The Best Drones for Travel Videos and Photo in 2022
This huge buyers guide will help you compare and decide on the best drones for travel videos and pictures in 2022.
CONTENTS OF BEST DRONES TO TRAVEL WITH
We have all seen those wanderlust-inducing travel drone videos all over social media. The best travel drones have helped to create some of the most successful viral videos of the last 12-months.
For years, I had been fascinated by aerial photography. After plenty of research and a little bit of saving, I invested in what has proven to be one of my most sensible business moves to date. I spent hours trawling the internet reading reviews and scrolling through forums to figure out the best drones for traveling and my professional needs.
Drones have totally changed the travel photography and videography game. What was once a piece of equipment reserved exclusively for big-budget productions and master photographers is now highly accessible.
So, I thought I’d share my research and experience with you now. Let’s explore the best drones for travel videos and photos.
BEST DRONE FOR TRAVEL: DJI Mavic Pro 2
Don’t have time to read the entire guide? Just having a quick search for the best drones for travel? This is the drone I chose to travel with because I wanted a foldable drone with the best camera on the market. It must be lightweight but powerful. The Mavic Pro is all that plus more!
It also boasts awesome features like a 3-axis gimbal (for super smooth video) and it’s also a camera drone that follows you and takes pictures using hand commands.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONBest Travel Drones Comparison Chart
These are my top picks that will help you find the best drones for filming and more. We all know that the fun part is shopping, not researching!
When it comes to finding the best beginner drones with cameras and video though, it is advisable that you do actually read up at least a little bit. I’ve included everything you need to know about drones right here on this drone comparison chart!
| DRONE | NAME | CAMERA | WEIGHT | FLY TIME | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | DJI Mavic Pro 2 | 4K Video & 20MP Photo on Built-in Camera | 1.9 lbs (907 g) | Up to 31 minutes |  Best Drone Overall | |
  | DJI Spark | 720p Video & 12MP Photo on Built-in Camera | 1.49 lbs (660 g) | Up to 16 minutes |  Best Beginners Drone | |
  | DJI Mavic Air | 4K Video & 12MP Photo on Built-In Camera | 15.17 oz (430g) | Up to 26 minutes | Best Travel Drone | |
 | Ruko F11 Foldable GPS Drone | 4K Video & 13MP Photo on Built-In Camera | 18.34 oz (520 g) | Up to 30 minutes | Best Selfie Drone | |
  | GoPro Karma | 4K Video & 12MP Photo on GoPro Camera | 4.27 lbs (2.1 kg) | Up to 20 minutes | Best GoPro Drone | |
  | DJI Phantom | 4K at 60fps Video & 20MP Photo on Built-in Camera | 3 lbs (1.3 kg) | Up to 30 minutes | Best Filming | |
 | Autel Robotics EVO 2 | 8K Ultra HD Video & 8MP Photos on Built-In Camera | 2.4 lbs (1.08 kg) | Up to 45 minutes | | |
  | Parrot Bebop 2 FPV | 1080p Video & 14MP Photo on Built-in Camera | 1.1 lbs (500 g) | Up to 25 minutes | | |
 | DJI Mavic Mini 2 | 4K Video & 13MP Photo on Built-in Camera | 0.55 lbs (249 g) | Up to 31 minutes | | |
 | Force1 F100GP GoPro Compatible Drone | 1080p and GoPro Compatible | 0.18 lbs (0.08 kg) Camera Not Included | Up to 15 minutes | |
Things to Consider When Looking for The Best Drones for Travel
When it comes to buying the best drone with a camera, there is actually quite a lot to think about.
For example, there are the best camera drones for videography and then others that are really just toys. Do you need the best drone for GoPro or do you want a built-in camera? It’s time to get your thinking cap on!
🎒 Foldable
Although this may seem an odd point to kick off with, it’s actually something that is easy to forget when looking for the best drone for traveling. Can your new drone fold away easily, or does it have to be dismantled to travel? Do you really feel like reassembling your drone every time you want to use it?
Some of the best mini-drones don’t need to be folded or dismantled but the chances are, if you want a decent drone to travel with, you’re going to need it to be foldable. Foldability makes drone traveling just that much safer and easier.
📷 Built-in Camera
When it comes to buying the premium brand drones and those that are more advanced, it is almost a prerequisite that the camera will be built into the drone itself. Some of the best video camera drones have 4K video as standard. As you come down the price scale, you may find that either the camera quality of a built-in device drops significantly or is totally removed.
Do you have the cash to buy a camera in addition to your drone? Do you have space to carry both while being on the road?
📏 Size
Speaking of having space to carry your drone, do you have space in your pack for a bulky drone kit? Some drones come with a hell of a lot of additional accessories and require a big carry case. I prefer to travel with my drone in my hand luggage – I don’t like the idea of it being bashed about in cargo.
Although the big monster drone may look impressive, is it the best portable drone for travel? Unless you’re shooting the next series of Planet Earth, I guess the answer is no!
🔋 Battery Life
Drones are notorious for sucking up battery life. Even the best drones for filming have fairly short battery life. We’re talking only up to 30-minutes. Although professional photographers will tell you that if you can’t get the shot in that time, you need to go and refine your skills, you do need to think about when and where you’ll be using your drone.
If you plan on heading off into the wilderness for a few days, filming as you go, maybe you’ll need to buy an additional battery. When you’re learning to fly your drone that 30-minutes goes pretty quick!
🏁 Speed
Most of the best drones for travel have been designed with a number of different speed settings. These are more than adequate for aerial photographers like you and I. Drone speed really comes into play for the cool kids who compete in drone racing. That stuff is super cool!
For example, if you’re looking for the best drone camera that follows you, give a moment’s thought as to what you’ll be doing when you want it to follow. Walking through Grand Canyon National Park, no worries. Racing around an F1 track, you may need something a little more specific!
✈️ Range
This is definitely something to think about. The range of the drone is how far it can fly away from you. My Mavic Pro has a range of seven kilometers, which is insane! This is the kind of range that is amazing for a safari or when exploring in the wilderness. Using your drone on a day-to-day basis though, it is unlikely you’ll be using it for over one kilometer away from where you’re standing. This is largely due to flight restrictions.
When thinking about the range of your drone, you also then need to consider the speed and battery life.
⚖️ Weight
Much like the size of your drone, you need to think about the weight. From a technical perspective, the weight of the drone impacts its flight speed and agility. Most drones have been designed to be as light as possible, but in being light, they must subsequently be made even more durable to withstand the elements. This makes them more expensive.
From a practical perspective, you will have to lug your drone around with you. How much does your carry-on currently weigh? Most airlines only allow hand luggage to weigh seven kilograms.
📷 Camera Quality
When searching for the best photo drones you have to consider the camera quality. What’s the use in investing in a super expensive piece of tech if the most important feature isn’t up to scratch? Most premium drones feature a camera that is capable of shooting 4K video footage, which is paramount for both aspiring and professional videographers who want the best video quality.
Does the gimbal provide stabilization across all axis? Can you take both stills and video footage? When looking at the best drone for travel, spending time understanding the camera is so important if you want the best image quality.
⛑ Safety and Drone Travel Tips
On top of all those things to consider when buying a drone, you have to take flight safety so seriously! It’s not daunting though. I’ll admit that when I started out I was a little overwhelmed as to where to start, but I joined a drone group on Facebook and got chatting with people about the dos and don’ts of drone flying.
I’ll keep it brief, but you’ve got to remember that all drones operate differently. Even different drones from the same brand can have different systems. There are some countries in the world where drones are illegal, and there are many areas within every country where drone flying is not permitted. When I flew from Germany to Cuba, I had to mail my drone to my next destination in Mexico. I wasn’t even allowed to bring it into Cuba! So if you are traveling to Central America or in my case, traveling to Mexico with the Mavic Pro or any other drone, try to avoid Cuba. I’ve read too many stories of people getting their drones confiscated at the airport.
You must store your drone batteries responsibly during flights. Always drain the batteries to 30% before a flight. Consider storing your drone’s batteries in a Li-Po Battery Safety Guard Fireproof Safe Sleeve. Take your batteries and drone in carry-on and be prepared to show and explain your drone carrying techniques and safety to customs security.
As I said, there are so many rules when it comes to when, where, and how you can fly your drone. Once you’ve got the basics down and know where to look for additional information, you’re golden. I’ll make a video explaining everything you need to know soon!
There are great apps out there like Hover, AIRMAP, B4 U Fly, and UAV Forecast that are essential for drone users. Get downloading!
Can You Take My Word For It?
I’d like to think so! I have been using a camera drone since 2017. Plus I am a travel blogger, vlogger, and photographer! I have studied my craft and spent hours refining my skills. At first, I pretty much taught myself to fly my drone using a flight simulator and video tutorials. I did all the research myself before investing in my drone. I used ‘best drones for travel buying guides’ just like this before buying my drone, but felt that there was more information to be shared. So I wrote this!
Having joined a drone Facebook group, I have spoken at length with others in the drone flying community. Not only to learn their skills but also to listen to their insightful opinions on every aspect of the drone industry.
Is a Drone Worth the Investment?
Hell yes, my friends! Here’s a fun fact for you: I spent more on my drone than I have ever spent on a car and it has proven to be the best investment I could have made.
I believe that investing in a premium drone straight away is the best idea. Buy cheap, buy twice, right? The premium brand drones are worth their weight in gold and have a multitude of features that make them useable for complete beginners and perfect for pros.
What Drone to Choose for a Beginner?
If you are a beginner drone operator and you are looking for the best starter drone with a camera, I highly recommend any of the DJI drones. The remote control interface makes the operation of any of the DJI drones smooth and easy. Plus they have a flight simulator, which makes learning the operation of the drone a lot easier and stress-free. These are the best drones for beginners.
I found it difficult to answer exactly what is the best drone for beginners with a camera since there are so many good options out there. But at the end of the day, DJI makes really good quality drones and has secured themselves in the forefront of the drone market for a while now, meaning any DJI drone you buy will be great quality and the best drone to learn on.
Read the section below on the most recommended drones for beginners (use this link to jump).
We Review The Best Travel Drones 2022
Have you been wondering what is the best drone to travel with? Let’s take a look at the best drones for travel photography (and videography) in greater detail.
With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. I have narrowed it down to the top ten best drones to buy and fly and also added a drone travel video at the end so you to see each drone in action!
BEST DRONE FOR TRAVEL OVERALL
DJI Mavic Pro 2 Quadcopter Review
So you’re looking to make epic drone travel videos? I may be a little biased, but the overall best drone for travel vloggers and people who make videos is the DJI Mavic Pro. Offering a 6.2-mile range and a max flight time of up to 31-minutes, the Mavic Pro is the drone with the best range on the market. The Mavic Pro makes learning to fly a drone a smooth process – there are loads of training videos and a flight simulator on the remote control.
Mavic Pro boasts the ability to capture 4K video even when flying at full speed. The drone features an incredible 3-axis gimbal and there is no Electronic Image Stabilization – meaning the footage captured is always smooth and crystal clear.
And just when you think it’s already hit its value, the DJI Mavic Pro 2 offers upgraded intelligent flight modes which allow you to track and trace a subject, and obstacle avoidance so you don’t accidentally run into those pesky trees, plus many more awesome features. These cool specs make it the best drone for travel videos to buy on the market!
Pros
✔ 4K Video
✔ Beginner Mode
✔ Flight Autonomy Technology
✔ Best Drone for Flight Time
✔ Best Drone for Travel Video and Photography
Cons
✖ Expensive
Tech & Specs
4K Camera
Built-in Camera
6.2 Mile Range
31-Minute Fly Time
1.9 lbs (907 g)
Foldable
BEST DRONE FOR BEGINNERS
DJI Spark Mini Drone Review
The DJI Spark is the best beginner drone with a camera, no doubt about it. Also one of the best drones for travel video. Light and compact and ever so easy to use, the DJI Spark is the perfect drone for enthusiastic amateurs who want to take great aerial photographs and fantastic aerial videos too.
The deep learning of the DJI Spark makes it one of the best drones that follow you. The ActiveTrack technology is surprisingly easy to use and is a great feature for solo travelers. The TapFly Mode allows you to literally envisage your shot and the DJI Spark will work its magic!
DJI makes the best drones to learn on because they have flight simulations and loads of videos to help drone beginners learn how to fly.
It is also the best video drone for beginners because it is cost-effective and powerful! And the best drone for backpacking with its teeny tiny size. Plus DJI has great care packages if you are worried about crashing it! The DJI Spark also comes in five different colors, making it one of the best-looking drones.
Pros
✔ TapFly Mode
✔ ActiveTrack Technology
✔ Best Affordable Travel Drone
Cons
✖ No 4K Video
✖ Short Flight Time
Tech & Specs
720p Video
Built-in Camera
4km Range
16-Minute Flight Time
1.49 lbs (660 g)
Foldable
Useful Accessories
● 64GB SD Card
● ND Filters
● Spare Batteries
● Propeller Guard
● Spare Propellers
BEST DRONE FOR VACATION/TRAVEL
DJI Air Quadcopter Review
The DJI Air is one of the best drones for vacation. Travelers who want to take professional quality footage within a compact travel drone. DJI Air is one of the best drones with a video camera and GPS, and features return to home technology. No matter how far you fly it, DJI Air will return to you at the press of a button.
The DJI Air takes amazing HDR images as well as 4K video at 30fps. This drone is a great all-rounder, featuring an 8GB internal memory and the ability to fold down to be more compact.
Due to how lightweight it is, this is one of the best vacation drones. Just chuck it in your camera bag and you’re all set! DJI makes really beautiful drones in looks and picture quality, and the smooth DJI Air comes in three different colors to choose from.
Pros
✔ 8GB Internal Memory
✔ 4K video at 30fps
✔ Sphere Panoramas
Cons
✖ Average Battery Life
Tech & Specs
4K Video
Built-in Camera
4km Range
21-Minute Fly Time
15.17 oz (430g)
Foldable
Useful Accessories
● 64GB SD Card
● ND Filters
● Waterproof Hard Case
● Spare Propellers
● Spare Battery
● Sun Hood for Remote
BEST DRONE FOR GOPRO
GoPro Karma Drone Review
The best drone for GoPro is the company’s very own GoPro Karma. Compact, light, and easy to control, this is a great alternative to the drones offered by DJI. The drone is compatible with iOS9 and later, and Android 4.4 through the free-to-download app. The GoPro Karma features the ever-popular GoPro Hero 6 camera that can shoot 4K videos.
One great addition to the GoPro Karma is the Karma grip that comes with the kit. The handheld grip offers you another string to your bow for a comprehensive travel drone with a camera in an all-encompassing photography and videography unit.
Pros
✔ Controllable Through App
✔ Comes with a Handgrip
✔ GoPro Hero 6 Camera
Cons
✖ Average flight time
✖ Average range
✖ Heavy
Tech & Specs
4K Video
Built-in Camera
3km Range
20-Minute Fly Time
4.27 lbs (2.1 kg)
Foldable
Useful Accessories
GoPro Karma Combos
BEST DRONE THAT FOLLOWS YOU
Ruko F11 Foldable GPS Drone
If you are looking for a decent drone with a follow-me feature, then look no further than the Ruko F11 Foldable GPS drone. At a low price, the drone is capable of tracking the object as it moves around. However, that is just one of the many features that the drone has. Other notable ones include Tap Fly, which pre-dictates the path your drone will take, and the altitude hold feature. It also has a unique gesture shooting feature, which takes photos (or videos) for you when you put up a certain gesture.
The camera on the drone is capable of capturing 4k footage live, and with its 30-minute flight time, that’s going to be a lot of amazing videos you will be getting! Its brushless motors enable the drone to fly accurately and steadily, and along with the shock-absorbing design, capturing smooth footage has never been so easy. It also has level 7 wind resistance!
With specs like that, it is surprising that this drone doesn’t cost more than it currently is, so don’t forget to check it out on Amazon if you are looking for a follow-me drone that does more! It is arguably the best drone for your money!
Pros
✔ Affordable
✔ 4K Video
✔ Many different features for capturing footage
✔ High wind resistance
✔ Comes with a carrying case
Cons
✖ Only 500m video transmission
✖ Bulkier than some drones
Tech & Specs
13 MP Photos
4K Video
Built-in Camera
Foldable
520 g (1.14 lbs)
30-Minute Flight Time
Up to 1200 Meters Range
Useful Accessories
● 32GB Memory Card
● Spare Battery
● Spare Controller
● Spare Propellers
BEST DRONE FOR FILMING
DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter Review
No doubt about it, the best drone for videography is the DJI Phantom. A firm favorite with photographers around the world, the DJI Phantom is a cut above the rest. This drone has the ability to shoot 4K video and a 20mp camera, making it also one of the best drones for photography on the market.
The Phantom has a 5-mile range and features Flight Autonomy System with five vision sensors. To put the icing on the cake, the DJI Phantom can fly up to speeds of 44-mph.
The DJI Phantom is easily the best drone for photographers and videographers and is the first choice for professionals around the globe. It is the best drone for filming, mainly due to the fact that it can shoot 4K video at 60fps – which is essential for videography drones.
Pros
✔ Shoots 4K at 60fps
✔ Professional Standard
✔ Best Drone for Photography and Video
✔ Flight Autonomy System
Cons
✖ Expensive
✖ Heavy – 1.3kg
✖ Not foldable
Tech & Specs
Tech & Specs
4K Video
Built-in Camera
5-Mile Range
30-Minute Fly Time
3 lbs (1.3 kg)
20MP Camera
Useful Accessories
DJI Phantom Combos
● Starter Bundle: Extra Batteries, SD Card, Card Reader + More
Autel Robotics EVO 2 Quadcopter UAV Review
The Autel Robotics EVO 2 Quadcopter Drone doesn’t have a big brand name, but that really doesn’t matter when you look deeper into the high specs of this aircraft. Offering an 8K camera with 48 megapixels and a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer, this bad boy gives the big guns a run for their money. It’s one of the top camera drones on the market, just without the popularity!
The Autel Robotics EVO 2 Drone has a battery life of 45 minutes and a maximum speed of 45 mph, meaning you can film very far from where you take off.
Its built-in 180-degree obstacle avoidance means less crashing, even for beginners. With its 9-kilometer range and the ability to take hyper-lapse videos, your cinematography will be on the next level! Though this drone isn’t ideal for beginners, it certainly is perfect for professionals or enthusiasts.
Pros
✔ 8K Video
✔ Incredible Footage and Images
✔ Hyperlapse mode
✔ Good battery life and range
Cons
✖ Not Foldable
✖ Heavy 1.08 kg
✖ Pricey
Tech & Specs
8K Camera
Built-in Camera
9 km Range
45-Minute Fly Time
2.4 lbs (1.08 kg)
3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
Useful Accessories
● 64GB Memory Card
● Spare Battery
● ND Filters
● Spare Propellers
● Propeller Guards
Autel Robotics EVO 2 Combos
Parrot Bebop 2 FPV Review
The Parrot Bebop 2 FPV drone is ideal for wannabe videographers who are toying with the idea of a professional drone but are not fully committed to either the hobby or the profession just yet. Super affordable and offering all the technical specifications you could ask for, the Parrot Bebop 2 FPV is a great find.
Boasting a 25-minute flight time and a 12-megapixel camera with a fisheye lens that produces a wide-angle effect, it’s a sturdy drone with easy-to-use controls. Also, if you’re searching for cool-looking drones, you’ve found one! One downside to the Parrot Bebop 2 FBV is that its built-in camera is static – there is no rotation gimbal. If you are interested in the Parrot brand but want to spend a little bit more money on more functionality you should definitely check out the Parrot Anafi model.
Pros
✔ Easy to Use
✔ Affordable
✔ Durable
Cons
✖ Static Camera
✖ No 4K Video
Tech & Specs
1080p Video
Built-in Camera
25-Minute Fly Time
Up to 38mph
1.1 lbs (500 g)
Fisheye Lens
Useful Accessories
● Spare Battery
● Spare Propellers
● Remote Controller
● Carrying Bag
Parrot Bebop Combos
DJI Mavic Mini 2 Review
The DJI Mavic Mini 2 is a revolutionary drone in the market. Weighing in at 249g, this small drone is less than the weight of a typical phone and is perfect to put in your pocket and take with you traveling.
Though small and lightweight, the DJI Mavic Mini 2 packs a punch. Because it is light, the battery life on it is excellent at 31 minutes flight time. However, its advanced technology still allows it to resist strong winds, including level 5 winds.
When it comes to its camera, the DJI Mini 2 is capable of capturing 4k footage at 30p. Thanks to its 3-axis gimbal stabilization, your footage will likely be smooth as well. The 12 MP camera is sufficient (but not the best) for your everyday drone needs, and it has a built-in 4x digital zoom to safely capture your object without getting in too close!
Along with its affordable pricing, it is definitely the best travel drone for beginners.
Pros
✔ Super lightweight and compact
✔ 4K Video
✔ Affordable
✔ Long Flight Time
Cons
✖ Drone pros might demand a better camera
✖ Not much assistance when it comes to filming
Tech & Specs
4K Video
Built-in Camera
31-Minute Fly Time
10 km Range
0.55 lbs (249 g)
Useful Mavic Mini Drone Accessories
DJI Mini 2 Combos
Force1 F100GP Drone with Camera (GoPro Compatible) Review
The Force1 F100GP is one of the best drones for GoPro. Compatible with GoPro and other adventure cameras of the same size, the F100GP is a great GoPro Karma drone alternative. The F100GP also comes with its own camera that can shoot 1080p video straight out of the box.
While scouring through the best drone reviews, I found the F100GP has a 500-meter (1640 foot) range, which is ideal for a travel beginner drone – rarely do beginners send their drone further than this. Because it has the ability to fit a GoPro Camera, you know you will get great shots too. When you’re practicing – just don’t attach the camera to your drone in case you crash. This is the perfect drone for beginners!
Pros
✔ Built-in Camera & GoPro Compatibility
✔ Affordable
✔ Easy to Use
✔ Lightweight
Cons
✖ Short Range
✖ Short Fly Time
✖ Does Not Fold
Tech & Specs
GoPro Hero 3 & 4 Compatible
500 m Range
15-Minute Fly Time
0.18 lbs (0.08 kg)
2 Flight Speeds
Useful Accessories
So there you have it! The best drones for travel on the market, are put under a microscope, examined, scrutinized, and scored so you don’t need to do any work at all. I hope you enjoy your new drone, remember to fly safe and take epic #droneshots!
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY OF THESE TRAVEL DRONES?
If you have a question about the product just let me know and I’ll try my best to answer them! I know enough about awesome quadcopter drones and for sure I know it can be difficult to find the best traveler drone for your specific needs.
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Crystal Egan
Passionate baby goat cuddler and part-time adventurer, Crystal can often be found doing headstands on the edges of cliffs, taking photos of abandoned buildings or sleeping on deserted islands with dangerous criminals. She has too many awesome stories and helpful tips to keep them all to herself so follow along and in return she will bring you inspiring pictures, travel videos and a whole load of fun!
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