Notes from An American Road Trip: It's A Tripping World (Part II)

Notes from An American Road Trip: It's A Tripping World (Part II)

Tripping Content Manager Katy Birnbaum is currently on a 2 month road trip across the country, and we will be getting dispatches from her as she makes her journey. Click here to read all of them!

-Grahame

Whether it by an ancient crystalline structure on display at the Washington, DC Natural History Museum, the fleeting hue of an autumn leaf in Madison, a brilliant Monarch resting in front of the Dairy Queen in Minnesota, or the metallic shimmer of milk chocolate wrappers on the streets of Chicago, they've got one thing in common--they're all part of this Tripping world. Here is another installment of photos featuring our little color that could, Tripping orange. Hope you enjoy!

Photo Tip LCD screens on digital cameras are terrific.pagebrea They let you know exactly what you got right then and there--well, sort of. Depending on the display, what you see can be deceiving. The tiny display can make pictures that would otherwise be somewhat blurry appear to be sharp. It also often displays colors quite differently than what you see in real life or than what you will see back on your computer screen.

  To help ensure that your photos are crisp and clear, take the time to zoom in on the photos you have taken using the LCD display. Not all cameras have this feature, but many do, and it is worth taking the time to figure out how to do it. Also, if the colors don't seem to be turning out right on the display, try taking shots with a few different settings and make the final call when you upload them to your computer. And remember, don't be afraid to adjust the photos later on--it's easy to do with applications like Picasa or Picnik and can really help you replicate the real life composition that you saw. Road Trip Tip This one seems like a no brainer, but alas, it is much easier said than done--stay hydrated! It doesn't matter whether you are in the Texas desert, the swamps of Louisiana, or on some flat stretch of road in South Dakota, you need water. We are much better at remembering to drink water when heat stroke is a danger, but water is important for a myriad of other things. In addition to the more subtle and complicated health effects it can produce, dehydration can make you tired and irritable, give you headaches, and make your lips and skin chapped. And on the flip side, drinking lots of water can help your body process and dispose of excess fat, sugar, and whatever other indulgence you may be consuming during a vacation. As the water safety of where you are traveling allows, I recommend trying to incorporate at least some of the following habits into your daily routine:

• Drink a glass of water before you leave the house/hostel/hotel.
• Carry a refillable water container with you and use it!
• Order water from every place that offers it and finish at least the first glass.
• Instead of ordering soda or juice, order water. If you're craving soda, try ordering a soda water with lots of ice and a citrus wedge.
• When you see a water fountain, stop and drink from it for a few minutes.
• At least once a day, stop to drink a full glass/bottle of water--preferably not right before or after a meal.
• Order a glass of water with every cocktail.
• Drink a glass of water before you go to bed.

-Katy