Tribal Shooters FAQs
What is unique about Tribal Shooters?
Tribal Shooters visits some of Thailand’s most famous, sacred sites, as well as off the beaten path spots where few foreigners ever see. Throughout this journey, you are accompanied by our quirky, fun-loving professional photo-journalist who’ll help you improve your shooting technique and your wit. If you’re interested in a two-week photo journey that includes longer stays and service with some of these amazing communities, check out the Village Documentary Project.
What do students generally like most about this program?
For students looking to spend one week touring and working on their photography skills, this is it. Students love the beautiful places they go, the relaxed, fun pace of the trip, and they always walk away with some amazing shots.
What will the accommodation be like?
We’ll stay at hotels, guest houses, and Rustic Pathways bases. Larger cities will feature nice hotels, and smaller towns will have cute guest houses. Beds, Western toilets, and hot showers are available at each location and are quite comfortable.
How often can I do laundry?
Many places we stay will offer convenient laundry services at the student’s expense.
Are the mosquitoes a problem?
There are mosquitoes. They’re usually not too bad, but you will want to have a long sleeve shirt and long pants in the evenings. Also bring a small bottle of insect repellent containing DEET.
What will I need to spend my allowance money on?
You will have plenty of opportunities for shopping. You’ll see all kinds of souvenirs 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 Thai 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 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.
How often will I have access to email and phones?
Phones are always available on an emergency basis. Students’ will be able to use phones nearly every day and we’ll stop at an internet café a few times during the week.
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 Thai 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.
What kind of food will I eat? What if I have certain dietary restrictions?
We’ll eat a wide variety of Thai and ethnic food, as well as a good deal of Western food. Thailand is famous for its food, and this trip will awaken your tastes to flavors you didn’t even know existed. Almost all dietary concerns can be accommodated, but please alert us of any relevant restrictions beforehand just to make sure. Vegetarians Welcome!
What water will we be drinking?
We will be drinking all bottled water. Bottled water is safe and readily available.
Where is the nearest healthcare?
Every city we visit has 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 the trip?
Rustic Pathways does not make recommendations regarding immunizations. We strongly suggest that you consult with a travel doctor or your family physician for medical recommendations based on the area where the student will be traveling (Thailand). You can also check the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov for more information.
Should I be taking Malaria medication?
This decision is best made by you, your family, and your family physician. For up to date information to help your decision please visit the World Health Organization website (http://www.who.int/en), the Center for Disease Control website, and consult your physician.
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.
How does this program connect to other programs?
All of our programs within Asia connect seamlessly. All trips begin and end on Thursday, thus allowing for easy connectivity and convenience.
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!
Did you know?
Many of the beautiful landscapes, communities, and cultures you’ll explore in Hill Tribe country have long-held a wonderful saying: ‘Many hands make small work’
This journey through Thailand will be a visual feast that will inspire you to create stunning photographs reflecting cross-cultural learning and deep respect for the places you visit. Travel from the busy streets of Chiang Mai deep into the mountains of the north, where you'll visit remote Hill Tribe villages. Here you will live like the locals as you sleep on mats in traditional Hill Tribe houses with thatched roofs and bamboo floors. These remote village home stays offer the opportunity to document daily life and rituals – just like a working photojournalist.
From here you'll travel to the Rustic Pathways Hill Tribe Orphanage, which provides a home for Karen children who have been separated from their families because of the conflict in Burma. After touring the Orphanage and sharing a meal with everyone, you will head out into the rice fields to capture portraits of the locals planting their crops. This part of the country provides the perfect backdrop for creating stunning images of rural life in Thailand.
Whether you're an enthusiastic beginner or a shooter for your school newspaper, the trip will offer plenty of opportunities to hone your skills. But the trip is also about more than just making beautiful images. You will learn what it means to "communicate" with individuals from a different culture using nothing more than your camera. Storytelling is an art, and we aim to give you the tools you need to tell the stories of the people you meet along the way.