Capturing your travels through photography, video and drone footage can be hugely rewarding. It allows you to relive experiences, tell richer stories and share memories long after you’ve unpacked. But it’s worth remembering that not every destination welcomes cameras equally, and not every moment needs to be documented. This guide covers the essentials: understanding the rules, behaving considerately, choosing the right equipment, and making the most of your images once you’re home.
Know the rules before you travel
Rules around photography and video vary widely, and drone regulations in particular can be strict. Many countries ban drones outright, while others restrict their use in cities, national parks, near landmarks or around wildlife. In some places drones may be confiscated at customs, and certain cruise lines will take drones off passengers at embarkation, only returning them at the end of the trip.
Even when drones are allowed, permits, registration or insurance may be required, and flying near airports, military sites or government buildings is often illegal. The safest approach is to check official government or aviation authority guidance before you pack. Never assume the rules are the same as at home.
Photography and video can also be restricted in museums, religious buildings and private properties, and photographing people in uniform or sensitive infrastructure may be prohibited in some countries. When in doubt, ask for permission or simply don’t take the shot.
Practise good etiquette
Great travel photography is about respect as much as composition. Always be mindful of the people and places around you. Asking before photographing someone, particularly children or people in more traditional cultures, goes a long way. In temples and religious sites, be discreet and follow local guidance.
Avoid blocking walkways or viewpoints, and don’t turn shared spaces into personal photo studios. If you’re flying a drone, keep flights short, well away from crowds and wildlife, and be conscious of noise. A great image is never worth making someone uncomfortable or damaging the environment you came to enjoy.
Choose equipment that suits your trip
You don’t need professional gear to capture memorable travel images. In fact, carrying too much equipment can become a burden and pull you out of the experience.
Smartphones are more than capable for most travellers and have the advantage of being lightweight, discreet and always to hand. Compact or mirrorless cameras offer improved image quality without excessive bulk, but it’s worth considering whether you’re happy to carry them all day. If you’re filming video, stabilisation often matters more than resolution, and short clips tend to be more useful than long recordings.
Drones are best treated as optional extras rather than essentials. Only bring one if you’re confident you can use it legally and responsibly, and remember that some of your most meaningful memories won’t come from the air.
Be careful what you share while you’re away
Posting photos and videos in real time can be tempting, but it’s worth thinking about personal security. Public social media posts can make it clear that you’re not at home, particularly if your accounts are open or widely followed. Consider delaying posts until you’ve returned, limiting visibility to friends, or avoiding precise location details while you’re still travelling. That perfect sunset will still look just as good a few days later.
Make something of your photos when you get home
Once you’re back, take the time to curate your images rather than letting them disappear into a digital archive. Select your strongest photos, edit them lightly, and be ruthless about deleting duplicates or near-identical shots.
One of the most rewarding ways to preserve travel memories is to create a photo book. Printing a small selection of standout images or making a short highlight video can also bring your trip to life far more effectively than hundreds of unedited files sitting on a hard drive.
Don’t forget to enjoy the moment
Perhaps the most important advice is to remember why you’re travelling in the first place. Few of us are professionals, and travel doesn’t need to become a content assignment. It’s often better to capture a handful of great images and then put the camera away, rather than constantly shooting and missing the experience itself.
Some moments are best lived fully and remembered later. The memories will last just as long as the photos.
Holiday Nerd 