Travel Blogging

Come along for an evening of photographing the colourful and dramatic imagery of one of London's iconic buildings and bridges whilst gaining practical experience in night photography. For this event we will be shooting Battersea Power Station’s annual Light Festival. It is returning brighter and more interactive than ever before. We will also look to shoot long exposure in the local area. EXPERIENCE Beginner / Refreshers EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Kit lens such as 18-55, 24-70 etc * Tripod * Shutter release OTHER ESSENTIALS * Check the weather and wear appropriate clothing/shoes * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 UPCOMING EVENTS https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/calendar Photo ©Battersea Light Festival

Come join us to hear more and try the X39 patch! LifeWave's X39 phototherapy patch won "Stem Cell Innovation of the Year 2025". Come and join us to find out how this amazing patch could help improve the quality of your life and the lives of those you care about. Fututre technology now. Be younger. Feel younger.

Come along for an evening of photographing the colourful and dramatic imagery of one of London's iconic buildings and bridges whilst gaining practical experience in night photography. For this event we will be shooting Battersea Power Station’s annual Light Festival. It is returning brighter and more interactive than ever before. There are a variety of illuminations including a giant diamond and butterflies, a playable light piano and cycling light battle. We will also look to shoot long exposure in the local area. EXPERIENCE Beginner / Refreshers EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Kit lens such as 18-55, 24-70 etc * Tripod * Shutter release OTHER ESSENTIALS * Check the weather and wear appropriate clothing/shoes * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 Check out our other workshops and events: https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographiciop/events/calendar Photo ©Battersea Light Festival

This event is for all those who missed the walk in November. Find out about the main characters in this story. Why it should not have happened. I will tell you about the devastation in the city and see the rebuilding of many of the churches and visit some of them. We will walk along the direction of the fire to reveal its many interesting stories and human tragedies. I am a qualified tour guide. The walk will last 2 hours with opportunities to use toilets. The tour fee is £10 Please be early as we like to set off on time and can only wait 10 minutes. Don’t forget to cancel via the “Edit RSVP” button if you can’t make a walk. I will be there in the event of rain.

**ZOOM link:** [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9277888008?pwd=WTNLZUdRanE2VE1qb05WazhicGxGZz09](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9277888008?pwd=WTNLZUdRanE2VE1qb05WazhicGxGZz09) The trading world can feel like a **jungle of overwhelming information** — endless charts, confusing strategies, and conflicting advice everywhere you look. This workshop is designed to **cut through the noise** and give you the **clarity and structure** you need to finally move forward. In this powerful live online session, you’ll discover **how to use cutting-edge AI tools to trade smarter, faster, and with more confidence** — even if you’re starting from zero. No more years of trial and error. No more guessing. We’ll show you the **exact shortcuts top traders use** to analyze markets, spot high-probability setups, and make data-driven decisions — all with the help of AI. ### 🔥 **What You’ll Learn** * 🧠 How AI can simplify technical analysis and give you a trader’s edge * 🌿 How to find **clarity in the trading jungle** and avoid information overload * ⚡ Step-by-step: How beginners can go from theory to practice in a few hours, not months * 🛠 The best AI trading tools for Forex, Crypto & Stocks — and how to use them effectively * 📈 Live demonstrations of real market analysis so you can see the power of AI in action * 🧭 A clear roadmap to becoming a confident trader — without wasting time on outdated methods ### 🌍 **Why Join Live** * Ask your questions directly and get real-time answers * Watch live analysis during peak trading hours * Connect with like-minded people who are serious about mastering trading Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to sharpen your edge, this workshop will give you the **clarity, tools, and strategy to trade with confidence** — in a fraction of the usual time. 👉 **Reserve your free spot now** and take the first step toward becoming the trader you’ve always wanted to be. **DISCLAIMER:** Traderfriends is not a broker and does not give financial advice. The information shared in events, presentations, videos, courses, live sessions are purely educational. All trading involves the risk of losing part or all of the money invested. Past results do not guarantee future results.

**IMPORTANT:** To RSVP you will need to register on the **WeMeet app** [here.](wemeet.weroad.com/event/324b6293-5f2b-49fe-ab0d-5de4ff3040b1) **An easy, feel-good coffee meet-up to slow down, chat, and meet new people.** **How does it work?** 🗓️ RSVP to secure your spot 📍 Coffee location revealed via WeMeet app notifications **24 hours before** ✔️ **Confirm your spot** 18 hours before so others know who to expect ⏱️ Let the others know where you are when the event starts through our **check-in process** 👤 **Virtual host**: Shape your coffee break however you want 💬 **Whatsapp group** to help you find each other, shared the morning of the event **What to expect:** ☕ **Discover new cafés**: from coffee to matcha, chai, and more. 🤝 **Meet new people**: Chill, no-pressure conversations in a relaxed setting. 💰 **Budget:** Expect to spend around £4–8 (unless you go wild on cake). ✨ **Easy midweek plan**: Good vibes, nice chats, and a little break from the routine. An easy plan for curious minds and caffeine lovers - book your spot and join us for a relaxed coffee catch-up!

Join **London Travel Now** for a relaxed, fun day of swapping travel stories from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just daydreaming about your next escape, this meetup is perfect for anyone who loves exploring. Come hang out, share your adventures, listen to others, and get inspired for whatever journey comes next. It’s all about connecting with great people who love to wander—and who knows? You might even find your next travel buddy! *** ### **How It Works** 1. **Meet fellow travel enthusiasts** Come socialize, chat, and connect with people who share your love for discovering new places. 2. **Plan adventures on our community website** Use our online space to organize future trips, coordinate plans, and share ideas. [London Travel Now Community Site](https://london-trip-crew.lovable.app) 3. **Go on trips together** Join group adventures or create your own—whatever suits your style. *** ### **Rules** * **No selling travel or vacation packages.** This isn’t a marketing or sales group. If you promote packages or services, you’ll receive one warning. Continued promotion means removal from the group. * **This community is about real connections.** Our purpose is simple: meet people, build friendships, and go on amazing trips together. * **Please purchase something at our meetup venue such as a drink, soda, beer or food.** **Dues** * We charge £1.50 per month per member to cover the cost of the meetup.com membership and to cover the cost of our community SaaS website. **P.S.** Be sure to bring you laptop, tablet or smartphone to be able to create your account, create trips and join trips on the [London Travel Now Community Site](https://london-trip-crew.lovable.app)

Join us for an afternoon to shoot a gathering of creative people who love colour and dressing up. There are no rules – they believe the more colours the better. Witness this concert of colours and meet some of the London’s most vibrant souls and creative minds & bodies! Today we can practice our portrait and posing skills. We have tips in plenty on-hand and willing subjects! Expect to have oddles and oddles of fun! WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * Approaching people * Posing techniques * Capturing portraits * Camera settings for good exposure * Camera settings to help your subject stand out from the background EQUIPMENT * Any camera * A kit lens or similar * A 50mm will work well * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 UPCOMING EVENTS [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa)

✨ Top 10 Cruise – Hawaiian Island Hopping on Emerald Princess (17 Nights) 📅 Travel Dates: 18 Jan 2026 – 4 Feb 2026( also on 03/02-20/02; 19/02-08/03/2026) ✈️ Flights: Included – UK to Los Angeles (hotel stay), return from Los Angeles 🛳️ Ship: Emerald Princess (Princess Cruises) 💷 From £1,769pp (based on 2 sharing, Inside Cabin ) 🌅 Intro Embark on an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure aboard the Emerald Princess. Begin with a hotel stay in Los Angeles before sailing across the Pacific to explore Hawaii’s most iconic islands. From volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests to golden beaches and cultural treasures, this 17‑night voyage blends relaxation at sea with immersive island experiences. 🗺️ Route & Highlights \- Overnight hotel stay in Los Angeles before embarkation \- Hilo \(Big Island\): black‑sand beaches\, Volcanoes National Park\, Mauna Loa \- Honolulu \(Oahu\): Waikiki Beach\, Diamond Head\, Pearl Harbor\, Iolani Palace \- Nawiliwili \(Kauai\): Waimea Canyon\, Wailua River\, Fern Grotto \- Kahului \(Maui\): Haleakala volcano\, Iao Valley\, Lahaina \- Ensenada \(Mexico\): Mediterranean climate\, vibrant port town \- Multiple relaxing days at sea with Princess Cruises entertainment 💎 Price Advantage From £1,799pp depending booking time, travel date and other options ✅ Inclusions \- Flights included \(UK to Los Angeles\, return from Los Angeles\) \- 1‑night hotel stay in Los Angeles \(San Pedro\)\, room only \- 16‑night full board cruise on Emerald Princess \- Princess Medallion Class Experience \- Spacious accommodation and complimentary dining \- Day‑to‑night onboard activities and entertainment ❌ Exclusions \- Travel insurance \- Optional excursions \- Overseas transfers \(can be added\) \- Upgrade to Princess Plus \(drinks\, Wi‑Fi\, crew appreciation\) available at £50pp per day 📩 Booking & Enquiries 👉 Bespoke Travel Request Form: https://soultogethertravel.com/bespoke-travel-booking 📧 Email: contact@soultogethertravel.com Check More Tours: soultogethertravel.com/handpicked-tours-2026-2027 ⚠️ Important Note Subject to availability and pricing at the time of enquiry. Meetup date/time is not the travel date — please ignore.

PUT AN END TO AUTO! Would you like to learn to use your camera properly and get the shots you want by choice and not by accident? Attending this small group workshop will give you a strong understanding of the essentials needed to get the results you're looking for. This session will include theory and practical exercises to apply what you have learned. By the end of this session you forget about only getting great results by accident, and feel confident that you understand how to get your camera to do what you want! This is the end of Auto! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: * The important dials and buttons on your camera * Exposure triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO * Focusing * Histogram * White Balance * Depth of Field * Metering * And much more... EXPERIENCE Beginners / Refreshers EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 UPCOMING EVENTS [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/calendar](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar)

I’m leading this hike for **London Social Hiking** and sharing it here so my KoZa Trails crew know when I’m out on the trails in the UK. 😊 👉 **Please note:** all sign-ups and payments need to be done through London Social Hiking’s Meetup page here: https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/312586739/?eventOrigin=group_events_list RSVPs on KoZa Trails are just to show interest and don’t secure a spot. Shout if you’ve got any questions — it would be lovely to see some familiar faces! 🌿🥾 ################# We’re off to Norfolk! The seals in Norfolk are truly one of Britain's most special sights. Without any doubt, they're an incredible WOW factor and one that you must see! On this day hike, we'll walk along the top of the sand dunes and enjoy stunning panoramic views across the North Sea. On our way, we'll pass the much-loved grey seal colony at Horsey Beach, which draws thousands of visitors each year, particularly between November and March, when the seals come ashore to breed. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of seals and their pups stretching for as far as the eye can see! The whole walk is in the Broads National Park – one of fifteen national parks in the UK. You'll discover its iconic windmills, navigable waterways and broads (man-made, shallow lakes). With over 125 miles of lock-free waterways, the Norfolk Broads have more miles of waterway than Venice or Amsterdam, and are an extremely popular boating holiday destination! Locals like to call the Broads “the Venice of the East”. 💪 This walk is suitable for all abilities – it is almost entirely flat and done at a very gentle pace to allow us enjoy the nature and take plenty of pictures. HIKE HIGHLIGHTS Watch seals and their young from a close distance at Horsey Gap, home to one of the biggest colonies of grey seals in Britain. Take a gentle stroll over the vast open expanse of the golden sand dunes of Winterton Beach – a Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area is a veritable haven for birds and all kinds of wildlife and is widely regarded as having the best sand dunes in Norfolk. See the spectacular Horsey Windpump – the youngest and largest windpump in the Norfolk Broads. It was built in 1912 to pump water out from the surrounding land so that it could be used for farming. Discover Horsey Mere, often regarded as one of the most beautiful of the northern broads and famous for its internationally important wildlife. Walk the newly opened stretch of the England Coast Path – a new National Trail around all of England's coast, which once completed will be the longest coastal walking route in the world (4,500 kilometres in length!). DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY Distance: 6 miles (10km). Ascent: 50m. Difficulty: Easy. ITINERARY 07:45 Meet outside ibis London City – Shoreditch Hotel, 5 Commercial St, E1 6BF (near Aldgate East Station) 08:00 Sharp departure 11:15 Horsey Windpump to Hemsby hike via Winterton-on-Sea for a lunch stop 16:30 Departure 19:30 London, next to Bow Road Underground Station TRANSPORT As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus. **Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 15, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.**

**Come for drinks — stay for adventure!** Whether you’re brand-new to the group, thinking about joining your first hike, or climbing Snowdon next weekend — this is the place to meet City Mountaineering members in real life. **Why come along?** 🌄 Meet *other mountain lovers* who live and work in London 🥾 Ask questions directly about upcoming trips (fitness, kit, routes) 🗺️ Hear stories from recent weekends in the mountains 🍺 Relax with great people before the next big adventure **Who this is for** Anyone curious about: * Snowdonia, Lake District & Scottish mountain trips * Mountain skills & hillwalking * Travelling from London to epic peaks You don’t need to have done a hike with us before — all are welcome 👋 **What to expect** * Drinks in a cosy pub atmosphere * Friendly people from the group * Useful informal chat about trips and hiking tips * Zero pressure, no agenda **Pro tip:** If you’re considering a trip soon, this is the *perfect step* before booking — meet the group and feel confident about your next adventure. **Location** The Porterhouse, Covent Garden - [https://porterhouse.london](https://porterhouse.london) **RSVP now to let us know you’re coming! 🚀**

We are going to visit beautiful historic Greenwich. With so much variety to shoot from the market to the unique views of the city, the beautiful royal colleges and the beautiful Tulip staircase as well. There is something here for everyone no matter what your genre is. We'll learn a bit about how to shoot street photography with tips that will help the most timid shooters! Join us for a fun event where we'll have some optional fun challenges for you to try out. EXPERIENCE No experience necessary all are welcome! EQUIPMENT: * Any camera * 18-55, 24-70 kit lens * 70-200 optional OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude TRAVEL * Check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT * Alex 07956 264049 UPCOMING EVENTS https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/calendar

Our monthly meeting: Opportunity to introduce yourself, learn about each other, discuss travel ideas, possibly plan a trip together and make new friends! At this meeting, we will determine our Feb20-22 weekend trip!

Let's meet up and talk about places folks might want to go, or be interested in going, or have been, or know about, etc. We can talk about cool places we have been and might recommend. Some people may be experts on certain regions, or have been expats living in various countries, or seasoned world travelers. Other folks maybe have never left the US, but are thinking about it and interested to hear about some possible places they might try. I think folks interested in International Travel can be an interesting lot, and I have met some very fun and cool people at some of our past meetups. Looking forward to hopefully seeing some of those folks again and also meeting some new possible friends as well. Tarbenders is a very cool, fairly new, restaurant/bar. It is built and decorated like an old fashioned cool, cozy hidden speakeasy, and is right in the heart of downtown Leesburg. You enter through a door for "Gogo's Italian Gelato" and then will head through the "secret" (not so secret) old fashioned telephone booth. There is usually a person there to knock on the Speakeasy Door for you, or I might be able to have it just stay open, but they usually have to knock on the brown canister in the upper right of the telephone booth to open the speakeasy door. It is really quite fun. We are not charging anything for the get together, but since we are using their space we should all try to buy at least a little something from them (a snack or beverage), or make a dinner of it if you like. [https://www.tarbenderslounge.com](https://www.tarbenderslounge.com) They have some yummy foods and a nice variety of drinks (full bar) both with alcohol and without. It is located very close to the downtown Leesburg Parking Garage and there may also be some possible street parking on the surrounding streets. The Parking Garage has free parking for the first two hours and is free after 7 pm anyway, so should be a free easy parking option I think. Feel free to bring a friend or two or three. Do please respond if you can on the Meetup to let us have a feel of how many to prepare for so we can let the owner know. There are a number of cool rooms in there, so depending on how many folks respond we might designate us to a certain room or to the whole place. This will be a fun and relaxed get together. Looking forward to seeing a number of you folks there. January is the perfect time to get out, so we don't get cabin fever eventually. We can meet some new folks and hear about fun places around the world. :) Tara and Ian

Let’s get outside and explore the beautiful Great Falls Park. **No Fees ** We’ll take in the stunning river views, walk the scenic trails together, and afterwards head to a nearby spot for our signature sips and bites. The Plan • What: Group Hike + Lunch • Where: Riverbend Park , McLean (about 15 miles from D.C.) • Hike: 12:00 PM • Lunch: Right after at Mookie’s BBQ Looking forward to a fun and refreshing day outdoors!

Join fellow members of the Virginia Women's Travel Group at the DC Travel & Adventure Show. Meet a new travel buddy to explore the show with. The DC Travel & Adventure show is being held at the Washington, DC Convention Center. We'll meet directly outside the show (Hall C). Attendees are responsible for purchasing their own show tickets. **By Metro:** The Convention Center sits atop the **Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center station,** served by Metro's Green and Yellow lines. Alternatively, take the Red Line to the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station, which is a 5-minute walk from the Convention Center.

Dulles Town Center Mall Hike: Meet at the entrance to the right of the Regal Movie Theater. A Test of Endurance Join us for a 6-mile trek through the treacherous terrain of Dulles Town Center mall. This hike is rated as physically easy, but don't be fooled - the mental challenges will push even the most seasoned hikers to their limits. Hazards Include: The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked Cinnabon, threatening to derail even the most disciplined of diets. Endless rows of high-end storefronts, beckoning you to indulge in some serious retail therapy. Balmy 70-degree temperatures, lulling you into a false sense of comfort. Blinding fluorescent lights, capable of disorienting even the most experienced navigator. Will You Emerge Victorious? Afterwards we'll head over to The Bungalow Lake house 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling, VA 20165 for their delicious brunch cuisine.

***Registration required at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy -*** [Birding Algonkian - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-algonkian-january/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun County. This bird walk takes place each month except December. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River, its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands and grassy areas combine to make it Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot.