said the southeast Texas coast also can expect a high risk of rip currents this weekend, and a medium chance for coastal flooding. Six rip-current deaths have already occurred this year along gulf coast beaches, and the weather service is increasingly concerned about the potential for rip currents over a holiday weekend when the beaches will likely be packed.

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Ahead of Hurricane Beryl, the streets of Jamaica are 'in pandemonium'

Racquel Layne, a project coordinator with the local disaster relief organization St. Patrick's Rangers, said the streets of Kingston, Jamaica, were chaotic on Tuesday as residents of the capital city braced for what's expected to be the most devastating hurricane to hit the island in 30 years.

"The streets are in pandemonium right now," she told USA TODAY. "I think everybody's doing last-minute shopping and preparation."

Some hurried to fortify their houses against the storm. "You see persons doing repairs on their walls, putting cinder blocks on their roof, getting their sandbags in preparation for Beryl," Layne said.

Layne's organization activated all of its response team members and was in the process of assigning them to specific communities Tuesday. Relief workers had also stockpiled family emergency and shelter kits and prepared community shelters throughout the parishes of Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Thomas and St. Catherine, she said. For 72 hours, "it's been nonstop coordination and preparation and execution of our emergency response plan," she said.

A climate of fear descended in Kingston as Beryl approached, Layne said. "The majority of persons are concerned, they're scared," she said. "They don't know what to expect. They have seen the damage that Beryl has already done in the eastern Caribbean, and they are very anticipatory of what will happen in Jamaica."

Neighbors stick together as Kingston, Jamaica, is in crosshairs

Ian Nicholas and his family spent hours Tuesday securing the roof of their home in the Riverton neighborhood of Kingston, Jamaica, with galvanized wire. The roof, made of zinc, would not fare well against Hurricane Beryl's ferocious winds, he thought.

Nicholas, 34, and his wife Alicia, 31, felt confident they could weather the storm. Their five children were even excited to help out with the roof project. "They don't really understand," he said.

Nicholas recalled going through the same routine ahead of Hurricane Ian several years ago. "I don't know if we're scared. Because we have so many hurricanes, we have more experience," he said.

Regardless, the neighborhood is sticking together ahead of Beryl's arrival. "We encourage each other to prepare, button up roofs and windows," Nicholas said. "We communicate."

Experience informs Hurricane Beryl preparation

Danesha Wilson, 31, still remembers how her mother's house filled with leaking water after Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

This time around in Kingston, Jamaica, she has a solid preparation plan for Hurricane Beryl. "I am currently on the road getting tall bunk lights and candles and stuff. I already have food at the house and water," she told USA TODAY on Tuesday. "I'm going to board up the windows."

Wilson said supermarket shelves in Kingston were cleaned out as people rushed to stock up ahead of Beryl's landfall. "A lot of persons came yesterday and they got rid of everything," she said.

The hurricane could take some financial toll on Wilson's customized gift business by interrupting a peak week for school graduations. "People were going to give customized gifts to the graduates, and they won't be able to get those anymore, because they have to be prepared for a hurricane," she said. "That money that I was supposed to get, I won't be able to get that anymore.''

Confidence in Hurricane Beryl projection cone is 'rather low'

It is still too soon to say where the storm will wind up this weekend. The models used to forecast track have a wide spread of potential outcomes, and the forecast confidence in the official track is "rather low," Philippe Papin, one of the National Hurricane Center’s hurricane specialists, wrote in Monday night’s forecast. 

That includes uncertainty about what Beryl’s structure and intensity will look like as it approaches or crosses the Yucatan, but conditions in the Gulf of Mexico do not appear "especially favorable" for regaining strength if Beryl moves back out over the Gulf, Papin wrote. 

The key question will be how strong the ridge of high pressure remains over the Gulf and whether it contracts to the east and gives Beryl a potential pathway for turning in a more northerly direction, National Weather Service forecasters said Monday. There's certainly no consensus in the computer models used to forecast track, but a few of the projections hinted Monday at a possible northwestward turn in Beryl’s track that could point it toward the U.S. Gulf Coast by the weekend.  

Hurricane Beryl kills at least 3 people, flattens islands

Officials reported devastating damage across the southern Windward Islands after Hurricane Beryl ripped across the region on Monday, including at least three deaths and damage to 90% of homes across the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said in a news conference that Carriacou "was flattened" in just 30 minutes. “The situation is grim,” Mitchell said Tuesday. “There’s almost complete destruction of homes and buildings on the island. The roads are not passable."

Mitchell said the minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Tevin Andrews, reported at least two deaths related to Hurricane Beryl.

On Monday, at least one death was reported in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, and more may be revealed, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said. The hurricane "has left in its wake immense destruction," Gonsalves said, adding that 90% of the homes in Union Island have been "severely damaged or destroyed."

Fierce winds ripped the roofs off buildings and knocked out power across the St. Vincent community of Prospect. Other parts of the island of Grenada were plunged into the dark as well.

In Barbados, authorities gave the "all clear" after intense weather conditions from the passing hurricane subsided on Monday. While there was "considerable damage" to homes, buildings and boats throughout Barbados, no one was badly injured, Wilfred Abrahams, minister of home affairs and information, said at a news conference.

Meanwhile, at a restaurant in Kingston, Jamaica, waiter Welton Anderson told Reuters he felt calm despite the hurricane's approach.

"Jamaicans wait until the last minute. The night before or in the morning the panic sets in. It's because we're used to this," he said.

'A massive warning sign': Record-smashing Hurricane Beryl may be an 'ominous' sign of what's to come

What is the 2024 hurricane season forecast?

Beryl has surprised forecasters almost since it formed, including rocketing from a tropical depression to a major hurricane in about 48 hours, and then in strengthening to a Category 5 storm. It was fueled by much warmer than normal ocean temperatures in the Atlantic and aided in that development by light winds that allowed it to build a strong inner core. 

Forecasters fear it could be a scary sign of things to come in what has been projected to be a very busy season for tropical storms and hurricanes. Federal forecasters have predicted  a hurricane season unlike any other , with as many as 25 named storms possible.

It is the most storms the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has ever predicted in a preseason outlook. "All the ingredients are in place for an active season," National Weather Service director Ken Graham said in May.

NOAA director Rick Spinrad said the Atlantic hurricane season is shaping up to be "extraordinary" − an 85% chance for an above-average year. "The forecast … is the highest NOAA has ever issued for the May outlook," he said.

Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network; Reuters