Photo by Drif Riadh on Unsplash

Travel is one of the most exciting and enriching experiences a human can have, but it doesn’t always come cheap. Total costs for even a short trip can soon add up when you account for travel, accommodation, food and drink, insurance, and attraction entrance fees.

Despite the expense, some avid travellers could never be dissuaded from exploring the world. In fact, as many as 78% of us are so determined to travel that we’ll use credit cards to fund our trips and pay off the expenses later. Here, we explore three reasons why the price of traveling is so worthwhile.

1. Travel helps us learn and broaden our horizons

Many people find themselves broadening their horizons by improving language skills and learning new hobbies as they travel. Visiting new destinations offers copious opportunities for learning and self-development. Whether you choose to master a watersport, hike up a mountain, learn to cook new dishes or spend a few days camping in the wilderness of a luscious national park, there’s always something new to learn.

With this in mind, the expense of travelling goes far beyond the immediate experience of the trip – you’ll return home with more knowledge and a deeper understanding of the intricacies of our wonderfully diverse world.

Photo by Artem Manchenkov on Unsplash

2. Travel helps us relax and unwind

Relaxation is the number one reason for travel for 55% of millennials and 51% of Gen X. Taking a vacation gives you a much-needed break from work and your usual daily responsibilities, particularly if you plan to lounge around on the beach or beside the pool. Many people spend lots of time outdoors soaking up the natural beauty of their travel destination, and exposure to nature can do wonders for our mental health.

india varanasi morning meditation on the river

Even if you’re planning an action-packed trip with a busy schedule, taking a break from your typical routine will go a long way in alleviating stress. When you invest in travel, you invest in rest, recuperation, and improved wellbeing.

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

3. Travel supports human connection

A report into 2025 travel trends amongst millennials found that 50% travel to visit other people. 45% travel to spend time with family, 34% to enjoy a romantic break, and 23% to make friends with other travellers. Travel plays an important role in helping us connect with one another, no matter if it’s to maintain existing relationships or seek out new ones.

Visiting new places often gives up the opportunity to befriend people from totally different walks of life than our own, which ties back into our motivations to broaden our horizons and learn more about our global society.

PescArt – Real Baba 5 – Mumbai, India

What motivates you to invest in travel?

These are just three of the biggest reasons why the expense of travel is worthwhile. There are many more benefits of exploring the world, many of which are personal and inspired by our individual goals and interests. So, the next time you’re planning a trip and feeling a little overwhelmed by the costs, ask yourself what you’ll get out of the experience. The expense is bound to be worth it if the trip is planned with your passions and life aspirations in mind.

Polar Fox looking at birds – object of desire

The post What makes travel a worthwhile expense? appeared first on Enrico Pescantini Travel Photographer.

The video has been stabilized with Topaz Video AI, as it was shot. for the distance of around 2km from the boat.

It has been shot with a Sony A7R III and a Sony FE 600mm F4 + Teleconverter of 1.5x.

The post Polar Bear feasting and roaming on the ice pack appeared first on Enrico Pescantini Travel Photographer.

Pyramiden is an abandoned soviet mining town in the Arctic, located in Svalbard island, and it represented a communist utopia for few decades, before it has been shut down in the 90s and completely abandoned.

After few years of completely abandonment, except a guardian living there, since the 2010s it has re-opened as an open air museum, and it is possible to sleep in a renovated hotel, one of the 2 buildings in the whole town with electricity and heating.

In 2024 Pyramiden Coal Mine has been re-opened after 26 years of being completely sealed off in the permafrost of the mountain, and I had the luck and the privilege to be among the first travellers to enter the mountain and the mine.

This has been one of the most incredible thing I’ve seen on planet earth, it looked like exploring a frozen world lost in time.

The entrance of the mins is at the footstep of the hill. and first there was one of the many “dressing” rooms.

dressing room with some old portraits

The access to the mine on the top of the hill is through this long corridor, used with motorized carts, and now just a long walk uphill, around 1 hour of steps.

inside pyramiden coal mine

inside pyramiden coal mine

For understanding better where is the mine and where is the town, you can see this aerial panorama of the town, where the hill with the mine is visible.

Pyramiden Aerial View of town and surroundings

view of pyramiden town from one of the many stops along the walk

In August the temperature outside was around 8 degrees, and once opened the sealed entrance to the mine, we were ready for at least a -10 degrees drop.

The only way for entering the mountain was for the worker to open an entrance with a chainsaw… through 3 meters of ice wall… something that is out of Game of Thrones! You can see here the entrance of the tunnel carved in the ice.

entering pyramiden coal mine through a wall of ice

last dressing room for the miners

This huge machinery was used to pull the carts with the miners.

machine to pull up carts

cart used by miners in pyramiden

inside pyramiden coal mine – tunnel

This is the control room used to manage the cart with the miners.

inside pyramiden coal mine control room

The incredible part is how workers left everything in their workstation, like if the mine was abandoned in a hurry, or suddenly. You could find cigarettes, notepads, VHS… frozen in time and in ice.

pyramiden abandoned stuff in the mine

inside pyramiden coal mine shifts manifesto

All around the corridors, colorful poster were indicating safety procedures, in the typical “soviet” art style.

inside pyramiden – security posters

inside pyramiden – security posters

inside pyramiden – security posters

Even if they were in coal mine, in the north pole, the attention to detail and to the workmanship was amazing. In this iron gate, you can recognize the natural “pyramid” on the top of the mountain, that gives the name to the town.

gate to the mine in pyramiden

gate to the mine in pyramiden

Everything inside was just rust and ice and darkness, absolute darkness.

Most of the corridors inside the mine are completely covered by ice crystals, and even some rooms were blocked by ice…

Pyramiden Coal mine – ice crystals

Pyramiden Coal mine – room filled with ice

Pyramiden Coal mine – ice crystals

Pyramiden Coal mine – ice crystals

Pyramiden Coal mine – iced corridor

Currently the tourism organization of Svalbard has broken any relationship with Pyramiden – due to the russian war in Ukraine – so to visit the abandoned town you have to book directly via the russian agency Grumant: I strongly recommend you to spend more nights in the settlement to truly experience the place without any tourists around, the hotel Pyramiden is a very good value for money and recently renovated.

You can see my reportage of Svalbard Wildlife at this link.

The post Inside Pyramiden Coal Mine: northernmost mine in the world! appeared first on Enrico Pescantini Travel Photographer.

Photo by Samuel Ferrara on Unsplash

Italy is a treasure trove of cultural riches, with iconic destinations like Rome, Venice, and Florence often stealing the spotlight. However, the beauty of Italy extends far beyond these well-trodden paths. For the intrepid traveler eager to uncover Italy’s hidden gems, here are three lesser-known Italian cities that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.

1. Trieste: A Crossroads of Cultures

Photo by Daniele Bucciarelli on Unsplash

Located in the northeastern corner of Italy, Trieste is a city where Italian, Slavic, and Germanic cultures converge. Its unique position on the Adriatic Sea has shaped a rich cultural tapestry, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.

Trieste’s waterfront, lined with elegant palaces and grand cafes, evokes a sense of old-world charm. The Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe’s largest seaside squares, is the perfect spot to soak in the city’s beauty.

For a deeper dive into Trieste’s past, visit the Castello di Miramare, a majestic 19th-century castle offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Trieste. Don’t leave without trying the local cuisine, which features a blend of Italian and Central European flavors. Sample dishes like “Jota”, a traditional bean and sauerkraut soup, and indulge in a slice of “Presnitz”, a sweet pastry filled with nuts and dried fruits. Trieste’s unique blend of cultures is reflected in every bite.

2. Ferrara: The Renaissance Gem

Photo by Eugene Zhyvchik on Unsplash

Ferrara, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, is a city that breathes history and art. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ferrara was a major center of the Italian Renaissance. The well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture makes the city a living museum. The imposing Castello Estense, with its moat and drawbridges, stands as a testament to Ferrara’s illustrious past. The Palazzo dei Diamanti, named for its diamond-shaped facade stones, houses the National Gallery of Ferrara, showcasing an impressive collection of Renaissance art.

Ferrara is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with events like the Ferrara Buskers Festival – one of the world’s most renowned street music festivals – attracting performers from around the globe. When it comes to cuisine, Ferrara’s signature dish, “Cappellacci di Zucca” (pumpkin-filled pasta), is a must-try, along with “Salama da Sugo”, a spiced pork sausage that showcases the region’s rich culinary traditions.

3. Lecce: The Florence of the South

Image by tomek999 from Pixabay

Lecce, often referred to as the “Florence of the South,” is a baroque masterpiece located in the heart of the Apulia region. Known for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere, Lecce is a city that captivates visitors with its golden-hued buildings and intricate facades. The Basilica di Santa Croce, with its elaborate baroque details, is a highlight, while the Piazza del Duomo serves as the city’s picturesque focal point. Wander through the historic center to discover charming alleyways, inviting squares, and artisan shops selling traditional “cartapesta” (papier-mâché) crafts.

Lecce’s culinary scene is equally enchanting. Indulge in “Pasticciotto”, a delightful pastry filled with custard, and “Ciceri e Tria”, a traditional pasta dish with chickpeas. Lecce’s vibrant nightlife, with its lively bars and cafes, ensures that the city remains full of life long after the sun sets.

Beyond The Beaten Path

Italy’s lesser-known cities offer a wealth of experiences that rival their more famous counterparts. These hidden gems are waiting to be explored; add them to your travel bucket list and discover a side of Italy that few have the pleasure of experiencing.

The post Three of Italy’s Lesser-Known Cities That Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List appeared first on Enrico Pescantini Travel Photographer.

Shot with Sony A7RIII and 200-600 lens, from the EQI lodge.

See the full photo reportage of Greenland here

Soundtrack “The Sound of a Glacier | Art We There Yet”

You can see more of thie beautiful glacier in this other video:

The post Catch A Glimpse Of The Eqi Glacier Calving In West Greenland appeared first on Enrico Pescantini Travel Photographer.

Beyond pristine sand beaches and colonial villa, this island is home to one of the most impressive underwater waterfall in the world.

It is really just an optical illusion (as explained in detail in this article), and it can be seen during the day (so avoid sunrise and sunset) only by the air, and it located off La Morne beach, in the south-west point of the island.

You can only see it from the air, so you can either book a flight (I’ve used Lagoon flights, the only one I know in the area), an helicopter tour or using a drone, like you can see from the video I shot here:

The post Mauritius Underwater Waterfall: a mesmerizing optical illusion appeared first on Enrico Pescantini Travel Photographer.

Shot in 4K in August 2023 with DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone.

Locations mainly in West Greenland (Ilulissat, Eqi Glacier, Kangerlussuaq). See my full photo reportage here

From the official channel of Ludovico Einaudi:

“Ludovico Einaudi performs an original piece “Elegy for the Arctic”, on the Arctic Ocean to call for its protection, on June 17th, 2016 With a grand piano on a floating platform in front of a glacier, Einaudi played an original piece composed for the cause The acclaimed composer has turned into music the voices of the eight million people that asks for Arctic protection With this action, Greenpeace is urging the OSPAR Commission not to miss the opportunity to protect international Arctic waters under its mandate at this week’s meeting in Tenerife Through his music, acclaimed Italian composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi has added his voice to those of eight million people from across the world demanding protection for the Arctic. Einaudi performed one of his own compositions on a floating platform in the middle of the Ocean, against the backdrop of the Wahlenbergbreen glacier (in Svalbard, Norway). Travelling on board Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise on the eve of a significant event for the future of the Arctic: this week’s meeting of the OSPAR Commission, which could secure the first protected area in Arctic international waters.”

The post Greenland from Above with Ludovico Einaudi’s Elegy of the Arctic appeared first on Enrico Pescantini Travel Photographer.

An extra to the extra is enjoying the show from the warmth of a beautiful wooden cabin overlooking a norwegian fjord, and that is that I found at Aurora Fjord Cabins.

This timelapse is an  9 hour long exposure just in front of the cabin of this REMOTE place, at around 3 hours drive from Tromso.

The post Northern Lights from Lyngen Fjord: Aurora Fjord Cabins appeared first on Enrico Pescantini Travel Photographer.

The puffin is beautiful and colorful bird, also called Sea Parrot or Clown Bird. In Greenland it is possible to find the Atlantic Puffin, also called common puffin. You can read more about this species here.

Where you can find puffins? Can you see puffin in Greenland?

The common puffin can be found in few places like British Isles, Norway, Iceland, and also Greenland.

Especially in Greenland, it is quite easy to book a tour to spot these beautiful and colorful birds in East Greenland: there is a colony nearby Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, quite easily accessible by specialized tours.

How to see puffin in Greenland?

I’ve personally travelled with Nuuk Water Taxi, and it has been a very good experience: it was just 4 passengers, we went straight to the small islet where there is a very concentrated population of puffins. We stayed there for around 1 and a half hour, plenty of time to take THOUSANDS of photography. The tour was in the evening, so in summer time it is perfect to catch the golden light of the sunset (kind of sunset, since the sun almost never set in summer).

The post Where to find Puffin in Greenland – wildlife photography of puffins appeared first on Enrico Pescantini Travel Photographer.

They are called “borghi del tufo”, since theu have been built from a volcanic stone called “tuff”. Pitigliano, in particular, is also called Little Jerusalem.

With small houses made of tuff and narrow alleys, it got its name from the jewish community that lived peacefully here in the past centuries.

The music is an homage to this Jewish heritage and it is “MIQEDEM – Psalm 23 (Live in Studio) תהילים כ״ג”, all rights to the rightful owners.

The post Sorano and Pitigliano: the tuff towns of Maremma appeared first on Enrico Pescantini Travel Photographer.