Packing Tips for Iceland (and lots of other places too!)

I've learned much in the past few weeks as I've talked to other Adventure photographers about preparing for this trip. I thought I'd pass along a few of these gems.

If you plan to use your ATM card in Iceland, and most of Europe, be sure to change you pass code to 4 digits before you leave. Otherwise there's a good chance you won't be able to use it while abroad. I think this is important because ATM machines are one of the best ways to get fair exchange rates for currency while traveling.

GSM phones, especially triband and quadband models, can be a blessing on the road. In Iceland, for example, I'm going to buy a SIM card at the duty free right when I get off the plane. That way I'll have a local number during my visit. Once I get home, I simply put my Cingular card back in the phone, and it's just like I never left.

Michael Reichman remarked that he wears his photographer's vest while boarding the plane. That way, if he's faced with the problem of having to check his carry on gear (containing his lenses and DSLRs), he can stuff his most valuable equipment in his vest and keep it with him.

Finally, as great as computers are, having a good tour book or two is valuable on a long flight. Books don't run out of power, and they're safe during takeoff and landing. It's also a great way to do some last minute planning.

About the photos in this post. The landscape shots are courtesy of Michael Reichmann. The group shot is of the San Francisco contingency, from left to right, Angela Drury, Addy Roff, Richard Morgenstein, Martin Sundberg, and Derrick Story.