Scholarship mentor Richard I’Anson shares the highlights of his journey with Discover Mongolia, his thoughts on the benefits of our scholarships, and his tips for budding photographers.

1. How did you become a World Nomads Scholarship mentor?

I was fortunate to be invited by the World Nomads team in 2016 to become only the second Travel Photography Scholarship mentor. I was told the people in charge were aware of my work and interest in sharing my knowledge through my Lonely Planet travel photography book.

2. What makes Mongolia such a unique destination?

It’s a huge country with spectacular and varied landscapes including deserts, mountains, and vast steppes. Once you’re out of the capital city everywhere feels remote, so the sense of adventure is strong and enhanced by the long drives and encounters with Mongolia’s famous nomadic culture.

3. What makes World Nomads Scholarships such a fantastic opportunity?

The opportunity to travel on a private photography tour is amazing. The trips are 100 percent focused on capturing great photos, so it’s a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in an intense photography experience with people whose job is to get you to the right place at the right time and assist in all aspects of image creation.

4. What were the highlights of the Mongolia trip?

Every day produced memorable experiences and photography opportunities, but all three locations in the Gobi Desert and the regional Naadam festival at Kharakorim were the standouts for me.

5. What were the challenges of the Mongolia trip?

Nothing out of the ordinary. We covered big distances so the drives were long, but that was more challenging for our driver from Discover Mongolia. The biggest photography challenge was the long days. Because it was summer, sunrise was around 5am and sunset around 9pm. Thankfully, there was plenty of time to nap in the car on the long drives between locations.

6. You run a lot of photo tours around the world. What is the most common mistake beginner travel photographers make?

Not fully understanding the technical aspects of photography (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) and how they relate not just to correct exposure (which digital cameras can do well automatically) but how they relate to creative photography where the photographer is in control (not the camera) of the settings to achieve the look and feel in their images that they have in their mind’s eye.

7. What advice can you give someone who wants to break into the industry?

Learn the technical stuff (see above) so that using the camera becomes second nature, so that you can concentrate on the creative aspects of great photography, namely subject selection, composition, and light, so that you maximize the chance of capturing fleeting moments, which so often produce the best pictures.

Educate yourself on what quality photography looks like by studying the work of established photographers. Learn to step back from your own work and assess it dispassionately. This is harder than it sounds so seek the opinion and guidance of professionals and teachers where possible.

One of the great travel regions of the world, Europe has something for everyone. From natural wonders to beautiful cities there’s no shortage of adventures to be had! Whether you’re skiing in Switzerland, hiking the Via Ferrata in Italy or sailing the seas of Croatia, World Nomads has cover available for you.

What’s Covered

World Nomads offers coverage (up to the policy limits) for:

• Emergency overseas medical: if you become sick or injured during your trip your policy may cover you for overseas medical expenses, up to the policy limits and when agreed by us. 
• Medical evacuation and repatriation: if you need emergency transport home due to a serious illness or injury. With our coverage, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from us. 
• Travel delays/interruption: if your trip is interrupted due to an insured event. Depending on your plan, you may be able to recover your travel expenses.
• Baggage and valuables: if your belongings are stolen, accidentally damaged, delayed or lost. Terms and conditions apply. You’ll need official reports, supporting documentation and copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.
• Family plans: add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost. Our cover includes 2 adults and up to 8 dependents on the one policy.
• Adventure, activities and sports: we cover more than 150 activities, sports and experiences across land, sea and sky. Check before you buy that your adventure is covered and find out what policy upgrade options may be available.
• Cover for some Coronavirus-related events: Both our plans offer cover for coronavirus-related events. Our Explorer Plan also has a Coronavirus Travel Costs benefit for certain events. You can check out our Coronavirus cover article which has more details, including terms and conditions, benefit limits and exclusions. 

What to look out for when travelling around Europe

Multi-Destination Trips

If you’re backpacking your way around Europe, staying in hostels, going out on the town, and adventuring whenever you can, travel insurance may provide cover for medical emergencies and evacuation, stolen items, and more than 150 adventures, sports and activities including volunteering and working.

Families

Travelling as a family can be an incredibly rewarding experience and what better place to have a family adventure than Europe! Our policies can help cover for medical emergency, pregnancy, coronavirus, trip interruption and provide 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance. Cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on one policy. You can find more information on family cover by checking out our family travel insurance article.

Winter Activities

Winter activities in Europe are like a fairy tale. From hiking in the Swiss Alps, to Husky sledding in Finland, and snowboarding in Cervinia in Italy, our travel insurance offers more than 150 activities, sports and experiences.

Summer Adventures

An adventure-lovers dream, you can enjoy your European summer odyssey knowing our policies may cover you for a range of activities including hiking trips, road trips, kayaking and rafting and sailing.

We offer two plans for New Zealand residents – Standard and Explorer. Each policy provides different levels of coverage depending on what you need:

• The Standard Plan covers a range of benefits and certain adventure activities and has lower coverage limits.
• Our level of activities and sports cover starts at Level 1 and goes all the way up to level 3 for some more extreme activities. The Explorer Plan will come in handy if you want to be covered for certain activities and sports that are only covered at level 2 or 3. You must select all your activities and sports and pay the additional premium. The selected activities as well as the highest level of cover will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance. 

How do the levels of activity and sports cover work?

Level 1 - Automatically covers Level 1 sports, activities & experiences in the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan. Low-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 1.

Level 2 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 sports, activities & experiences. Higher-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 2.

Level 3 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 & 2 sports, activities & experiences. Highest-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 3 (including snow sports).

Simply specify all the activities you have planned for your trip when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply, check your Policy Document for details or contact us.

What to look out for when travelling around Europe

• Severe weather: some parts of Europe can experience four seasons in one day, and some destinations are prone to natural disasters. If your trip is interrupted or cancelled as a result of severe weather you may be able to claim. 
• Keep an eye on your gear 24/7: It’s very important that you NEVER leave your valuables unsupervised. If you're after travel insurance cover for your tech gear and other high value items read more here. You should also make copies of all key documents you’ll be traveling with — passport, ID, travel insurance, receipts, vouchers, addresses, transportation tickets — and keep them separate from the originals while abroad so you’ll have backups and proof of purchase if anything happens.
• Baggage theft or loss: if you’re on a European road trip and your rental car gets broken into, or your airline loses your bags, you may be able to claim to replace the item or claim for essential clothing and toiletries while you wait for your bag to be returned. Our Explorer plan can also offer cover for your rental vehicle insurance excess.
• Pickpockets: While most countries in Europe are amongst the safest to travel to there is always the chance that you might end up being pickpocketed in many top tourist hotspots. If your items are stolen travel insurance could help replace them.

What’s not covered

Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything and there are some important general exclusions you should be aware of, including:

• Existing medical conditions – see the Policy Document for details.
• Traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the New Zealand Government (see safetravel.govt.nz)
• Participation in a sport or activity not listed or failing to adhere to the terms of coverage for listed sports or activities.
• Unsupervised baggage or personal items, including any items left in a locked car overnight.
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do.
• Being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
• Any pregnancy-related illness after the 26th week of gestation. *Childbirth; regular antenatal care; care of a newborn child.

Be sure to read the Policy Document and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don’t cover so there’ll be no surprises if you need to use your cover.

Handy tips for travelling in Europe

• Always check the Visa requirements – some countries require you to have at least 6 months validity on your passports and some may require Visas that can take several weeks to organise.
• Pack light – especially if you’ll be travelling around Europe using public transport.
• Check for discounts – many cities offer tourist discount cards which may give you discounts on attraction entry fees, transport and even restaurants.
• Book attraction tickets in advance – if you know your plans then consider booking ahead for popular tourist sites such as the Vatican, London Eye and Eiffel Tower as tickets can sell out and some attractions require pre-booking.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.

One of the great travel regions of the world, Europe has ancient cultures, diverse scenery and dramatic coastlines. Whether you’re skiing in France, hiking in Spain or island hopping in Greece, World Nomads has cover options available for you.

What's Covered

World Nomads offers coverage (up to the policy limits) for:

• Emergency overseas medical: if you become sick or injured during your trip your policy may cover you for overseas medical expenses, up to the policy limits and when agreed by us. 
• Medical evacuation and repatriation: if you need emergency transport home due to a serious illness or injury. With our coverage, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from us.
• Travel delays/interruption: if your trip is interrupted due to an insured event. Depending on your plan, you may be able to recover your travel expenses.
• Baggage and valuables: if your belongings are stolen, accidentally damaged, delayed or lost. Terms and conditions apply. You’ll need official reports, supporting documentation and copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.
• Family plans: add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost. Our cover includes 2 adults and up to 8 dependents on the one policy.
• Adventure activities and sports: we cover more than 220 activities, sports and experiences across land, sea and sky. Check before you buy that your adventure is covered and find out what policy upgrade options may be available.
• Cover for some Coronavirus-related events: Both our plans offer cover for some coronavirus-related events. Our Explorer Plan also has a Coronavirus Travel Costs benefit for certain events. You can check out our Coronavirus cover article which has more details, including terms and conditions, benefit limits and exclusions. 

Why should I consider travel insurance when visiting Europe?

Europe covers a massive area and is made up of a diverse range of countries, climates, cultures and people. In most cases, travelling goes off without a hitch. But having the right travel insurance for you can take the added stress out of travel if things don’t go to plan.

Multi-Destination Trips

If you’re backpacking around Europe, staying in hostels, going out on the town, and adventuring whenever you can, travel insurance may provide cover for medical emergencies and evacuation, stolen items, and more than 220 activities, sports and experiences including volunteering and working.

Families

Travelling as a family can be a rewarding experience as you explore Europe together. Our policies can help cover for medical emergency, pregnancy, coronavirus, trip interruption and provide 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance. Cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on one policy, you can find more information on family cover by checking out our family travel insurance article.

Winter Activities

Winter activities in Europe are a must do on your travel activity list. From hiking in the Swiss Alps, to Husky sledding in Finland, and snowboarding in Cervinia in Italy, our travel insurance offers more than 220 activities, sports and experiences.

Summer Adventures

An adventure-lovers dream, you can enjoy your European summer odyssey knowing our policies may cover you for a range of activities including hiking trips, road trips, kayaking & rafting and even sailing.

We offer two plans for Australian Residents – Standard and Explorer. Each policy provides different levels of coverage depending on what you need:

• The Standard Plan covers a range of benefits and certain adventure activities and has lower coverage limits.
• Our level of activities and sports cover starts at Level 1 and goes all the way up to level 3 for some more extreme activities. The Explorer Plan will come in handy if you want to be covered for certain activities and sports that are only covered at level 2 or 3. You must select all your activities and sports and pay the additional premium. The selected activities as well as the highest level of cover will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance. 

How do the levels of activity and sports cover work?

(1) Level 1 - Automatically covers Level 1 sports, activities & experiences in the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan. Low-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 1.

(2) Level 2 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 sports, activities & experiences. Higher-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 2.

(3) Level 3 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 & 2 sports, activities & experiences. Highest-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 3 (including snow sports).

Simply specify all the activities you have planned for your trip when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply, check your PDS for details or contact us.

What to look out for when travelling around Europe

• Severe weather: some parts of Europe can experience four seasons in one day, and some destinations are prone to natural disasters such as flooding. If your trip is interrupted or cancelled as a result of severe weather you may be able to claim. 
• Keep an eye on your gear 24/7: it’s very important that you NEVER leave your valuables unsupervised. If you're after travel insurance cover for your tech gear and other high value items read more here. You should also make copies of all key documents you’ll be traveling with – passport, ID, travel insurance, receipts, vouchers, addresses, transportation tickets – and keep them separate from the originals while abroad so you’ll have backups and proof of purchase if anything happens.
• Baggage theft or loss: if you’re on a European road trip and your rental car is broken into, or your airline loses your bags, you may be able to claim to replace the item or claim for essential clothing and toiletries while you wait for your bag to be returned. The Explorer plan can also offer cover for your rental vehicle insurance excess.
• Pickpockets: while most countries in Europe are very safe to travel to there is always the chance that you might end up being pickpocketed in many top tourist hotspots. If your items are stolen travel insurance could help replace them.

What’s not covered

Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything and there are some important general exclusions you should be aware of, including:

• Existing medical conditions – see the PDS for details.
• Traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the Australian Government (see smartraveller.gov.au)
• Participation in a sport or activity not listed or failing to adhere to the terms of coverage for listed sports or activities.
• Unsupervised baggage or personal items, including any items left in a locked car overnight.
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do.
• Being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
• Any pregnancy-related illness after the 26th week of gestation.
• Childbirth; regular antenatal care; care of a newborn child.

Be sure to read the PDS and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don't cover so there'll be no surprises if you need to use your cover.

Handy tips for travelling in Europe:

• Always check the Visa requirements – some countries require you to have at least 6 months validity on your passports and some may require Visas that can take several weeks to organise.
• Pack light – especially if you’ll be travelling around Europe using public transport.
• Check for discounts – many cities offer tourist discount cards which may give you discounts on attraction entry fees, transport and even restaurants.
• Book attraction tickets in advance – if you know your plans then consider booking ahead for popular tourist sites such as the Vatican, London Eye and Eiffel Tower as tickets can sell out and some attractions require pre-booking.

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your PDS in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.