Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

A Post By: Kav Dadfar

The essential gear for travel photographers

If you’re struggling to choose the right travel photography gear, you’ve come to the right place.

You see, new travel photographers are always asking me about the equipment they should buy. And over time, I’ve developed a standard set of items that every travel shooter must own, from the absolute beginner to the serious professional.

Below, I share my list of essentials; it features all of the basics, including camera, lens, and accessory recommendations.

(By the way, a quick piece of advice before we start: Get adequate insurance to cover your camera and accessories. Accidents and thefts can – and will – happen. Be prepared!)

So if you’re ready to put together a top-notch travel photography kit, then let’s dive right in, starting with the most important gear item of all:

  • 1. A camera

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

Needless to say, every travel photographer needs at least one camera (and if you’re serious about travel photography, I’d really recommend you carry two: a main body and a backup).

What travel photography camera is best? Honestly, there are so many different choices, plenty of which are capable of great images, so the only way to really know what’s right is for you to think about your shooting preferences, then do some serious research.

But I do have a few pieces of advice.

For one, make sure that your camera is portable enough to carry all around the world, yet offers strong enough image quality to create stunning prints. It might sound like a tall order, but you can find entry-level mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and even point-and-shoot models that are small, lightweight, and take great pictures (they won’t break the bank, either).

Of course, there are also pro-level cameras that fit the bill, but they’re far pricier. Professional travel photographers tend to use high-end mirrorless and DSLR cameras, which range from around $1,500 to $5,000 USD. One advantage of these cameras, in addition to the insane low-light capabilities and high megapixel counts, is the (often) robust weather sealing. If you plan to shoot in rain, snow, blowing sand, or sea spray, weather sealing is hugely beneficial. It might even be a must-have feature.

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

If you’re not sure whether a specific camera is right for you, I highly recommend renting before you buy. There are plenty of great online rental companies (and you can find in-person rental companies locally, too). Grab the camera for a day or three, go out and take some photos, and see what you think. You may end up frustrated or you may fall in love – but after a few hours, you’ll know whether it’s a camera worth buying.

By the way, when you’re ready to purchase, shop around. Don’t forget that you can always buy secondhand cameras; these cost half as much but are often in outstanding condition.

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

Usually, cameras come with just one low-quality lens, or they might come “body only,” which means that you’ll need to purchase a lens separately.

Lenses do make a major difference, so I recommend you think about your travel photography lens choice very carefully. Wide-angle lenses, for instance, will get you completely different results from telephoto lenses. And wide-aperture lenses will let you shoot in very low light, though you’ll pay for it in money, size, and weight.

To start, you’ll need a workhorse lens, which you can use for most of your travel photography. It should offer a good range of focal lengths, should be relatively lightweight, and should offer decent optical quality. I’d recommend looking into 24-70mm lenses, which are great for everything from landscapes to travel portraits . (In fact, you could get away with only purchasing a 24-70mm lens; they really are that versatile!)

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

If your budget allows it, however, I do recommend you add a telephoto lens to complement your workhorse lens. A 70-200mm lens, for instance, is great for tighter landscapes, architectural details, and even large (or tame) wildlife.

Over time, you can always build up your lens collection further by adding macro or prime lenses, but if you can start with a 24-70mm lens and a 70-200mm lens, or even just a 24-70mm lens, you’ll be in great shape.

Here’s my basic list of lenses, which I carry on every trip:

  • A 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom
  • A 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom
  • A 50mm f/1.2 prime
  • A 100mm f/2.8 macro
  • 3. A tripod

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

Beginner travel photographers might not like the idea of purchasing a tripod – after all, it can be expensive, it can be a hassle to transport, and it’ll slow down your shooting – but here’s the thing:

A tripod is one of the most invaluable travel photography gear items you will ever own. In fact, ask any travel photographer to name their favorite accessory, and they’ll most likely say a tripod.

What makes tripods so special?

For one, without a tripod, you cannot take photos that require slow shutter speeds . Image stabilization technology is great, but you can’t use IS to capture ultra-long exposures at night; try it, and you’ll likely end up with a series of blurry photos.

And yes, tripods do slow you down, but that’s often a good thing. Tripods mean that you spend a bit more time thinking and composing rather than just snapping away.

There are plenty of amazing tripods, and the one that you choose will come down to personal preference, budget, and weight tolerance. Most travel photographers go with carbon fiber tripods, as they are stable and lightweight, and I recommend that you do the same.

Now, when you’re looking at tripods, you’ll probably notice plenty of cheap options – in the $50 to $150 range – and you’ll wonder: Why can’t I get one of those?

Well, you can , but they’ll often weigh a ton. You might not think that 7 lb sounds like a lot, but try carrying a 7 lb tripod for an entire day (along with your camera, lenses, and accessories) and you’ll wish you had paid more money for a lighter model.

And if you find a cheap tripod that doesn’t weigh a ton, it’s likely very unstable. Do you really want to rely on something cheap and flimsy to hold up your expensive camera? In my view, you should always choose the best tripod that you can afford. It’ll last you a long time, anyway, and will be well worth the initial investment.

  • 4. A camera bag

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

Tripods might be the most important travel photography accessory you’ll ever own, but camera bags come in as a close second, so make sure you buy a good, durable, comfortable product.

You see, camera bags often go unnoticed, yet not only do they keep your equipment safe while in transit, but they also hold your equipment when you are photographing at your destination. They protect your precious cameras and lenses from sand, rain, and snow, and they ensure you remain comfortable when walking or hiking from location to location.

There are lots of camera bags to choose from, and they vary in terms of size, durability, comfort, accessories, and cost. You’ll need to pick a bag that works for you, and as you become more experienced, you may want to buy different bags for different scenarios.

For instance, if I’m hiking or out in the wilderness, I carry a large, comfortable bag, one that’s good for long walks and that contains plenty of room for equipment, water, and more. On the other hand, if I’m shooting in a city, I’ll go with a smaller bag or even a shoulder bag, which holds less gear but won’t get in the way.

  • 5. Memory cards

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

So you’re standing in front of a breathtaking sunset, colors swirling in the sky like an artist’s palette. Your camera’s at the ready. But wait—your camera displays a warning that you’re almost out of memory. The beauty of the moment fades as you frantically sift through your photos, deciding which ones to delete to make room. Frustrating, isn’t it? To avoid this scenario, stock up on memory cards. Lots of them.

How many should you bring? Well, that depends. It’s a balancing act between the length of your trip, your shooting style, the megapixels your camera has, and the capacity of the cards you’re considering. If you’re someone who loves shooting for long stretches, or if you’re a fan of burst mode, then you’ll need hefty storage—say, around 500 GB or even more for extended trips.

Don’t just think about quantity; consider the safety of your digital treasures. I’ll talk about external hard drives later, but even before that, invest in a quality memory card case. These nifty little containers shield your cards from elements like rain, dirt, and dust. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of heartache.

  • 6. Extra batteries

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

Switching gears, let’s talk about the lifeblood of your camera: batteries. And just as you wouldn’t leave for a trip with just one memory card, you shouldn’t go without spare batteries either.

The need for extra batteries becomes even more pressing when you can’t predict your access to a power outlet. Maybe you’re in a remote village or trekking through the wilderness; it’s not like you can just plug your charger into a tree.

While original batteries can be pricey, third-party options usually offer a more budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing much in terms of performance. In warm climates and where you know you’ll have frequent access to power, one spare should suffice. But if you’re headed to a colder climate, or places where charging might be a challenge, 3-5 spare batteries would be more appropriate, especially if you’re using modern mirrorless cameras, which tend to be power-hungry.

  • 7. An external hard drive

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

Traveling the world with your camera is incredible. Yet, that moment of joy can turn to panic if something happens to your memory cards. This is where an external hard drive steps in as your safety net. I strongly recommend that every traveler keep one in their kit. When you get back to your lodging each night, you can transfer the day’s photos onto the hard drive. This provides a dual safety net—keeping your shots safe and freeing up memory space for the next day.

Hard drives are quite affordable now, and even drives with terabytes of storage won’t break the bank. The ones built for durability are particularly good for travel. They can handle a few bumps on the road and most are shock-resistant. You don’t want a little tumble to wipe out your irreplaceable photos.

  • 8. A remote release

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

A tripod serves as the bedrock for many great shots. But let’s extend that setup a bit. A remote release might not be the first thing you pack, but oh, the difference it makes. We’re talking about crisp, clear shots when the sun’s gone down or when you’re indoors. Sure, you could use your camera’s built-in timer or even your smartphone to snap a photo. But a remote release eliminates any risk of camera shake, which can ruin an otherwise perfect shot.

Especially useful for low-light photography, this tiny device allows you to trigger the camera without touching it. This is crucial when you’re working with slow shutter speeds to get that perfect exposure. What’s more, these gadgets aren’t a major investment. Basic models often cost less than $20. So if you’re planning to capture the serene twilight or the dynamic city lights, do consider adding a remote release to your kit.

  • 9. A raincover

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

Mother Nature is unpredictable! You’re in a beautiful location, the light is perfect, and then—bam! Raindrops start falling. If you don’t want your camera to be a casualty of unexpected weather, a rain cover is a smart addition to your gear. Think of it as an insurance policy for your camera, safeguarding your investment from water damage.

A basic rain cover should do the trick for most situations. These are generally affordable and easy to slip over your camera and lens. They’re made of water-resistant materials like nylon or polyethylene and usually have a clear panel so you can still see your camera’s settings. But if you find yourself in a situation where you have to improvise, a trash bag secured with rubber bands can also be a makeshift solution.

This gear isn’t glamorous, but it’s effective. And when you’re far from home, capturing scenes you’ve only dreamt of, practicality trumps glamour every time.

  • 10. A cleaning kit

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

Switching gears, let’s discuss hygiene—not for you, but for your camera. Whether you’re trekking through the Amazon or wandering through the streets of Paris, your camera is at risk. Elements like rain, dust, and even snow can turn from scenic details into gear-ruining nightmares. So, just as you wouldn’t venture out without your personal toiletries, don’t forget your camera’s cleaning kit.

A basic kit doesn’t have to be bulky. A small pouch can hold all the essentials: microfiber cloths for your lens, a rocket blower to force out the pesky dust, and a small brush to reach into the crevices of your camera body. These simple tools can be lifesavers, ensuring that your camera remains functional and your photos remain clear.

  • 11. Filters

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

Your camera captures light, but you control the quality of that light. Filters can be game-changers, particularly for travel photographers capturing diverse scenes. Say you’re photographing a lake surrounded by lush trees. A polarizing filter will minimize glare on the water and make those green leaves pop. The difference it makes is like night and day.

Neutral density filters are another key accessory. These are useful when you want to experiment with long-exposure shots. Maybe you’re near a flowing river and you want to capture that silky-smooth water effect. A neutral density filter will let you shoot at slower shutter speeds without overexposing your image.

Last but not least, let’s talk about protective filters like UV or clear filters. These may not dramatically alter your images, but they safeguard your valuable lens from scratches, smudges, and even minor falls. I say it’s a lot easier—and cheaper—to replace a filter than a lens.

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

  • Essential travel photography gear: final words

Buying your first camera, lenses, and accessories can be a daunting prospect.

But if you pay careful attention to this list, do your research, and get the absolute essentials, then your kit will turn out great. You can always add more specialized gear over time!

Now over to you:

What travel photography gear do you plan to take on your next outing? What gear do you need to buy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Table of contents

Travel photography.

  • 8 Ideas of What To Do With Your Vacation Photos
  • What Skills do You Need to be a Travel Photographer?
  • How to Capture the Essence of a Place – Travel Photography Tips
  • 7 Tips to Make Travel Photography Interesting Again
  • Avoid These 5 Major Mistakes Made By Travel Photographers
  • Travel Photography – Do You Ask Permission Before, After Or Not At All?
  • Travel Photographers Workflow – At Home and on the Road
  • The Photo Critique: Travel Photo Edition
  • 6 Reasons Why Your Travel Photos Don’t Look Like the Ones in Magazines
  • The Fine Line Between Travel Photography and Having a family Vacation
  • 10 Ways to Improve your Vacation Photos
  • What is Your Biggest Travel Photography Challenge?
  • 7 Travel Photography Hacks to Get You Going Places
  • How to Use a Travel Photography Shot List to Come Home with Better Photos
  • Why You Need To Be A Guerrilla Travel Photographer – And How To Become One
  • How to Get the Most Out of a Travel Photography Location
  • Travel Photography, Backpacking and Packing Light
  • 6 of the Best Smartphone Apps for Travel and Landscape Photography
  • How To Keep Camera Gear Safe While Traveling
  • 5 Ways to Find Great Locations for Travel Photography
  • 15 Tips for Protecting Your Images While Traveling
  • Safety Tips for Travel Photographers (Particularly Women)
  • Off Camera Flash for Your Travel Photography
  • How to Use Natural Light in Travel Photography
  • Photo Composition Tips from Bob Holmes – Composition in Travel Photos
  • The Importance of People in your Travel Photos
  • Create More Unique Travel Photos by Adding a Model
  • 5 Lessons Learned Switching from DSLR to Mirrorless for Travel Photography
  • How To Keep Your Batteries Charged While Traveling – Remote Location Edition
  • 5 Tips For Travel With Only One Lens
  • 5 Lessons Learned While Using a Kit Lens for Travel Photography
  • 7 Tips for Using a Tripod in Landscape and Travel Photography
  • The Best Fujifilm X-Series Kits for Travel Photography
  • The First 10 Things You Need to Buy After Your Camera for Travel Photography
  • Tiniest Interchangable Lens Micro Four Thirds Cameras for Travel with Amazing Quality
  • The Only Three Lenses You Need for Travel Photography
  • Why Olympus Mirrorless Cameras are Top Notch for Travel Photography
  • The Best Travel Photography Lenses: Our Top 12 Picks
  • 5 Camera Bags That Every Travel Photographer Needs At Some Point
  • A Travel Tripod that can Also Act as a Light Stand
  • The iPad as a Photographer’s Travel Helper [a Review]
  • 7 Non-Photography Items Which No Travel Photographer Should Leave Home Without
  • 7 Reasons Why a Tripod is a Travel Photographer’s Best Friend
  • Travel Photography Equipment – What To Pack?
  • 10 Ways to Improve Your Travel Photography Portraits
  • How to Plan and Take Killer Sunset Photos on Your Next Vacation
  • Tips for Photographing Local Parks
  • How to Find the Best Kinds of People to Photograph While Traveling
  • 4 Ways To Make Better Street Portraits While Traveling
  • How to Photograph People When Traveling
  • How To Take More Creative Environmental Travel Portraits
  • Photographing Signs – Travel Photography Tip
  • Tips for Creating Better Documentary Travel Photos
  • 6 Tips for How to be a Culturally Sensitive Travel Photographer
  • Travel Photography Subjects: Old People
  • How to Put the Fine Art into Travel Photography
  • Travel Photography without the Travel – Going Local
  • How to Tell Better Visual Stories with Travel Photography
  • Create a Theme to Step Up Your Travel Photography
  • Travel Photography ~ Think Outside The Postcard When Photographing Famous Landmarks
  • Photographing Festivals and Events – Tips for Travel Photographers
  • Video: Travel Photography Tips – Shoot with a Purpose
  • 7 Reasons Why You Should Art Direct Your Travel Photography
  • Buy Less Gear: Travel and Experience More
  • Editorial Travel Photography – Telling the Story of a Location
  • Travel Photography Subjects: Religion
  • Travel Photography Subjects: Views
  • Travel Photography Tips – Photographing the Coast
  • Taking Photos in Busy Tourist Destinations with no People in the Shot
  • How to Backup and Manage Your Photos When Traveling Without a Computer
  • Tips for Creating a Killer Vacation Photo Book
  • Photo Editing Workflow for Travel Photography
  • How to Build a Travel Photography Portfolio
  • How to Become a Professional Travel Photographer – Two Paths
  • 11 Tips for Shooting Travel Stock Photography to Make Money
  • How to Sell a Travel Story to a Magazine and Help Fund Your Travels
  • 7 Realities That Hit Once You Become a Professional Travel Photographer
  • Is a Career in Travel Photography Right for You?
  • Travel Inspiration: Bali
  • Canadian Travelogue – Introduction
  • Travel Photography Inspiration Project: South Africa
  • Travel Photography Inspiration Project: Thailand
  • Canadian Travelogue – Newfoundland – Gros Morne National Park
  • Travel Photography Inspiration Project: India
  • Travel Photography Inspiration Project: Japan
  • Travel Photography Inspiration Project: Kenya
  • Travel Photography Inspiration Project: Morocco
  • Travel Photography Inspiration Project: Vietnam
  • An Interview With World Traveler Gary Arndt
  • Interview: Oded Wagenstein – Author of Snapn Travel Guide and dPS Writer

Essential Travel Photography Gear: 11 Must-Have Items

Read more from our Cameras & Equipment category

Kav Dadfar

is a professional travel photographer, writer and photo tour leader based in the UK. His images are represented by stock agencies such as 4Corners Images and Robert Harding World Imagery and they have been used by clients such as Condé Nast, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, and many others. Kav is also the co-founder of That Wild Idea, a company specializing in photography workshops and tours both in the UK and around the world. Find out more at That Wild Idea .

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Berty Mandagie - Best Photography Accessories For Travelers

The 20 Best Photography Accessories You Absolutely Need To Have As A Busy Traveler

Post Summary: The Best Photography Accessories for busy travelers and outdoor lovers!

Traveling with your camera?

Travel photography can be an exciting adventure, one that will provide you with lasting memories for a lifetime!

While we are firm believers that you can enjoy travel photography simply with your phone, photography accessories can elevate and enhance your experience when capturing photos on the go.

Forget scouring the internet and spending hours wading through reviews and comparing items, we did all that work for you here!

We’re rounding up all the products that have helped elevate our travel photography experience, and we hope they can help you, too.

From portable tripods to apps for your phone, we’re sharing the essential accessories for any photographer on the road!

travel photo items

The 20 Best Photography Accessories For Busy Travel Photographers

Pre-Note: This list is a mix of budget photography accessories and investment pieces. (All affiliate links, which help us keep this blog running – thank you!)

We’ve acquired these travel camera accessories over many years , which have been fine-tuned to help us streamline our specific way of shooting on the go.

You absolutely do not need all the photography accessories on this list – just choose which ones are right for you in your photography experiences!

You might also like this blog post: The 25 Best Christmas Gifts For Photographers

travel photo items

Peak Design Capture 3.0 Clip

travel photo items

The Peak Design Capture 3.0 Clip is designed for photographers on the go , specifically when doing outdoor activities like shoots on Washington hiking trails or backpacking in the backcountry.

We used it every day when we were hiking in Glacier National Park and it’s one of the best camera accessories for outdoor photographers.

This clip lets you easily attach your camera to a backpack shoulder strap, with a quick-release tab for easy access to your camera whenever you want it.

Get the Peak Design Capture Clip here at REI.   ($69.99)

Peak Design Camera Leash 

travel photo items

You’ve spent a pretty penny on your camera, why would you attach it to a cheap strap? One of the best travel photography accessories you can invest in is a great camera strap.

Peak Design does it once again. This time, they’ve come up with the greatest camera strap on the market!

This camera strap is customizable and can help tailor to your specific needs as a photographer.

They also come with their universal anchors, which can easily attach/reattach to multiple devices .

This means you can buy one strap and switch it easily between camera bodies. (Perfect for switching between your DSLR and film cameras !) 

Get The Peak Design Camera Leash here at REI.   ($39.99)  

Photography Editing Apps

travel photo items

You may not have your home office set up when working on travel photography projects.

But that doesn’t mean you have to wait to edit photos until you get home!

If you find yourself traveling on a budget , editing apps are fun photography accessories to try on your next road trip – they are a really good way to pass the time on those long driving days.

We compiled some of our favorite phone editing apps for travel photographers here, including fan favorites like Lightroom and VSCO to some smaller, but equally powerful niche tools as well.

Download some of these editing apps and play around with them before your next trip!

Additionally, download some of these other road trip planning tools to help make your trip seamless and worry-free.

Memory Card Case

Memory Card Holder - Travel Photography Setup

Once you take the photo – where are you storing your memory cards?

If it’s in a pocket or random zipper in your backpack, it’s at risk of getting damaged in transit!

Keep those precious files safe in a memory card case. We have this one by Pelican that can hold up to 24 separate cards. This tough, water-resistant case keeps cards from getting smashed or dropped.

It also adds a little bit of bulkiness, so you don’t have to search for tiny cards in the bottom of your bag – you can just grab the case!

Get the Pelican 0915 Memory Card Holder From B&H Photo Here . ($19.99)

Memory Card Reader

Creative Photography Accessories - Card Reader

Do you have a photo you just can’t wait to edit? Don’t wait until you get home – you can edit on the go!

This inexpensive card reader is an easy addition to your travel photography accessories kit.

It has card reading slots for CF Cards, SD, MS, and MicroSD for a versatile file transfer experience on the go.

Get The Kingston 3.0 USB High Speed Media Reader at B&H Photo . ($18.99)

ACUPWR C350D Travel Car Power Inverter

Travel Photography Accessories - Power Inverter

The ACUPWR C350D Travel Car Power Inverter is a lifesaver  for photographers who are constantly on the go.

With options for 2 USB ports and an internationally adaptable 110 Volt Power Outlet, you can easily charge your gear in between locations – even on an international trip!

It’s absolutely one of our most important road trip essentials as travel photographers!

It comes with its own fan and adapter/converter, so you won’t ever have to worry about it overheating.

You can easily take this between your own car, rental cars, and more for charging power anywhere you go.

Get The Bestek Car Power Inverter Here on B&H Photo.  ($59.99)  

BioLite Charge 40 Power Bank

BioLite Charge 40 Power Bank

BioLite Charge 40 Power Bank ($49.95)

The BioLite Charge 40 power bank is freakishly light and slender, so much so that it can easily fit in your pocket for portable power.

With its useful USB ports AND USB-C port, you can easily use it with any device (phone, iPad, other tools) for extra juice on the go.

We like to charge these when we’re driving so we always have power. Never be without power on the trail!

We added this power bank to our backpacking gear checklist , so we are able to run our hiking apps and charge our two-way satellite communicator. It’s also nice to have backup power in case our camera gear needs a boost!

SANDISK Extreme SSD Portable Hard Drive  

travel photo items

There have been plenty of times where we have been editing photos in the car and then proceeded to hit a bump in the road – disconnecting our hard drive from our laptop. BUZZKILL.

Since then, we’ve learned to invest in gear that can take our rougher-than-normal lifestyle, which is why we recommend the Sandisk Extreme SSD portable hard drive .

This external hard drive doesn’t have a spinning disk , which means it’s faster than most portable hard drives (up to 550MB/s read speeds).

It also boasts dust and water resistance (not to be confused with waterPROOF – don’t drop it in water, folks!) and has been tested to withstand drops up to two meters. 

Get The Sandisk Extreme SSD Portable Hard Drive at B&H Photo. ($149.99)  

Stasher Bags

travel photo items

Not the kind of travel photography accessory you expected, right?

Stasher Bags are perfect for travel photographers who care about sustainability and their impact on the environment.

From film storage to hiking snacks , these versatile bags can be used and reused…forever! The possibilities are endless with Stasher bags.

Personally, we like to use them as a catch-all for smaller items like batteries and small attachments. They are watertight, so you can seal items for some extra protection against the elements.

This comes in handy for river rafting trips , rainy climates, and photoshoots near the ocean.

Get Stasher Bags at Anthropologie Here. ($10-$20 each  

Cord Organizer

BestTravel Photography Accessories - Cord Organizer

Laptop chargers, card readers, aux cables, adapters…the list will never end! As a traveling photographer, it’s essential to keep gear organized on the road. 

This convenient wrap storage bag has tons of places to store your cords; everything from clear zipper pouches, elastic loops, and see-through pockets for easy access.

We always keep at least one of these cord organizers in our travel bag ready to go!

Get The Lowepro Gear Wrap Here at B&H Photo. ($21.99)  

Otter Box + Pop Socket Collab Phone Case

iPhone Travel Accessories - Otter Box Phone Case

This phone case is an absolute dream for traveling photographers. Not only does it provide the iconic protection of bumps and falls from Otter Box, but it also brings in the convenience of a Pop Socket for ease of use.

Bonus – it lies flush with the back, so no more extra bulky space!

Make sure to pair it with Pop Socket’s car mount, so you can easily use your GPS on the go.

It’s the perfect little accessory that fits on your car’s vent, and you can take it off and bring it from car to car with you!

Get The Otterbox / Pop Socket Collab Phone Case at B&H Photo. ($53.96)  

Cotopaxi Waist Pack

travel photo items

Do you ever wish you had more pockets to store your gear at arm’s length?

The Cotopaxi Bataan 3 Liter Hip Pack pretty much takes care of that problem.

Sling it across your shoulder or attach it at the hip, this colorful zipper pouch gives you extra roomy storage for batteries, gloves, memory cards, and even a small camera!

Get The Cotopaxi Bataan 3L Hip Pack at Backcountry.com ($29.95)  

WANDRD (Backpacks and Duffels)

Travel Photography Accessories - WANDRD PRVKE Camera Backpack

After trying backpack after backpack for travel, we’ve discovered that WANDRD is the best for our photography gear on the go. 

From their carefully placed zippers and pouches to the thoughtful touches like a passport pocket, small grab pouch, and 15inch laptop sleeve, WANDRD thought of everything for the traveling photographer. 

GET THE WANDRD PRCKE 21 Backpack here at Backcountry.com ($184)  

Velcro Cord Straps

travel photo items

Nothing is worse than a mess of cords in your bag! If you’re like us, you’re constantly traveling from place to place, which means constantly packing and repacking your bag.

To keep sane, we use these velcro straps that attach to our cords for easy and neat storage at the end of the day. It’s the small things that really make a difference!

Get Rip-Tie 3.5′ Mini Cable Wraps at B&H Photo Here.   ($4.95)   

A Travel-Sized Tripod Is One Of The Best Photography Accessories To Buy!

Berty Mandagie using JOBY travel tripod - one of our favorite essential photography accessories!

A travel tripod is an incredibly handy travel photography accessory for solo travelers, long-exposure lovers, and everything in between.

Peak Design has two kinds we really like – The Aluminum Travel Tripod (3.4lbs) for easy toting, and the Carbon Fiber Version (2.4lbs) for super-lightweight travel (like a backpacking trip).

If you’re looking for a travel tripod with a little more versatility, we also recommend the JOBY GorillaPod Mini Tripod . This one has legs that can wrap around surfaces and easily accommodate uneven surfaces.

Camera Lens Protectors

travel photo items

Berty and I are constantly misplacing lens caps .

We stash them in coat pockets and then forget where they are (sometimes until next season!). It’s hard to protect them when each lens in a different size, too!

That’s why we were on the hunt for a universal lens protecto r – and we found one by GVB Gear .

These rubber lens covers protect all sizes between 60mm-110mm, function as front AND back protection, and grips extra tight.

These are great “just in case” travel photography accessories to store in your camera bag pockets. You paid a lot for those lenses – spend a tiny bit extra to keep them safer, too!

Get GVB Gear Front And Back Professional Lens Protectors From B&H Photo Here. ($12.99)

Lens Cleaning Kit

Lens Cleaning Kit - Best Photography Accessories

Whenever we take our cameras on Pacific Northwest hiking trails , our favorite photo locations on the Oregon Coast , or add them to our backpacking gear , we ALWAYS bring along a cleaning kit!

This one from Sensei has a retractable brush, cleaning tissue, bulb air blower and some cleaning solution to keep your lenses free of dust and dirt. It’s a useful gift for film photographers and digital photographers alike – perfect for a stocking stuffer!

It also comes with a convenient zipper pouch to keep everything in one place too.

Get The Sensei Lens Cleaning Kit From B&H Photo ($14.99)

What are some travel photography accessories you like to use? Share your tips and gear recommendations in the comments below!

More photography tips and gear.

Our Complete Travel Photography Gear List

The Best 35mm Color Film Stock For Your Film Camera

12 Ways To Thrive During Your Photography Slow Season

Shooting With The Canon EOS R (Our Honest Review)

11 Awesome Photo Editing Apps For Traveling Photographers

The 20 Best New York City Photography Locations

8 Easy Practices To Enhance Your Travel Photography

The Photographer’s Guide To Cuyahoga National Park

travel photo items

Divergent Travelers

Ultimate Travel Photography Gear List

One of our most frequently asked questions is “what kind of travel photography gear do you carry with you when you travel?” We always answer this question with big smiles and ‘well, do you have an hour to talk camera gear?’.

We run Divergent Travelers as a professional travel blog and this means we carry large amounts of gear with us everywhere we travel to around the globe.

It might seem obnoxious to the average traveler, but this is our job and we need this equipment to bring you great content from our travels.

As a couple, we tackle content creation as a team. I handle the majority of the photography and David handles the majority of the video filming, creation, and production.

We’ve spent years learning how to use our travel photography gear and are constantly adapting and growing our skill sets to better showcase the world of travel on our site, social channels and for our clients.

This travel photography gear list is not the be-all, end-all of travel camera gear lists. These items are the ones we prefer to use based on our styles, needs and wants when in the field.

When you grow as a content producer, you’ll start to learn the things you prefer to have over others and it takes time to build the kit that is perfect for your needs.

With that said, we love our equipment and can stand behind recommending each piece to anyone that is looking for something new to add to their own kits.

We’re going to break this post down by what we currently have in our camera bags but we’re also going to tell you some of the other equipment we’ve carried with us before as well.

Table of Contents

The following list of equipment is what I am currently carrying in my travel camera bag. It’s taken a long time and a lot of trial and error to get it narrowed down but this current setup meets most of my needs while on the road.

Camera Bags

First off, before I tell you what is IN my gear bag, let’s talk about WHAT gear bag(s) I have. Honestly, I have a love/hate relationship with camera bags and despite my best efforts, have yet to find the perfect bag for me.

I am not giving up hope, but so far the search has been in vain. I currently alternate between 2 bags depending on the type of trip and location we are visiting.

  • Vanguard Alta Sky 45D Camera Backpack – this is my ‘major’ gear bag. It is designed for camera gear and this thing holds A LOT of camera gear. It has served me well in Europe, Africa, Antarctica, South America, Asia, etc but truth be told the fit isn’t perfect for me. I have a short torso (hence my lifetime woe of finding backpacks that work) so when this bag is loaded with gear, it sits on my lower back strangely. I am able to adjust it in the shoulder straps and hip belt, but alas, still gives me back issues when I spend a day hiking with it loaded down. The upside, is that it is small enough to use as a carry-on, so I exclusively do, and it holds all the gear I need, plus my Macbook Pro.
  • Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 Backpack – this is not a camera bag, it’s a hiking backpack but it works fine. It fits me really well and I have converted it into a camera bag by using camera inserts I removed from another bag. The limiting factor here is that I can only carry a small amount of camera gear with me. My camera insert holds 1 spare lens (not my telephoto) and my camera body with a lens attached. If I squeeze things just right I can fit a couple of filters, batteries, charger and my strap in there but it’s a tight fit. It’s great for trips when I won’t need a variety of lenses or accessories.  I also use the hydration slip as a laptop sleeve.

Other bags I use for travel photography and find incredibly useful, depending on the job and destination, include:

  • Think Tank Holster 50 V2.0 – I LOVE this holster sling bag for working in the field. Particularly because it has a solid, shaped form that doesn’t collapse AND it fits my camera when a telephoto lens is attached.
  • Think Tank Holster 20 V2.0 – This bag is made exactly like the one above, except it houses shorter lenses. I often carry two bodies with me in the field and this is a great way to protect your cameras when doing this. When we were traveling in Antarctica , I used this setup exclusively when we made landings and went on zodiac trips.

Over the years I have tried so, so many camera gear bags. We’ve written about this journey and highlighted many of these bags in the below articles too. If you’re on a similar journey, be sure to read these as well.

  • Best Camera Sling Bags: Top 5 + How to Choose the Right One
  • Hiking Camera Backpack for Travel: Top 5 + How to Choose
  • How to Choose the Best Camera Backpack for Travel

travel photography gear

  • Sony A7Riii Body – After shooting on Canon for my entire photography career, I decided to make the switch to Sony and moved to a mirrorless system. This was a steep learning curve but now that I’m in the groove I absolutely love the decision. The technology in these bodies is unmatched and I find that this has changed the way I shoot photos, in a good way.
  • Canon 6d DSLR Body – I love this full-frame body and the Canon 6D performs very well in low light conditions too. At the beginning of 2020, I switched to a mirrorless Sony system, but I kept this body and a couple of Canon lenses. It is a great backup camera or second body when needed.
  • GoPro Hero 9 Black  – we actually take a ton of photos with our GoPro cameras when we travel. They allow you to capture unique perspectives in situations where it isn’t easy or possible to use a DSLR.
  • GoPro Hero 8 Black – We love our GoPro cameras. You can’t go wrong with a camera that can be used on any adventure and the GoPro can take on any adventure you throw at it.
  • GDome Underwater System – this is the most fun piece of equipment we have right now. Ever wondered how we capture those awesome over/underwater photos ? This little device, paired with our GoPro, does just that.
  • iPhone 11 Max – yep, we use our phones to capture moments during our travels too. Mostly, we will use our phone to create stuff for social media and editorial use. The technology on the newer phones is so good that it’s a tool we do not overlook to grab shots on the road.

If you’re looking for advice on what cameras to buy, be sure to take a look at these articles too:

  • Best Camera for Safari: How to Choose & What to Avoid
  • Top 5 Best Wildlife Photography Cameras
  • How to Decide Which GoPro to Buy
  • Best Drones for Adventure and Travel Photography from A Real Drone User

My Lens Collection

Over-Under view of the ocean in Fiji

Lenses are the most important part of your travel photography gear kit. Your photos will be affected by the quality and types of glass you use on your body.

Having top quality lenses should be your first goal in buying the equipment as it will give you the best chances of capturing sharp, quality images.

  • Sony 16-35mm f2.8 GM Wide Lens – this lens rivals the below for an everyday lens for me. With it being wide, it gives you a bit more room to be creative and capture things, especially in tight spaces. I use this lens a lot.
  • Sony 24-105mm f4 G OSS Lens – this is my everyday walk-around lens. I shoot the majority of my photos with this lens. I am not crazy about it being f/4 but the compromise is a bit more zoom length. This is worth it for me as travel photography requires flexibility when walking around.
  • Sony 200-600mm f5.6 G OSS Lens – Instead of going with the 100-400 in Sony, as I intended to keep the Canon 100-400 lens, I opted for more reach. This lens is crazy sharp but heavy. I can shoot it handheld, but not all day like I could the 100-400. I use it with a monopod or tripod and exclusively for shooting wildlife.
  • Canon 24-105mm L Lens – kept this lens for my Canon system as a backup.
  • Canon 100-400mm L Lens – this lens has a fabulous, high-quality telephoto zoom, so I kept it around when I switched systems. I don’t take this lens on every trip, but I’ve used it a lot to photograph wildlife in Africa and Southeast Asia .

If you’re looking for advice on which lenses you should purchase, be sure to check out the following articles:

  • Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography (Canon/Nikon/Sony)

Lens Filters

Filters are absolutely necessary for creating great shots. They help you control the light that enters the lens and cut glare in your photos.

There is a massive variety of filters and they come in a wide spectrum of quality and use. When it comes to filters, you get what you pay for. These are the filters I carry and use.

  • B+W Circular Polarizer MRC 77mm – if you are only going to carry one filter, then hands down it should be a circular polarizer. This filter will reduce glare and pump up the color in your photos. If you have ever wondered how I get those eye-popping shots of the water, this is the key.
  • B+W UV Filter MRC 77mm – I use a UV filter on my lens to mainly protect my expensive glass investment. This filter will also reduce light flare in the lens but I use it for protective reasons.
  • ND4 , ND6 & ND8 Neutral Density Filters – I do carry a small collection of ND filters with me but this is not an item I use very often. They come in handy if you want to take long exposures of a waterfall, river or the ocean during daylight hours.

For more advice on choosing filters, be sure to check out these articles too:

  • Best Polarizing Filters: Top 5 + How to Choose the Right One
  • Best ND Filters: Top 5 + How To Choose the Right One
  • Best UV Filter: Top 5 + How To Choose the Right One
  • Best GoPro Filters: Top 5 + How to Choose the Right Ones

Photography Accessory Collection

travel photography gear

  • Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3 – this little accessory has been a game-changer for me when it comes to hiking. I used to struggle with where to put my bug camera when I was carrying a pack. With this clip, I can attach my camera to ANY backpack leaving my hands (and hips) free to move. I do not go anywhere without this item.
  • Vanguard VEO 2 265CB Carbon Tripod – a tripod is essential to capture sharp night shots, sharp depth of field and long exposures. Traveling with one is a pain but it’s essential to creating good content. This particular tripod is lightweight and packs well. We carry two of them with us on most trips.
  • Vanguard VEO 2 AM234 Aluminum Monopod – we also never leave home without this item. It is great for stabilizing the long telephoto lenses and video equipment.
  • Sony RM-VPR1 Remote Switch – an essential for timelapse, long exposures in Bulb and HDR. Note, these are not universal, so be sure you do some research on which one your camera needs before purchasing.
  • SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Cards – we both carry lots of fast memory and only use extreme pro cards that write at 95mbps. They deliver top quality and write faster than I can click the shutter button.
  • Batteries – I probably have no less than 4 spare batteries on me at any given time. Not because I go through the battery, these things actually hold a charge forever and last a long time, but because you never know what could happen. Batteries die, they drop to the ground and shatter, they go missing and they fall apart. Always pack spares.
  • Optech Sling Comfort Strap – I adore this strap and it goes a long way for my comfort when I am carrying my camera around all day, every day when traveling. It has a neoprene padding that has never rubbed or chaffed me. It distributes the weight well and I can’t live without it.

For advice on choosing the best camera accessories, be sure to read the following articles:

  • Best Camera Accessories for Any Photographer
  • Choosing the Best Camera Strap: Know Your Options

Other Camera Gear I’ve Used

Night travel photography gear

  • Canon 60d DSLR Body – this body served me well for a long time and was used to capture many of the photos you have seen on our blog and social channels over the past couple of years. I’ve only been shooting on the Canon 6D for a year, so everything prior to that was captured on this bad boy. Great camera. The current model is Canon 90d .
  • Canon Remote Switch – this switch works for the Canon 60/90d camera body for long exposures.
  • Canon Rebel T2i Body – was my first DSLR body. I outgrew it pretty fast so I didn’t carry it very long but it is a really great starter camera. The current model is the Canon Rebel T7i .
  • Opteka 6.5mm Wide Angle-Fisheye Lens – it is crazy fun and I used it a lot in Africa to capture astrophotography. It’s formatted for a crop sensor though, so I won’t be using it on the Canon 6d body.

Travel Video Gear

Adventure travel photography gear

Now that you’ve seen inside my photography gear bag, we’re going to take a look into David’s camera gear bag. He produces the video that you see on our website and social channels with a wide variety of video gear.

We carry our gear separately and always carry all of it on the plane. Some people check their drones, but I think that is crazy.

Vanguard Alta Sky 51D Backpack – this bag has proved priceless for us. It’s the perfect bag for every piece of equipment that David needs to carry when we travel. It holds EVERYTHING. Drone, camera, accessories, and laptop. It’s too big for me to carry but it works well for him and we highly recommend this bag for the function and quality.

Travel Video Cameras

Travel Drone

  • DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone – we capture all of our aerial photography and video with this bad boy. It was top of the line when we bought it and it produces exceptional quality.
  • Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder – This is one of the best professional video cameras on the market. Shots full 4K and is easy to use. It has lots of manual adjustments that allow us to capture some pretty epic video clips.
  • GoPro Hero 8 Black – this is the best GoPro yet! We just added this camera to the kit and after using it a couple of times already, we love the quality. Really looking forward to having it in the kit.
  • GoPro Karma Grip – the ultimate in stabilization for the GoPro. We recently added this to the video kit and so far we are loving it. Very stable, very high-quality content coming from this device.
  • iPhone 11 Max – oddly, we don’t mind using our iPhone to capture quick video clips, do FB live, Snapchat and Instagram Stories. Yea, it’s not a fancy video camera but it produces pretty good quality and it very handy.

Travel Video Filters

Action travel photography gear

Filters really go a long way to capturing quality in video footage. We use the same types of filters for a video that we do for photography but since the lens sizes are different, I will list them out for you.

  • Polar Pro Drone Filter Kit – these are the best filters on the market for the DJI drones. We made the mistake of buying cheap filters when we first bought the drone and it ruined all our footage. Don’t skimp on filters, you really do get what you pay for.
  • B+W UV Filter 72mm – used to protect the lens glass and reduce light flare.
  • B+W 72mm Circular Polarizer MRC – this filter will reduce glare and pump up the color in your photos.
  • Polar Pro Polarizer for GoPro Hero 4 – for the same reasons you want the polarizer above, this makes the colors really pop on GoPro photos.

Travel Video Accessories

photography gear that can last

  • Drone Controller Monitor Hood – this thing is brilliant in blocking the sun from the iPad screen when we are flying the drone.
  • Drone Controller Range Booster – if you’ve ever had connection issues when flying your drone, you wouldn’t leave home without these!
  • GorillaPod Flexi Tripod – this little guy comes in handy when we want to do timelapse with the phone or GoPro cameras. On occasion, we will use it to fix the DSLR too.
  • Go Pro Sport Pole – must-have for capturing selfies with your GoPro. We also use it to film underwater from boats and docks.

Photography Storage & Post Processing

Work space in NYC

  • MacBook Pro – we each carry a Macbook Pro 16 inch with 750GB RAM and 1TB HD. These computers are massive workhorses and handle the load of processing all our photos and video from our travels. They’re lightning-fast and allow us to be processing and multi-tasking at the same time. We love them.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro – all of our video editing is done with this software. We pay the monthly fee to Adobe to use it from their online source.
  • Adobe Lightroom – rather than using the online version, I own the hard copy and have it installed on my Macbook.
  • WD 2TB My Passport External Hard Drive – we have several of these things and use them to back up and store all of our photos and footage
  • WD 1TB My Passport External Hard Drive – while we have a couple of 1TB, I prefer the 2TB size above because I store both RAW and edited files.
  • WD Nomad Rugged Case – we never worry about our hard drives for anything with these cases. They keep out the dust, moisture, and sun. We don’t even worry about dropping them, this case is awesome.
  • Universal Power Strip – one of these is absolutely necessary to keep everything charged.
  • Portable Power Bank – this comes in handy to keep the phone and GoPro charged if we have a long day of filming.
  • Skross World Travel Adapter – this is the best adapter we have found for plugging in our 3 prong power strip.
  • SmugMug – we use SmugMug to store and showcase photos. It’s a great platform and if you’re interested in signing up, the link will get you 20% off your first subscription to the service.

America's Adventure Travel Couple - travel photography gear

So there you have it, this is all of our gear that we carry and travel with us all around the world. We use this equipment to create quality content and showcase the globe. Everyone has their own needs and wants when it comes to photography gear bu this works for us.

Keep in mind there is no one size fits all with camera equipment but if you’ve ever wondered what we use to create our content, there you have it.

Did you like this story? Share it!

Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

9 thoughts on “Ultimate Travel Photography Gear List”

Excellent tips for travel photography. I am reading your blog and i get the really awesome photography tips and i am also canon 6d cam. It’s a really full frame camera is very useful for travel photography. I found this much useful information on your blog. Thanks for posting something worth reading. Great work.

Thank you for sharing. I love traveling and have been looking to upgrade my gear this sure helps! I am hoping my days of editing average pictures with presets are behind me 🙂

Glad you enjoyed the article and our insight on gear. Cheers!

I’ve been using Canon for many years and I agree, they produce high-quality video and image.. the Canon 60d works great.. A Gopro is definitely a must-have for adventure travel too and the 18-200 lens.. I had the Sigma 18-250 and I wouldn’t buy it again..Some people say good things about the Tamron 18-270 because they give you a 5 year warranty… but I’d go for Canon. Thanks for sharing!

Great article, thanks! Photography is a big thing for my husband and me. What software do you use to edit your videos? (And where do you find your background music?)

Glad you found it useful! We edit our videos with Adobe Premier Pro. Music is sourced from many various sources.

Thanks for your website, it is really great 🙂 I really love to travel too because it an amazing experience!

Thank you for sharing this! I haven’t seen such a comprehensive gear list yet! I am about to purchase an 80D (I think, I’m terribly indecisive).

You’re welcome and glad to hear you found it helpful. The Canon 80d is a very good product. Go for it!

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Travel Photography Gear Checklist (Essential Equipment)

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If you’re into travel photography , then you know that having the right gear is essential for capturing great photos while on the go. The good news is that there are plenty of camera options and accessories available today, so you can tailor your kit to suit your specific needs.

But with so many choices, it can be tough to know what to bring with you on your next trip. That’s why we’ve put together this handy travel photography gear checklist to help make things a little easier. Check it out below!

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Travel Photography Gear: Camera Equipment for a Travel Photographer

Let’s start with the most important item on the list! Just as you’ll prioritise getting the photo over your meal time, so too you’ll want to prioritize camera equipment over everything else! Right? So what must be in your bag, and are there extras that would be great to have?

Essential Photography Equipment

Camera body.

Whichever camera body you have, you’ll want to bring this with you! What brand of camera is not something this article looks to delve into, they all have their merits. There is an increasing move towards mirrorless cameras though, and their lighter weight is certainly appealing for a travel photographer . ExpertPhotography recommends: Sony a5100

Camera Lens

In the interest of keeping weight down, stick with one or two lenses at most. A good setup here will be a good quality wide angle lens , and then a super zoom to cover your focal lengths such as an 18-300mm lens. A lot of photographers will bring one more lens. This will add weight though, so we’ll discuss that in additional equipment. ExpertPhotography recommends: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm

Wide angle photo of a beautiful coastal landscape with a paraglider - travel photography checklist

Is the tripod an essential piece of photography equipment for travel photography? It is if you want to get good quality photos that compare well with your peers. The ability to make long exposures, and to potentially bracket your images, is also vital. Those wishing to use post processing techniques such as digital blending really need bracketed images taken from a stable tripod . Choose a tripod that is sturdy, yet small enough to travel with and can fit into your checked luggage.

These take up next to no room, aren’t heavy, and give you lots of artistic options for your photography. You’ll want to bring a circular polarising filter , and a strong neutral density filter as a minimum. My camera bag always contains a 10-stop neutral density filter , and I often pack an infra-red filter as well.

Long exposure photography of water in the foreground of a mountainous landscape - travel photography checklist

Camera Cleaning

Dust, sand and detritus are an everyday concern for travel photographers. The best locations to photograph often lead to getting your equipment dirty. So bring a microfiber lens cleaner, and a blower. ExpertPhotography recommends: Movo Deluxe Essentials DSLR Camera Cleaning Kit PRO

Cable Release

The same logic to size and weight for filters can be applied to a cable release. You’ll need it for your long exposure photography , and those photographers wishing to expose for longer than 30 seconds using the bulb function can’t do this without a cable release.

Memory Cards and Card Readers

Take enough memory cards with you for your entire trip. Should you have an external hard drive and computer you may be able to upload photos on a daily basis, and back them up. Otherwise you will need enough storage space from your memory cards to cover your entire trip, however long that maybe. At the very least you need to ensure you have enough space on your memory card so you’re not running out of space by the end of the day.

Night photography of people watching a light display - travel photography checklist.

Batteries and Battery Charger

Enough battery power for your trip is important. And if you’re going somewhere remote you might not be able to recharge easily. Trips into the wilderness mean managing your power. A trip to Mongolia several years ago taught me this as there are many places with no power. For the majority of trips, however, taking two batteries is sufficient, and charging them both each night is important.

Rain Protection

It’s not a good idea to get your camera wet, even when it’s weather sealed. Taking protection for your camera, and for your camera bag is a good idea. Most camera bags will come with some form of wet weather protection. You will need to buy protection for your camera, or you could try using a plastic bag wrapped around it, with a rubber band holding it in place over the camera lens .

Landscape photography of a mountainous landscape under stormy skies- travel photography checklist.

Lastly where to put all of this camera gear? Why a good backpack of course! This should be of a decent size, and have the ability to attach a tripod to the back so you can carry this item with you on your bag. The current bag I use is a Kata 3N1-35PL , a great bag with nice compartmentalisation, and a tripod holder on the back.

Optional Photography Equipment

Additional camera body.

This isn’t optional if you’re on a paid assignment. Having a second body is essential then. And having a backup body is never a bad idea. ExpertPhotography recommends: Sony Alpha a6300

Additional Lenses

Additional lenses will give you more flexibility. A 50mm prime lens with a large aperture is great for street, portrait and low light photography . A fisheye lens can be fun to use as well. ExpertPhotography recommends: Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM

Lighting Equipment

Adding light to a scene through a strobe really gives you maximum control over the photo. This can be great for fill-in light. However, bringing a radio trigger, receiver and some form of light modifier like the rogue flash-bender gives you the chance to experiment. Getting the flash off the camera allows you to create side or even rim light , great for your portrait work.

Night photography of men lighting a big lantern- travel photography checklist.

There could well come a time when this becomes an essential piece of equipment. Those creating footage as opposed to still photos will probably say it already is. The ability to take photos from any angle, and get overhead photos will really boost your portfolio. The one drawback right now is the quality of images these produce, with many magazines unwilling to publish photos from drones. You will also need to be aware of the legal side of flying a drone , with some countries really clamping down on this practice. Those looking to bring a drone at the time of writing should look no further than the DJI Mavic Pro .

Reflector Disc

A folding reflector disc is a nice alternative or supplement to any lighting gear you choose to bring with you. They’re not heavy or big, and will allow you to use natural light more effectively in your portrait photos. ExpertPhotography recommends: LimoStudio 5-in-1 Reflectors

Additional Items to Bring With You

There are a plethora of other items and photography accessories you can take on a trip. Here you’ll see some additional items that, while not camera equipment, are certainly related to your photography.

Smart phone/Tablet device

This is such a versatile item that it really has to make the bag. The functionality really comes from the apps you can download.

  • Weather app – There are numerous weather apps out there, so this often comes down to personal preference. The best app for me has been Weather Underground .
  • Stars and sun – There are numerous apps for this but apps such as Suncalc , Photo Pills , and Photographer’s Ephemeris will allow you to track the position of the sun, moon and Milky Way . Photo pills has some other useful tables and charts for photographers that give you information on hyper focal distances, and depth of field .
  • Maps – Once again planning your travel photography needs a good map. Maps.me is a great alternative to Google Maps, and allows you to download maps by country, meaning you’ll never lose your way!
  • Portfolio – Always great to have a portfolio with you to impress any potential new clients. You can either make folders on the phone, or display your photos on an app such as Instagram or 500px .
  • Phone – Obvious, but your smart phone is first and foremost a phone. Should you get into trouble while out photographing this is your lifeline.

Street photography of a man cooking on a grill inside a tent- travel photography checklist.

External Hard Drive

A backup copy of all your photographs is vital. If you only have one copy you are vulnerable to a host of events that could lose you that copy such as theft or memory card failure. Always bring an external hard drive with you. ExpertPhotography recommends: LaCie 2TB Rugged Portable Hard Drive 4T

Universal Adapter Plug

Having a plug you can use anywhere in the world is a great thing to have, especially if your trip takes you to multiple countries. These days getting a plug that allows you to charge through USB sockets as well as the main plug is a great idea. A great travel tip is bringing one adapter plug, and a multi plug strip to go with that. ExpertPhotography recommends: VCOO Worldwide Travel Adapter

Optional Equipment

Laptop computer.

The longer your trip is, the more important this item becomes. Is your trip over 1 month? If so I’d make this an essential item. This is your connection to the outside world, how you book everything you’ll need for your trip, and where your post processing will happen.

Personal Items

Now let’s look at the personal items you’ll need to bring with you on your trip. You’ll need to make space for these, so bringing one less camera lens might be something you’ll have to do.

Essential Items

Certainly for any international travel, and usually for any domestic travel you will need your passport. A good travel tip is to scan your personal information page of your passport, so you have a copy of this just in case it’s lost or stolen. If you’re traveling internationally make sure the passport has enough months validity, and check the visa requirements for the places you wish to visit. Ensure you have all relevant documents ahead of time.

A good travel insurance package that covers you in the event of injury is mandatory for any trip, whether it’s photography related or not. Also, make sure to ask if it covers your camera gear if the worst happens, and it’s lost or stole. Most travel insurance will cover for basic loss, but may well not cover more expensive gear items.

Travel photography of a woman washing clothes in the sea with cows in the background- travel photography checklist.

Medication and Toiletries

Make sure you buy the smaller travel size varieties of things like toothpaste and shaving cream. When it comes to medication make sure you have the basics covered, and never forget something for any potential stomach issues.

You won’t be going far without this. Make sure you have enough for your day to day use. It’s a good idea to separate your money in your accommodation, and keep it in your baggage in a hidden location. Using a money belt when you travel is also an option. This keeps those important items like cash and cards in a place that’s difficult to access by a thief.

A good rule of thumb is to bring enough clothing for one week, before you need to clean things. Obviously if the trip is just for a weekend, pack accordingly. Is it possible to pack less? Yes, but you’ll need to wash your clothes more often. Taking some washing powder so you can wash your clothes in the evening is a great idea, especially in a hot country. The clothes can be dry the next day, ready to wear again!

Overhead photo of a stony ground with the photographers feet- travel photography checklist.

Hiking Boots

You’re a travel photographer, and that means a lot of walking. A good solid pair of hiking shoes is a must. Something in case you need a second set of footwear? A pair of flip flops are light, take up no space, and could be handy if something happens to your main pair of shoes.

Seasonal items

What you pack will depend on where you’re going, and at what time of year. You’ll not need to bring hot packs to the tropics, but you may well want some bug spray! Each of the listed items are essential, but depend on where you’re visiting.

  • Sun protection – Take a good sun screen with you, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your head.
  • Bug spray – Anywhere you might be affected by mosquitoes or sand flies, it’s a good idea to have bug spray.
  • Rain protection – This is always worth having. An umbrella, raincoat or a poncho are all good options.
  • Hot pack – These are great not just for keeping your hands warm. Put them in your backpack where you store your batteries, and the batteries will last longer in the cold.
  • E-tip gloves – These are designed to be used with a smart phone, ideal for when it’s so cold you need to wear your gloves.

Water bottle

Wherever you go, you’ll need to keep hydrated. This is especially important when it’s hot and humid, so carry a good quality water bottle with you.

Optional items

Torch or headlamp.

Your smart phone will have a basic light on it, so this may be enough for your needs. Having a torch or headlamp is nice though, especially if you’re a regular night photographer .

In photography you don’t always have time to sit down for lunch at a restaurant. Eating on the go becomes necessary. If your style of travel photography takes you on long hikes into the wilderness bring enough food supplies becomes essential.

Extra Travel Photography Checklist Tip for Flyers

Camera equipment is heavy, and it’s hard to compromise on the gear you take, especially if you have a paid assignment and need two camera bodies. The problem? The weight restriction that airlines impose on hand luggage you can take onto a plane. While you can take sports equipment with you, and a special category to pay extra for this weight is provided, camera equipment is not currently covered. Every travel photographer will tell you that you should never ever store your camera gear in the checked luggage. So what can you do when your hand luggage is almost certainly going to be overweight? It would be nice if airlines offered you the chance to pay for extra weight, when the equipment is fragile. In the meantime using a photography vest provides a solution. Take out heavy items like a lens or a laptop and store them in your vest. Anything you’re wearing won’t be weighed. Once you are through check-in, you can put the lens, laptop and any other item back into your camera bag.

Bags Packed, You’re Ready to Go!

The life of a travel photographer involves a lot of packing. Now you have the complete list of items for your travel photography checklist , so what are you waiting for? It’s time to book that trip, and make some amazing photos out on location !

10 travel photography essentials: key photography accessories for travel

We've put together a list of 10 items we think are essential for taking photos on the go, from flashguns to tripods

travel photography kit

For any photographer who spends a lot of time traveling, minimizing kit and therefore weight is a must. There are so many bits of kit it would be great to carry around at all times, but realistically, it’s just not possible to take everything.

• Best cameras for travel • Best travel drones • Best superzoom lenses • Best action cameras • Best travel tripods

Whether traveling long term, going on holiday for a few weeks or having a weekend away, making sure your kit bag has the absolute essentials will ensure you can still take stunning pictures, without breaking your back. 

It’s never easy trying to decide what lenses to pack or whether or not to take a tripod. Trying to pack for every eventuality is hard and it's easy to spend hours packing and repacking your kit bag with everything you'll need.

To help you along the way, we've put together a list of the bare minimum you should have in your kit bag as a traveling photographer. So whether you get booked for a portrait shoot or tasked to capture behind-the-scenes shots for a restaurant, you’ll have the kit you need with you. 

We haven’t included a camera in this list as that’s pretty much a given and very much down to personal choice, these items are the things in addition to a camera body you should pack.

1. A zoom lens and a fast prime

prime and zoom lenses

Choosing which lenses to pack is perhaps the most difficult part of packing for a trip. There are so many scenarios to think about and each lens has its own advantages. It’s a good idea to pack one zoom with a constant aperture such as the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary and one prime lens with a wide aperture, for example, the Sony 50mm f/1.8 (these are the lens I use but you can switch them out for your brands equivalent. 

The 50mm is great for taking detailed shots, portraits and achieving a really shallow depth of field while the 28-70mm is a good all-rounder perfect for landscapes, architecture, shooting from afar and getting more context into a background. 

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2. A high-capacity power bank

anker powercore+ 26,000

Most mirrorless cameras come with an in-camera charging feature that means you can use a power bank to charge it. Owning a high-capacity portable charger means that not only could you charge your camera, you can also charge your laptop and other gadgets. Check out the best laptop power banks , or the best iphone power banks , for options of different sizes.

3. Small speedlight with rechargeable li-on batteries

godox v1 and ak-r1 accessory kit

If you plan on shooting portraits, fashion or food photography, chances are you are going to need some sort of light source. It’s always a good idea to pack a flashgun – or an LED panel, if you’re not comfortable with flash photography. You never know what jobs you might get on the go or what might need extra lighting. Choosing a flashgun with rechargeable batteries often means you get more flashes out of one charge and you don't need to buy lots of AA batteries.  My go-to flash for when I’m traveling is the Godox V1 or Godox AD200 with the Godox AK-R1 accessories pack so that I can bounce, diffuse and direct my light source. 

Read more: Best flashguns

4. Reflector with reversible colors

5 in 1 reflector

A collapsible reflector is a great item to keep in your backpack. They're a great way of mimicking two light sources without having to carry (or invest in) two lights. Reflectors generally come in four different colors, gold, gold/silver, silver, white and black. Each color has its own use so it’s a good idea to get a reflector that is reversible so you can unzip and flip the colors accordingly. Silver gives a cooler light, gold is much warmer, white is good for diffusing light and black is good for absorbing light. 

Read more: Best reflectors

5. Spare batteries

hahnel hl-zx100 batteries

No matter where you’re going or what you’re shooting, spare batteries are essential for all your gadgets. Make sure they’re all charged up before you go so that you don't have to worry about charging them while you're out.

6. A laptop and charger

macbook pro

If you’re only going away for a leisurely weekend, you can probably get away with not taking a laptop with you. However, if you’re going away specifically for work or planning a trip that is more than a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to take a laptop so that you can edit on the move and transfer images from your SD cards onto a hard drive. 

7. A comfortable backpack

gitzo adventury

If you don’t have a comfortable backpack, regardless of what you pack or how much it weighs, you’re not going to have a very enjoyable time. When buying a backpack, try and go to a shop so you can actually try them on. Check to see how it adjusts, how padded the straps are, whether it has external pockets for a water bottle or tripod and if it's got an airflow system to keep your back cool (especially important if you're going somewhere hot). There are lots of options out there, you’ll just have to research the best camera backpack for you. The Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW II or the Gitzo Adventury 30L backpack are both great options. 

8. Memory cards and carry pouch

think tank pixel pocket rocket

Live by this rule: pack more memory cards than you think you’ll need. This is for two reasons, you never know how much you’re going to shoot and if you have no way of transferring images, there’s nothing worse than missing shots because your cards are full. Secondly, they could get damaged, lost or corrupt and if you’re in the middle of nowhere you can’t exactly pop into a shop or order more from Amazon . There are lots of memory cards to choose from, the file output size of your camera and the speed of its continuous burst mode will determine which one you need. A Sandisk 64GB Extreme Pro will be fine in most cameras unless you're shooting in continuous burst mode using a high-resolution camera such as the Canon EOS R5 .

Read more: Best memory cards for your camera

9. Tripod or table top tripod

travel tripods

Just in case you ever get the urge to shoot some dreamy seascapes or you end up somewhere where the sky is particularly clear for astrophotography, it's a good idea to have some sort of tripod with you. It doesn't need to be anything fancy – sometimes a table top tripod is ideal as it takes up virtually no room and is really lightweight. A travel tripod might be worth packing if you know you’re going to be doing lots of wildlife photography or long exposures and can attach it to the outside of your bag. 

10. An adjustable strap

Peak Design Slide Lite

There's nothing more annoying than having to keep taking your camera out of your bag which is why having a strap is so handy. Whether you choose a sling style, a neck strap or a wrist strap, it'll transfer some of the camera's weight to your body and enables you to quickly shoot if you spot a photo opportunity. The type of strap you choose is completely up to you, some of the best camera straps include the Peak Design Slide Lite which looks stylish and is easily adjustable or the Black Rapid Sport Breathe strap for ultimate support and comfort. 

Best standard zoom lenses Landscape photography tips Best mirrorless cameras 50 best camera accessories

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Having studied Journalism and Public Relations at the University of the West of England Hannah developed a love for photography through a module on photojournalism. She specializes in Portrait, Fashion and lifestyle photography but has more recently branched out in the world of stylized product photography. For the last 3 years Hannah has worked at Wex Photo Video as a Senior Sales Assistant using her experience and knowledge of cameras to help people buy the equipment that is right for them. With 5 years experience working with studio lighting, Hannah has run many successful workshops teaching people how to use different lighting setups.

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Home » 20 Best Travel Accessories For Photography

20 Best Travel Accessories For Photography

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If you’re finally planning to go on a trip, and set to shoot some photographs on your travels, you’ll need to take more than just your camera and lenses. To help you to pack the best possible kitbag, in this comprehensive buyer’s guide we take a closer look at the 20 best travel accessories for photographers…

When you’re planning to travel it’s more than likely that you’ll write down a list of what items need to go in your case or travel bag…

So, it makes acres of sense to simply extend that list to jotting down what you need to bring in your camera bag.

And, in case you’re thinking of buying a new camera before you travel, why not check out our guide to the best travel cameras available now!

Or if you want to brush up on your photo skills, then take a look at some of our Top Travel Tips .

To help to make things more simple for you, we’ve chosen our pick of the 20 best accessories for travel photography for all budgets. So, without further ado, here they are (in ascending price order)…

1: USB camera battery charger

£10-£20 – www.amazon.co.uk.

JJC USB Battery charger

These little USB-powered chargers are incredibly useful for keeping spare batteries topped up during a day’s shooting. They’re available for almost every imaginable type of camera, and come in versions that accept one, two or even three batteries.

They usually employ a micro USB connector for power input, which means they can be fuelled from a wide variety of sources. For example, you can top up your batteries in the car while driving between locations, or hook one up to a ‘power bank’ in your bag while you’re walking around shooting. They’re available under a plethora of brand labels, but we’ve had success with Nitecore and JJC.

2: Tenba Tools Reload 2 battery pouch

£14 – uk.tenba.com.

Tenba Reload 2

The last thing you need while shooting is to run out of power and find yourself scrambling around in your bag for spare batteries. This neat case is designed to hold two Li-ion camera batteries, with the stretchy neoprene pockets being capable of accommodating most shapes and sizes, such as the Canon LP-E6 family or the awkwardly blocky Olympus BLH-1.

It is constructed from water-repellent polyester fabric and boasts a loop for attaching it to a belt or bag strap, along with two small d-rings that can be used to fix it onto a lanyard.

3: f-stop Gear Dyota Ag+ Ion Mask

£20 –  www.fstopgear.com.

f-stop Dyota Mask

Since 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has turned life on its head. And, despite our best efforts to open up again, there will still be situations where masks are either advisable or required to help prevent transmission in enclosed spaces, such as public transport.

This Dyota mask from camera bag maker F-stop Gear is surprisingly comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to its a 3-layer construction with a water-repellent outer, dense non-woven middle layer and soft liner. It’s available in a choice of three sizes and eight colours.

4: Mindshift Gear Filter Nest Mini

£27 – www.snapperstuff.com.

Mindshift Gear Filter Nest

As a simple but effective means of organising a small number of filters in your bag, this neat little case is difficult to beat. Measuring just 10x9x4cm fully packed, it’ll hold four filters up to 82mm in diameter in colour-coded compartments.

A plush-lined interior prevents marking or scratches, while a concertina-style design allows it to squash up slimmer when you’re not using all the slots. The nylon webbing handle also allows it to be clipped to a bag strap for easier access while you’re shooting.

5: SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I

£32.90 (128gb) – www.westerndigital.com.

SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Card

One thing you really don’t want when you’re away on your travels is to run out of storage space. Thankfully many memory cards are now very affordable, so you can stock up on capacity without breaking the bank.

The SanDisk Extreme PRO range represents a sweet spot of high performance at a sensible price, with write speeds of 90MB/s and read speeds up to 170MB/s, and prices ranging from £24 for 64GB to £454 for a whopping 1TB.

If you don’t regularly shoot video or bursts, then the gold-label Extreme cards are cheaper; conversely, demanding users will benefit from the much more expensive UHS-II version.

6: Peak Design Tech Pouch

£50.04 (plus shipping) – www.peakdesign.com.

Peak Design Tech Pouch

If you’re fed up with not having enough storage space for your camera essentials, a dedicated pouch to keep all your accessories in one place could be the answer. This organiser is designed for anyone who owns a modular bag, or one that has a spacious open compartment, and allows you to store cables, chargers, power banks, earphones and the like neatly together.

On the inside you get origami-style pockets of various sizes to separate accessories, as well as a central zipped pocket with four sleeves for storing memory cards. A pair of loops on the back allows a shoulder strap to be attached.

7: Novo Mantis T3 Mini Travel Tripod

£69.90 (legs only) –  www.ukdigital.co.uk.

Novo Mantis T3

Chances are you won’t want to carry a large tripod when you’re travelling, but there will always be occasions when you’d benefit from being able to set your camera on a robust support. Enter this neat 27cm-tall mini tripod from Novo.

It has many of the features of full-size models, with two-section carbon-fibre legs that can be independently set to three different angles, and chunky rubber feet that unscrew to reveal ground spikes. The matched MBH-25 ball head (£59.90) employs a lever lock to provide impressive strength, and an optional centre column is available for £29.90.

8: Biolite Charge 80 PD

£69.95 – uk.bioliteenergy.com.

Biolite Charger

These days everything seems to be power hungry, not just cameras but smartphones, tablets and headphones too. With its impressive 20,000mAh rating, this hefty power bank may be able to keep your devices going for several days.

In addition to two standard USB-A ports, it boasts a USB-C output that supports the Power Delivery (USB-C PD) standard. As a result, it should support USB charging with even the pickiest of cameras, while also being able to power a select few directly.

It takes about five hours to recharge fully through its USB-C connection when using an 18W charger.

9: Tilley T5 Cotton Duck Hat

£75 – uk.tilley.com.

Tilley T5 Cotton Hat

It’s important to look after yourself when you’re travelling, just as much as your kit, with a good hat being essential, particularly in hot and sunny climes. Tilley’s classic T5 is constructed from durable cotton fabric, with both a UPF 50+ rating to prevent sunburn and a water repellent coating for when it’s less perfect weather.

There’s even an adjustable cord to stop it blowing off in the wind, that can be hidden away when it’s not needed. The Tilley T5 comes in a choice of three colours and eight sizes for a perfect fit – just be sure to check the sizing guidelines first!

10: BlackRapid Delta Sling Strap

£75 –  www.blackrapid.com.

Blackrapid Delta Strap

If you’re going to be carrying your camera around all day, then it might just make sense to invest in a strap that makes it feel lighter while always keeping it handy for shooting. This generously padded cross-body sling strap has a symmetrical design for use over either shoulder, with a honeycomb-textured inner that should stop you getting sweaty.

It employs a specially designed connector that screws into your camera’s tripod socket, which allows it to slide easily up the strap for shooting, while a secondary tether can be attached to a strap lug for peace of mind. The Coyote brown option provides a refreshing alternative to the standard all-black.

11: Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield

£134.79 (1tb) – www.samsung.com.

travel photo items

If you’re shooting hundreds (or thousands) of photos whilst on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, there’s much to be said for making copies of all your photos as you go along. This small and lightweight (98g) device lets you back up your pictures to its robust internal solid-state drive without the need for a computer.

It’s also physically robust with an aluminium shell that’s encased in a ridged, rubberised armour with Samsung claiming it can withstand a drop of 3 metres onto a hard surface. It is available in 1TB capacity at a very reasonable £134.79 or a 2TB capacity at £250.99.

It has a USB-C port with a status LED alongside and comes with two cables with USB-A and USB-C connectors. If you’re after speed of transfer of images it’s rated for sequential write speeds up to 1000MB/sec, and read speeds up to 1050MB/sec. Small, light and very useful!

12: Manfrotto Advanced2 Travel Backpack

£149.95 – www.manfrotto.com/uk-en.

Manfrotto Advanced 2 Travel Backpack

This versatile backpack can swallow an impressive amount of kit, while providing convenient access on the go thanks to its side-opening design. It’s large enough to accept a full-frame DSLR with a vertical grip and 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, along with at least three more lenses.

A small zipped top compartment provides space for small personal items, and there’s space in the padded back compartment for a 10-inch tablet and a up to a 15-inch laptop. But perhaps the standout feature is a clever full-height side pocket that can hold a compact travel tripod, such as one of Manfrotto’s BeFree range.

13: Hahnel Modus 360RT

£169 –  www.hahnel.ie.

Hahnel Modus 360RT

This compact, lightweight flash unit is a good match for small mirrorless cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic and OM (Olympus). Unlike other similar units, it’s powered by a dedicated Li-ion battery rather than AA cells, which packs in more energy. As a result, it promises more flashes per charge than its competitors, along with a quicker recycling time of just 1.5sec.

Its head can be set to almost any angle for bouncing light off a wall or ceiling and zoom to cover 24-105mm equivalent lenses. TTL-Auto, manual and stroboscopic modes are all on offer, along with high-speed sync for daylight fill-in. All-in-all, it’s a very smart little flash that will provide a lot of capability for your money.

14: Vanguard Veo Select 42T

£199.99 – www.vanguardworld.co.uk.

Vanguard VEO Select 42T

This four-wheeled pilot case is designed to accommodate a substantial amount of kit while meeting most airline carry-on restrictions. It’ll hold two pro DSLR bodies with a good set of lenses and provides quick access via a zipped top panel. Alternatively, it could be used to carry a smaller camera kit along with personal items for a short trip away.

There’s also space for a 15-inch laptop and a tablet in the fold-down front panel. A tripod can be attached to either the top or side, while the removable shoulder strap allows it to be carried as a shoulder bag. It’s available in a choice of either green or black.

15: Kase Wolverine Magnetic Circular Filter Kits

£219-£666 – www.kasefilters.com.

Kase Wolverine Magnetic Filters

In a brilliant re-imagining of how filters should work, these kits include circular polarising, 3-stop and 6-stop neutral density filters that snap magnetically onto adapters that screw into your lens.

This considerably speeds up the process of using filters, which encourages you to use them creatively. It also means you don’t have to buy and carry around different size filters for each lens, just the adapters that cost £12 each.

Kits are available in 77mm and 82mm sizes, with adapter rings available in all sizes from 49mm upwards. The Pro kit adds a 10-stop neutral density filter.

16: Billingham Hadley Pro 2020

£276 – www.billingham.co.uk.

Billingham Hadley Pro 2020

When you’ve invested in valuable camera kit, why skimp on looking after it? British-made Billingham bags may be quite pricey, but they offer exceptional levels of protection.

This latest version of the firm’s most popular bag now boasts additional travel-friendly features, including a loop for attaching it to a wheeled suitcase, a removable shoulder strap and a rear document pocket with a waterproof zip.

Its unique triple-layer canvas is both hard-wearing and impermeable to water, while the generously padded camera insert provides excellent protection against knocks. Available in seven colour combinations, it’ll comfortably hold a full-frame camera and three or four lenses.

17: Formatt Hitech Onyx 85mm Travel Kit by Elia Locardi

£279 – www.formatt-hitech.com.

Formatt Hitech Travel Kit

While many photographers favour square filter systems, 100mm set-ups can be bulky to carry around. If you use an APS-C or Micro Four Thirds camera, or don’t usually shoot at angles wider than 17mm equivalent, then a more portable 85mm system may well do the job just as well.

This kit is based on Formatt Hitech’s superb Onyx filters, and includes a polariser, a 3-stop soft-edge ND grad, and both 4-stop and 10-stop neutral density filters. It’ll fit filter threads up to 77mm, with step rings for 72mm, 67mm and 58mm supplied in the box.

18: Olympus Tough TG-6

Kits from £379 – www.olympus.co.uk.

Olympus Tough TG-6

If you’d like a rugged compact for shooting around water, sand or snow, then the Tough TG-6 is the best you can get. It matches a 12MP 1/2.3in sensor with a 25-100mm equivalent f/2-4.9 lens, while composition is via a fixed 3-inch rear screen.

Olympus says that it is waterproof to a depth of 15m, dust-proof, shockproof to a drop from 2.4m and crushproof to 100kg force… so it should survive almost any adventure!

It’s very much a point-and-shoot at heart, but more advanced users can take a degree of manual control and even record raw files. An array of onboard sensors can even record location and environmental metadata to your images.

19: 3 Legged Thing Legends Ray with Airhed Vu

£390 –  www.3leggedthing.com.

3 Legged Thing Ray

This compact, fully featured travel tripod kit extends to 138cm, folds down to 35.6cm (thanks to its five-section reverse-folding design) and weighs 1.6kg. It boasts an array of travel-friendly features, including a well-padded carry bag, from which the strap can be removed and attached to the tripod.

All the controls are large and easy to use, and the centre column can be inverted or removed altogether for low-angle shooting. It’s even possible to remove the legs and replace them with the included stainless steel Vanz spikes to make a small table top tripod.

With a 10kg rated payload, it’s fully capable of holding a full-frame DSLR with a telephoto zoom lens.

20: Panasonic Lumix TZ200

£599 –  www.panasonic.com/uk.

Panasonic Lumix TZ200

Sometimes you may not want to carry a large camera around on your travels, but something pocket-sized instead. Panasonic has long been at the forefront of making ‘travel zoom’ compacts, with the TZ200 being its most advanced.

It combines a 20MP 1-in sensor with an impressive 24-360mm equivalent f/3.3-6.4 lens and offers a standard sensitivity range of ISO 200-25,600 along with 10 frames per second shooting.

Both a 2.33m-dot electronic viewfinder and a 3-inch, 1.24m-dot rear touchscreen are on hand for composing your images.

Crucially, it offers a decent range of manual control and delivers pleasing images in a wide range of light conditions.

Don’t forget our top tips & buying guides…

Once you’ve found the best travel accessories for your trip, why not have a look at our Travel Photography Tips ?

Don’t forget that if you’re looking to buy any photographic equipment you can have a look at some of our other comprehensive buying guides , which will help you to make the bets, informed buying decisions!

Further reading

Get the most out of your travel photography

Tips for better travel portraits: travel photography masterclass

Top tips for travel photography

The best travel cameras available now!

7 habits of highly effective travel photographers

Follow AP on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube .

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Amy is a highly experienced photography and technology journalist who has been working on AP since 2018, having been working in the industry since 2009. She is a graduate of the magazine journalism course at Cardiff University and has written for a wide range of publications and websites. As Features Editor, she is responsible for commissioning an eclectic mix of features connected to general photography, along with interviews. She is also a very experienced reviewer of cameras and associated technology, with her reviews featured on multiple sites including TechRadar, Digital Camera World, Trusted Reviews, ePhotozine, Stuff, Expert Reviews, T3, Photography Blog and more. She is also an expert on smartphone photography and smartphones generally.

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Shutterfly offers fun and unique ways to commemorate your travel memories in everyday items. You can order photo prints of your favorite destinations and display them in picture frames you can keep on your desk or gift to a loved one. Or, turn family travel adventures into a custom photo puzzle that you can put together as a group at a game night. Fridge magnets and custom coffee mugs designed with your vacation snapshots are perfect for using at work to remind you of some unforgettable travel memories throughout your day. You can even make personalized travel gifts a loved one can use on their next adventure, like tote bags, travel mugs, luggage tags, or beach towels. No matter how long it’s been since you last took a trip or visited a destination you love, your travel memories can be commemorated forever with Shutterfly.

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Travel Photography: 8 Essential Gear Items You Should Take With You

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This Is the Best AI Image Editing Tool I've Ever Used

8 techniques i use to capture stunning panorama photos on my smartphone, 9 lightroom mobile tips and tricks you should be using.

Most people travel with nothing more than their smartphones to take pictures. But what do you do if you want to take your photography a little more seriously?

Travel photography often goes one of two ways when it comes to gear. Some of us will overpack and have to slog around unnecessary extra kilograms; this is often a problem for the newbies. On the flip side, you don’t want to be that person who heads to the airport unprepared and doesn’t make the most of their trip.

So, how do you find that happy medium? What travel photography gear can you not afford to leave at home? Let’s discuss.

1. A Small Selection of Lenses

The lens, or lenses, you use for your photography will significantly impact the results of your images. When you travel, it’s crucial to think about your goals for the trip and the lenses you should take with you based on that.

Travel photography is primarily about adopting an essentialist’s mindset when it comes to preparation. If you’re going to shoot a wide variety of pictures, taking a versatile lens— such as a 35mm or 50mm prime lens —is a good idea.

If you want to take pictures of something more specific, think about which lens would be best suited for it. For example, wildlife photography will probably require a longer focal length.

When you’ve decided on the types of pictures you’d like to take, try to pack two lenses at most. Doing so will free up space in your bag, and you also won’t need to worry about more of your equipment getting destroyed should there be an unfortunate event.

2. A Camera That You’ll Actually Use

It doesn’t matter how inexpensive your camera was; if you’re not going to use it, you wasted your money. For travel photography, you need to have something that’s easy to pack and carry around.

A bulky DSLR will use up more space in your suitcase or backpack and could draw unwanted attention when you’re out and about. As a result, you might just want to leave it at home or not use the camera when you get to your destination.

Fortunately, some of the best cameras these days are easy to carry around. Try to go for a mirrorless device; FujiFilm, Olympus, and Leica are all brands worth looking at. They tend to be more expensive but are worth it for the discretion, better image quality, and portability.

Related: Things You Must Know When Buying a FujiFilm Camera

3. Extra Batteries

Regardless of whether you’re working for a client or going away for leisure, travel—and travel photography by extension—often involves long days. The last thing you want is your camera battery to die at lunchtime.

You can always take your charger with you and plug it in at a café, restaurant, or convenience store. However, waiting for your battery to get back up to a reasonable percentage will disrupt your day. And in some cases, you might not even have access to such places.

Bringing 1-3 extra batteries will be a lifesaver for your travel photography, especially if you’re going on a long excursion like a road trip. The price will vary depending on your manufacturer and camera model; consider purchasing second-hand to save a bit of money.

Related: Essential Gear That Every New Photographer Should Own

4. A Camera Bag

If you’re new to travel photography, it might seem tempting to throw all of your gear into your suitcase. Then, when you’re out and about, you can chuck it all into your backpack. Right?

Today’s cameras are resilient, but repeatedly doing this to your gear is a recipe for disaster. You risk your equipment breaking, dust getting into your camera, and losing things at the bottom of your bag.

Camera bags might not be completely necessary, but they’ll save you a lot of stress. Using one will help keep all of your gear in one place while protecting it from potential damage.

5. Weather Protection

One of the most crucial aspects of travel photography is preparing for the worst possible weather. If you take your camera to, say, Norway, and you don’t protect it from the elements, you’re going to curse Mother Nature very quickly for destroying all your gear.

Before you travel, think about the climate at that time of year. Then, consider whether you need to purchase anything extra to protect your equipment. Valuable add-ons can include a rain cover and insurance.

If you haven’t yet bought a camera, it’s worth considering when and where you’ll most frequently use it. Even though they aren’t foolproof, weather-sealed and weatherproof bodies and lenses can add another layer of protection.

Related: What Are Weather-Sealed Cameras and Why Do You Need One?

6. Extra Memory Cards

If you’re not traveling for an extended period, it might be a little pointless to take your laptop with you. And when you’re out and about, you almost certainly don’t want to sift through a full memory card to determine what you should and should not delete.

Buying extra memory cards is the easiest way to solve this problem. Try to aim for larger storage space; 1-3 extra 64GB memory cards will cover you in almost all scenarios and shouldn’t break the bank.

When you purchase your memory cards, remember to use cases for each of them. Doing so will avoid damage and ensure that debris and dust don’t gather on them.

7. The Right Clothing

When discussing travel photography gear, much of this will relate to your camera. However, it’s also vital that you dress appropriately.

Not wearing suitable clothing for your environment will result in you getting too cold or hot, which will ultimately lead to you not getting the best possible pictures. For example, your camera will probably shake more if you’re shivering, which can result in blurry images.

Related: How to Stop Taking Blurry Photos

When you pack your suitcase, it’s crucial to think about where you’re going and dress appropriately. Remember that temperatures change at different altitudes, too; hiking in the Rockies wearing a t-shirt and flip-flops probably isn't a good idea.

8. Plug Adapters

Even if you follow all of the travel photography tips listed above, they’re useless if you can’t use your gear. Before you leave, you must ensure that you’ve got the necessary plug adapters for where you’re visiting.

Remember that standards in neighboring countries might differ. For example, Switzerland uses a different plug type from Germany and Austria.

Adapters shouldn’t cost too much if you buy them online. If you’re short on time, though, most airports will stock what you’re looking for.

Make Sure You’re Prepared to Capture Beautiful Moments

Travel photography is arguably the most exciting genre of picture-taking, but it’s much more complicated than merely packing your camera and hopping on a plane. Plenty of things can go wrong on a trip, and this means you must prepare in advance.

With these tips, you should have more than enough to help you take better pictures while out and about. All that’s left to do now is get snapping!

  • Photography Tips

Asher & Lyric Travel & Family Journalism

17 Top Travel Photography Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

travel photography packing list

Being a travel photographer is one of the best hobbies and/or jobs you could have. Imagine, exploring the world, photographing exotic locations, cuisine, and cultures, and not just sharing your images for the sake of entertainment, but inspiring others to go on adventures and discover the wonders of life that you’ve personally seen and captured in beautiful moments. Wow.

Congrats to you. And now, with all of these exciting escapades you’re set to do, I’m here to help you remember one thing: What to wear and what to pack for your next travel photography trip(s). Hey, believe it or not, you’ve come across the most important and often overlooked step in planning a photography venture, so let’s not make any mistakes!

What to Pack for Your Travel Photography Trip – 17 Essentials

1. camera bag.

This compact waterproof camera bag is a convenient and secure way to transport your camera and accessories. It’s lightweight, compartmentalized, flexible, and padded inside to offer the best protection against damages. A golden rule of thumb for travel photographers: Do not store your camera in a regular backpack.

Camera Bag

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Universal Travel Adapter

If you’re an avid travel photographer that hops from country to country to build your photography, then you’ll know that a compact universal travel adapter to charge your camera batteries, phone, tablet, and laptop is a necessity. And what better than an adapter that’s equipped with two USB ports so you can get more charging done at once?

Peru power adapter

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A virtual private network (VPN) is incredibly useful while traveling considering all of the public wifi networks you connect to while on the go. There’s always a risk of getting your digital information like credit card numbers and passwords hacked when connected to public networks. That’s why it’s always good to safely connect with a VPN so there’s no way hackers can access your private information.

how a vpn works

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Lightweight, Durable Tripod

Add this lightweight, durable tripod to your list of essential items to pack in your travel photography suitcase. Tripods offer great stabilization for your camera shots and are a requirement if you plan to shoot time-lapse and image stacks. I don’t think you can truly consider yourself a travel photographer unless you’ve got a tripod!

Lightweight, Durable Tripod

5. Packing Cubes

When it comes to luggage, a good set of packing cubes can help any travel photographer save space for their camera, its accessories, and equipment. After all, who would want to be stuck at the airport trying to decide between tossing out a lens or 4 pairs of sexy underwear to meet baggage requirements? Now that’s a tough choice!

HERO Packing Cubes Set Organizers

6. Point and Shoot Digital Camera

Travel photographers beware: Your phone will not always be the best option when it comes to capturing the beautiful moments of your adventures. At a minimum, you’ll need to add a digital point and shoot camera, like Sony’s DSCW830 camera, that can provide 20.1-megapixel photos and 720p HD movies, to your camera ensemble.

Point and Shoot Digital Camera

7. Canon Rebel T7 Camera

A Canon Rebel T7 is one of the best professional cameras to use for amateur and professional travel photographers. It’s got a 24.1 MP CMOS sensor that can produce high-quality images and record full HD videos. It’s your best bet for the affordable and practical professional camera you may be looking for to photograph your exciting travels.

Canon Rebel T7 Camera

8. Neck Wallet

Just when you thought carrying all of your camera’s accessories was enough, don’t forget that you’ll also need a simple-yet-effective neck wallet to keep track of your valuables and personal items, i.e. passport, IDs, debit/credit cards, tickets, cash, and even phones. This lightweight, heavy-duty must-have travel item also wraps around your neck, keeping you safe from pickpockets.

neck wallet

Don’t just settle for the ground level (that rhymes!). Try diversifying your travel photography collection with some fantastic aerial shots from this powerful, user-friendly, highly-rated drone. Plus, you’ll be able to shoot videos in 4K and enable its GPS and “Follow Me” features.

Drone

10. Life Straw Water Bottle

As a travel photographer, keeping a quality water bottle with an advanced filter around is your best bet to stay hydrated while on the go. You wouldn’t want to stop and search for a water fountain while you’re waiting for that perfect shot of the sunset over the city, would you?

Lifestraw Water Bottle

11. Windproof Travel Umbrella

Keep your camera safe in the shade and prevent it from being soaked in the rain. This sturdy, 12”, lightweight compact umbrella is a must-have for adventurous travel photographers that love to take pictures in every season.

Windproof Travel Umbrella

12. Travel Insurance

The best places for travel photography often lie thousands of miles away from home. With that, let TravelInsurance.com be your top choice for finding the perfect policy that can provide 24/7 emergency assistance worldwide, coverage for emergency medical expenses, and cover the costs of your valuable luggage if lost or stolen.

Travel Insurance

Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

13. Affordable Underwater Camera

You won’t be able to dip your expensive professional or point-and-shoot camera into the water, but you can take this 20MP, 4K video quality, with you beneath the waves without a hitch. This is a great way to diversify your travel shots!

Affordable Underwater Camera

14. Smartphone Gloves

Sure, winter is a great time to shoot photos of snow-covered trees and Christmas decorations, but it’s also the coldest time of the year. The weather may just be too frigid for you to whip out your hands and update the functions on your touchscreen camera or phone. With that, a warm pair of smartphone gloves are perfect for any travel photographer looking to photograph in freezing temperatures.

Smartphone Gloves

15. Portable Hard Drive

You won’t need to beat yourself over the head for losing your camera or damaging your memory cards if you’ve brought along this portable hard drive. Feel safe and secure by saving your images to this backup storage space after each photo session. You can thank me later!

Portable Hard Drive

16. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

A universal waterproof phone case will come in handy if you plan on visiting a beach, pool, or natural body of water to take travel photos. This IPX8-certified case for your high-end iPhone or Samsung phone can offer the best protection from it getting wet.

Waterproof Phone Case

17. Portable Charger

A travel photographer’s worst nightmare is having your camera’s batteries die just as your prepping for an unforgettable shot. Smh. Am I right? Nevertheless, moments like these are preventable, and having a portable charger on hand is a great way to keep the juices flowing so you don’t skip a beat.

charger

Other Travel Photography Packing List Items Not to Forget

  • Luggage Locks
  • Cooling Towel
  • Memory Card
  • Bug Repellent Bracelets
  • Camera Lens Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
  • Airborne Immunity Support Medicine
  • Selfie Stick
  • Rain/Snow Lens Cover
  • Men’s Trucker Hat
  • Women’s Trucker Hat
  • Lightweight Travel Backpack
  • Phone Tripod
  • First Aid Bag
  • Electrolytes
  • Female Urination Device
  • Hiking Shoes
  • Electronics Carrying Case
  • Memory Card Reader
  • Camera Straps
  • Mini Air Blaster
  • MP3 Bluetooth Speaker Watch
  • Car Charger
  • Shoe Insoles
  • Moisture Wicking Scarf
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Tactical Flashlight
  • Camping Tent
  • Men’s Visor Hat

What to Wear as a Travel Photographer

What to Wear as a Travel Photographer

Since you’ll be carrying your camera and accessories, consider throwing on a comfortable crop top with a utility vest to store your gear and personal belongings. A pair of cargo pants loaded with pockets are also a great way to conveniently hold small items. Make sure to toss on some hiking boots if you’re spending your travel adventure in the mountains. If you need a little shade, a visor or bucket hat will help block the sun so you can get a clear shot of your visor or screen. What Men Should Wear as a Travel Photographer – (Click to expand) Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Hiking Boots

Dressing for the Seasons

Dressing in winter

As the temperature slowly heats up, it’s time to bring out a gorgeous floral dress to match the spring blossoms. A cozy cotton blend dress is perfect for mid-day shots that’ll lead into the evening. For guys, you can’t go wrong with a colorful short sleeve button down t-shirt to bring out your photographer spirit in the sun.

Dressing in Fall

As the temperatures cool, don’t hesitate to throw on some casual drawstring pants or a cotton vest . You may need a lightweight raincoat, and if the weather is cold but manageable, prep some open finger gloves for easy access to your camera.

City Shots There’s nothing like a stunning showcase of architecture, cuisine, landmarks, technology, parks, transportation, and everyday life in cities across the world. Here, the casual approach works best. Toss on some jeans , sneakers, and polo T-shirt . Loose-fitted drawstring pants, a crop top , and a lightweight sweater are great options if you’ll be out into the night.

Road Trip Cross-country road trips are one of the most exciting forms of travel. You get to stop and see attractions, experience different cultures and witness dramatically changing landscapes. This is your chance to throw on some jogger sweats and your favorite T-shirt. If it’s hot, put on a sleeveless T-shirt , some UV protection sunglasses, and let the windows down. If it’s cold, toss on a nifty cotton sweater and wool socks while you listen to a podcast and think about all the amazing pictures you’re about to take.

What NOT to Bring as a Travel Photographer

1. don’t bring heavy & unnecessary camera accessories.

Don’t log around unnecessary, weighty camera equipment unless you absolutely, unequivocally, need it. If you’re shooting night shots in the mountains, for example, fill lights, a wide-angle lens, a durable tripod , night filters, a remote shutter, and a headlamp are a must. However, on a trip to the beach, you may just need the basics: a camera and a cocktail.

2. DON’T PACK Microphones

Unless you plan to record video—which, as a travel photographer, you actually may want to consider for stock video websites—just go ahead and leave your microphone at home. Hey, think of something else you can use that space for, like an extra battery . Speaking of which …

3. DON’T BRING Just One Battery and Memory Card

We’ve all been there—having those extra charging cables and batteries around are a God-send when your camera needs just a little bit more juice to capture something truly amazing. What’s more, having an extra memory card will be your savior once your storage gets full from all of the incredible shots you’ve taken.

4. DON’T TAKE Cheap Cameras

If you love travel photography the way I do, you’ll need to leave those cheap supermarket cameras at home and invest more cash into a quality camera. Yeah, I know. I’d say $200-$400 USD will get you a decent point-and-shoot digital camera , while $400 – $1K is average for a starter professional camera with great megapixels. If you want the best of the best, expect to spend $1000+, and that might just be for the camera body!

5. DON’T BRING Just Your Cellphone

Sure, Apple’s iPhone 13 can take some amazing photos. Trust me, I’ve used it myself. Nevertheless, a passionate travel photographer should always have a point-and-shoot digital camera, DSLR camera, or mirrorless camera on hand. You’ll get higher resolutions, better zooms, more creative options, and better navigational tools to adjust your camera settings.

6. DON’T PACK Poor Quality Camera Bags

Cameras are pretty expensive. And let’s not even mention all the must-have accessories you’ll need to buy like lenses , filters, memory cards, tripods, batteries, and cables. With that, DO NOT settle on a cheap, poorly made bag to hold your camera and gear. You’ll risk rips, which in turn leads to holes, and before you know it, your expensive gear is lost and your camera has slipped out of your bag, hit the ground, and cracked its lens. Ouch.

Travel Photography FAQs

1. what jobs can i do as a travel photographer.

What jobs can I do as a travel photographer?

Your passion for travel photography could lead you to many different professional directions, but here are 5 things to consider as a start:

  • Start your own travel photography blog or portfolio. That way you can showcase your work to the world and potentially get discovered by companies in need of your images or skills. Isn’t that the dream!?
  • Volunteer as a Photographer for Events. Local government-sponsored programs and city tourism magazines are always looking for volunteer photographers to capture their special events and activities. These are just a few great opportunities to develop your abilities and network in the field.
  • Submit Your Photos to Travel Magazines Many travel-related magazines like Reader’s Digest, Midwest Living, and Afar, receive their beautiful images from a large network of freelance contributors. If your content is used often, they might even give you specific, paid assignments. Check their websites for details on how to submit your photos.
  • Submit Your Work to Paid Stock Websites. Stock photography websites like Getty Images and Shutterstock have shelled out millions of dollars to their contributors. Why not get in on the action?
  • Find Freelance Work. Freelance job opportunities for photographers, writers, voice-over artists, and transcribers, to name a few, are posted daily on websites like Upwork and Fiverr. Earn a little extra cash for your hobbies by signing up.

2. What’s the best camera for a beginner travel photographer?

Canon, Nikon, and Sony are renowned as the top camera brands to use for beginner travel photographers. And skip the point and shoot digital cameras—you’ll want to upgrade to a DSLR or Mirrorless camera for the best professional quality, which means a minimum of 24 megapixels and interchangeable lens sizes. The best cameras to buy for a beginner travel photographer are:

Canon: Rebel T7 Nikon: D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500 Sony: A6000, A6300

3. What’s the best way to store your travel photography?

What’s the best way to store your travel photography?

Sure, you may be fine storing photos on your camera’s memory card, but what if your device gets damaged, lost, or stolen? All those beautiful photos you took … gone… forever, just… like… that! That’s why it’s imperative to have a backup system for your travel photos. The best ways to keep your photos safe are by:

  • Saving your collection into a Cloud system.
  • Transferring your photos to a portable hard drive.
  • Transferring your photos to your laptop.
  • Transferring your photos to your phone using your camera’s software app. For example, Nikon uses SnapBridge to connect your phone with its cameras, and you can transfer photos over using Bluetooth.

4. What licenses should you know about when sharing your travel photography?

The 4 most important licenses to know when it comes to granting others permission to use your travel photography are Editorial, Non-Commercial, Commercial Use, and Copyright Free/Public Domain. Here’s a short breakdown of each:

Editorial: Your photos can only be used to highlight information, news, commentary, or an event, and can’t be used for monetary gain.

Non-Commercial: Photos can be used in blogs, newsletters, personal websites, social media, and can’t be used for monetary gain.

Commercial Use: Photos can be used for monetary gain. They can be used in merchandising, advertisements, promotional materials, magazines, newspapers, etc.

Copyright Free/Public Domain: You give up the complete copyrights/ownership of your photos for free.

Other rights and licenses to review are Creative Commons, Exclusive/Non-Exclusive, First Rights, Rights Managed, and Royalty-Free.

5. What are some of the best places in the US for travel photography?

What are some of the best places in the US for travel photography?

Oh boy. Ask a group of 100 travel photographers this exact question and you’re guaranteed to get 100 different answers. With that, here’s my personal list of 5 great places in the US for travel photography:

Sequoia National Park – California The Grand Canyon – Arizona Monument Valley – Utah Flint Hills – Kansas York – New York

6. What software can I use to edit my travel photography?

Sometimes you’ll need to help of photo editing software to bring out the best of your images. And there’s no shame—everyone does it. So, what’s the best software to use? Well, the Adobe brand has slowly transformed into an industry standard. For photos, Adobe Lightroom is a popular choice. Coral is also another leading photography editor. Try Coral Paint Shop.

If you’re aiming to use simpler photo editing tools, I suggest GIMP, Photoscape, Luminar, and Snapseed.

7. What websites can you submit your travel photography to and share it copyright free to the world?

 What websites can you submit your travel photography to and share it copyright free to the world?

I get it—your passion for travel photography doesn’t necessarily mean money is the end goal. Maybe you just like taking beautiful photos on your adventures and sharing them with the world, free of charge. Lucky for you, you can grant millions of people free access to your images. Websites like Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash, Freeimages.com, and Stock Vault, provide copyright-free images and allows users to upload as many photos as they’d like to share.

8. Where can you upload your travel photography and get paid?

There are plenty of stock photography websites where you can upload your high-quality photos and get paid. The most popular websites that pay photographers royalties for their images are:

Getty Images Shutterstock iStock Alamy Adobe Stock

Plus, don’t forget that you can submit your photos to tourism websites covering your city/state, and to local/national travel magazines that are looking for the best pictures of parks, landmarks, attractions, and popular destinations across the country.

travel photo items

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Minimalist Travel Photography Gear: An Essential Guide

This image shows some items from Katerina's minimalist travel photography gear: a travel tripod, a pocket-sized tripod, a small drone, the drone joystick, two hard drives, four SD cards, the DJi Osmo Pocket, an ultrabook and a compact shoulder bag.

Last updated on March 31st, 2023 at 09:21 am

Slow travel doesn’t go well with packing light but we’re doing our best to achieve both and the minimalist travel photography gear we carry during our travels is proof enough that we’re headed in the right direction.

Travelling with photography gear isn’t always the easiest of tasks. However, things get a lot simpler if you only carry the necessary camera accessories for travel rather than get carried away and pack many things that you won’t even use in the end.

So, if you’re wondering how to travel with photography equipment, this minimalist travel photography gear guide is packed with travel photography tips and it’s here to answer all your questions.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate ones. This means that if you click through them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, visit our  Disclosure page .

Why Embrace Minimalist Travel

Before going into detail about what should make it to your minimalist travel photography gear list, it’s a great idea to understand why we should all embrace the minimalist travel mindset in the first place.

Minimalist Travel Is Comfortable

This is rather self-explanatory but minimalist travel is a synonym to comfort. Minimalist packing for travel means that you don’t get to carry heavy luggage up and down stairs. Or in and out of buses and trains.

In the case of travel photography gear, this becomes even more important. Unlike the rest of your luggage, you get to carry your travel photography essentials around all day rather than just on your way from the airport/train station/port to your hotel .

Therefore, it’s important not to end up with heavy and difficult-to-carry photography gear. Making the conscious decision to carry nothing but the essential gear for travel photography you need, helps you avoid problems like shoulder and back pain.

Minimalist Travel is Safe

The truth is that travel photography gear is usually expensive. Therefore, it’s best not to carry around too many expensive items while you travel. Most importantly, it’s wise to take with you as many travel photography accessories as your camera bag can hold, without the need to carry an extra pouch or tote bag or similar. By having everything in one place, it’s easier to keep an eye on your precious travel photography kit at all times.

Minimalist Travel Is Sustainable

One of the main reasons why adopting a minimalist mindset is vital is because it promotes sustainability . Buying and consuming less is the epitome of maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. These principles apply to travel, too. Especially when it comes to travel photography gear.

If photography isn’t your full-time occupation or if you’re a digital nomad, it makes no sense to buy, say, four or five different lenses that do similar things for the purposes of travel photography alone.

Minimalist Travel Is Affordable

Why spend more on checked baggage when you can use this money to enjoy a unique experience or visit a fascinating place during your travels? Packing light means spending less money on checked baggage. This is yet another reason to stick to the absolutely essential photography gear while travelling.

This image shows Santorini airport from a distance. There are two Easyjet airplanes, one Transavia and one Aegean.

Travel Photography Gear Vs Phone Camera

Since we’ve been going on and on about the importance of minimalist travel, there’s a good chance that a specific question has already taken form in your heads. Why pack any travel photography gear at all when you can use your phone instead?

It’s true. Nowadays, cellphone cameras have endless possibilities. Especially if you invest in one of the best (and most expensive) phones on the market. However, if you have a genuine passion for travel photography or if you aspire to become a professional photographer, shooting photos with nothing but your phone isn’t even an option. There are some things that you simply can’t do with a phone camera.

As with everything in life, quality is king in travel photography, too. Shooting in RAW format with your DSLR or mirrorless camera ensures that you capture a remarkable amount of image data and details. This opens up a world of endless possibilities when the time comes for you to edit your images, without having to jeopardise the dynamic range that comes from your camera sensor.

Moreover, using the manual settings of a DSLR or mirrorless camera enables you to play with your shutter speed and take photos of different styles. For example, photos with light trails or even astrophotography.

Last but not least, with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you can use the lenses that better suit your photography style. For instance, a telephoto lens is ideal if you’re into wildlife photography , whereas a wide-angle lens helps you fit more of the scene you want to shoot in a single frame.

This image shows Maria holding a cellphone to take a photo of Oia in Santorini.

Minimalist Travel Photography Gear List

Mirrorless or dslr.

If you’re in a quest to find the best cameras for travel photography, chances are you’re already faced with the impossible dilemma: mirrorless or DSLR? This dilemma is indeed impossible in terms of photography in general. However, things are a lot easier when it comes to travel photography.

As mentioned above, size and weight matter a lot when travelling. A smaller camera is more comfortable, it helps you blend in and it doesn’t scream I’m expensive, come snatch me! as loud as a bulkier camera would do. Mirrorless cameras are lighter and more compact than DSLR cameras. For that reason alone, mirrorless is the clear winner here.

Best Mirrorless Cameras For Travel Photography

Now that we’ve put the mother of all dilemmas behind us, there’s yet another dilemma to consider while deciding on the best mirrorless cameras for travel photography.

Cameras come with either a crop or a full-frame sensor. A crop sensor (APS-C sensor) is more compact than a full-frame sensor. Crop-sensor cameras are also way cheaper and lighter than full-frame cameras and that’s why they’re ideal for beginners. My first camera was a DSLR Nikon D3400 which was the predecessor of the Nikon D3500 . But if I was starting today, I would go for a mirrorless camera instead.

Two of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners are the Sony α 6000 and the Fujifilm XS-10 . As far as mirrorless systems are concerned, Sony and Fujifilm are the top brands. Furthermore, they have a broad range of lenses to choose from. For more advanced photographers, the Sony α7 III with 35-mm Full-Frame Image Sensor is probably the best mirrorless camera for travel photography your money can buy.

Before you buy a camera for travel photography, keep in mind that it’s better to buy the camera body alone, without the kit lens that’s usually included in the box. With the money you’ll save (OK and probably a bit more off of your pockets), you can buy a lens with far better quality than the kit lens and one that suits your photography preferences and needs best.

However, if there’s no difference in the price between the camera body and the camera body with the kit lens, perhaps you should choose the latter. Especially if you’re just starting with travel photography and don’t want to invest in a pricier lens yet.

TIP: Don’t forget that you can always rent a camera before buying it. This way, you can check if it’s the right camera for you.

This image shows the Acropolis lit at dusk. It's probably the most characteristic view of the city.

Backup Travel Video Camera

If you’re into video production, some cameras are the definition of minimalist gear as they can literally fit in your pocket. The best overall handheld camera is probably the DJI Osmo Pocket 2 . However, if you plan to shoot action scenes, the GoPro Hero 11 should be your weapon of choice.

2. Camera Lenses

Travel photography is a blend of many photography styles and that’s why it’s so fascinating and popular. Whether it’s the breathtaking landscape that you stumble upon during a hike or the dramatic skyline of a modern city that catches your eye, one thing’s for sure. While travelling, there are endless different moments that you’ll want to capture for eternity.

For each of these moments or situations, you may need a different kind of lens – such as a telephoto lens, a wide-angle lens or a normal lens – to render the best results. However, if you want to stay true to your minimalist travel mindset, you should go for an all-in-one lens. Especially if you’re just starting as a travel photographer and you’re still trying to find your bearings in a photography field that’s insanely diverse.

Once you know what you’re more passionate about (e.g. shooting wildlife or portraits, etc), you can then consider adding a second lens to your minimalist travel photography gear list. Maybe even a third one in the long run. However, by the time you start thinking of adding a fourth camera lens to your collection, the concept of minimalist travel will have gone out of the window.

This image shows an old mill and a stone house by a stream in the Cotswolds, England.

Prime Vs Zoom Lens For Travel

Although prime lenses are usually more lightweight than zoom lenses – and as such more appealing as travel companions – they have fixed focal lengths and angles of view. This means that you will need to carry more than one prime lens to shoot everything from the broadest to the narrowest views.

On the other hand, with a zoom lens, you can adjust the angle of view quickly without changing the lens. Therefore, a good zoom lens is an all-in-one lens you should be aiming for, as it is perfect for a wide range of different shots.

Best Lenses For Travel Photography

As mentioned above, if the camera body you buy comes with a kit lens that doesn’t break the bank, this may be the ideal way to start your journey into the magical world of travel photography. That said, skipping the kit lens and investing in a quality versatile lens right from the start instead may be the best value-for-money decision you’ve ever made.

For a crop-sensor camera, either this Fujinon XF16-80mm F4 R OIS WR or this Fujinon XF18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens can be your best companion in travel photography. Choosing either of these lenses means that you will probably never need to buy a second lens.

The price may seem quite high, especially for a beginner. That said, buying a new quality lens is an investment. You can always sell your used camera lens as second-hand photography gear at a very good price.

Sony has more affordable options without compromising image quality. Have a look at this Sony Vario-Tessar T E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS or this Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens .

For full-frame cameras, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 is probably the best lens for travel photography. It’s lightweight and very affordable compared to other zoom lenses in its category. Moreover, it has the perfect focal length range for travel photography.

TIP: Before investing in any lens, do your research and rent the ones you seem to like the most. This way, you can check which one works best for you before you buy it.

This image shows the old mines in Serifos at sunset.

3. Lens Filters

A UV filter for your camera lens is the one thing you want to buy the exact same moment you buy your camera lens itself. This is because a UV filter protects your camera lens from scratches, dirt and dust.

If you’re looking to up your travel photography game, there are a couple of other lens filters you might want to look into. For instance, polarising filters increase contrasts while ND filters are necessary for long-exposure landscape photography.

The Essentials Filter Kit Plus+ by URTH is the best minimalist outdoor kit your money can buy. It includes four lens filters: one UV filter, one polarising filter and two ND filters. They come in an insightful kit with top and bottom lens caps that ensure compact storage and protection while your filters are in your bag.

TIP: Lens filters come in different sizes. Take a look at your lens cap to check your lens size before ordering your camera lens filters .

This is a long exposure shot during sunset that creates a smooth effect on the sea water. It was shot in Naxos Greece.

4. Travel Tripods

A portable tripod is a must for travel photography. It’s an indispensable tool if you want to shoot in low-light conditions or if you’re looking to create unique effects such as light trails. When choosing the best tripod for travel photography, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First of all, the tripod should be lightweight but also sturdy and strong enough to support the weight of your camera and lens. Therefore, before you buy your next travel tripod, make sure you check not only the tripod’s weight but also its maximum load capacity. Moreover, the tripod should be foldable but also easy to set up. Remember that a tripod with clip locks instead of twist locks on its legs is generally easier and faster to set up.

One of the most reliable but also affordable travel tripods that ticks all the boxes is the aluminium-made Manfrotto Befree Advanced Alpha Travel Tripod .

However, if you’d prefer an even more lightweight and compact option, you should go for a carbon fibre tripod. For instance, this Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod boasts the diameter of a water bottle when folded. In this case, though, be prepared to pay (a lot) more than an aluminium tripod would cost you.

Since you never know when the opportunity presents itself for you to capture the long-exposure shot of your dreams, it would be wise to carry a pocket-size tripod on you at all times, too. The Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod can literally fit in your pocket or your evening purse.

TIP: Before you buy a travel tripod, check the characteristics to make sure that it’s suitable for your camera and that it can support the total weight of your camera and lens.

This is a long exposure shot of Porta Napoli in Lecce, Italy in the evening.

5. Camera Batteries & Chargers

Perhaps I’m not the right person to advise you on this one. I’m obsessed with having spare batteries for my camera. Even if I know for a fact that its battery life is excellent. For instance, the battery life of a Sony α7 III guarantees that you’ll never run out of battery in the middle of a photo shoot. Has this stopped me from buying a spare battery? Nope. Let’s just say that having spare batteries is my minimalist travel packing vice and leave it at that.

That said, don’t be me. What you should do is check your camera’s characteristics. That can help you determine whether you need to buy a second (or third) battery for your camera. If it’s not necessary, don’t waste your precious money and space. But if there’s even the slightest possibility that your camera battery could die on you sooner than you’d expect, by all means, always carry spare batteries with you.

As far as chargers are concerned, perhaps you should choose a camera that doesn’t need an extra charger for the sake of sticking to your minimalist travel photography gear concept. The Sony α7 III is one such example. It comes with a Micro USB cable with an A/C adapter that you can plug into the wall socket. Charging takes longer than it would with a dedicated charger. However, you can always charge your camera while recharging your own batteries: overnight.

This image shows two chargers and one battery.

6. SD Cards

SD cards are probably the most minimalist items inside your travel photography kit. Therefore, it’s OK to have as many of them as your peace of mind requires. Before buying an SD card, you should check its read/write speeds. However, there’s a lot more to take into account. Memory cards come loaded with many impressive characteristics, such as waterproof or shock-proof technology.

In any case, to avoid any unpleasant surprises – aka losing your precious shots or footage – make sure you always buy high-quality SD cards . Ideally, keep them in a memory card holder so that they’re not misplaced in your camera bag.

7. Portable Hard Drive

When it comes to storing your images and/or video footage, SD cards are not enough. Α reliable portable hard drive should always be part of your essential travel photography gear, too. Transferring your images and footage from your SD cards to a portable hard drive doesn’t only free up valuable SD card space when you need it the most. It’s also one of the best ways to back up your travel photos.

This image is a close up of two portable hard drives and five SD cards, all necessary items on your minimalist travel photography gear list.

8. Cleaning Kit

Remember that time when all your photos from your trip to Southern Italy featured a bird flying in the bright blue sky? Sorry to break it to you, but that was no bird. It was a smudge on your camera sensor. It’s important to keep your travel photography gear clean and not just for hygiene reasons. First and foremost, cleaning your camera and lens means that you’re getting rid of dirt, dust and smudges that can and will at some point affect your images.

Cleaning kits for your camera and lenses are among the best photography accessories. They come in various sizes. Some cleaning kits contain only the basics while others are super fancy. You don’t need the latter when you travel with your minimalist travel photography gear. However, there are some cleaning items that you must keep in your camera bag at all times.

First of all, a carbon-tipped pen and a microfibre cloth are necessary if you want to remove grease, fingertips and smudges from your camera lens. You also need a brush to remove dust particles from your camera. To keep your travel photography kit as minimalist as possible, go for a lens pen that has a carbon tip on one end and a brush on the other.

Cleaning your camera lens is the easy part. But what happens when there’s dust or a smudge on your camera sensor? Oftentimes, when switching between lenses and especially when you do so outdoors, one or more dust particles can get stuck on your camera sensor. You will know there’s dust on your sensor if you see the same dark spot(s) on all of your photos. The bird(s) we were talking about earlier.

However, camera sensors are super super sensitive. In other words, they’re not to be messed with. That’s when a blower comes in handy. If you detect dust on your camera sensor, don’t touch it and don’t try to wipe it clean with your microfibre cloth or anything else. Just use your blower and hope that the dust goes away.

If it doesn’t, you can try wet-cleaning your camera sensor but we wouldn’t recommend it. Our suggestion is to take your camera for a professional cleaning instead.

This is a panoramic shot of Trani port at sunset.

9. Camera Strap

A good camera strap isn’t minimalist travel specific. Every travel photographer should invest in a reliable, top-quality camera strap at some point. But, what’s wrong with the strap that came with my camera, you may wonder? Well, there are at least three boxes a good camera strap must tick. Any factory strap can only tick one of them.

Your camera strap must be strong enough to hold the combined weight of your camera and lens. That’s the only thing that the strap that comes with your camera can guarantee. Moreover, your camera strap must be as comfortable as possible. At the end of the day, you are the one who’s going to be carrying all this weight around. However, factory straps are notorious for their lack of comfort.

Last but not least, a good camera strap never screams expensive but it’s as discreet as can be. Factory straps couldn’t be less discreet. For instance, you could read that blinding SONY on the brand’s factory strap from miles away. So, is there a camera strap that’s strong, comfortable and discreet at the same time? There are quite a few but my favourite is the versatile and super comfortable Peak Design Slide camera strap .

However, my new favourite accessory is the Peak Design Capture Clip . With this clip, my camera is attached securely to my camera bag and it’s accessible with the click of a button any time I need it.

This is a close up of a Sony camera strap.

10. Best Drone For Travel Photography

It’s impressive how quickly drones are becoming popular with travel photographers. The ability to shoot photos from angles that you wouldn’t be able to shoot otherwise is quite tempting. This is why a drone is now considered part of your must-have professional photography gear.

If you’re looking for the best drone that fits in your minimalist travel backpack, there’s no doubt that the DJI Mini 3 is the one. Weighing less than 250 grams and small enough to fit in your (large) pocket when folded, the DJI Mini 3 is the best travel companion for light packers who don’t want to break the bank while practising their aerial photography skills.

Keep in mind that the ultimate value-for-money option is to buy the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo . It costs a bit more than buying the DJI Mini 3 on its own. However, the box includes extra sets of propellers, additional batteries, a charging hub for three batteries and a stylish shoulder bag that can double as a minimalist evening camera bag.

This is a drone shot of Oia, the whitewashed village perched on the rim of the caldera in Santorini.

11. Best Travel Laptop For Photographers

If you’re looking for a laptop that stays true to your minimalist travel vision but also nails it in terms of photo editing, there are some characteristics that you should pay attention to before buying. First of all, whether you swear by Apple MacBooks or you are a Windows fan, you must choose a laptop that’s as slim, compact and lightweight as possible. In this spirit, any 15-inch ultrabook is a good match for your minimalist travel photography gear.

To have a seamless photo-editing experience, make sure you choose an ultrabook with plenty of RAM and a fast processor. Otherwise, say hello to your new best worst friend: lagging. Moreover, your laptop should feature a 4K screen and a large storage drive. Have a look at some of the best laptops for travel photography here.

12. Camera Bags

Your camera bag is probably the most important part of your travel gear. It has to be comfortable, sturdy and designed with a focus on how easy it is to access your camera and other gear. Below we recommend some of our favourite camera bags, based on size.

Minimalist Travel Backpack

Looking for a camera bag that ticks all the boxes and doesn’t exceed the personal item size allowed on most airlines can be really frustrating. It took me a lot of time to find an elegant, smartly designed, water-resistant camera bag that can qualify as a personal item when travelling by plane. That bag is no other than the WANDRD PRVKE Lite .

With a capacity of 11L that can expand to 16L thanks to a smart rolltop, amazing colours to choose from, high-quality materials and a built-in camera cube, the WANDRD PRVKE Lite is a camera bag that I can carry around all day during our travels, from exploring to hiking to going out for dinner in the evening.

Discover more and grab your WANDRD PRVKE Lite here .

Minimalist Photography Carry-On Backpack

But what about a photography carry-on bag? In that case, the best camera backpack is the one that fits all your travel photography gear but still doesn’t feel – or look – too bulky. In my opinion, the Thule Aspect DSLR Backpack is one of the best minimalist carry-on backpacks for photography gear. It’s also among the most affordable ones in its category.

It comes with removable padded storage that protects your camera, lenses and other photography equipment. There’s also a 15-inch laptop compartment and a side tripod holder. This carry-on backpack also leaves a bit of room for some clothes or a jacket or other items.

Even if your camera backpack is water-resistant, it’s always a good idea to buy an extra backpack rain cover . You can never be too careful with your precious travel photography gear, right?

This image shows a Thule backpack on board a sailing boat in Santorini. In the background, we can see the island's iconic cliffs. A minimalist travel photography gear list is never complete without a good minimalist travel backpack.

For a more elegant camera backpack that qualifies as a carry-on bag on all airlines, our top recommendation is the Peak Design Everyday Totepack . With its minimal design, weatherproof shell and expandable rolltop, the 25L-capacity Peak Design Everyday Totepack comes in two colours and it’s the best minimalist camera backpack in the carry-on size category.

Discover more and grab your Peak Design Everyday Totepack here.

Small Camera Bag

More often than not, there’s this special event we need to attend during our travels. Or maybe we’re suddenly in the mood to dress up and go out for drinks. This doesn’t mean that we should leave our cameras behind. After all, everybody knows that the best camera is the one you have with you. Yet it feels quite awkward to step inside a bar or a fancy restaurant, all dressed up and good-looking, with a backpack on.

That’s when a smaller travel photography bag comes in handy. Ideally, this small camera bag should be compact enough to fit in your carry-on. This way, you can still carry your minimalist travel backpack as your personal item when flying with photography gear.

I’m absolutely in love with the shoulder bag that came with the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo I bought. When I travel by plane, I put all my personal stuff in the DJI camera bag. Then, I put the DJI bag in the upper compartment of my Thule Aspect DSLR Backpack. This way I don’t have to pay for extra baggage.

If you don’t plan to buy the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo though, there are some other excellent choices for small camera bags that can double as in-bag organisers, too. The Peak Design Field Pouch V2 stands out among them.

This is a close up of the DJI shoulder bag, an essential item on your minimalist travel photography gear list.

What’s Not In My Camera Bag But I Never Travel Without

Travel insurance for camera gear.

No matter how careful we are during our travels, things can always go south. This is why we never leave for a trip – either abroad or in Greece – without travel insurance that covers both ourselves and our gadgets. In case of loss, damage or theft of our cameras, it’s bad enough that we will have lost all those precious memories. Why suffer a financial loss, too? Therefore, make sure you add your photography gear to your travel insurance plan in advance to enjoy a stress-free trip .

Online Backup Service

A few lines above, we mentioned how much it sucks to lose all those precious memories from your travels. If your camera gets stolen or lost before you have the chance to transfer the files to a portable hard drive, then, yes, these memories are gone for good.

But it just so happens that sometimes portable hard drives malfunction. Even worse, they may get stolen or lost, too. It’s such a shame to lose your precious images even if you’ve done everything in your power to back up your files. Or have you?

Even if you’ve transferred all your files to one or more portable hard drives, you are not guaranteed that they are stored for life. But there’s a way to have lifelong storage. That’s no other than paying for an online backup service like Backblaze . For a reasonable annual fee, you can rest assured that your invaluable photos will be with you forever.

This photo shows Maria, Katerina and a party of 4 more people raising their aperitivo glasses to toast. The setting is the courtyard of Corte Candelora B&B. One of the moments we cherish about our Grecia Salentina trip.

Packing light is one of the best ways to achieve a comfortable, safe and sustainable travel experience. This is especially true with travel photography. Carrying nothing but your essential camera gear helps you enjoy your trips in a more carefree and comfortable manner.

If you ever have doubts about whether to add an item to your travel photography kit or not, you can always refer back to this minimalist travel photography gear guide and our list of minimalist travel tips to double-check if this item is necessary to pack or not. And don’t forget. The only things that you should always take with you on your travels are an open mind and an insatiable thirst for new destinations!

WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina EDITING: Maria

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The ULTIMATE Packing List For Travel Photographers

Published: October 11, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Dulciana Chilton

  • Tech & Gear
  • Travel Tips

the-ultimate-packing-list-for-travel-photographers

Introduction

Travel photography is an incredibly rewarding and popular hobby. Whether you’re capturing stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, or unforgettable moments, having the right gear and accessories is essential for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime shots. In this article, we will provide you with the ultimate packing list for travel photographers, ensuring you have everything you need to make the most of your adventures.

When it comes to packing for a photography trip, it’s crucial to strike a balance between carrying all the necessary equipment and keeping your luggage as lightweight and compact as possible. This checklist will help you prioritize the essentials and leave behind any superfluous items that might weigh you down on your journey.

No matter your level of expertise or the type of photography you enjoy, this comprehensive packing list will ensure that you don’t miss out on any memorable shots. From camera gear and essential accessories to clothing and personal items, we’ve got you covered.

So, whether you’re embarking on a breathtaking landscape expedition, photographing bustling city streets, or documenting the rich tapestry of cultural events, let’s dive into the must-have items that will make your travel photography experience unforgettable.

Camera Gear

At the heart of every travel photographer’s arsenal is their camera gear. Choosing the right equipment will greatly impact the quality of your photos. Here are the essential items you should consider packing:

  • Camera Body: Select a camera body that suits your requirements and budget. Consider factors such as sensor size, resolution, and low light performance.
  • Lenses: Carry a versatile lens kit that covers a range of focal lengths. A wide-angle lens is perfect for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is ideal for capturing distant subjects.
  • Spare Batteries: Always pack extra camera batteries to ensure you have enough power throughout your trip. It’s also a good idea to carry a portable battery charger.
  • Battery Grip: If you anticipate long shooting sessions or don’t want to worry about changing batteries frequently, a battery grip can provide extended power and a more comfortable grip.
  • Camera Strap: Invest in a comfortable and durable camera strap to keep your camera secure and easily accessible while exploring.
  • Camera Bag: Choose a well-padded and weather-resistant camera bag that provides adequate protection for your gear while offering convenient compartments for organizing accessories.

Remember to consider the weight and size of your camera gear when selecting a bag. Opt for a bag that meets airline carry-on requirements to avoid the risk of damage or loss during travel.

Additionally, if you plan on shooting in challenging conditions, such as in inclement weather or underwater, make sure to research and invest in appropriate camera housing or protective gear.

By carefully selecting and packing your camera gear, you’ll be well-prepared to capture stunning photographs no matter where your travels take you.

Essential Accessories

While your camera gear is the backbone of your photography equipment, essential accessories can greatly enhance your shooting experience and help you overcome various challenges. Here are some must-have accessories for travel photographers:

  • Tripod: A sturdy and lightweight tripod is indispensable for capturing sharp images, especially in low light situations or when shooting long exposures.
  • Remote Shutter Release: A remote shutter release allows you to trigger the camera without touching it, reducing the risk of camera shake for long exposures or self-portraits.
  • Camera Filters: Filters are essential for controlling light and achieving creative effects. Consider carrying a polarizing filter, neutral density (ND) filter, and graduated ND filter to enhance your photography.
  • External Flash: An external flash can provide additional light in challenging lighting conditions, adding depth and dimension to your images. Don’t forget spare batteries and a diffuser for more natural light diffusion.
  • Reflectors: Reflectors are handy for bouncing and diffusing light, helping you fill in shadows and achieve a more balanced exposure when shooting portraits or macro photography.
  • Cable Ties and Velcro Straps: These small but mighty accessories can help you keep your cables and cords organized, preventing them from tangling and getting damaged during travel.
  • Gimbal or Stabilizer: If you plan on shooting smooth video footage, consider investing in a gimbal or stabilizer to reduce camera shake and capture professional-looking videos.
  • Memory Card Reader: A fast and reliable memory card reader will allow you to transfer your images quickly and securely to a computer or other storage devices.

Remember to research and choose accessories that are compatible with your camera equipment, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.

These essential accessories will not only elevate your photography but also provide you with the tools to tackle various shooting scenarios, allowing you to capture stunning images throughout your journey.

Clothing and Personal Items

When embarking on a photography trip, it’s important to pack the right clothing and personal items to ensure your comfort and well-being during your photographic adventures. Here are some essential items to consider:

  • Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers and pack clothing suitable for the climate and weather conditions of your destination. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket or poncho for protection against unexpected rain.
  • Comfortable Shoes: As a travel photographer, you’ll likely spend a considerable amount of time on your feet, so it’s crucial to bring supportive and comfortable shoes. Choose footwear that suits the terrain and provides good grip.
  • Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun’s rays by packing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. These items will not only shield your eyes but also make your outdoor photography sessions more comfortable.
  • Travel Adapter: Depending on your destination, you may need a travel adapter to charge your camera gear and other electronic devices. Research the type of adapter required and pack it accordingly.
  • Power Bank: A portable power bank can be a lifesaver when you’re on the go and need to charge your phone, camera, or other devices. Look for one with a high capacity to keep your equipment powered up.
  • Personal Medications: If you have any prescribed medications, ensure you have an adequate supply for the duration of your trip. It’s also a good idea to carry a basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages and pain relievers.
  • Travel Insurance: Protect your investment by obtaining a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers your camera equipment and provides medical coverage for any unforeseen circumstances.
  • Travel Pillow and Eye Mask: Long flights or bus rides can be tiring, so consider packing a travel pillow and eye mask to ensure you get some rest and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.

Remember to pack light, focusing on versatile and multi-purpose clothing items. It’s also a good idea to check the travel restrictions and guidelines specific to your destination to ensure you comply with any dress codes or cultural considerations.

By packing the right clothing and personal items, you’ll be well-prepared for any photography adventure, ensuring both comfort and practicality throughout your journey.

Electronics and Chargers

As a travel photographer, your electronic devices are crucial for capturing and editing your stunning images on the go. Here are the essential electronics and chargers to pack for your photography adventures:

  • Laptop or Tablet: A lightweight laptop or tablet is essential for transferring, organizing, and editing your photos while traveling. Make sure to install the necessary photo editing software before your trip.
  • Smartphone: Your smartphone can serve as a backup camera, GPS, and communication device. Additionally, various photography apps and editing tools are available to enhance your mobile photography experience.
  • Chargers and Cables: Don’t forget to pack chargers and cables for all your electronic devices, including your camera, laptop, smartphone, and any other gadgets you may be carrying. Consider using cable organizers to keep them tangle-free.
  • Power Strip or Multi-Port Charger: Depending on the number of devices you need to charge simultaneously, a power strip or multi-port charger can be a convenient way to save outlet space and keep all your devices powered up.
  • Universal Plug Adapter: If you’re traveling to a different country, a universal plug adapter ensures that you can plug your chargers into different types of outlets. Research the specific adapter needed for your destination.
  • Portable Hard Drive: Backing up your photos is essential to avoid losing precious memories. A portable hard drive provides extra storage and allows you to securely store your images while on the go.
  • Portable Wi-Fi or SIM Card: For seamless connectivity and easy photo sharing, consider investing in a portable Wi-Fi device or purchasing a local SIM card to ensure you stay connected wherever you are.

Remember to pack these electronics and chargers in your carry-on bag to prevent any potential damage or loss during transit. It’s also a good idea to bring a few extra memory cards to ensure you have enough storage space for all your photos.

By packing these essential electronics and chargers, you’ll have everything you need to capture, edit, and share your travel photos while staying connected throughout your photographic journey.

Memory Cards and Storage

When it comes to travel photography, having sufficient memory cards and reliable storage solutions is crucial for capturing and preserving your images. Here are some tips on memory cards and storage to consider:

  • Memory Cards: Invest in high-quality and high-capacity memory cards to ensure you have enough storage space for your photos. Consider carrying multiple cards to avoid running out of space during your trip. Don’t forget to check the compatibility of the memory card with your camera.
  • Memory Card Case: A memory card case will help you keep your cards organized and protected from damage and loss. Look for a case that offers waterproof and shockproof features for added security.
  • External Hard Drive: An external hard drive is a reliable backup option and provides extra storage space for your images. Consider transferring your photos from your memory cards to the external hard drive regularly to ensure redundancy.
  • Cloud Storage: Uploading your photos to cloud storage services offers an extra layer of protection and allows you to access your images from any device with an internet connection. Research and choose a reputable cloud storage provider.
  • Portable Storage Device: If you prefer a physical backup solution, consider a portable storage device that allows you to directly transfer your photos from memory cards to the device without the need for a computer.
  • Memory Card Reader: A fast and reliable memory card reader is essential for efficient data transfer from your memory cards to your laptop or other storage devices. Look for a reader that is compatible with various types of memory cards.

Remember to format your memory cards before each trip to ensure they are clean and ready for use. It’s also a good practice to store your memory cards separately from your camera gear to minimize the risk of losing all your photos in case of theft or misplacement.

By paying attention to memory cards and storage solutions, you can ensure that your travel photos are safely stored and you have ample space to capture all the amazing moments during your photography journey.

Tripods and Stabilization

When it comes to capturing sharp, steady, and professional-looking photos, a tripod and stabilization equipment are essential for travel photographers. Here’s what you need to know about tripods and stabilization:

  • Tripod: A tripod provides stability and eliminates camera shake, especially in low light situations or when shooting long exposures. Look for a lightweight and durable tripod that is compact enough to fit in your camera bag.
  • Travel Tripod: If you’re concerned about the weight and size of a traditional tripod, consider investing in a travel tripod. These are designed to be lightweight and compact without sacrificing stability.
  • Monopod: A monopod is a versatile alternative to a tripod, especially when you need to quickly set up your camera and maintain stability during fast-paced photography sessions or crowded environments.
  • GorillaPod or Flexible Tripod: These tripods feature flexible legs that can be wrapped around various objects for unique angles and stability. They are especially useful for outdoor photography and situations where traditional tripods cannot be used.
  • Ball Head or Pan/Tilt Head: When choosing a tripod, consider the type of head it comes with. A ball head allows for quick and easy adjustment, while a pan/tilt head provides precise control over camera movement.
  • Camera Stabilizer: If you’re shooting on the move or capturing video footage, consider using a camera stabilizer such as a gimbal or handheld stabilizer. These devices help reduce camera shake and create smooth and professional-looking footage.
  • Remote Shutter Release: To further minimize camera shake while shooting on a tripod, use a remote shutter release or self-timer feature to trigger the shutter without physically touching the camera.

When selecting a tripod or stabilization equipment, consider the weight and size of your camera and lens combination to ensure stability and compatibility. Pay attention to the maximum load capacity of the tripod to avoid overloading it.

With a reliable tripod or stabilization equipment in your arsenal, you’ll be able to capture stunning, blur-free images and smooth videos throughout your photography journey.

Filters and Lens Accessories

Filters and lens accessories are valuable tools in a travel photographer’s kit, allowing you to enhance and control light, add creative effects, and protect your valuable lenses. Here are some essential filters and lens accessories to consider:

  • Polarizing Filter: A polarizing filter helps reduce reflections, enhance colors, and improve contrast in your images. It is particularly useful when shooting landscapes or scenes with reflective surfaces like water or glass.
  • Neutral Density (ND) Filter: An ND filter reduces the amount of light entering the camera, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds and achieve motion blur effects for flowing water or creating a sense of movement in your photos.
  • Graduated Neutral Density (GND) Filter: GND filters are designed with a gradient of light reduction, allowing you to balance exposure in scenes with a significant difference in brightness between the sky and the foreground.
  • UV Filter: A UV filter primarily acts as a lens protector, reducing haze and protecting the lens from scratches, dust, and moisture. It is recommended to keep a UV filter on your lens at all times.
  • Lens Hood: A lens hood helps reduce lens flare and protects the lens from stray light, improving the overall image quality. It is especially handy in sunny or high-contrast situations.
  • Step-Up Rings: Step-up rings allow you to use filters with different thread sizes on your lenses. This eliminates the need for multiple filters, as you can attach the step-up ring to various lenses with different thread sizes.
  • Lens Cloth: A microfiber lens cloth is essential for keeping your lens and filters clean and free from smudges, dust, and fingerprints. It’s a good practice to carry a few lens cloths for convenience.
  • Lens Pen or Brush: To remove more stubborn debris from your lens or filter, a lens pen or brush can be used. These tools help in maintaining the cleanliness and clarity of your gear.

Consider the specific needs of your photography style and destinations when selecting filters and lens accessories. Research the recommended filter sizes for your lenses to ensure compatibility.

By utilizing filters and lens accessories, you can enhance your images and protect your lenses, allowing you to capture truly remarkable travel photos.

Cleaning Kits and Maintenance

Maintaining your camera gear in pristine condition is essential for travel photographers. Dust, dirt, and smudges can affect image quality, so having a cleaning kit and practicing proper maintenance is crucial. Here are some cleaning kits and maintenance tips to consider:

  • Lens Cleaning Solution: Use a high-quality lens cleaning solution specifically designed for camera lenses. Avoid using regular household cleaners or alcohol-based solutions, as they can damage lens coatings.
  • Microfiber Cleaning Cloths: Microfiber cloths are gentle and effective in removing smudges and fingerprints from lenses, LCD screens, and camera bodies. Keep a few clean cloths in your camera bag.
  • Blower or Air Blaster: A blower or air blaster is useful for removing dust and debris from your camera’s sensor and other hard-to-reach areas. It’s important to keep your camera’s sensor clean to avoid spots appearing in your images.
  • Sensor Cleaning Kit: For more thorough sensor cleaning, consider investing in a sensor cleaning kit. Proper technique and caution are required when cleaning the sensor, so it may be worthwhile to have it professionally cleaned if you’re unsure.
  • Camera Body and Lens Brush: Use a soft brush specifically designed for camera bodies and lenses to gently remove dust and debris before using a cleaning cloth or solution. Sweep the brush in one direction to avoid scratching the surface.
  • Rubber Air Blower: A rubber air blower is handy for blowing away dust from delicate camera areas, crevices, and lens elements without touching them. It’s a safe and effective tool for getting rid of loose particles.
  • Camera Sensor Loupe: A camera sensor loupe is a magnifying tool that helps you inspect the sensor for dust and dirt particles. This allows you to detect any spots that might need cleaning before they affect your photos.
  • Camera Rain Cover: If you plan on shooting in wet or dusty environments, consider using a camera rain cover to protect your gear from moisture, dust, and other elements that can potentially damage your equipment.

Remember to handle your camera gear with care and caution when performing cleaning tasks. Avoid excessive force, and always clean your gear in a clean and dust-free environment.

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your camera gear will not only ensure optimal image quality but also prolong the lifespan of your equipment, allowing you to capture stunning photos throughout your travel adventures.

Travel Documents and Money

Preparing the necessary travel documents and managing your finances are important aspects of any photography trip. Here are some essential items to consider for your travel documents and money:

  • Passport and Visa: Check the validity of your passport and ensure that it will not expire during your trip. Research and obtain any necessary visas well in advance to avoid any complications.
  • Identification: Carry a photocopy of your passport or a secondary form of identification, in case your passport gets lost or stolen during your travels.
  • Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and loss or theft of camera equipment. Keep a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact information readily accessible.
  • Travel Itinerary: Prepare a detailed travel itinerary with information such as flight details, accommodation addresses, and contact information for emergency services and your embassy. Share this information with a trusted friend or family member.
  • Currency and Cards: Carry sufficient local currency in cash for immediate expenses upon arrival. Additionally, bring a credit/debit card for larger purchases or emergencies. Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage abroad.
  • Money Belt or Secure Wallet: Use a money belt or secure wallet to keep your cash and valuables safe while traveling. These items should be discreet and worn close to your body to deter theft.
  • Emergency Phone: Have a local SIM card or a phone with international roaming capabilities that allows you to make emergency calls and stay connected during your trip.
  • Photocopies of Documents: Make copies of important documents such as your passport, visa, and travel insurance. Keep these copies separate from the originals in case of loss or theft.

It’s important to research and familiarize yourself with the specific travel requirements and currency policies of your destination to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

By ensuring your travel documents are in order and managing your money securely, you can focus on capturing amazing photos and enjoying your photography adventure to the fullest.

Health and Safety Essentials

When embarking on a photography trip, your health and safety should be top priorities. Here are some essential items to consider for your health and safety during your travels:

  • First Aid Kit: Pack a basic first aid kit with essentials such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications. Include any specific items based on your personal health needs.
  • Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects by packing an effective insect repellent. This is especially important if you’re traveling to areas with a risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
  • Sunscreen: Shield your skin from harmful UV rays by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Apply it regularly, especially if you’ll be spending a significant amount of time outdoors.
  • Travel Insurance: As mentioned earlier, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the coverage details and emergency contact information.
  • Vaccinations: Check if there are any recommended vaccinations or immunizations for your destination. Consult with a healthcare professional or visit a travel clinic well in advance to receive the necessary vaccinations.
  • Prescription Medications: If you take any prescription medications, carry an adequate supply for the duration of your trip. Keep them in their original packaging and carry a copy of the prescription.
  • Emergency Contacts: Carry a list of emergency contact information, including local emergency services, your embassy or consulate, and important phone numbers for your destination.
  • Travel Health Kit: Consider packing additional items like hand sanitizer, water purification tablets, motion sickness medication, and any other personal health items you may require during your journey.

While exploring, be mindful of your surroundings, follow local laws and regulations, and take precautions to ensure your personal safety. Inform someone of your travel plans and regularly update them on your whereabouts.

By prioritizing your health and safety, you can fully enjoy your photography adventure and have peace of mind throughout your travels.

Photography Apps and Software

In the era of smartphones and digital photography, photography apps and software have become valuable tools for travel photographers. From editing and organizing images to planning and enhancing your photography, here are some essential photography apps and software to enhance your photography experience:

  • Photo Editing Apps: Apps like Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, and VSCO offer powerful editing tools to enhance and fine-tune your photos directly on your smartphone. These apps provide options for adjusting exposure, color, and applying filters.
  • Photography Planning Apps: Apps such as PhotoPills and The Photographer’s Ephemeris help you plan and anticipate the best times and locations for capturing specific types of shots. They provide information on sunrise and sunset times, golden hour, moon phases, and more.
  • Location Scouting Apps: Apps like Google Maps, Maps.me, and PhotoSpotz help you discover and navigate to the best photography locations. They provide detailed maps, user-submitted photo spots, and even off-the-beaten-path suggestions.
  • Time-Lapse and Long Exposure Apps: For long exposure or time-lapse photography, apps like Slow Shutter Cam and Hyperlapse offer features to capture and create stunning visuals on your smartphone.
  • Backup and Cloud Storage Apps: Ensure the safety of your photos with reliable backup and cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud. These apps allow you to automatically back up your photos and sync them across devices.
  • Portfolio and Social Media Apps: Use apps like Instagram, 500px, or Flickr to showcase your work, connect with other photographers, and gain exposure for your travel photography. These platforms also offer inspiration and insights from the photography community.
  • Post-Processing Software: Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom are popular choices for post-processing and advanced editing of your photos on your computer. These software provide extensive tools for fine-tuning your images and realizing your creative vision.

Experiment with different photography apps and software to find the ones that best fit your needs and style. Remember that while these tools can enhance your photos, it’s still important to capture great images in-camera.

By leveraging photography apps and software, you can unleash your creativity, streamline your workflow, and elevate your travel photography to new heights.

Miscellaneous Items

Along with the essential photography gear and accessories, there are some miscellaneous items that can come in handy and enhance your travel photography experience. Here are a few miscellaneous items to consider packing for your photography trip:

  • Notebook and Pen: Carry a small notebook and pen to jot down location notes, photography ideas, or any other important information you want to remember.
  • Camera Remote Control: A camera remote control allows you to trigger the shutter from a distance, which is useful for self-portraits, group shots, or preventing camera shake when shooting with longer exposure times.
  • Waterproof Gear Protection: If you anticipate shooting in wet or humid environments, consider investing in waterproof or moisture-resistant covers for your camera and lenses to protect them from water splashes or excessive humidity.
  • Travel Adapter: A travel adapter is essential for charging your electronic devices if you’re traveling to a country with different types of electrical outlets. Choose a universal adapter that can accommodate various plug types.
  • Lens Pen: A lens pen is a handy tool for cleaning lenses on the go. It typically features a brush for removing dust and a soft pad for gently removing smudges and fingerprints.
  • Camera Rain Cover: A camera rain cover protects your camera from rain or water splashes while allowing you to continue shooting. It’s a useful accessory for shooting in unpredictable weather conditions.
  • Reflective Outdoor Blanket: A reflective outdoor blanket can serve multiple purposes, such as a ground cover for protecting your gear, a portable backdrop for small-scale setups, or even as an emergency signaling device.
  • Multi-Tool: A multi-tool can be incredibly useful for quick repairs and adjustments to your gear while on the go. Look for one that features various tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and a knife.

While these items may not be directly related to your photography gear, they can prove invaluable in certain situations and help ensure a smooth and enjoyable photography journey.

Consider your specific needs and the nature of your photography trip when deciding which miscellaneous items to include in your packing list.

As a travel photographer, having the right gear and accessories is essential for capturing stunning images and making the most of your photography adventures. By following this ultimate packing list for travel photographers, you’ll be well-equipped to capture unforgettable moments and create a visual storytelling experience.

From your camera body and lenses to essential accessories like tripods, filters, and cleaning kits, each item plays a vital role in helping you achieve the best possible results. Additionally, considering factors such as clothing, health essentials, and travel documents is crucial for your safety, well-being, and peace of mind.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the numerous photography apps and software available to enhance your images, plan your shoots, and share your work with the world. These tools can truly elevate your creative process and streamline your photography workflow.

Remember, while having the right gear and accessories is important, it’s ultimately your vision, creativity, and passion for photography that will make your travel images truly stand out. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on your photography journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

With careful planning, proper organization, and the right equipment, you’ll be ready to capture breathtaking moments and create a collection of images that tell the story of your travel experiences for years to come.

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Skip Arches National Park And Visit This Underrated State Park Instead

7 underrated mountain towns in oregon, 7 cutest small towns near seattle in 2024.

As spices complete a stew, a good travel photo does not just involve pushing the 'snap' button. Preparation, quality of the device, and various tools work together to produce quality travel photos when traveling to any of the best destinations around the world .

If salt must go into a stew to make a tasty dish, then the following travel kits should be in the bag of a tourist who intends to take good shots. These pieces of equipment, as well as other travel gear , are essentials for every traveler. A well-planned photography kit is invaluable during global travels; here's what to bring.

10 Camera Cleaning Kit

Clean every part of the camera regularly. Doing this improves not just the camera's lifespan but also the quality of the travel photos. Specks of dirt or dust on the camera lens will result in blurry photos irrespective of the angle or skill applied. It stretches editing time spent.

All of this trouble can be avoided by having a cleaning kit. A proper cleaning kit should have a lint-free cleaning pad and a lens cleaning solution.

A small lens pen can act as a quick replacement. It involves no solution, but quality ones will have a small brush on one end and a pad filled with carbon-cleaning compound at the other end.

9 Power Bank Or Spare Batteries

Finding a place to recharge the travel camera battery in a pressing time of need calls for a huge sigh of relief. But what if that doesn't happen? What if there's no place to charge when there's an urgent need to take that perfect travel photo of that scenic lake or destination travelers don't want to forget ?

A power bank is essential to every traveler, yet it is quickly left behind. A dead battery means no travel photos to save for memories. A power bank or spare batteries for disposable cameras should be in every tourist's essential tool kit.

8 External Hard Drive

Travelers should be prepared for the inevitable. Rain, sun, or internet-free/no signal area, shouldn't hinder the photography experience.

It's good to always back up travel photos to a laptop or the cloud, but why not add an external hard drive for extra safety?

Anything can happen to that picture taken in that amazing city one may not have the time or opportunity to visit again . Travelers should develop an efficient organization system to ensure they 'always have a backup.'

7 A Collapsible Travel Camera Tripod

The instability of a camera reduces the quality of pictures; hence the value of a tripod cannot be overemphasized. If a traveler doesn't go with one, it's probably because of how heavy most of them are.

Therefore, travelers should plan to get something other than a collapsible camera tripod. It stabilizes the camera properly like a regular tripod and can be used to hold an external flash.

A camera tripod enables travelers to take quality travel photos at night, creating photographic effects such as increasing motion blur and making long exposure.

It would be next to impossible to capture the moving image of a waterfall without a tripod as it slows the camera's shutter speed to enable it to capture the motion of the water.

No one would want to miss this iconic sight of a waterfall. A collapsible travel tripod should always be kept in the essentials tool kit.

Related: Small Towns In America That Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List

6 Portable Photography Lighting

A small flashlight is recommended when photographers need extra light to improve the quality of the travel photo . Portable photography lighting can also be used indoors, where adequate light is lacking.

Portable photography lighting may be used in other ways, like helping one identify those 'things' that take on another form in the dark, find a dropped object, move around more easily, and more.

5 An Intervalometer

Like the built-in timer in every camera, an intervalometer allows a camera to take several travel photos and determines how often and how long the photos are taken.

But unlike an inbuilt timer, pictures can be taken in intervals using an intervalometer.

The latest versions of cameras come with an inbuilt intervalometer. External intervalometers plugged into a camera are the next best option for cameras without an inbuilt one.

An intervalometer also improves the stability of a camera and prevents motion blur.

Related: Niagara Falls Observation Tower & 9 Scenic Viewing Places For The Falls

4 Travel Backpack/Travel Case

A travel backpack provides enough space to store the essentials mentioned above. There will still be extra space for a laptop, water bottle (tightly sealed), and other work-related equipment needed to have unique travel photos.

All essential equipment, like hand grip strap, collapsible tripod, intervalometer, etc., stored in one place reduces the risk of leaving an essential item behind.

A travel backpack shouldn't resemble a hiking bag. It should be portable.

3 Hand Grip Camera Strap

Unlike a neck strap, a hand grip camera strap is designed to fit into the hand of a traveler, making it possible to take perfect shots with improved ease and preventing the classic case of an aching wrist.

Some hand grip camera straps are adjustable to fit into any hand size, reducing the risk of a camera falling to the ground when capturing a travel photo.

2 Portable Travel Drones

Travel drones reduce the workload involved in travel photography drastically, especially if one is traveling solo. Drones provide a much better, if not perfect, view of the area and help one have a travel photo shoot of a large area in a short period.

Drones are collapsible and can easily fit into a travel backpack. What's more, they are fun to use!

Check local laws and ordinances before using a drone; having a drone confiscated during travel isn't fun!

1 Quality Travel Camera

Is it possible to have memorable tourism without a travel camera?

From the colorful plate of foreign cuisine to the steep climb of the sun behind one of the mountains of Kilimanjaro , a travel camera is needed to capture these unforgettable destinations.

A traveler should have much more travel gear when going on vacation , but these ten tools are a great place to start and build on. Every travel photo shoot would have its peculiarities, but there would hardly be an occasion where travelers do not need at least one of these ten tools.

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The 29 Best Personalized Travel Gifts of 2024

From Dopp kits to ornaments, these gifts will make any avid traveler swoon.

travel photo items

In This Article

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Travel + Leisure

As the holiday season approaches, the task of choosing the perfect gifts for our loved ones begins. For those with an insatiable wanderlust, the challenge lies in finding presents that not only resonate with their adventurous spirit, but also enhance their travel experiences (or make them nostalgic for those experiences while at home).

When choosing gifts for the avid traveler in your life, practicality takes center stage. Consider items that are lightweight, compact, and versatile, ensuring they seamlessly fit into a nomadic lifestyle. From durable luggage to portable charging devices, the key is to enhance their travel experience while minimizing the hassle of carrying cumbersome items. Additionally, personalized gifts add a special touch, turning a functional item into a cherished memento. Whether it's a custom map highlighting their favorite destinations or a monogrammed passport holder, these thoughtful touches show that you've taken the time to select something unique and meaningful that they can bring on their many journeys.

When your favorite traveler sees their initials on a stylish tote or a custom-designed puzzle, it not only adds a touch of sophistication but also creates a connection to their personal journey. So, as you embark on your holiday shopping adventure, consider the joy of giving one of these personalized gifts that speak to the heart of a travel enthusiast and accompany them wherever the wind next blows them.

Shinola Jewelry Traveler

Made from natural leather, this compact jewelry holder by Detroit-based brand Shinola features multiple compartments to securely organize necklaces, earrings, and rings, preventing tangles and damage during transit. With its stylish design and option for personalization, it serves as an ideal holiday gift for the avid traveler, combining practicality with a touch of luxury for those who cherish their jewelry collection while on the go. Plus, the customized monogramming is totally free.

Away The Bigger Carry-on Flex

The Bigger Carry-on Flex suitcase from Away is a sleek and durable travel companion perfect for those who love to explore the world. With its expandable interior, 360 degree spinner wheels, and built-in compression pad, it's a classic suitcase that offers both versatility and practicality for any adventure that your favorite person plans to embark on. Add a personal touch by customizing it with a slew of monogramming options, especially considering Away just launched ten new personalization colors to equal a whopping 24 total color options to choose from.

Ipsy Beauty Subscription Service

An Ipsy subscription is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription service that delivers a curated selection of personalized, usually sample-sized beauty products to your doorstep. Each month, subscribers receive a stylish glam bag of beauty items, ranging from skincare to cosmetics. For someone who loves to travel, an Ipsy subscription makes the perfect personalized holiday gift, as it ensures they have a convenient assortment of travel-sized beauty essentials for their journeys, tailored to their preferences and needs.

L.L.Bean Boat and Tote

The cult-classic L.L.Bean Boat and Tote is a durable and timeless canvas tote bag renowned for its timeless style and reliability. With sturdy handles and a reinforced bottom, it is designed to withstand the rigors of travel, making it an ideal companion for those who love to explore. What sets it apart as the perfect personalized holiday gift is the option to customize it with your giftee’s initials, adding a personal touch to a practical and stylish accessory that will accompany them on all their adventures.

Valerie Constance iPad Series Keyboard Case Pale Pink

The Valerie Constance iPad case and keyboard combo is the ultimate travel companion for tech-savvy wanderers. It not only protects their iPad with a stylish touch, but it also comes with a built-in keyboard that transforms their Apple device into a portable workstation. It comes in tons of different colors, from pale pink to classic black, with the ability to add a name or initials, making it the perfect personalized holiday gift for the travel enthusiast in your life who wants to stay connected and productive on the go. So, whether they're typing up travel diaries or binge-watching their favorite shows during a layover, this case ensures they do it with flair and functionality.

Uncommon Goods Personalized Ornament

The perfect addition to an avid traveler’s holiday tree, these customizable ornaments capture the essence of globetrotting by allowing you to customize them with the maps of significant locations of your choice. Its delicate design, featuring marble and a ribbon for hanging, make it a charming addition to their travel-inspired home decor, reminding them that, no matter where they roam, home truly is where the heart is.

Cadence Build Your Flex System

This aesthetically minded collection of magnetized travel capsules by Cadence is designed to simplify the process of packing and traveling with skincare and beauty items. With its modular and flexible components — each totally customizable in terms of color and label — the collection allows your giftee to build a personalized system tailored to their unique needs. This makes it the perfect holiday gift for travel enthusiasts, as it not only ensures efficient and organized packing (with no spills) but also reflects a thoughtful and personalized approach to their wanderlust adventures.

Mark & Graham Single Travel Jewelry Watch Roll

With a compact and stylish design, this watch roll by Mark & Graham makes the perfect gift for the traveler who wants to keep their favorite timepiece safe in style. It can accommodate a single watch, securing it with a soft suede lining and a secure snap closure. As with other Mark & Graham products , the personalization option (you can add their initials) makes it an ideal holiday gift for any travel enthusiast in your life, adding a thoughtful touch to a functional and elegant accessory that ensures their cherished watch stays protected on the go.

Papier Constellation Foiled Travel Journal

These supremely aesthetic travel journals by Papier are the ideal personalized holiday gift for those in your life that want to document their wanderlust. With a huge variety of designs , they’re the must-have accessory for your travelers’ memorable journeys. Crafted with high-quality materials, each journal can be customized with the recipient's name, making it a thoughtful and unique present that reflects their individual style and passion for exploration. 

Weddingstar Custom Engraved Compact Mirror

Keep your favorite traveler from having to fix their hair or makeup using their phone camera with this sweet compact mirror. Its durable leather exterior and attractive gold engraved initials make it a thoughtful companion for anyone constantly on the go. Its convenient size also makes it a travel-friendly companion, ensuring your globetrotter friend stays polished and stylish on their adventures. 

Milk Books Milk Premium Photo Books

This custom photo book by Milk is a beautiful way for you to compile a friend or loved ones’ cherished travel memories into a high-quality, professionally bound book. With a sleek design and premium materials, it provides a luxurious and enduring showcase for their most treasured moments. For the avid traveler, gifting a totally custom photo book is a thoughtful and personal way to celebrate their adventures, offering a thoughtful keepsake that captures the essence of their favorite journeys.

Skylight The Skylight Frame

With its sleek design and user-friendly interface, this digital frame allows your loved ones to easily display and rotate their favorite travel snapshots, turning any space into a visual journey around the world. Its seamless Wi-Fi connectivity ensures that updating the frame with new adventures is a breeze, making it a thoughtful and ever-evolving gift that captures the spirit of wanderlust.

Katie Kime New York Toile Pajama Pants Set

A nice set of pajamas can make all the difference when it comes to getting a restful sleep. Keep the traveler in your life cozy at night with one of Katie Kimes’ unique pajama sets, featuring a toile print of their favorite city. From New York City to Fort Worth , Houston , Atlanta , Charleston and many others, these pajamas feature cheeky illustrations that represent each individual city to create the perfect combination of fashion and comfort. Piping details and an adjustable ribbon waist bring it all together, and you can even add your giftee's initials to the left chest pocket for an extra fee.

The Ruff Times Custom Location Water Color Painting

This hand-painted custom watercolor captures the cozy charm of a favorite bar or restaurant with an artistic flair. The artist skillfully incorporates the unique details of the chosen location, from the architecture to the surrounding ambiance, creating a personalized masterpiece. This painting makes the perfect holiday gift for a travel enthusiast, bringing back cherished memories of a beloved spot and adding a touch of wanderlust to any space. It's a thoughtful and unique way to celebrate the joy of travel and create a lasting keepsake for someone who loves exploring new places.

Tidbyt LED Display

The Tidbyt clock is not just a timepiece; it's a customizable, internet-connected display that brings a touch of personalization to any space. Imagine having your favorite travel destinations, live weather updates, and even personalized messages all beautifully showcased on a sleek, minimalist clock. For the avid traveler, the Tidbyt clock becomes a dynamic visual journey, offering a daily escape to far-off places and creating a unique, thoughtful holiday gift that adds a touch of wanderlust to every moment.

Mark & Graham Nomad Rugged Case for Airpods

Elevate your gifting game this holiday season with the Mark & Graham Nomad Rugged Case for AirPods – the ultimate accessory for the on-the-go adventurer in your life. Crafted from premium leather, this sleek case not only adds a touch of sophistication to their tech essentials but also ensures their AirPods stay protected in style. Personalize it with their initials for that extra thoughtful touch, making it the perfect travel companion for someone who's always on the move.

Pegai Toiletry Bag for Men

Every man (and person in general) who loves to travel should have a great Dopp kit, and this stylish yet functional option is just the ticket. Crafted from high-quality leather, it exudes timeless charm and only gets better with each journey. Well-designed compartments and customizable personalization options make this Dopp kit a thoughtful holiday gift, adding a touch of sophistication to his travel essentials.

Monica Vinader Locket Pendant

Crafted in gold vermeil, the Deia Locket by Monica Vinader features a delicate design in 18k gold, inspired by ancient goddesses. A free engraving option allows you to add that extra special touch, while a hinged locket opens to reveal a customizable space for a cherished photo of your giftee’s choice. The perfect personalized holiday gift for a travel enthusiast, this sweet locket allows them to carry a piece of their favorite destination, or person, close to their heart.

Cuyana Travel Beauty Roll

Crafted with a blend of elegance and practicality, this chic organizer keeps all your beauty essentials in check while on the go. Its thoughtfully designed compartments and personalized monogram option make it the perfect gift for the jet-setter who values both style and functionality, ensuring they embark on their adventures with a touch of luxury and organization.

Paravel Packing Cube Quad

This set of four packing cubes is designed to streamline the way travelers organize their belongings. Constructed from lightweight, weather-resistant nylon, they offer a perfect balance of durability and style. With customizable monogramming options, a practical item becomes a thoughtful and personalized holiday gift for the avid traveler, ensuring they can jet-set with efficiency and style. 

Olfactory NYC Pick Your Core Scent

This personalized fragrance by NYC-based brand Olfactory includes a 10ml travel-size bottle of a totally custom scent, allowing you to create a signature scent for your favorite traveler, or even create a scent based on their favorite locale. With a carefully curated selection of high-quality ingredients, it captures the essence of each individual's preferences and personality in a wearable way that really shows you know your giftee. The compact size makes it easy to carry their new scent on adventures, so that wherever they go, they can spritz on the familiar and comforting notes of their personally crafted fragrance.

Uncommon Goods Personalized Engraved Compass

What traveler doesn’t need a good compass? Even just for the whimsy of it all. This personalized engraved compass by Uncommon Goods is a heartfelt holiday gift that’s perfect for your friend with major wanderlust. Crafted with a vintage-inspired brass finish, it not only points the way, but also captures memories with a personal touch. Pick between two motifs, then engrave a special message or pick a photograph for the inner lid to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake, making it the perfect present for the travel enthusiast in your life, ensuring their journeys are guided by both direction and sentiment.

Yeti Rambler 18-ounce Water Bottle

Crafted with the adventurer in mind, this durable and highly customizable water bottle by Yeti keeps beverages at the perfect temperature for hours, whether it's piping hot coffee during chilly mountain hikes or ice-cold water on a scorching beach day. With its sleek design and the option for you to add a monogram, phrase, or custom graphics, gifting the Yeti bottle this holiday season is like giving the travel enthusiast in your life a personalized ticket to stay refreshed on all their journeys.

Prose Boar Bristle Brush

This highly coveted hairbrush by Prose is a travel essential that ensures your friend’s locks receive personalized care no matter where your journeys lead. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, each brush is tailored to the user’s unique hair needs, with options like boar bristle or nylon tufts, handle length, and finish. Plus, you can add an extra touch of personalization with a monogram on the handle, making it a truly unique and thoughtful holiday gift.

Courant Single-device Charging Tray

The Courant wireless charger tray is the ultimate blend of style and functionality, offering a sleek charging solution that effortlessly complements any space, whether your giftee is at home or a hotel. Crafted with premium materials, like linen or leather, and a minimalist design, it not only keeps their devices powered up wirelessly but also doubles as a sophisticated tray for their daily essentials. For the travel enthusiast, this charger becomes the perfect personalized holiday gift, ensuring they stay connected on the go.

Artifact Uprising Everyday Photo Puzzle

Crafted from high-quality materials and featuring your favorite travel snapshots, this puzzle transforms moments into a tactile, interactive experience. For the wanderlust-infected soul, there's no better gift—each piece becomes a passport to cherished destinations, making the Artifact Uprising Photo Puzzle the perfect personalized holiday surprise for the travel enthusiast in your life. Crafted from quality materials, it's like turning your wanderlust-filled photo album into a hands-on experience. Ideal for the friend who loves a good puzzle and has a soft spot for travel memories.

Leatherology Kessler Medium Duffle

This sophisticated Weekender Duffel Bag by Leatherology is the stylish travel companion that your giftee needs in their life. Available in a small range of classic colors, this spacious bag not only provides ample room for their essentials, but also adds a touch of timeless elegance to any adventure. The option to personalize it with debossed or handpainted initials transforms it into a thoughtful and unique holiday gift, making it the perfect choice for someone with a passion for both travel and personalized accessories.

Lingua Franca Initials Eyemask

Crafted from luxurious cashmere, this eye mask by Lingua Franca features delicately embroidered initials, adding a touch of individuality to your travel routine. Whether jet-setting across time zones or simply catching some Zs on a cozy staycation, this eye mask is the perfect personalized holiday gift for the travel enthusiast in your life, combining comfort and flair in one stylish package.

Monos Alphabet Stickers

The perfect stocking stuffer or gift addition for your favorite traveler, these alphabet stickers by Monos can be adhered to any hard top suitcase for instant personalization — helping them identify their luggage more easily at the baggage carousel and giving their suitcase a touch of monogrammed flair. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Austa Somvichian-Clausen is a travel writer and published author living in New York City. She has been covering travel and lifestyle content, including liquor, interior design, fashion, and beauty since 2017, and has written gift guides for numerous national publications. Austa thoroughly researched the best personalized gifts available for purchase and referenced T+L’s tested roundups to find quality items we’ve tried and loved. 

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100 Incredible Travel Photo Ideas to Inspire Your Next Adventure

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: December 28, 2022  - Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Travel

Are you looking for creative ways to capture your travel memories? Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting, plenty of unique photo ideas will make your travel photos stand out from the rest.

From shooting at unusual angles and playing with perspective to finding exciting subjects, here are some great ideas and tips for taking beautiful and eye-catching vacation photos. So get ready to explore the world through your lens!

Landscape photography is an easy way to capture your travels and the beauty of nature.

When traveling, it can be difficult to find the time (or energy) to take a landscape photo. But if you have the opportunity, don’t miss it! Landscape photos are a great way to capture your trip’s incredible memories. Here are some great photo ideas that will help you keep fond memories of the different landscapes you encounter:

  • Sunset over the sea
  • Lighthouses
  • The view from the top of a mountain
  • Sunrise over the mountains
  • Misty morning shots of a city skyline or a mountainside
  • A rainbow after a thunderstorm
  • The view from your hotel window
  • A tree with leaves changing color in the fall
  • An old building or structure that has been around for years
  • A photo of a city skyline at sunset
  • A picture with a landmark or other famous place in the background
  • A full moon over a lake
  • A street in a new city
  • An old building with character that has been around for hundreds of years
  • The landscape
  • A lush green forest in spring
  • A film location

When you’re traveling, don’t be afraid to take a selfie. It’s a great way to document your experiences and share them with everyone back home. Try out some of these photography ideas:

  • A photo of you with a local friend
  • A photo of the view outside your window
  • Yourself at a tourist spot
  • A photo of your reflection in the mirror
  • A photo of you eating
  • A selfie with a foreign language sign
  • A photo of you in front of your window seat on an airplane
  • A selfie with a statue of someone you admire
  • A photo of yourself in front of a famous painting or sculpture
  • A selfie with your favorite piece of street art or graffiti
  • A selfie of you walking on the beach
  • A selfie of you jumping into the water
  • A photo of you having a drink at the airport
  • A photo of you and your suitcase
  • Selfie with a famous person you met on your trip
  • Selfie in your hotel room
  • Selfie while walking on the street
  • A picture of you in front of a famous landmark
  • Selfie with your favorite tourist attraction
  • Selfie on a boat
  • Selfie of you at a local event or concert
  • Selfie with traditional clothes

Local Culture

Local culture is an essential indicator of a country’s identity. It’s essentially the way of life and habits of the people. It’s their way of thinking and acting that makes their country unique. Here are some ideas for travel photos that you can use to document the cultural side of your trip.

  • The local color
  • A poster of a local celebrity
  • Architecture
  • A photo in a museum or art gallery
  • An animal you don’t see every day
  • A photo of a local product purchased
  • A local delicacy
  • A selfie with a local statue
  • A photo from a local market
  • A photo of a festival or parade in the city
  • A religious building
  • A religious ritual or ceremony (if allowed)
  • A local place to relax after a long day
  • Local people in traditional dress (if approved)
  • Local food stalls
  • A local dance performance
  • A local sports team playing a game
  • Local transportation
  • A game popular with the locals
  • Cultural symbols

Capturing Moments

Capturing moments in photos is something I love to do. It’s a great way to express your feelings and emotions without having to say anything.

I used to make the mistake of not taking photos to live better in the present, but now I know that memory can fade, and now I love capturing moments in photos because it brings back all the beautiful memories from the past.

  • Sailing and boating
  • A photo of your tour guide showing you something
  • A photo of a map (or screenshot of Google Maps) or directions that help you reach your destination
  • Your plane is making its way through the clouds to your destination
  • A surfer riding the waves at sunset
  • Trying to catch a wave
  • A hike in the rainforest
  • A photo of you or friends jumping into a pool
  • A photo of something that represents what it means to be from where you’re from
  • A photo from inside a vehicle
  • Photos while riding in cabs or busses
  • A photo with someone who makes you happy, such as a friend, family member, or even your pet!
  • A photo of your feet in the sand
  • A photo of a street performer
  • Your going away party
  • The reflection of something in the water, like an animal or a tree
  • An empty bus stop on a rainy day
  • An empty street in the rain
  • The terrace of a café on a sunny day

Creating a Social Impact

Traveling is about more than just seeing the sights and taking selfies. It’s about taking in your surroundings, learning about other cultures, and connecting with the people around you. And when you travel to a place that needs more attention, it’s even more important to spread that awareness. After all, travel isn’t just about exploring new places – it’s also an opportunity to contribute to the lives of the people you meet.

  • A place destroyed by natural disasters.
  • Plastic bottles on the beach
  • Taking a photo of an endangered species
  • A national park
  • Unusual weather
  • The local school that needs help
  • Local charity (make sure the organization is reputable)
  • Photo of your donation
  • The entrance to an orphanage (don’t take pictures of children unless you have official permission to do so)
  • A picture of an abandoned building or house
  • An animal shelter
  • Local vegetarian or vegan food
  • Local wildlife
  • Take a picture of yourself holding up a handwritten sign that says, “I believe in peace.”
  • A CO2-reduced mode of transportation

What Makes a Good Travel Photo?

Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, taking photos is a great way to document your trip.

The best travel photos are those that capture the natural beauty of your surroundings. Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, taking photos on the road is a great way to document your trip.

Here are a few photography tips on how to capture beautiful images and make sure they look their best:

Shoot in Color Instead of Black and White

Color is more than just a pretty face. It’s also your best friend when it comes to travel photography, helping you capture the vibrancy of your surroundings and giving your vacation pictures a time frame as technology advances.

When you shoot in color, you have the ability to capture every detail and texture of a scene. You don’t have to worry about getting the perfect exposure or how the image will look on paper – you can just focus on capturing what you have in front of you and worry about the rest later.

Black and white photography, on the other hand, requires you to think about what makes an image work, because there’s no color to cover imperfections or distract from flaws in composition or subject matter. Rather than focusing on getting everything right in every shot, black-and-white photography requires you to analyze every element in the image to ensure that everything fits together seamlessly for maximum impact – whether it’s making sure that each subject is sufficiently separated from the others, or ensuring that there is enough contrast between light sources and shadows within a scene so that there are no unwanted distractions from what should be the focus of the image.

What makes black and white photos special is that black and white photos are timeless, while color photos can quickly look dated as technology advances. Some photographers even choose to convert their images to black and white after the fact, believing that it gives them more creative freedom than shooting in color.

Color is vibrant and eye-catching, but black and white can be just as impressive – if not more so – than its counterpart.

When Possible, Use Natural Light

When traveling and taking photos, it’s easy to get into the habit of shooting only when the sun is shining. But if you have the time, you should shoot with natural light as much as possible.

Natural light is softer than artificial light and gives your photos a more flattering look. It also makes your subjects look more natural and less posed.

If you don’t have much time or access to natural light, find a place with good artificial lighting. If you’re at a restaurant, ask if there are any empty seats where the light isn’t too bright or harsh. If there isn’t, move outside or around the corner to another area where the lighting is better than your current spot.

Experiment With Angles and Perspectives

Photography is about capturing the world around you. It’s not just about taking a photo, it’s about conveying your feelings and emotions. The best travel photos are the ones that show you a place from an angle or perspective you’ve never seen before. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to make your photos even more interesting – you may discover something new about a place that no one has noticed!

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your camera. Using filters and other effects can add life to your images, but remember that these are just tools, not rules. If something doesn’t work for you, don’t use it again!

A photo should tell a good story. When choosing where to shoot, look for areas where there are lots of exciting objects that you can include in the shot – a fountain or sculpture would be ideal. If there are no apparent subjects, look for patterns in architecture or street signs; these can make great subjects for photos!

Get Up Close and Personal With Your Subject

Zoom in to see the details of a flower, or zoom out to capture the scene of a busy cityscape.

Zooming in allows you to focus on one part of the image while leaving other parts out of focus. This can be very effective at isolating your subject from its surroundings and focusing the viewer’s attention on what matters most to you.

When photographing landscapes and scenery, use a wide-angle lens that shows large areas of the landscape in one shot. If you’re photographing small objects like flowers or insects, you should use a macro lens that allows you to take extreme close-ups that show intricate details of small objects like petals and leaves.

How to Share Your Travel Photos

We used to organize an evening with family and friends to share our travel experiences. Nowadays, everything is shared instantly. So if you’re a photography enthusiast, it’s time to start thinking about your next trip.

There are many ways to share your photos online. Here are some tips on how to show off your travel photos online:

Set Up an Online Gallery

Setting up an online gallery is the easiest way to show off your travel pictures. There are many services on the Internet, including Flickr and SmugMug. You can also use your website or blog to showcase your photos.

The purpose of an online gallery is to share your best shots with friends and family, as well as potential clients and employers. If you’re serious about becoming a professional photographer, it’s a good idea to create such a gallery, even if you don’t plan to charge money to view photos.

Use Social Media

If you don’t have much time and don’t mind strangers seeing your pictures, you can post them on social media. Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat are easy ways to share photos with friends. You can also post them on travel forums or blogs if you want feedback and advice from other travelers.

  • On Facebook, simply upload your favorite travel photos to your Timeline and tag them with where they were taken. Your friends will see them in their news feeds over time – some may even like them or comment on them!
  • On Instagram, use hashtags to link your Instagram photo to other images from the exact location (e.g., “#paris”). This way, people can search for images related to their destination and find yours too!
  • If you use Snapchat, create a story that lasts 24 hours so people can view a series of snaps together without having to keep going back to old snaps. If you’re on Twitter or Tumblr, try posting updates in real time by sharing photos with your followers every few minutes (or seconds!). This is fun for both sides because it creates a sense of excitement for what’s happening!

Create a Blog

A blog is one of the most effective ways to show off your travel memories of the best places you’ve been and the amazing people you’ve met, while detailing your trip. Nowadays, blogs are easy and intuitive to create and can be used to showcase your best shots from around the world.

Blogs are also great for sharing your experiences with others, such as advice on what to do or not do when visiting a particular place or region. For example, if you’ve been to Australia several times and know the best places to go, why not share some tips about those places on your blog? You might even want to share some stories about your experiences there!

Another reason blogging can be beneficial is the opportunity to connect with people who have traveled to similar places. This is especially important if you want to connect with like-minded people from around the world with similar interests.

The first step is to choose a platform on which to create your blog. There are many options, like WordPress or Tumblr, but they all offer similar features. The next step is to choose a template that fits your style and needs.

You can also use free websites like Weebly or Squarespace, which allow you to create a beautiful website without any coding knowledge.

A great way to showcase your photos is to use a grid layout, where each image fills an entire column or row. This way, users can see each travel photo without having to scroll down a lot, which makes browsing photos much easier.

Another good option is to add captions under each travel photo so viewers can read what’s happening in each image or why you chose it as one of your favorites.

Create a Physical Travel Photo Album With Your Favorite Photos

A physical travel photo album of your favorite photos is a great way to showcase your photos, especially for those who don’t use the internet, like older people.

It’s also a great way to preserve your memories and share them with family and friends. Or maybe you want to stay offline to protect your privacy.

You can create a photo book at home or hire someone to create it. Many companies offer a photo book service where the book is designed and printed for you.

You can also design a photo book yourself at home or hire someone to create it. Many companies offer a photo book service where they design and print the book for you.

Here are some tips on how to create a physical photo album:

  • Select your favorite travel photos from your collection . It’s better to start with fewer photos than too many, because it can be difficult to choose which vacation photos to put in an album.
  • Select your favorite photos in terms of quality and content – this will ensure that all the images go well together. For example, if you’re creating a vacation album, all the pictures should have been taken during that road trip so they have similar backgrounds and lighting conditions.
  • Create a theme for your album (e.g., “vacation,” “family portrait,” “friends”). If you give yourself guidelines for what kind of photos you need, it’ll be easier for you to choose good photos from your collection.
  • Consider adding captions or short descriptions next to each photo . These little extras make the album more personal and interactive – perfect if it’s intended as a gift!

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16 Personal-Item Carry-on Bags For Stylish and Hassle-Free Flying

travel photo items

There's nothing like going on a quick weekend trip to explore other cities or taking the time to visit friends and family you haven't seen in a while. However, the costs of flying are skyrocketing, suitcases are getting lost, and airlines are charging a pretty penny for carry-on luggage and checked bags. The hunt for cheap flights and convenient travel is an ongoing challenge. One way to keep travel costs as low as possible: utilizing the personal-item carry-on bag. The personal-item bag is a must when you fly a no-frills airline such as Frontier or Spirit Airlines, or buy a basic economy seat for domestic travel, since it's the only bag you can bring that's free of extra costs. These functional bags also make long-haul flights easier with convenient access to all your necessities.

What Qualifies as a Personal-Item Bag?

A personal-item bag can be a functional backpack, a stylish tote bag , a spacious diaper bag , a laptop or work bag , or anything small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. Each airline has different qualifications on sizes and proportions, so we've listed a few common ones below:

  • Spirit: 8" depth x 14" width x 18" height
  • Frontier: 8" depth x 18" width x 14" height
  • United: 9" depth x 10" width x 17" height
  • Delta: 9" depth x 13" width x 17" height
  • American: 8" depth x 14" width x 18" height
  • Southwest: 8.5" depth x 13.5" width x 18.5" height
  • JetBlue: 8" depth x 13" width x 17" height
  • Allegiant: 7" depth x 15" width x 16" height

A quality personal-item bag has enough room for all your travel essentials and necessities while being compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you according to the airline guidelines. Going on a quick weekend getaway? Your go-to personal-item bag should fit all your vacation must haves, including a few outfits, an extra pair of shoes, makeup, skin-care, and toiletries, necessary chargers and cords, and maybe even a flat iron and a reusable water bottle. There are several stylish and quality personal-item bags on the market that take all this into consideration, so you can travel smarter. Ahead, we curated the best personal item bags for planes, including tried and tested picks from our editors, like the Béis Mini Weekender Bag .

Ready to hit "buy" on a new one for yourself? Ahead, a selection of the best personal carry-on bags for flying.

The Best Personal-Item Carry-on Bag

The Best Personal-Item Carry-on Bag

Béis The Mini Weekender ($98)

The Béis The Mini Weekender is the smaller version of the bestselling Weekender Bag , which is also an editor favorite. It can be used as an everyday tote, but it's also perfect for overnight trips or as a personal item on flights. "It is ideal for any traveler, whether you're a frequent flyer or someone who goes on the occasional vacation. . . . The bag fits the right amount of clothing and necessities for a three-day trip, including a few extra outfits if you pack smart," our editor says.

This personal item bag has a padded, built-in laptop sleeve; a bottom compartment for shoes, hair tools, and toiletries; and a trolley pass-through sleeve. Plus, the inside has a large zip pocket and two small slip pockets. Our editor points out, "another clever feature is the expandable, clamshell-like zip-top opening of the top compartment. The bag opens up quite wide, so you can easily see and access your stuff and take out your electronics . . . for security." It has a top handle and a padded longer strap. It comes in eight colors, including beige, black, navy, gray, olive green, maple brown, pink, and slate light blue. Read our in-depth review of the Beis Mini Weekender Bag .

Dimensions: 16" height x 16" width x 8" depth

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Best Affordable Personal-Item Bag That's Foldable

Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel Bag ($14)

The Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel Bag is a foldable and affordable travel option that comes in a ton of different colors and prints. It has two top-handle carrying straps, a detachable shoulder strap, a trolley sleeve, and an external zipper pocket. The bag is made from a thick waterproof material that can hold its shape. Plus, it's a bestseller on Amazon.

Dimensions: 13" height x 18" width x 6.3" depth

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Best Eco-Friendly Personal-Item Bag

Paravel Weekender Bag ($295)

The Paravel Weekender Bag is an editor-backed pick, with her stating that "even though the bag itself appears compact, it actually has a ton of space inside. I can fit electronics, multiple cosmetic bags, and any other extras I want readily available with plenty of space to spare." It can fit around two days worth of clothes (three if you're smart about packing), toiletries, and a 15-inch laptop. Paravel's Weekender Bag has a wide shoulder strap that lets you carry it with ease and a trolley sleeve that lets you carry it on top of your rolling luggage. It has a secure zip-top closure and several slip and zippered pockets on the inside.

The eco-friendly weekender is made out of 60 percent recycled materials, including recycled vegan leather. Plus, it's made with an ecocraft canvas that is spill proof and durable. You can personalize it with a monogram. Read our in-depth review of the Paravel Weekender Bag .

Dimensions: 15" height x 15" width x 8" depth

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Best Affordable Personal-Item Bag Travel Backpack

Lubardy Travel Backpack ($30, originally $32)

If you're looking for a durable backpack you can use for weekend trips, the Lubardy Travel Backpack is a great option and comes with three packing cubes. It has a spacious main compartment that can fit a few outfits and a pair of shoes. Plus, it has a laptop compartment, a wet pocket for toiletries and laundry, and a side pocket for a water bottle or an umbrella. The zippers are sturdy and reinforced, so you can keep squishing items in without the bag exploding. The waterproof and durable backpack comes in seven colors.

Dimensions: 20" height x 13" width x 8"depth

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Best Affordable Personal-Item Bag For Organization

Bolosta Canvas Weekender Bag ($40)

The Bolosta Canvas Weekender Bag is a stylish, easy-to-carry weekender bag that comes with its own shoe compartment. It is made from a durable canvas fabric with faux-leather accents and comes equipped with six pockets and one main compartment. Plus, you get two additional toiletry bags to keep things organized. It can fit up to two to four days' worth of essentials. The affordable weekender bag comes in seven colors as well.

Dimensions: 13" height x 19" width x 9.5" depth

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Best Personal-Item Bag For Organization

Nomad Lane V4 Bento Bag ($180)

Ideal for those who prioritize organization and efficient packing, the Nomad Lane V4 Bento Bag has a unique and functional design that opens like a suitcase. This opens down the middle like a suitcase, so you can have each side lay flat for easy packing. The bento-inspired bag has plenty of exterior and interior compartments to keep things organized, including a tech pouch, a padded laptop sleeve, a toiletry pouch, a shoe bag, two internal compartments, an external wallet/phone pocket, and an external pocket for water bottles. Plus, it features an adjustable side strap, top handles, a convertible-trolley sleeve pocket, and a lightweight construction. This bag comes in three contemporary colorways, and is made from weather-resistant nylon and LWG-certified leather.

Our editors says that she loves that it has two security-friendly pockets that can be accessed from the top so she doesn't have to fumble through TSA. "After packing my computer, tablet, chargers, and headphones, I was able to include two changes of clothes, pajamas, toiletries, and an extra pair of shoes all inside the bag, which is pretty impressive for the size," she says. Check our her review of the Nomad Lane V4 Bento Bag here .

Dimensions: 10" height x 17" width x 8" depth

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Best Stylish Personal-Item Bag With Wheels

Calpak Ambeur Mini Carry-On Luggage ($165)

If you're in the market for something durable, sleek, and glam, Calpak's Ambeur Mini Carry-On Luggage is designed to fit underneath most airplane seats. Don't believe us? We put it to the test in this Calpak Ambeur Mini Carry-On Luggage review . One of our editors says, "it's quite literally a mini version of a carry-on bag; it has all the convenience of a stylish and functional suitcase, just sliced in half. . . . Although it may look small, it can fit a good amount of stuff for a three or four-day weekend."

The best part of this bag is that it's equipped with 360-degree spinner wheels and a collapsible luggage handle, so you can get through security and to your gate without having to carry the actual weight of your bag. This mini carry-on bag is a dream for organization; it opens upright and has a divider with multiple pockets. It comes in gold, rose gold, silver, copper, and black.

Dimensions: 14" height x 16" width x 9" depth

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Best Durable Personal-Item Travel Backpack

Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack 25L ($158)

If you're looking for something durable, the Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack is an editor-backed pick that's not only personal-item approved, but also hiking approved. It's made from a water-repellent fabric, so spills, scuffs, and weather won't be an issue. The versatile backpack has plenty of storage space with pockets galore, including exterior pockets for water bottles and umbrellas, interior pockets that can help keep dirty and clean clothes separate, adjustable exterior straps that can hold a jacket or a yoga mat, a padded laptop sleeve, and it even has a trolley sleeve. The drawstring opening is ideal for easy access, but it's kept secure with the buckle closures.

One editor put it to the test and says, "My typical backpack load includes two books, a small notebook, a laptop, a bag of chargers, a case of toiletries, a pouch of miscellaneous personal-care items, a water bottle, an extra jacket, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, and a spare wallet. And because the main compartment closes with a drawstring, you can really push the limits of the amount of stuff you can cram in. . . . After getting caught in a surprise downpour while on top of a mountain in Brasov, Romania, I was soaked — but everything inside my backpack was perfectly dry." Read her in-depth review of the Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack for more.

Dimensions: 14.2" height x 20.1" width x 6.1" depth

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Best Personal-Item Duffle Bag

Béis The Commuter Duffle ($138)

Although we're huge fans of the bestselling Béis Mini Weekender Bag, its Commuter Duffle is a worthy competitor. It has a capacity of 24.2 liters, and comes in two classic colors, black and beige. The duffle bag is designed for the busybody who's constantly on the go; it has two slip pockets on either side for water bottles or umbrellas and a zipper pocket in the front. Plus, the interior has the perfect blend of spaciousness and organization. Not only is there a padded laptop pocket, but also four elastic pockets (two of which are mesh), as well as a zipper pocket.

This bag maintains is sleek silhouette and crisp look with five metal feet that let it stand on its own. It's made from a water resistant nylon, but it has vegan leather top handles and a padded leather adjustable strap.

One of our editors put it to test during a weekend trip to Sedona and says that she was able to fit "seven outfits, two pairs of shoes, my toiletry bag, portable steamer, and more." Beyond the ample packing space, she loves how sleek and stylish the bag looks and that it's lightweight. Read more about The Commuter Duffle in our review of the Béis Commuter collection .

Dimensions: 12" height x 21.5" width x 9" depth

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Best Affordable Personal-Item Bag With Wheels

TPRC 15-Inch Smart Under Seat Carry-On Luggage ($53)

The TPRC 15-Inch Smart Under Seat Carry-On Luggage is perfect for the traveler on the go. For starters, unlike most weekender bags and duffles, this one has wheels. This bag has a USB port that lets you attach a power bank to it, so you can charge your phone and laptop in-flight or at the gate. It's spacious on the inside with plenty of pockets and sections to stay organized. You can carry this with its top handle, wear it like a backpack, or roll it. This under-seat carry-on comes in a few other colors, like navy blue, brown, and purple.

Dimensions: 15" height x 14" wide x 8.5" depth

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Best Personal-Item Travel Backpack For Organization

Open Story Signature Traveler Backpack ($120)

The Open Story Signature Traveler Backpack from Target looks and acts like a backpack from the outside, but functions like a suitcase internally. It has a zip-open, flat-lay design that opens up like a carry-on, so you can pack everything neatly. The backpack has three mesh compartments for organizing your clothes, a laptop compartment that's padded, and plenty of additional pockets to store all your other necessities. This is perfect for anyone who wants more balanced support for their back and shoulders, rather than relying on a crossbody or top handle design. It also has a useful trolley strap that doubles as an external pocket when not in use. It's made with a durable, water-resistant fabric as well.

Dimensions: 21" height x 14" width x 8.75" depth.

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Best Personal-Item Bag With a Clamshell Opening

Away Overnight Bag ($225)

Away's The Overnight Bag is a water-resistant, durable, sleek option that's perfect for fitting a few outfits, toiletries, and your tech. It has a 15-inch laptop pocket, several interior and exterior pockets to help you stay organized, and a useful trolley sleeve. It has an easy-access clamshell opening and a detachable shoulder strap as well. It comes in five colors, and you even can personalize it.

Dimensions: 11" height x 17.7" width x 9" depth

You can also consider getting the The Weekender Bag ($245) if you need more space; however, its dimensions may exceed some airline's requirements. The larger option has a 9.4-inch depth, 20.9-inch width, and 11.8-inch height.

The Overnight Bag can fit around two to three outfits with a 28 liter capacity, whereas The Weekender Bag can fit three to four outfits with a 38 liter capacity.

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Best Expandable Personal-Item Bag

Dagne Dover 365 Medium Landon Neoprene Carryall Duffle Bag ($215)

Dagne Dover's 365 Medium Landon Neoprene Carryall Duffle Bag is soft and durable, perfect for squishing under a seat. It may look compact at first, but it has an expandable design that can fit several outfits, slim shoes and hair tools, and more. It comes with plenty of accessories and compartments that will keep your travel essentials organized, like a laptop sleeve, a shoe/laundry bag, and a removable mesh pouch for your chargers and cords. There's even an easy-access pocket perfect for your phone, passport, or boarding pass. Plus, it has a crossbody strap, top handles, and two side pockets that are perfect for water bottles and shoes. It comes in four colors, including gray, muted purple, camel tan, and a dark moss green.

Dimensions: 10.5" height x 17" width x 8.5" depth

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Best Leather Personal-Item Bag

Cuyana Leather Weekender ($548)

Cuyana's Leather Weekender is perfect for those who need to keep things compartmentalized. It's equipped with three compartments, including two external zip compartments that can fit up to a 16-inch laptop. The main compartment has two large slip pockets that are great for storing shoes, hair tools, and other necessities. The bag even has a trolley sleeve, so you can easily secure it to your carry-on bag. Carry this in your hand, over your shoulder, or as a crossbody with its adjustable removable strap. It comes in a neutral brown shade and black.

Besides its functionalities, this gorgeous weekender bag is crafted from Italian leather, making it a stylish and investment-worthy piece that screams quiet luxury.

Dimensions: 14.5" height x 22.5" width x 7" depth

Looking for something smaller? You can get the Overnight Bag, which is the same silhouette with a 5.5-inch depth, a 19-inch width, and a 13-inch height.

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Best Hardshell Personal-Item Bag With Wheels

Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage ($165)

The Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage doesn't compromise on style or functionality. This personal-item carry-on bag has a polycarbonate hard-shell exterior that can withstand scuffs and bumps. The cool thing with this bag is that it opens upright, so you'll be able to easily see and access everything in your bag. It has an interior divider with pockets and compression straps to keep your over-packed bag organized. It has a TSA-accepted lock, a collapsible luggage handle, and four 360-degree spinner wheels for a smooth, upright roll. Choose between a four colors. And, yes, this small rolling bag fits beneath most airline seats.

Dimensions: 14" height x 16" width x 8.5" depth

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Best Eco-Friendly Personal-Item Tote Bag

Paravel Medium Cabana Tote ($175)

Embrace vacation mode with this stylish and fun Paravel Medium Cabana Tote. It's made out of 60 percent recycled materials, including recycled vegan leather. The bag is made with an ecocraft canvas that's spill-proof and quite durable. It has several slip and zippered pockets on the inside for plenty of organization. It has a secure zip-top closure, top handles, and an adjustable crossbody strap. It has a sturdy base that will keep it upright, so you can easily access your must haves. Plus, you can personalize it with a monogram, and it comes in four colors.

If you need something bigger, the larger cabana tote ($185) is more roomy, with a 23.75-inch length, 14.5-inch width, and 7.5-inch depth.

Dimensions: 12" height x 18" width x 7.5" depth

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Anvita Reddy is an assistant editor for POPSUGAR Shopping. She has a passion for products and is an avid reviewer of everything including furniture, mattresses, home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She has tried and tested plenty of skin care, makeup, hair care, and countless other beauty products.

Flying On The Busiest July Fourth Travel Day? Here’s How To Sail Through Unscathed.

The TSA expects Friday to break the record for air passenger screening in a single day. Here’s how to keep your cool and get through the airport quickly.

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Air passengers line up for TSA security screenings at Denver International Airport last week. (Photo by Robert Alexander)

T he Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects Friday to break the record for the number of passengers screened at airports in a single day. The agency expects to screen more than 3 million people on June 28, which it says will be the peak travel day for this summer’s Fourth of July travel period.

In terms of air traveler volume, this summer is already shaping up to be a doozy. Since mid-May, the TSA has seen multiple days break into the top 10 busiest days in the agency’s 22-year history.

On a typical day, TSA officers screen roughly 2.5 million people nationwide. But over the past month, airport security has seen that number exceeded by several hundred thousand travelers per day. On the most recent two Fridays, for example, the agency screened nearly 2.8 million passengers on each of those days.

Among major U.S. airports, Philadelphia ranks as the 21st busiest in the country. There, the TSA screens about 33,400 people per day, but since Memorial Day Weekend, closer to 40,000 people are coming through the security checkpoints. “We expect to screen 8.3% more individuals at our checkpoints this summer compared to last summer,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director at Philadelphia International Airport. “Travel volume expected out of Philadelphia is expected to be high. We ready to handle this summer’s increased travel volumes as we approach the July 4th holiday.”

Do get to the airport two hours ahead of departure.

Airports are going to be crowded, obviously, which means longer lines at check-in and airport security. “The best advice that I can offer is to get to the airport well before your ticketed departure time,” Spero said.

Do prepare for airport security.

Nobody wants to be the person holding up the airport security line. “Travelers can save time by removing items from their pockets and placing them in a carry-on bag, instead of putting items directly into bins at the conveyor belt,” Spero said.

Don’t pack prohibited items in carry-on bags.

Packing prohibited items slow the line because TSA officers will need to open and inspect your bag to determine what triggered the alarm. Before you get to the airport security checkpoint, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited. Move prohibited items to checked baggage or risk getting them confiscated.

For example, are you heading to the beach? Consider how you pack the sunscreen. Large bottles and tubes (over 3.4 ounces) of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes must be packed in a checked bag. Carry-on bags are limited to one quart-size bag containing small containers 3.4 ounces or less.

Last year, TSA officers at At Philadelphia airport, officers stopped 45 guns from being carried onto planes by passengers, breaking the previous year’s record of 44 guns caught. Firearms are never prohibited to pass through security checkpoints, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. Passengers are only allowed to travel with an unloaded firearm if it is packed in a locked, hard-sided case in their checked baggage and declared to the airline at check-in.

When TSA officers find a firearm in a carry-on bag, they will contact local law enforcement to unload and take possession the gun. TSA may impose a civil penalty up to $15,000 when weapons are intercepted, and passengers will lose TSA PreCheck eligibility. Local enforcement may also arrest or cite the passenger, depending on local law.

Do prepare for delays.

As of Friday at 11 am, more than 1,600 flights are delayed. That number will rise throughout the day, according to FlightAware , a free app that provides real-time, historical, and predictive flight tracking data. (More than 8,300 flights were delayed in each of the past three days.)

Flight delays escalate throughout the day because of how airlines reuse planes and crews for multiple trips during the day, creating a domino effect. A late-morning flight delay in Charlotte, for example, can prevent a plane from getting to Chicago for an early-afternoon departure, which can in turn bump back the same plane’s late-afternoon flight out of Houston.

FlightAware can tell you if your plane is on schedule or give you an early heads-up that a problem is afoot. Enter your flight information , and then click the “Where is my plane now?” link just under the flight number. If your plane is behind schedule, you can take action accordingly. FlightAware also lets you sign up for alerts to be sent via email or text if there are changes associated with your flight. You can search by flight number or city pairing.

Suzanne Rowan Kelleher

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Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

  • Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

  • Cities near Elektrostal

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  • Places of interest
  • Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
  • Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
  • Peter the Great Military Academy
  • Bykovo Manor
  • Balashikha Arena
  • Ramenskii History and Art Museum
  • Malenky Puppet Theater
  • Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
  • Pekhorka Park
  • Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
  • Saturn Stadium
  • Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center

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    3. A tripod. Beginner travel photographers might not like the idea of purchasing a tripod - after all, it can be expensive, it can be a hassle to transport, and it'll slow down your shooting - but here's the thing: A tripod is one of the most invaluable travel photography gear items you will ever own. In fact, ask any travel ...

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    This inexpensive card reader is an easy addition to your travel photography accessories kit. It has card reading slots for CF Cards, SD, MS, and MicroSD for a versatile file transfer experience on the go. Get The Kingston 3.0 USB High Speed Media Reader at B&H Photo. ($18.99)

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    Travel Video Cameras. DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone - we capture all of our aerial photography and video with this bad boy. It was top of the line when we bought it and it produces exceptional quality. Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder - This is one of the best professional video cameras on the market.

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    A good setup here will be a good quality wide angle lens, and then a super zoom to cover your focal lengths such as an 18-300mm lens. A lot of photographers will bring one more lens. This will add weight though, so we'll discuss that in additional equipment. ExpertPhotography recommends: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm.

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    Midrange zooms are extremely versatile for travel photography, especially if they reach outside the standard 24-70mm zoom range. NIKON Z 5 + NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR @ 97mm, ISO 100, 1/80, f/8.0 ... Personally there are two items which I pack: - 1. 35mm Film canister for holding a Spirit Level 2. Memory Cards are kept in a metal container ...

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    1. A zoom lens and a fast prime. (Image credit: Lucas Favre for Unsplash) Choosing which lenses to pack is perhaps the most difficult part of packing for a trip. There are so many scenarios to think about and each lens has its own advantages.

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    It combines a 20MP 1-in sensor with an impressive 24-360mm equivalent f/3.3-6.4 lens and offers a standard sensitivity range of ISO 200-25,600 along with 10 frames per second shooting. Both a 2.33m-dot electronic viewfinder and a 3-inch, 1.24m-dot rear touchscreen are on hand for composing your images.

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    Shutterfly offers fun and unique ways to commemorate your travel memories in everyday items. You can order photo prints of your favorite destinations and display them in picture frames you can keep on your desk or gift to a loved one. Or, turn family travel adventures into a custom photo puzzle that you can put together as a group at a game ...

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    1. A Small Selection of Lenses. The lens, or lenses, you use for your photography will significantly impact the results of your images. When you travel, it's crucial to think about your goals for the trip and the lenses you should take with you based on that. Travel photography is primarily about adopting an essentialist's mindset when it ...

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    Backpack Rain Fly - A must-have if your backpack doesn't have one attached. Lens Pen and Microfiber Lens Cloths - I don't leave home without these! This post is written for those travel photographers who want to pack as light as possible. Sometimes, though, it's necessary to bring more gear when traveling on assignment.

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    At a minimum, you'll need to add a digital point and shoot camera, like Sony's DSCW830 camera, that can provide 20.1-megapixel photos and 720p HD movies, to your camera ensemble. 7. Canon Rebel T7 Camera. A Canon Rebel T7 is one of the best professional cameras to use for amateur and professional travel photographers.

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    Backup Travel Video Camera. If you're into video production, some cameras are the definition of minimalist gear as they can literally fit in your pocket. The best overall handheld camera is probably the DJI Osmo Pocket 2. However, if you plan to shoot action scenes, the GoPro Hero 11 should be your weapon of choice. 2.

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    By leveraging photography apps and software, you can unleash your creativity, streamline your workflow, and elevate your travel photography to new heights. Miscellaneous Items. Along with the essential photography gear and accessories, there are some miscellaneous items that can come in handy and enhance your travel photography experience.

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    2 Portable Travel Drones. Travel drones reduce the workload involved in travel photography drastically, especially if one is traveling solo. Drones provide a much better, if not perfect, view of the area and help one have a travel photo shoot of a large area in a short period. Drones are collapsible and can easily fit into a travel backpack.

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    Shinola Jewelry Traveler. PHOTO: Shinola. $123 at Shinola.com. Made from natural leather, this compact jewelry holder by Detroit-based brand Shinola features multiple compartments to securely ...

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    Here are the non-negotiable travel safety essentials that come with us on every single trip: Money Belt & Bra Pocket: Carrying a wallet in your pocket is pretty much an open invitation for pickpockets. Stash your cards and cash away in harder-to-reach places, like underneath your clothing, instead!

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