Drone Photography: How to Pick the Best Drone for Travelling?

Some of the best memories are made on vacation. We cherish and carry them with us throughout life to remind us of all the good times and amazing stories we shared with our friends. However, we can often forget those little memories; they become insignificant as we grow older. That's why many of us rely on cameras to capture every moment, so it can never truly be lost. 

Most people are okay with just using smartphones to record videos of their journey, but some might want to make the experience even more memorable. This is why they might purchase professional cameras or even decide to get a drone, the newest invention that has made all photography lovers incredibly excited!

Why choose a drone?

Having a drone is a huge advantage, but many have mixed feelings about the mentioned gadget. Drones are pretty glamorous, and some would even say excessive, way to spend money. So why should you choose to invest in such a thing? Drones are handy when visiting new countries with breathtaking landscapes and nature: sometimes phones cannot give this beauty justice!

Not only will your photos have better quality, but you will also be able to fit much more into your picture and use your drone to record your journey actively and in a more fun way!

With or without a camera?

Depending on what you want, there are drones both with and without an integrated camera. Those with integrated cameras are more expensive but also the first choice for photography lovers. However, if you want to, you can put your camera on a regular drone for a little DIY photography drone. You should know that you won't get the same results, but it is an affordable start to your journey in becoming more familiar with drones. Remember, the camera integrated into the drone works flawlessly and in harmony with the whole machine and is better for precisely that reason. So if you're looking for something to capture your vacation, we would suggest a drone that already has a camera.  

If you're insecure about your flying abilities, maybe it is good to start with a cheaper drone, one without a camera, until you truly learn how to control it.

Doing the most with your budget.

The prices of drones can be absurd: the newest tech is so advanced and professional that an average user might have problems operating the gadget itself. Think about how much you want to invest in your drone. Is it something you will use regularly or only on special occasions? Do you need the latest and newest model to get a satisfying outcome? This primarily isn't the case: the super-advanced drones are a bit too much for a first-time buyer, and you won't get any use from them. 

Try to find top drones under 300, so you can reap all the benefits of having a drone without spending an atrocious amount of money. You shouldn't spend more than $500 on your first drone when you don't even know if you'll enjoy the experience! 

More things to think about when purchasing

You need to understand that a drone used for traveling should have specific features to make it the best choice for you. For instance, you need to be careful about the weight of your drone. Think about it; you will have to carry this drone wherever you go, and therefore a smaller drone would be a much better option. If your drone is too big or simply too heavy, you won't be very fond of carrying it with you. This is an instant recipe for disaster. Find something that's compact and that you can put in a bag or a backpack!

Like with every camera, you also need to make sure that the specifications are correct. Find the best photo and video quality you can get within your budget. Try searching for a camera with at least 12 megapixels and an HD video resolution. A good thing to look out for when buying a drone is a gimbal: it will stabilize the camera, so the video isn't shaky while your drone moves, and you get an overall better video in the end. 

In addition, you should look at the battery life of your drone. It directly correlates with flight time: stronger battery life will make your drone fly longer, and you won't have to worry about it collapsing due to loss of power. Of course, you should also buy and carry extra batteries just in case your drone needs them!

Lastly, your drone should have a decent flight range. What is a flight range, you might ask? It is the distance your drone can reach from the takeoff point. It would help if you looked for a drone with a flight range of 1 km or more. It can be exhilarating to use your drone and observe the city from the sky, even a few kilometers away from your current position. 

Before your first vacation

After you've bought a drone, it is time to learn how to use it. There are plenty of videos and content online about the particular drone you've purchased, so it shouldn't be an issue to get it started. Then, have some time alone with your drone, and perfect your flying skills so you can use your drone effortlessly on vacation.

Some people even recommend buying a cheap drone beforehand and practicing with it: this way, you won't accidentally damage your more expensive purchase.  After you've operated the drone in your garden or house, move to a larger space, something like a park, to test the limits of your new toy thoroughly. Again, ensure that it is an open space; you don't want to crash your drone into a building or any obstacle before your learning is complete.

Try to use it in the wind: weather can be the most challenging lesson for new drone enthusiasts.  

Research the law

Yes, this seems a bit excessive, but certain governments have rules regarding drones. If you're using your drone as a hobby, you don't need a license, but if you want to fly higher than the regulations and congested towns, you will need to get a license. This all depends on the country and its view on drones. So before going away, research the local laws of the country you're going to. Just remember to stay safe while using your drone!