Customer Service Representative Cameron Ross recently returned from our walking tour of Italy’s Amalfi Coast and was enraptured by the expansive views. Here she describes what it’s like to explore the breathtaking coastline.

“When you hear the phrase ‘Amalfi Coast’ the immediate image that pops into one’s mind is probably one like this. But it’s really a different feeling entirely when you are there, winding your way around this breathtaking coastline, wondering if the next turn around the bend is going to be as beautiful as the last. And the answer to the question, of course, is yes.  I really loved indulging in the views this coastline, but also being immersed in each unique village,  like Positano (pictured above). Each stop only made me want to see more.”

Hello Travelers—

This month, we’re focusing on traveling our passions. What does that mean? It means doing the things that really make us come alive—whether we’re volunteering in our community, sharing ideas, running road races or baking pies.

It also means a ton of exploration in every sense of the word, experiencing as much as possible and seeing what clicks. How do you know you’re not passionate about dancing the flamenco until you’ve tried? Exactly.

So we invite you to do some exploring, too. What really moves you? Where did you find it? When did you know?

Travel is our passion, what’s yours?

Happy travels,
Go Ahead Tours

1. Think about composition
Most photographers follow the Rule of Thirds. Imagine invisible lines splitting your viewfinder into nine cubes (three across and three down), and position your points of interest where the lines intersect. This adds more drama to the photo than if the subject was perfectly centered.

2. Check the light
A good rule of thumb is to shoot with the light source behind you. But, playing with light can make your images more interesting. A light source to the side will create dramatic shadows, and a backlit photo will produce dark silhouettes.

3. Don’t pass over details
While sweeping landscapes and group shots have their merit, don’t forget to get in close and capture smaller moments. Sometimes the candlelight glinting in your silverware can better capture the mood of your meal than a wide shot of the whole table.

Check out our Photography Tips Pinterest board for more!

Photo by Christine Patronick, Graphic Designer

Go Ahead Director of Product Development, Lael Kassis recently returned home from Go Ahead’s Grand Tour of India. Below, Lael shares his thoughts about India’s incredibly varied and delicious cuisine. Read Lael’s previous post on India here.

A market in Jaipur

For a food lover like me, India is paradise. The strong and delicious tastes and smells of Indian food left me wanting to try everything. After two weeks in India, I was nowhere near tired of Indian food and my love and appreciation for the cuisine only increased.

Bags of spices in Kochi

Most of the Indian food you’ll find in the US is native to Northern India and typically cooked in the Punjab or Moghul style. This food includes a lot of grilled tandoori meats like lamb and chicken, as well as dishes cooked with ghee, which is a type of clarified butter. The food of Northern India is heavy, well-spiced and delicious. Much of the food is locally sourced, relying on ingredients that can be produced in the climate and environment. Naan, Indian flatbread, is served at almost every meal and used to soak up the spicy sauces. For the best flavors, try the garlic naan, India’s version of garlic bread.

Some of the best and most interesting food I tasted while in India I found in the southern state of Kerala. The food utilizes the local ingredients that are found in the lush, tropical coast environment. Kerala has long been the source of some of the best spices in the world and was center to the lucrative spice trade that played a large part in the history of European, African and Asian exchange. The spices grown in the area include cardamom, ginger, cassia, chili pepper, kokum, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, pepper, coffee, tamarind, curry leaf, tea and vanilla—just to name a few. With the variety of spices grown locally, Southern Indian food is very spicy and flavorful.  The food is cooked almost exclusively in coconut oil, instead of the heavier ghee used in the north. Continue Reading »

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