Gran Canaria
FAQs & Information.
Do I need a visa for Gran Canaria?
With some exceptions, most countries (includes EU, U.S, Asean, Japan, China, Korea) do not require a visa to visit Gran Canaria (which is a part of Spain).
What are the general travelling conditions of Gran Canaria during May?
It’s pretty mild at this time of year at about 21 C, and it’s a good idea to bring along a jumper or light jacket for the evenings. The average daily maximum is 25 C and the average daily minimum is 19 C.
There is a 64% chance of a perfect sunny day and a 36% chance of seeing some clouds and almost no rain
It’s possible to swim in the sea at this time of year but it’s generally a little too cool for most. The average sea temperature is 21 C.
Isn't Gran Canaria full of tourists and overbuilt to be an interesting destination?
Yes and no.
The southern part is quite built up and touristy. However we are only spending 1 night there ;-) There are lots of beauty in Gran Canarai. The key is going there at the right time.
Plus we will also be checking out other places that are off the mass tourism trial.
How do I get to Gran Canaria?
From Brussels, there is a choice of Brussels airlines or TUI with direct flight to Las Palmas airport.
Most other European cities will also offer direct flights.
Check skyscanner for airline options, best fares and connections.
Don't the earlier you book, the better fares your have. Due to the uncertain COVID19 situation, most airlines offer rebookable fares or travel credits should your trip be cancelled.
Don't wait till the last minute!
How strenuous are the tour conditions? What is the expected physical condition of tour participants?
This is an easy tour with easy walks at a very comfortable pace.
I am travelling with a travel companion who is not a photographer. I am an amateur photographer. What should I be aware of?
I aim to keep the group small and cosy. You'll understand that we simply can't take 7 photographers and 7 companions;-). Due to limited places, space, transport requirements and location, travel companions pay the same rates as the photographer*. Your travel companion should follow the tour schedule. We are not able to make separate transport arrangements. Your travel companion should be aware that this is a photography tour tailored for photographers and photography opportunities and we set on local tours at unusual hours. The timing and schedule may change en route to fit photography opportunities and local situations. We wake up very early in the mornings ;-).
Please be on time (grace period of 5 mins waiting time for late-comers) as we will depart after the grace period. If you or a travel companion are late, you will have to sort out transport arrangements yourself at your own cost to get to the photography point.
* Please get in touch if you plan on travelling with a non-photographer companion and we can see if we are able to make specific arrangements or suggest alternatives.
I am keen on pick some skills but am not really into photography. I like the tour concept and photography is less important to me. Can I still join the tour?
As long as your share my core travel values, follow the schedule - Yes you can!
I am travelling with a family with children. Can they join?
Due to the nature of the tour and location, we are not in a position to accept travellers under 21 years of age.
Please get in touch if you plan on travelling with family and children and we can see if we are able to make specific arrangements or suggest alternatives.
I am a traveller with special needs (wheelchair, mobility and physical challenges, etc), can I join the tour?
Due to the nature of the tour and location, we are not in a position to accommodate travellers with special needs. However, if in doubt please let me know your special needs and I can advise if I can meet your requirements.
Can I have a general overview of what is included and excluded in the Iceland photography tour?
Sure! Transparency is important so you are in full control of your budget.
All transport (except where specified), workshops and local tours are included as outlined in the travel Itinerary.
Excluded :
Included :
What is an estimate personal budget excluding the workshop fee?
Gran Canaria is relatively budget friendly (not as much as Asia).
Return flights from Brussels to Gran Canaria is under €300 (inclusive 1 checked bag) depending on how early you book.
The workshop fee already includes shared car rental and fuel.
You should plan a budget of €250 (twin share) to about €460 (single) for the duration of the trip (7 nights) on accomodations.
I will help and assist participants to team up with a room mate so you can make your own hotel bookings and pay directly to the hotel.
Food is good and affordable. €20 for a good meal is average.
Most of the places that we will be staying have good simptous breakfast at afforable prices. We can also make regular stops at supermarkets.
How do I know which hotels to book?
In the detailed program you will receive, there will be links (booking.com) to where the workshop leader will be staying at each destination, always centrally & conveniently located.
Due to the nature of the destination, you will likely stay in same hotels as the others.
Why are some accommodations and meals not included as a package?
You having choices, freedom and control over your budget & personal needs is important to me. Booking a group with a hotel is not less expensive and sometimes more, requires significant advance payments, and offers less flexibility for any changes. Online hotel booking search engines offers more choices and payment flexibility and zero commission for me = cheaper for you!
Some reasons that may help you understand my philosophy :
The workshop activities as well as transport pick-up point will be centred at the hotel where the workshop leader is staying (a mid-priced hotel). When booking your hotel, it is recommended that you should be within reasonable walking distance to the workshop leader's hotel. You can easily check this on google map or www.booking.com. If in doubt, just ask!
I am travelling by myself and do not mind sharing accommodations. Can you help in this?
Yes, I'll be happy to help you look for a roommate! Just let me know and I can share your contact details with other participants who might potentially be looking for a roommate.
The involved parties will contact each other directly to see if there is a good fit and make arrangements. I cannot accept any responsibility for any outcome.
Is travel insurance included?
Travel insurance is not included. Participants are required to have a travel insurance with coverage for cancellations. medical, or evacuation emergencies.
What kind of photography equipment should I bring along?
The photography tour is designed for DSLR and high-end mirrorless camera users. Compact cameras, phone cameras and mobile devices are not suitable however, they can of course be useful to supplement your casual photography.
Personal laptops with Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop installed are 'nice to have' as we will be reviewing images and editing as we go along. If you don't come with one, no big deal, just follow the visual presentations.
For more details, read the Suggested Equipment List. You will find useful informtion on 'must have', 'nice to have'.
What is the skill level expectation of the photographers for the tour ?
While we will go through some quick revision about the camera & exposures, you should have some knowledge of handling your camera in manual mode, reasonable understanding about exposures (what f-stops are, controlling apertures/shutter speeds/Iso/focus on the camera).
If you are a beginner and using your camera in auto, you'll get some help in getting started. Do be aware that it takes quite a bit of time to grasp the concepts of exposure and camera handling. Please understand that I am not able to provide you 100% attention at the expense of other participants.
For beginners, I recommend you join one of my photography workshops in brussels before joining this trip.
Over the next 10 days, you can improve, deepen your skills and go home with great photographs to share!
What are the booking, payment and cancellation terms?
Due to the current COVID19 situation and to simplify things, a €100 fully refundable is required.
The deposit is rendable if the tour is cancelled due to COVID19 ISSUES.
Any other questions not mentioned here?
Just send an email with your specific questions(s).
Thank you for contacting us.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.