deserts

Roadtrip in Arizona /  by Yobel Muchang

4 days | Dec 2018 | View of the sky seahorse and seal @ Lower Antelope Canyon.

4 days | Dec 2018 | View of the sky seahorse and seal @ Lower Antelope Canyon.

Quick Thoughts

Arizona is a roadtripping photographer’s dream destination, as one hops from panoramic desert terrains and jaw-dropping canyons, to starlit nights and lush forests, all within a day’s drive. For that reason, a couple buddies and I decided to roadtrip through northern Arizona. I spent my entire childhood in the state, but it took me leaving to realize how stunning & diverse Arizona truly is. Come visit, you won’t regret it!

Key Highlights

Things to Know

  • I went right around Christmas time which means you beat the crowds, but make sure to bring a thick jacket. Northern Arizona gets quite chilly!

  • Don’t bring a drone - they’re not allowed in the national parks (as of this writing). It didn’t stop some folks from flying them around Horseshoe Bend, but take my advice: don’t be That Guy. No one likes That Guy. That Guy’s mother doesn’t even like That Guy.

Bird’s Eye View

Roadtrip in Arizona

Trip by the Photos

5 days in Jordan /  by Yobel Muchang

5 days | May 2018 | Pic of Petra by Night

5 days | May 2018 | Pic of Petra by Night

Quick Thoughts

Of the three main attractions I visited (Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum), Wadi Rum was by far the most memorable. It’s a surreal experience traversing across vast desert landscapes that once was the bottom of the ocean, and seeing the immense rock formations protruding from the sand dunes is otherworldy. If you’re looking for an escape from civilization and to sleep amongst the stars, that’s the place to be!

Key Highlights

  • See my collection of Instagram Stories from this trip!

  • Exploring Wadi Rum desert with the local Bedouins

  • Petra by Night

  • Cave camping in Wadi Rum

Things to Know

  • Jordan Pass - Depending on your trip, this can save you time & money on entry fees including tourist visa fees and tourist attractions.

  • Petra by Night - This doesn’t run nightly so double-check availability. Also, this can get extremely crowded so if you’re interested in photographing it, make sure to either arrive early or try to stay inside Petra to beat the crowd.

  • Car Rental - While planning for this trip, I came across positive reviews for a local car rental agency, Monte Carlo, on Trip Advisor forums. I usually go with more established agencies, but after reaching out I decided on their service and found it well-priced and without issues. Sharing this as I know how stressful car rental can be!

  • Wadi Rum Accommodations - If visiting Wadi Rum (which I highly recommend), you’ll end up staying in Bedouin camps after leaving your car or being dropped off at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. I’ve linked the place where I stayed - don’t expect glamping, but you’ll have individual fixed tents and a clean shared washroom. You can also book desert tours directly including overnight cave camping which was quite surreal!

  • Flies, flies, and more flies! Bring some insect repellents, you’ll thank me later..

Bird’s Eye View

Wadi Rum, Petra, Dead Sea

Trip by the Photos

Roadtrip in Oman /  by Yobel Muchang

7 days | March 2018 | Pic of a mountain goat greeting me @ Jebel Shams mountaintop

7 days | March 2018 | Pic of a mountain goat greeting me @ Jebel Shams mountaintop

Quick Thoughts

Oman has a special place in my heart as it was my first trip since moving halfway across the world to Dubai in December 2017. And I was not disappointed! I once read it’s considered the “Norway of the Middle East” which is quite fitting given the country’s wild camping allowance and diverse natural landscapes ranging from fjords to jaw-dropping mountain ranges to the lush Wadi oasis, desert sands and coastal views. During my 7-day roadtrip, I experienced much of this as well as the wonderful locals and I cannot wait to explore this country again soon!

Key Highlights

  • See my collection of Instagram Stories from this trip!

  • Jebel Shams

  • Wild Camping

  • Wahiba Sands

  • The Wadis

  • Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve

  • All the goats!

Things to Know

  • Wild camping is allowed

  • Rent 4WD if driving to Jebel Shams

  • Driving offroad thru deserts is tough - find a guide!

Bird’s Eye View

Roadtrip and wild camping

Trip by the Photos