§ Travel Essentials
Before You Go
General info, visas, weather, packing, health & safety, and photographer galateo. All the practical knowledge that lets you arrive ready to photograph, not to scramble.
01 — S 4–18°
Angola
General Infos
A south-west African country of about 1.25 million km², with Portuguese as its official language. The currency is the kwanza (AOA), the international dialling code is +244, and 113 is the police emergency number. Luanda is the main international gateway; distances beyond the capital are substantial.
Visas
Entry rules depend on nationality and can change. Confirm passport validity, visa or e-visa requirements, and any invitation or onward-travel conditions directly with the Angolan embassy before booking. Do not rely on informal visa advice.
Weather
The coast is moderated by the cold Benguela Current, while the interior is hotter and more seasonal. The dry season generally brings clearer air, but dust, heat and long road distances shape the photographic day.
Packing
Light breathable layers, a warm layer for coastal mornings, strong sun protection, a dust cover for equipment, sturdy closed shoes, a first-aid kit, and offline maps. Carry sufficient water and power for remote road days.
Health & Safety
Medical provision outside Luanda can be limited. Arrange travel insurance with medical evacuation, take professional health advice before departure, and use a vetted local operator. Crime can be significant in urban areas; keep valuables discreet and avoid unplanned movement after dark.
Photographer Galateo
Ask before photographing people, homes, markets or workplaces. Do not photograph military, police, government, border or strategic infrastructure. In remote communities, work through local hosts and treat permission as part of the encounter, not a formality.
02 — N 18–53°
China
General Infos
A vast nation of 9.6 million km² and roughly 1.41 billion people. The international dialling code is +86. Mandarin is the official language, though regional dialects vary widely; English is limited outside major cities and tourist hubs. The currency is the renminbi (¥). The emergency number is 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), and 119 (fire).
Visas
Most nationalities require a visa in advance, though some qualify for visa-free transit (72–144 hours) or e-visas depending on region. Confirm requirements with your local embassy; your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond entry.
Weather
Conditions vary enormously by province and season — from humid summers in the south to sub-zero winters on the plateau. Spring and autumn offer the most reliable light, with crisp mornings and soft haze.
Packing
Layered clothing for wide temperature swings, comfortable walking shoes, a dust mask for heavily polluted days, a universal power adapter, sunscreen, and a discreet camera cover for restricted sites.
Health & Safety
Tap water is not safe to drink — use bottled or filtered water. Air quality in major cities can be poor; carry a mask and limit outdoor exertion on high-pollution days. Keep digital copies of your passport and visa; carry your passport at all times. Avoid photographing military sites, border areas, and protests.
Photographer Galateo
Ask before photographing people, especially in rural and ethnic-minority communities where sensitivities run high. Many temples and museums prohibit tripods and flash; respect signage. Drones are heavily restricted — permits are required and frequently denied. Photographing government buildings and uniformed personnel can lead to detention; when in doubt, lower the camera.
03 — N 63–66°
Iceland
General Infos
An island nation of 103,000 km² with about 380,000 inhabitants — one of Europe's most sparsely populated countries. The international dialling code is +354. Icelandic is the official language; English is widely spoken. The currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK). The emergency number is 112.
Visas
Iceland is in the Schengen Area. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days; check with your local embassy. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay.
Weather
October days are 4–10°C with frequent wind and rain. Light is low and golden for long stretches. Dress in windproof, waterproof layers. The aurora season runs September–March.
Packing
Insulated jacket, windproof shell, thermal base layers, waterproof trousers, sturdy waterproof boots, gloves (thin, for dexterity), a warm hat, and a headlamp with a red mode for night work.
Health & Safety
Tap water is safe and excellent. The greatest risks are weather and terrain: sudden storms, slippery basalt near waterfalls, and unmarked cliff edges. Never approach glacier fronts or wave-swept black-sand beaches — sneaker waves are lethal. Drive cautiously; F-roads require a 4×4 and are closed in winter.
Photographer Galateo
Icelanders value privacy and quiet — ask before photographing people, and never block roads or farm gates for a shot. Off-road driving is illegal and damages fragile moss that takes decades to recover. Drones are restricted near national parks, glaciers, and nesting cliffs; check with the Environment Agency. Leave no trace at geothermal and coastal sites.
04 — N 35–47°
Italy
General Infos
A peninsula of 301,000 km² with roughly 59 million inhabitants. The international dialling code is +39. Italian is the official language; English is common in major cities and tourist areas. The currency is the euro (€). The emergency number is 112 (general), 113 (police), or 118 (medical).
Visas
Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 90 days; verify with your embassy. ETIAS authorisation will be required for visa-exempt travellers from 2026 onward.
Weather
Spring and autumn are ideal — 15–25°C with long golden hours and soft Tuscan light. Summers are hot and crowded on the coast; winters are quiet and atmospheric in the north, with mist over the valleys.
Packing
Breathable layers for warm days and cool evenings, comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets, a light rain shell, sunscreen, and a neutral cover-up for churches and sacred sites.
Health & Safety
Tap water is safe. Standard European health standards apply; pharmacies are well stocked. Pickpocketing is common in crowded tourist areas and on public transport in Rome, Florence, and Naples — keep valuables close. In summer, watch for heat exhaustion and carry water on coastal walks.
Photographer Galateo
Many churches and museums prohibit flash and tripods; some require a permit for commercial work. Dress modestly for sacred sites — shoulders and knees covered. Ask before photographing locals in markets and small towns; a smile and a 'posso?' go a long way. Drones are restricted over historic centres and require ENAC authorisation.
05 — N 24–46°
Japan
General Infos
An archipelago of 378,000 km² with about 125 million people. The international dialling code is +81. Japanese is the official language; English signage is common in transit but limited in rural areas. The currency is the yen (¥). The emergency number is 110 (police) and 119 (fire and ambulance).
Visas
Many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 90 days; check with your embassy. From 2025, tourist tax and Visit Japan Web pre-clearance may apply. Carry your passport at all times.
Weather
Spring (cherry blossom) and autumn (foliage) are the most photographed seasons — mild, 10–22°C, with crisp clear light. Summers are humid; winters bring dry, low-angled light and snow in the north.
Packing
Layered clothing for seasonal swings, comfortable slip-off shoes (required indoors), a compact umbrella, a light rain shell, hand sanitiser, and a discreet camera bag for crowded transit.
Health & Safety
Tap water is safe. Japan is among the world's safest countries for travellers; violent crime is rare. Earthquakes are possible — familiarise yourself with evacuation routes. Carry hand sanitiser; masks are common and expected in crowded settings, especially in winter.
Photographer Galateo
Privacy is deeply respected — avoid photographing strangers without permission, and never photograph people on private property or in onsens. Tripods are often prohibited in shrines, temples, and on trains. Drones are heavily restricted nationwide and require strict permits. In geisha districts, unauthorised photography of geiko and maiko can result in fines.
06 — N 29–33°
Jordan
General Infos
A Middle Eastern kingdom of about 89,000 km², bordered by Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian territories. Arabic is official; the currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD), the dialling code is +962, and 911 is used for emergencies.
Visas
Many visitors can obtain a visa on arrival at Queen Alia Airport and selected land crossings, but rules depend on passport and crossing point. Check the official Jordanian authorities before departure; passport validity of at least six months is commonly required.
Weather
Spring and autumn bring the most workable desert temperatures. Petra's canyons hold shadow long after the open landscape has brightened; heat, dust and wind become increasingly important later in the day.
Packing
Breathable modest clothing, a warm layer for early starts, sun hat, refillable water bottle, sturdy walking shoes, dust protection and a compact rain layer. Carry a headlamp for dawn departures and evening returns.
Health & Safety
Regional conditions can change quickly. Follow current official travel advice, use licensed transport and guides, carry adequate medical insurance, and avoid border zones, demonstrations and unplanned night travel.
Photographer Galateo
Ask before photographing people, especially in rural communities. Dress and work respectfully around mosques, family spaces and archaeological sites. Drones, tripods and commercial-looking shoots may require prior permission; never assume access.
07 — N 10–25°
Mali
General Infos
A landlocked West African country of about 1.24 million km². French is the official working language alongside Bambara and many other languages; the currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), the dialling code is +223, and emergency provision is limited outside major centres.
Visas
Entry requirements vary by nationality and can change abruptly. Obtain written confirmation from the Malian embassy before any commitment; passport validity, visas and yellow-fever documentation may be required.
Weather
The Sahel is defined by extreme heat, dust and a short rainy season. In the dry months, first and final light are the workable intervals; harmattan haze can soften distance and reduce contrast.
Packing
Loose sun-protective clothing, scarf, durable closed footwear, eye protection, filtration for dust, high-capacity water provision, a medical kit, satellite or local communications arranged through the operator, and redundant power.
Health & Safety
Mali currently carries serious security and health concerns. Any LPW operation must be treated as conditional on current official advice, specialist security assessment, reliable local partners and evacuation planning; it is not a destination for independent or improvised travel.
Photographer Galateo
Photography requires restraint, advance consent and trusted local mediation. Never photograph security forces, checkpoints, airports, government sites or sensitive religious contexts. Where communities permit work, give time to introductions and accept refusal without negotiation.
08 — N 15–27°
Mauritania
General Infos
A vast Saharan country on the Atlantic coast of north-west Africa. Arabic is official and French is widely used; the currency is the ouguiya (MRU), the dialling code is +222, and Nouakchott is the principal air gateway.
Visas
Visa and electronic pre-registration requirements depend on nationality and can change. Confirm the current procedure with the Mauritanian embassy before travel, including passport validity, payment method and any route-specific permission.
Weather
The desert is dry, exposed and often wind-driven. Coastal air can bring haze and cooler mornings, while the inland Sahara carries fierce midday sun, dust and large swings between day and night.
Packing
Sun-protective layers, a substantial warm layer for desert nights, scarf and goggles for sand, strong footwear, ample water capacity, dust protection for cameras, a reliable first-aid kit and offline navigation.
Health & Safety
Medical facilities and emergency services are limited outside the capital. Travel only with experienced local logistics, a current security plan and evacuation insurance; avoid military-restricted zones and treat road conditions as an operational issue, not a minor inconvenience.
Photographer Galateo
Ask before making portraits and work through local hosts where possible. Do not photograph military, police, borders, transport infrastructure or religious practice without explicit permission. In desert communities, time and courtesy are more important than speed.
09 — N 42–52°
Mongolia
General Infos
A vast steppe nation of 1.56 million km² with only 3.4 million people — one of the least densely populated countries on earth. The international dialling code is +976. Mongolian is the official language; English is limited outside Ulaanbaatar. The currency is the tögrög (MNT). The emergency number is 102 (police), 103 (ambulance), and 101 (fire).
Visas
Most nationalities require a visa; some qualify for visa-free entry for up to 30 days. Confirm with your embassy. Registration with the immigration office is required for stays beyond 30 days.
Weather
The short summer (June–August) offers 15–25°C days with intense sun and sudden storms. Winters are extreme (-30°C and below). Light is harsh at altitude; mornings and evenings are the working hours.
Packing
Windproof and insulated layers, a wide-brimmed hat for high sun, sturdy boots for steppe terrain, a dust scarf, high-SPF sunscreen, and a sleeping bag liner for ger stays.
Health & Safety
Tap water is not reliably safe — use bottled or boiled water. Medical facilities are basic outside the capital; carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications. Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in summer grasslands — use repellent and check daily. Weather can turn dangerous quickly; travel with a guide in remote areas.
Photographer Galateo
Always ask before photographing nomadic families — a gift or small offering is a courteous gesture. Respect the ger: enter with the right foot, do not step on the threshold, and avoid photographing household shrines without permission. Drones should be flown discreetly and away from livestock. Leave gates as you find them on the open range.
10 — N 31° / W 7°
Morocco
General Infos
A kingdom of 447,000 km² with about 37 million people. The international dialling code is +212. Arabic and Berber (Tamazight) are official languages; French is widely spoken, English in tourist hubs. The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). The emergency number is 191 (police) and 150 (ambulance).
Visas
Many nationalities (EU, UK, US, Canada) enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Confirm with your embassy. Carry your passport at all times in the medina.
Weather
November days are 18–25°C in Marrakech, cooler in the Atlas and cold at night in the desert (5–10°C). Mornings in the dunes can be near freezing. Layer for the swing between day and night.
Packing
Modest, breathable clothing for medina work (long sleeves, long trousers), a warm layer for desert nights, comfortable walking shoes, a scarf for dust and sun, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Health & Safety
Tap water is not safe to drink — use bottled water, even for brushing teeth. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit outside established restaurants. Heat and dehydration are real risks in the desert; carry ample water. Touts and unofficial guides can be persistent; agree prices in advance and keep small change.
Photographer Galateo
Always ask permission before photographing people — many Moroccans, especially women and elders, object to being photographed. Some shopkeepers and performers expect a tip in exchange. Do not photograph military or police installations, or the interior of mosques as a non-Muslim. Drones require authorisation and are often prohibited near medinas and royal sites.
11 — S 17–29°
Namibia
General Infos
A sparsely populated southern African country of about 825,000 km². English is official, alongside widely spoken Afrikaans and indigenous languages; the currency is the Namibian dollar (NAD), the dialling code is +264, and 10111 reaches police in many areas.
Visas
Entry and visa rules vary by passport and have recently changed for some nationalities. Verify the current requirements, passport validity and any visa-on-arrival procedure directly with Namibia's immigration authorities before departure.
Weather
The Namib Desert gives wide temperature swings, intense sun and exceptionally clear dry-season light. The Skeleton Coast adds Atlantic fog, wind and rapidly changing visibility; dawn and late afternoon carry the strongest relief.
Packing
Sun-protective layers, warm clothing for pre-dawn desert work, windproof shell for the coast, sturdy boots, high-SPF protection, headlamp, dust-proof camera storage, water capacity and spare batteries.
Health & Safety
Distances are long and mobile coverage can disappear quickly. Use a reliable vehicle and operator, carry water and communications, avoid night driving because of wildlife, and arrange travel insurance with medical evacuation cover.
Photographer Galateo
Respect conservation rules, private land and community permission. Do not approach wildlife, leave marked tracks or fly drones in parks without written authority. Ask before photographing people and work through local guides in communal areas.
12 — S 50–53°
Patagonia, Chile
General Infos
A sparsely populated region spanning southern Chile and Argentina — roughly 1 million km² with fewer than 2 million inhabitants. The international dialling codes are +56 (Chile) and +54 (Argentina). Spanish is the dominant language; English is limited outside tourist hubs. Currencies are the Chilean peso (CLP) and Argentine peso (ARS). The emergency number is 133 (police) and 131 (ambulance) in Chile; 911 (police) and 107 (ambulance) in Argentina.
Visas
Chile allows visa-free entry to many nationalities for up to 90 days. A reciprocity fee may apply to some passports — check before travel. Arrive via Punta Arenas (PUQ).
Weather
Late summer (February) days are 8–15°C with notorious wind that can exceed 80 km/h. Weather changes in minutes. Four seasons in a day is the norm, not the exception.
Packing
A windproof shell is the single most important item. Add an insulated mid-layer, waterproof trousers, broken-in hiking boots, microspikes for ice, gloves, a hat, and high-SPF sunscreen (the ozone hole is real here).
Health & Safety
Tap water is generally safe in towns; purify or boil in remote areas. Weather and terrain are the chief hazards — wind can knock you off trail, and river crossings are dangerous after rain. Carry a satellite communicator; mobile signal is absent in much of the backcountry. UV exposure is extreme — use sunscreen and protective eyewear.
Photographer Galateo
Patagonia's landscapes are fragile — stay on marked trails and never disturb wildlife for a closer frame. Pumas and condors are best photographed with a long lens and patience; never bait or approach. Respect private estancia boundaries; close gates behind you. Drones are prohibited in national parks (Torres del Paine, Los Glaciares) without a permit.
13 — N 50–77°
Siberia, Russia
General Infos
A vast Russian region of roughly 13 million km² with about 33 million people — extraordinarily sparse settlement. The international dialling code is +7. Russian is the dominant language; English is rare outside major cities. The currency is the Russian ruble (RUB). The emergency number is 112 (general), 102 (police), and 103 (ambulance).
Visas
Russia requires a visa for most nationalities, obtained in advance with an invitation. Regulations change frequently — confirm with your embassy well before travel. Carry registration documents at all times.
Weather
Winters are severe (-30°C and below) with very short days and crystalline light. Summers are surprisingly warm (15–30°C) with long golden hours. Light is low and dramatic for much of the year.
Packing
Extreme-cold insulated jacket, thermal base layers, windproof shell, insulated boots rated to -40°C, liner and outer gloves, a warm hat, hand warmers, and a headlamp for short winter days.
Health & Safety
Tap water is not reliably safe — use bottled or boiled water. Winter cold is the principal danger: frostbite and hypothermia can set in within minutes of exposure. Keep skin covered, carry hand and body warmers, and never venture far from shelter alone. Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in summer forests — consider vaccination and use repellent.
Photographer Galateo
Photographing infrastructure, transport hubs, and military sites can lead to detention — when in doubt, do not raise your camera. Ask before photographing indigenous and rural communities, and respect that some practices are not for outsiders to record. Drones are restricted and require registration; permits are seldom granted to visitors. Carry documents at all times and be prepared to present them.
14 — N 30–37°
Tunisia
General Infos
A North African nation of 164,000 km² with about 12 million people. The international dialling code is +216. Arabic is the official language; French is widely spoken, English in tourist areas. The currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND), which cannot be imported or exported. The emergency number is 197 (police) and 190 (ambulance).
Visas
Many nationalities (EU, UK, US, Canada) enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Confirm with your embassy. Carry your passport, and note some desert regions require a guide permit.
Weather
Spring and autumn are ideal — 18–28°C on the coast, cooler in the interior and cold at night in the desert. Summers are hot and dry; winters are mild along the shore with soft Atlantic-influenced light.
Packing
Breathable, modest clothing for medina and mosque visits, a warm layer for desert nights, sturdy shoes for dunes and Roman sites, a scarf for sun and sand, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Health & Safety
Tap water is not safe to drink — use bottled water. Heat and sun exposure are significant in summer; carry water and shade. Some southern and desert regions require a licensed guide and military escort — confirm before travel. Keep valuables out of sight and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Photographer Galateo
Ask before photographing people — many Tunisians, especially women, decline. Do not photograph police, military, or government buildings; interior ministry sites are strictly off-limits. Some mosques permit non-Muslims to photograph the courtyard but not the prayer hall; respect signage. Drones require authorisation and are generally prohibited near archaeological and religious sites.
15 — N 36–42°
Turkey
General Infos
A transcontinental nation of 783,000 km² with about 85 million people. The international dialling code is +90. Turkish is the official language; English is common in Istanbul and tourist hubs. The currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). The emergency number is 112.
Visas
Many nationalities qualify for an e-visa or visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Check with your embassy. Carry your passport; some eastern regions require additional permits.
Weather
Spring and autumn are best — 15–25°C with long golden hours and clear light. Coastal summers are hot and humid; Cappadocia winters are cold with snow and dramatic low-angled light.
Packing
Layered clothing for day-to-night swings, comfortable walking shoes for archaeological sites, a light rain shell, a scarf for mosque visits, sunscreen, and a warm layer for balloon-launch mornings.
Health & Safety
Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking — use bottled water. Standard precautions apply in cities; pickpocketing occurs in crowded markets and transit. Eastern border regions carry elevated security risks — check government advisories before travel. Carry your passport and a printed copy of your visa or e-visa.
Photographer Galateo
Ask before photographing people, particularly in rural and eastern communities. Women should be asked before being photographed, and a male photographer should not approach women unaccompanied. Do not photograph military sites or demonstrations. Drones are restricted and require a permit from the DGCA; many heritage and archaeological sites prohibit them entirely.
16 — N 50–59°
United Kingdom
General Infos
A nation of 244,000 km² with about 67 million people. The international dialling code is +44. English is the official language; Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish are regionally recognised. The currency is the pound sterling (£). The emergency number is 999 or 112.
Visas
Many nationalities enter visa-free for up to six months as a visitor; verify with your embassy. From 2025, an ETA authorisation is required for visa-exempt travellers. Carry your passport.
Weather
Conditions are famously changeable year-round — 5–25°C depending on season, with frequent rain and soft, diffused light. Long golden hours in summer; misty, atmospheric mornings in autumn and winter.
Packing
A waterproof shell is essential, layered clothing for rapid weather shifts, sturdy walking shoes, an umbrella, a warm mid-layer, and lens cloths for damp conditions.
Health & Safety
Tap water is safe. Healthcare is available to residents via the NHS; visitors should carry travel insurance. Weather and terrain are the main hazards on coastal and upland walks — cliff edges and sudden tides are dangerous. In cities, standard precautions against pickpocketing apply in busy areas.
Photographer Galateo
Privacy law is strong — avoid photographing identifiable people in private settings without consent, and be discreet in residential areas. Tripods are often restricted in stations, museums, and cathedrals; check signage. Drones are regulated by the CAA: register, stay below 120 m, keep visual line of sight, and avoid crowds, airports, and protected sites.
17 — N 24–49°
USA
General Infos
A federal republic of 9.8 million km² with about 335 million people. The international dialling code is +1. English is the dominant language; Spanish is widely spoken. The currency is the US dollar (USD). The emergency number is 911.
Visas
Most nationalities require a visa or an ESTA authorisation under the Visa Waiver Program. Apply in advance and confirm with your embassy. Carry your passport; some national parks require entry permits.
Weather
Conditions vary dramatically by region and season — from desert heat to alpine cold. Autumn in the northeast and spring in the southwest offer the most photographed light; coastal fog defines the Pacific summer.
Packing
Layered clothing for regional extremes, sturdy hiking boots for park terrain, a sun hat and sunscreen, a light rain shell, and a power adapter for US outlets.
Health & Safety
Tap water is safe. Wildlife and terrain are the chief hazards in parks — bear spray in grizzly country, distance from bison and moose, and caution at cliff edges and slot canyons. Heat and dehydration are real in desert regions. In cities, standard urban precautions apply; keep valuables out of sight in vehicles.
Photographer Galateo
Respect private property and posted no-trespassing signs; photographing people in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy is illegal. National parks require permits for commercial photography; tripods are often restricted in crowded or sensitive areas. Drones are banned in national parks and many cities — register with the FAA and follow Part 107 rules where permitted.