Despite what the status quo in the photography world said about vlogging when it was taken to the mainstream by Casey Neistat with his incredibly creative storytelling on his daily vlogs that inspired over 12 million of his subscribers, vlogging is here to stay.
Vlogging is another creative way of telling a story in a more run-and-gun style that allows the audience to experience the lives of others through their cameras as they go about their days.
That may sound rather boring, but when you combine vlogging with travel, you get one hell of a creative way to tell a travel story in a more grounded and personal way that other forms of storytelling can't provide.
Travel vlogging helps travelers tell stories in a more authentic way, allowing the audience to truly feel like they are experiencing the world together with the storytellers.
If you are looking to become a travel vlogger, one of the most important things you will have to decide before you can become a travel vlogger is which camera to buy that will allow you to capture yourself, as well as the world around you, while you travel.
Not all cameras are created equally when it comes to travel vlogging, and that is what we will be discussing in this blog post. Within this guide, I have listed the very best cameras for travel vlogging that you can choose from based on the 3 criteria I will discuss further below.
Without further ado, here are the 8 best cameras for travel vlogging that you should buy. Let's first take a look at all the things you should consider when picking up a new travel vlogging camera.
Quick Summary: The best cameras for travel vlogging
| Product | |||
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🏅 Editor's Choice
Best Overall
DJI Pocket 3
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Features
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Check PriceRead Our Review |
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Best for Beginner
Sony ZV-1
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Features
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Check PriceLearn More |
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Best Lightweight Setup
Sony ZV-E10
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Features
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Check PriceLearn More |
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Best for Enthusiasts
Sony a6700
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Features
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Check PriceLearn More |
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Best Value for Enthusiasts
Fujifilm X-S10
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Features
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Check PriceLearn More |
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Best for Pros
Sony ZV-E1
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Features
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Check PriceLearn More |
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Most Versatile Camera
Insta360 One RS
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Features
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Check PriceLearn More |
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Best Action Camera
GoPro Hero 12 Black
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Features
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Check PriceLearn More |
What to look for in a travel vlogging camera?
Wide Enough Focal Length
One of the most important specifications you have to look for when picking a travel vlogging camera is its focal length. Since you are going to film yourself with your hands out in front of you, you are going to have to find a camera with a focal length that is wide enough to capture you as well as your surroundings at arm's length.
How wide, youasked? Well, that is a little more difficult to determine given the variety of sensor sizes available on cameras out there. There are many different sensor sizes when it comes to consumer cameras, but for the sake of simplicity, we are going to focus on a handful of sensor sizes in the cameras we will be listing here.
Within this list, you will find cameras with 5 varying sensor sizes. Listing from the largest to the smallest sensor, the full-frame (professional cameras), the APS-C (intermediate cameras), one-inch (compact cameras), 1/2.3-inch (GoPros), and 1/1.7-inch (smartphone cameras) respectively.
Depending on the sensor size, the actual focal lengths of the lenses on these cameras will all be different and incomparable unless you choose one sensor size and convert the rest to an equivalent measurement using its crop factor.
To prevent confusion, you will often see the focal lengths on cameras with smaller sensor sizes (APS-C, one-inch, 1/2.3-inch, and 1/1.7-inch) converted into an equivalent focal length for full-frame cameras, making it easier to compare.
For example, the Sony ZV-1 camera, a compact camera with a 1-inch sensor, has a focal length of 24-70mm equivalent listed as its specification. When you see the word "equivalent" with a focal length specification, it means that it has already been converted to a full-frame equivalent.
Technically, the actual focal length of the Sony ZV-1 camera is around 9.4-25.7mm. However, for the purpose of comparison, it has been converted to a full-frame measurement. This allows you to easily determine the camera's actual focal lengths when using it.
With this knowledge in mind, I will use the full-frame equivalent focal length to determine what value is wide enough and what is not for travel vlogging cameras. Basically, the acceptable focal length for a vlogging camera is between 20-24mm.
Anything less than a 20mm equivalent focal length, the field of view will be too distorted, making yourself small and your surroundings distorted. Anything more than a 24mm equivalent focal length, you won't be able to capture yourself and your surroundings at arm's length, as the frame will be way too compressed.
Basically, if you are planning to buy a camera for travel vlogging, make sure that the full-frame equivalent focal length is less than 24mm. That way, you will have no trouble holding your camera out at arm's length and capturing yourself while you travel.
Good Stabilization
Travel vlogging requires you to do a more run-and-gun style of shooting as you react to what is around you, and more often than not, you will be using your camera handheld, which can introduce some unwelcome camera shakes to your footage.
Cameras with IBIS or in-body stabilization will help smooth out your footage and stabilize your shots as you walk around filming yourself. So, if you are looking for a good travel vlogging camera, make sure that the camera has a built-in stabilization feature.
Front Facing Flip Screen
When it comes to travel vlogging cameras, one of the most important features to look out for is whether the camera has a flip-out screen that allows you to see yourself while filming or not.
This is extremely important for travel vloggers because when you are vlogging, you will often find yourself having to compose your shots and ensure that you are in focus before filming. If the camera you are buying does not come with a flip-out screen, it is going to take you much longer to do that.
If you are looking for a camera to travel vlog, be sure to pick one that comes with a flip-out screen or a swivel screen that can be turned front-facing and used to compose yourself while you are vlogging.
8 Best Cameras For Travel Vlogging
1. DJI Pocket 3
- Very small and compact.
- Great stabilization.
- Plenty of video features.
- Not rugged or waterproof
- Lackluster Photo Quality
DJI Pocket 3: If you are looking for the overall best option for vlogging with excellent features, great value, and easy to set up, I highly recommend you check out the DJI Pocket 3. It is one of the smallest setups we have here with very little to no barrier to entry.
The DJI Pocket 3 uses a 1-inch sensor, which is bigger than most action cameras and phones, allowing you to shoot in smooth footage even in low light. It comes with a mechanical gimbal which allows you to shoot smoothly as you walk. Not even the big cameras can do this without a cumbersome setup. It also has the Active Tracking 6 feature that will keep you in frame no matter where you move or how you hold your camera, which is a great feature for solo content creators.
If you choose the Creator Combo version, you will also get a wireless mic, a tripod, and a wide-angle filter which makes vlogging so much easier. You do not have to set it up before your shoot like the other cameras on this list. With the DJI Pocket 3, you can just grab and go.
If you are looking for a vlogging camera that is easy to travel with, discrete, and extremely capable, the DJI Pocket 3 is one of the best vlogging cameras you can get right now. Hit the link below and check out the price:
2. Sony ZV-1 Camera
- Small and Lightweight
- Great vlogging features
- Affordable
- Easy to use.
- Not flexible.
- No advanced features.
- Not great in low light.
Sony ZV-1 Camera: For those of you who are starting out and looking for a travel vlogging camera that is light, compact, and built specifically for vloggers, the Sony ZV-1 is the best compact camera to get.
The Sony ZV-1 Camera comes with a 24-70mm equivalent focal length, which is wide enough for vlogging. It has a flip-out screen that you can use to compose yourself, and it comes with a directional 3-capsule microphone with a dedicated windscreen, allowing you to capture front-facing audio while you vlog.
It has a 20-megapixel one-inch sensor, which is generally pretty good for most daily use. It has features built specifically for vloggers, like active SteadyShot (advanced image stabilization), soft skin effect, background defocus, and more.
Best of all, it is extremely compact, lightweight, and affordable, with a retail price of only 748 USD. If you are looking for an easy-to-use, all-in-one compact camera for vlogging, the Sony ZV-1 is hard to beat. For sales and discounted prices, click the link below:
3. Sony ZV-E10 Camera
- Compact and Lightweight
- Great vlogging features
- Good low-light performance.
- Interchangeable lens, allowing for greater flexibility.
- A bit more complex to use.
- Low-light performance can be improved.
Sony ZV-E10 Camera: Now, if you don't mind having a vlogging camera that is a little bigger but comes with vlogging-specific features like switching between product and person priority mode, and an interchangeable lens system allowing you to switch out lenses for different purposes, all in a relatively lightweight and compact size with excellent low-light capability, then you are going to love the Sony ZV-E10 camera.
The Sony ZV-E10 camera comes with an APS-C sensor, which makes your vlogs much more bokeh-licious and performs much better in low light than the Sony ZV-1 camera. The interchangeable lens system also allows you to switch out lenses however you like.
Combining this camera with the Sony 10-18 F4 lens, and you have one hell of a vlogging machine that can shoot wide-angle, which is a must for vlogging. It comes with image stabilization and yet still maintains its compact size.
Not to mention all the features that come with new Sony cameras, like a flip-out screen, an excellent autofocus system, and best of all, an electronic multi-interface shoe that supports Sony's compact digital shotgun microphone, making vlogging as hassle-free as it gets.
If you are looking for a great vlogging camera that is adaptable to different use cases, all in a compact form factor, you won't be disappointed with the Sony ZV-E10 camera. Hit the link below to check its recent price.
4. Sony a6700 Camera with Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Lens
- Excels at for both photography and videography.
- Execellent AI-powered autofocus system.
- Good low-light performance.
- Interchangeable lens, allows for more flexibility.
- No built-in vlogging features.
- Low-light performance can be improved.
Sony a6700 Camera with the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD: If you are looking for something more advanced and flexible that has an interchangeable lens system and yet is still lightweight and compact enough to carry around with you at all times, the Sony a6700 is a great option for you.
The Sony a6700 Camera is a flagship APS-C sensor camera that can shoot 26-megapixel photos and capture stunning 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit video downsampled from 6K, giving you beautifully sharp videos, and allow you more flexibility when it comes to post-processing. It can also shoot 4K 120p which is great for super slow-motion videos, a feature that is not so easy to come by in such a small form factor.
The camera comes with a flip-out screen, which is perfect for vlogging. Having an interchangeable lens system also allows you to be flexible and adapt your camera to whatever the world throws at you when you travel.
Pairing the Sony a6700 body, which comes with IBIS (in-body image stabilization), with the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 lens that offers around 16.5 - 30mm full-frame equivalent focal length, you will have yourself a great vlogging camera with flexible focal lengths and incredibly beautiful bokeh, all in a relatively small and compact setup.
For those of you who are looking for a lightweight and compact vlogging camera that has the flexibility of an interchangeable lens camera and can produce sharp images even in low-light situations for vlogging, the Sony a6700 with the Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 is one of the best combinations of APS-C sized cameras you can find out there.
5. Fujifilm X-S10 Camera with Fuji 16mm F1.4 XF lens
- Excellent color science out-of-the-box.
- Compact and Lightweight
- Relatively Affordable
- Interchangeable lens, allowing for greater flexibility.
- Autofocus can be improved.
- Low-light performance can be improved.
Fujifilm X-S10 Camera: If the Sony a6700 is a little out of your budget, Fujifilm offers a great alternative with its Fujifilm X-S10 interchangeable lens cameras that are more catered towards travel vloggers, but at a much cheaper price than the Sony a6700.
The Fujifilm X-S10 Camera has all the usual features you can expect from a vlogging camera, such as in-body image stabilization, a flip-out screen, and a wide selection of great lenses to vlog with. I dare say it even offers stronger lens options compared to the Sony APS-C lens line-up, which has been rather lacking lately.
Combining the Fuji X-S10 camera body with a lens like the Fuji 16mm F1.4 XF lens, which is a 24mm full-frame equivalent, you have yourself quite a killer vlogging machine in your hand.
With its extremely fast aperture of F1.4, you can blur out your background while you vlog to create stunning and smooth subject separation. And with a 24 mm focal length, you should have no trouble filming yourself while you travel.
For those of you who are looking for a cheaper alternative to the Sony APS-C camera line-up for vlogging, which is relatively light and compact, and want the flexibility that comes with having an interchangeable lens camera, you should definitely consider the Fujifilm X-S10.
6. Sony ZV-E1 Camera with Sony PZ 16-35 F4 lens
- Best autofocus in its class, using AI.
- Great vlogging features
- Great video quality with 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 in full frame 60p.
- Still compact and lightweight.
- Excellent low-light performance.
- Interchangeable lens allows for more flexibility.
- A bit pricey.
- Might overheat.
Sony ZV-E1 Camera: If you are looking for a professional-grade camera that has the largest sensor (the full-frame sensor), has all the advanced features for vlogging, and has a compact and light body to carry around while vlogging, the Sony ZV-E1 is hard to beat.
It comes with an awesome full-frame sensor, so you know it excels when it comes to low-light performance, equipped with all the incredible vlogging-specific features like product showcase, AI auto-framing, and one of the best AI-powered autofocus systems out there.
With its full-frame sensor and interchangeable lens system, you can be flexible with the way you shoot your vlog and adapt to whatever situation you might find yourself in, all the while remaining relatively lightweight and compact.
Combining this camera with the Sony PZ 16-35 F4 lens and a Sony Wireless Bluetooth Shooting Grip, you will have yourself an unstoppable vlogging machine.
Not to mention all the features that come with newer Sony cameras, like a flip-out screen, an excellent built-in microphone, and, best of all, the ability to shoot videos at 4K 120p 10-bit 4:2:2 to produce some of the highest quality videos you can get from such a small camera.
If you are looking for a great vlogging camera that is adaptable to different use cases, all in a compact form factor, you won't be disappointed with the Sony ZV-E1 camera. Click the link below to check its recent price.
7. Insta360 One RS
- Capture 360° Videos
- Excellent Modular Design.
- Good in low light for its size.
- Expensive
- 360° stitching features could use some improvements.
Insta360 One RS: If you are looking for a companion vlogging camera to your already professional-grade camera that is a little more advanced and modular than the DJI Pocket 2 or the GoPro Hero 12, the Insta360 One RS is highly recommended.
The Insta360 One RS is an updated version of the highly popular modular action camera, the Insta360 One R, that will allow you to adapt to any type of vlogging situation you might find yourself in with its swappable modular system. The modular system allows you to swap modules on the fly and helps you adapt to the situation by mixing and matching camera features in a way other cameras cannot do.
Want to vlog in a low-light environment? Swap in the one-inch sensor and capture videos in low-light without any problems. Want to film yourself while you vlog? The 4K wide-angle camera module is great for that. Not sure which module to use? How about capturing everything with its dual-lens 360° module and picking out the frame later.
The action camera also comes with a great stabilization feature that will smooth out your footage almost as if your camera were on a dedicated gimbal. There are invisible sticks you can use to shoot yourself without seeing the selfie stick. Additionally, it comes with a cool slow-motion feature for when you are engaging in epic activities.
The new version is better than the previous version in every way, with better battery life, HDR capability, improved stabilization, more mics for better audio quality, an instant zoom feature, and so much more.
If you are looking for an action camera that will allow you to vlog as well as perform a myriad of other tasks that action cameras are capable of, the Insta360 One RS is definitely one of the best options available.
8. GoPro Hero 12 Black
- Extremely durable
- Plenty of accessories to go with it.
- Good in low light for its size.
- Not the best in low light.
- Audio is not the best.
GoPro Hero 12 Black: If you have used a GoPro before and are looking for a new action camera for vlogging that you are familiar with, you can also get the latest GoPro Hero 12 Black Edition camera, which is catered more towards outgoing travelers and vloggers.
The GoPro Hero 12 Black comes with the usual features you can expect from an action camera, such as a well-built quality and a waterproof body. However, it goes beyond that by attaching a camera with the capability to shoot 27-megapixel photos, record 4K resolution video at 120 FPS, provide buttery smooth stabilization with the new and improved Hypersmooth 6.0 technology, improved battery life, HDR capability, and more.
What is so great about GoPro cameras are all the compatible accessories and mods currently available in the market that you can use to adapt the camera to fit your experiences.
Want a better front-facing microphone? You can get the Media Mod. Want a larger front-facing flip-out screen to use while vlogging? The Display Mod is perfect for you. No matter what kind of accessories you are looking for for your GoPro, there is a high chance that someone has already made it for you.
If you are looking for a familiar action camera that comes with a slew of awesome accessories, is extremely durable, and packed with many features that will help improve your vlog footage like slow-motion, Hypersmooth, and more, you can't go wrong with the GoPro Hero 12 Black edition.
Want to take your filmmaking game to the next level? Here are some resources to help you upgrade your work and filmmaking gear:
Further Reading for Resources
Looking for more articles to help you with your travel, whether it be camera gear or clothing? Here is a collection of articles you might like:
- Ever wondered what a full-time travel blogger like myself carries in my camera bag? Check out: What's In My Camera Bag in 2025?
- For the best hybrid travel camera to buy, the Sony a7R V with its 61-megapixel sensor and video capabilities is hard to beat. Check out my review here: A Traveler's Review: The Sony a7R V Camera
- If you are looking for a secondary camera to vlog or help you with time-consuming processes like timelapse, you might want to check this out: A Traveler's Review: DJI Osmo Pocket 3.
- Looking for the very best travel full-frame camera to buy for your next trip? How about the Sony a7C, the smallest full-frame camera with an EVF in the world! Check out my review: A Traveler's Review: The Sony a7C Camera
- For APS-C camera owners out there, check out: What's In My Camera Bag? - A Gear Guide to the Sony APS-C Cameras.
- Looking to buy a new travel camera but not sure where to start? Check out our camera guide on 9 Best Travel Cameras To Buy.
- Bought a new camera and not sure which camera accessories to buy? Check out: 14 BEST Sony Camera Accessories You Should Buy.
- Looking for a good-looking and functional camera strap to buy? You are going to love the Langly Tactical, Premium Leather, and Paracord camera straps. Check out my review here: A Traveler's Review: Langly Camera Straps.
- Finding a great camera bag you can travel with is not as easy as it sounds. If you are looking for one, here are the 10 Best Camera Bags for Travel, Backpacking, and Hiking You Should Buy.
- Now, if you are looking for a camera sling/shoulder bag instead of a full-fledged camera backpack to travel with, here are the 11 Best Camera Sling/Shoulder Bags For Travel.
- Looking for the most versatile camera sling bag? Check out: A Traveler's Review: WANDRD Roam (Rogue) Sling.
- For a smaller setup, the Nomatic McKinnon Sling is a great camera bag to check out. Here is A Traveler's Review: Nomatic McKinnon Camera Sling 8L.
- If you are looking for gifts to buy for your photographer loved ones, check out: 12 Cool Gifts To Buy For Travel Photographers.
- Traveling light with camera gear is all about balancing between what you need and what you want. Here are the 8 Best Tips For Traveling Light With Camera Gear.
- After years of research, I finally found the most beautiful camera backpack of all! Check this out: A Traveler's Review: Langly Alpha Globetrotter Camera Backpack
- Are you looking for the best travel camera for your next trip? Why not consider the Sony a6500? Here's why the Sony a6500 is the best travel camera.
- If you want to carry just one lens when you travel, here is why the Sony 16-55mm F2.8 is the best travel lens to get for your Sony a6600 or a6500.
- This is the one lens I never knew I needed, but now that I have it, I can't travel without it! A Traveler's Review: The Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 Lens.
- An ultra-wide lens is perfect for travel, and there is no better lens than the Sony 10-18mm F4 lens. Here is why: Traveler's Review: Sony 10-18mm F4 lens.
- Full-frame or APS-C Cameras? Here’s my take on which camera format to pick for travel: 5 Reasons Why I'm Sticking With a Sony APS-C Camera
- Wondering which Sony Mirrorless camera is right for you? Check out The Best Sony Travel Cameras to Buy in 2025.
- Just bought a new Sony mirrorless camera? Check out: 15 Tips & Tricks For Your New Sony a7C, a7III, and More.
- Wondering which lenses to buy for your Sony cameras? Check out The Best Travel Lenses For Sony a7III, a7C, a7RIV, and More.
- Looking for a compact and lightweight travel telephoto lens for wildlife and landscape? You are going to love this lens. Here is A Traveler's Review of the Tamron 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 lens.
- If you are looking for a review of the first Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens and want to see if it is worth buying now, check out: A Traveler's Review of the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens.
- The king of travel lenses has arrived. The Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens is hands down the best travel all-purpose zoom lens I have ever owned. Here's why: A Traveler's Review: Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens.
- Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II OSS lens is, hands down, the best telephoto lens to get for your Sony cameras, but with an extremely high price tag. Here is a complete traveler's review of the lens: A Traveler's Review: Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II OSS Lens.
- Looking for a lightweight and affordable landscape/architecture travel lens that is also extremely capable? Here is A Traveler's Review of the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Lens.
- Looking for the best travel portrait lens to buy for your next trip? You can't beat the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN lens. Here is A Traveler's Review of the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens.
- Picking a camera body is one thing. Picking the lenses is a whole different game. Here is the ultimate guide to the best travel lenses for the Sony a6500.
- Looking for the best street and travel photography lens? Here is why the Sigma 56mm F1.4 is the Best Travel Photography Lens For Sony APS-C.
- GoPro is good and all, but did you know that there are many other GoPro alternatives that are better and cheaper? Here are the 8 Best GoPro Alternatives You Should Buy in 2025.
- Looking for a great drone to travel with? Why is the DJI Mavic Mini the Best Drone For Travelers?
- The best travel drone just got even better. Here is A Traveler's Review of The DJI Mini 2 and why it is the best travel drone to buy.
- Already have a Mavic Mini or looking to buy one? Here are 25 Tips and Tricks for New DJI Mavic Mini Owners.
- For more travel drone options, be sure to check out the 8 Best Drones for Travel to Buy in 2025.
- Looking for the best travel wireless earbuds or headphones? Here are the 7 Best Travel Wireless Earbuds & Headphones to Buy.
- You can't travel without a backpack, and if you are looking for one, check out my guide on the best Herschel Supply backpacks for travelers.
- If you like hiking and going on adventures for weeks on end, you are going to need a bigger backpack. Here is Why the Osprey Atmos AG is the Best Hiking Backpack To Buy.
- If you are into making travel videos, here is my ultimate advanced filmmaking gear guide.
- Planning to go on your first-ever hiking trip? Here is How to Pack for Hiking and Camping.
- Technical hiking gear doesn't have to be ugly. Here is a guide to hiking gear that actually looks good on you.
- If you are a light-weight traveler and are looking for powerful gear to go with your setup, check out the extremely light-weight photography gear guide.
- Looking for gift ideas for your traveler friends or family members? Here are 16 Best Gifts to Buy for Travelers/Backpackers.
- Or, if you are into gadgets, here is a quick guide on 10 tech gadgets you should buy this year.
- Looking for an Airbnb alternative for a better and more authentic stay in a place you are visiting? Here are the 8 Best Airbnb Alternatives to Use.
- Want to know the secrets of how to travel the world cheaply? Check out: 16 Best Tips on How to Travel the World Cheaply.
- If you are a blogger as well and are looking for free travel images to spice up your content, check out the 9 Best Websites to Find Free Travel Images.
- Looking to plan your first backpacking trip around the world? Check out: How To Plan A Backpacking Trip.
- For more resources like this, visit my Resources page.
- Want to learn how I was able to take so many good pictures of myself while I travel solo? Check out: How To Take Great Pictures of Yourself.
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