Frontier Photography FAQs
• What is unique about the Frontier Photography trip?
This is an adventure expedition fueled by photography into some of the most beautiful and untouched corners of Asia. This trip is unique in its destinations, as this is the only program to combine such unique, off the beaten path spots such as the Golden Triangle; Kentung, Burma; Mekong riverside villages, Laos; and the not so off the beaten path beauty of Luang Prabang. The whole time you’ll be accompanied by our professional photojournalist with extensive experience in photography, the region, and leading Rustic Pathways trips with maximum fun.
• What do students usually like most about this program?
Students will see an amazing array of landscape and life to be captured through your lens and remembered forever.
• Do I need to be an experienced photographer to go on this trip?
No. Whatever level you’re at, you’ll walk away improved and more confident. There is a great deal of individual instruction on the trip to cater to individual needs.
• Can we travel inside Burma?
Yes, the border crossing you’ll venture across is open for short-term visitors. They will issue you a visa on arrival.
• Is traveling on the Mekong River dangerous?
The Mekong River is rather tame and doesn’t really have rapids. The boat ride is more of a slow river cruise, in which you can capture the bypassing landscape and one of mankind’s oldest lifestyles, life on the river.
• Will the students be drinking bottled water?
Almost all water served in Laos and Burma is from a bottle. Students will always be supplied with safe drinking water.
• What will the accommodations be like on this trip?
We will be staying in guesthouses that have hot water showers and clean beds. Expect to be comfortable, but open to new experiences!
• What kind of food will we be eating?
A better question would be what kind of food will we NOT be eating! You’ll feast on some of SE Asia’s most delicious delectables as you travel through Thailand, Laos, and Burma and experience a wide array of food. Some Western and ‘comfort’ foods will be interspersed.
• What costs are not included on this trip?
This trip includes all of the student’s accommodations, in addition to three meals a day, drinking water, transportation, entrance fees and other related group entertainment costs. Optional activities, such as massages, internet use, phone calls home, snacks, souvenirs, etc… are extra costs. For this program, we typically recommend around US$150 per week for allowance depending on the student’s spending habits, and basic souvenirs. This can vary greatly, however, as some students may spend very little and others may spend much more if they plan on making a big purchase.
• Who will the staff members be on the trip? How many staff members will there be?
Each trip is staffed by a combination of western (American) and Laos leaders, and in most cases each team will include a nationally licensed guide, a western man and a western woman. We never have fewer than one staff member for every five students. On staff will also be some amazing photographers ready to share their skills.
• Will there be a flight leader to this country?
All flights departing from and returning to the United States will have flight leaders. In the event a student is connecting from another country, they may or may not have a flight leader. In such instances, we generally have coordinated with the airlines to escort the students from check-in through customs, and delivered to a verified Rustic Pathways staff member at the destination.
• How often will we be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?
Cleanliness is a big part of the culture so we keep as clean as our traveling allows us. We will have access to laundry facilities at least once a week if not more often. The cost is usually $3-5.
• Can Rustic Pathways cater to specific diets on this program?
To a certain extent, yes. If you have any serious dietary issues please contact our USA office prior to booking your trip to make sure that we can accommodate you. Vegetarians are easily accommodated.
• What is the weather like?
It’s hot, and humid in the day and a little cooler in the mountains at night. Daily downpours are short and give way to sunny skies. Be prepared for heat and dampness. Synthetic fiber clothes are great because they dry fast much faster than cotton can.
• Will mosquitoes be a problem on this trip?
While there are mosquitoes present in certain areas, it is more of a dormant season for them. It is a good idea to bring along some bug spray that contains DEET. All accommodation in mosquito-impacted areas will have screened windows or bug nets over the beds.
• Where is the nearest healthcare?
Some of the cities we visit have a hospital with reliable medical care that caters to hundreds of Westerners every year. For the short time we will be in more rural areas farther from top-quality medical care, our staff will have a clear plan and route to the nearest healthcare depending on the severity of the situation.
• Is your staff qualified in First Aid?
Because safety is our number one priority, all of our programs have staff that is certified with First Aid and CPR training. Many of our guides are also qualified Wilderness First Responders, EMTs, Wilderness EMTs, or Life Guards.
• What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
Rustic Pathways only requires an up-to-date Tetanus shot, however the Center for Disease Control often has recommendations that are kept updated regarding Laos. Since we do not know your child’s medical history, we recommend you reference the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov or the World Health Organization website at: www.who.org for more information. We also suggest consulting with your local travel doctor or physician prior to your travels for further information.
• Are there any extremely physical or strenuous activities on this trip?
No. But be prepared to do quite a bit of walking while exploring the country. We will also be doing some swimming in rivers and under waterfalls.
• How often will I have access to email and phones?
Phones will be accessible almost every day, while email will be accessible at least every 3 or 4 days. Email is usually about $1 per hour. While these facilities are available we encourage students to use them as little as possible to really allow for the immersion in this wonderful culture all the more rich.
• What will I need to spend my allowance money on?
There will be opportunities to shop. Our stall will take you to some of the finest stalls, malls, and markets in SE Asia. You’ll see all kinds of souvenirs, snacks, and fun stuff to buy, so budget accordingly. Prices in Asia are on average significantly cheaper than in the West, but be wary that a lot of great deals can add up. Markets and local crafts are huge part of the culture and a great way to support the local community. Here are some approximate, sample prices (listed in US dollars) that should help you prepare a budget: hand-woven scarf = $3; hand-woven shoulder bag = $6; T-shirt = $6; small wood carving = $5; soccer ball = $10
• What sort of electrical voltage adapters do I need to bring?
If you are just bringing chargers for cameras and mp3 players you will not need any adapters. If you need an adapter, look for a universal adapter that will accept almost any plug and plug into almost any style of outlet. They cost around twenty dollars and are available at office and travel supply stores.
• Is there a language barrier, and will this be a problem for me?
A lot of people in the larger towns speak English to a certain degree and your local guides can help you translate. It can be a lot of fun trying to use your own made up sign language as well! People will be as interested in hearing about your culture as you are in theirs. In addition, our talented local staff can speak excellent English and will serve as your gateway to Laos culture, translating and explaining what people are saying.
• Do I need any special photography equipment?
You don’t need anything special. Just bring your camera and creativity. Students will have a wide variety of cameras from small point and shoots to nice SLR cameras. Whatever you bring, you will get some great shots
• How does this program connect to other programs?
All programs connect seamlessly with other programs within the country as well as those in other Asian countries. Arrangements can be made to connect to almost every program that Rustic Pathways offers as long as the dates coincide with each other.
• Did you know?
“Nothing will improve your photography faster or make you look more "creative" than a fresh viewpoint. And getting that fresh viewpoint is often rather mechanical. It doesn't involve reading novels by Tolstoy or deep meditation leading to mystical revelations. It involves putting your camera in some unique location that will give you a new, novel, useful, or intriguing viewpoint.” – Professional Photographer Jim Richardson
This unforgettable journey awaits aspiring photographers who have a passion for adventure and a desire to explore three Southeast Asian countries in a new and exciting way. Your travels will take you from the Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand into the far reaches of Shan State in Eastern Burma and further on downriver to the rolling green hills of rural Laos. Along the way you will document ten different Hill Tribe groups that inhabit these areas and attempt to capture their traditional ways of life through images.
The adventure will become even more diverse and adventurous as you cross the border into Burma. You’ll hop over at the northern-most point of Thailand and begin your adventure into one of the most untouched areas of the country, Kengtung. The largest city in Shan State, Kengtung is a melting pot of peoples and cultures, and the sights you see here will showcase Burma's diversity and beauty. Witness ox-drawn carts rolling through bustling markets, meet with village elders, and photograph Akha, Shan, Waa, Lisu, and Lahu minority groups. This is a truly stunning part of the world and sure to be one of the highlights of the trip.
The river journey will end in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town that is renowned among travelers for its welcoming people, stunning architecture and peaceful mountain setting. The town also boasts the largest concentration of Buddhist monks in any city in Southeast Asia. The stark contrast of orange-robed monks and French colonial architecture will make for unforgettable photographs and a truly inspiring learning environment. Bright blue waterfalls, dense jungle, and hilltop temples will only add to the city's charm and make your photographs even more diverse.