The Best Drones for Travel (Take Epic Photos + Videos in 2019)
This huge guide will help you compare between and decide on the best drones for travel in 2019.
We have all seen those wanderlust-inducing videos all over social media. The best drones for travel 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 travel for my 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 and videography.
BEST DRONE FOR TRAVEL: DJI Mavic Pro
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 needs to be lightweight but powerful. The Mavic Pro is all that plus more!
It also boasts awesome features like a 3-axis gimbal and the ability to follow you or take pictures using hand commands.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONBest Drones for Travel 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 camera though, it is advisable that you do actually read up. I’ve included everything you need to know about drones right here!
| DRONE | NAME | CAMERA | WEIGHT | FLY TIME | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | DJI Mavic Pro | 4K Video & 12MP Photo on Built-in Camera | 1.9 lbs (907 g) | Up to 27 minutes |  Best Drone Overall | |
  | DJI Phantom | 4K at 60fps Video & 20MP Photo on Built-in Camera | 3 lbs (1.3 kg) | Up to 30 minutes | Best Drone for Filming | |
  | DJI Spark | 720p Video & 12MP Photo on Built-in Camera | 1.49 lbs (660 g) | Up to 16 minutes |  Best Drone for Beginners | |
  | DJI Mavic Air | 4K Video & 12MP Photo on Built-In Camera | 15.2 oz (1.6 kg) | Up to 26 minutes | Best Drone for Travel | |
  | GoPro Karma | 4K Video & 12MP Photo on GoPro Camera | 4.27 lbs (2.1 kg) | Up to 20 minutes | Best Drone for GoPro | |
  | Autel Robotics X-Star | 4K Video & 12MP Photo on Built-in Camera | 3.1 lbs (1.4 g) | Up to 25 minutes | | |
  | Parrot Bebop 2 FPV | 1080p Video & 14MP Photo on Built-in Camera | 1.1 lbs (500 g) | Up to 25 minutes | | |
  | Yunnec Breeze | 4K Video & 13MP Photo on Built-in Camera | 3.3 lbs (1.4 kg) | Up to 12 minutes | | |
  | Force1 F100 GoPro Compatible Drone | None - GoPro Compatible | 2.93 lbs (1.3 kg) | Up to 15 minutes | |
Things to Consider When Looking for The Best Drones for Travel
When it comes to buying the best drone for travel there is actually quite a lot to think about.
For example, there’s the best 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 travel. 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.
📷 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 drones for videography have 4K video cameras 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 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 drone for travel for you and your goals? 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 a 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 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 drone has a range of seven-kilometers, which is insane! This is the kind of range that is amazing for 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 pack currently weigh? Most airlines only allow hand luggage to weigh seven-kilograms.
📷 Camera Quality
Last, but by no means least, when searching for the best drone for travel 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.
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.
⛑ Safety
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.
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!
You must store your drones 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!
There are great apps out there like Hover, AIRMAP, B4 U Fly and UAV Forecast that is essential for drone users. Get downloading!
Can You Take My Word For It?
I’d like to think so! I have been using my drone for a year now. I am a traveler, blogger and videographer! I have studied my craft and spent hours refining my skills. At first, I pretty much taught myself to fly my drone using a 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.
The Best Drones for Travel Reviews
Now let’s take a look at the best drones for travel 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 ten best drones for travel so you can get buying and get flying.
BEST DRONE FOR TRAVEL OVERALL
DJI Mavic Pro 2 Quadcopter
I may be a little biased, but the overall best drone for travel is the DJI Mavic Pro. Offering a seven-kilometre range and a flight time of up to 27-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 in the remote control.
Mavic Pro boasts the ability to capture 4K video even when flying at full speed. The drone features an incredible three-axis gimbal and there is no Electronic Image Stabilization – meaning the footage captured is always smooth and crystal clear.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONPros
- 4K Video
- Beginner Mode
- Flight Autonomy Technology
Cons
- Expensive
- Shooting at 60fps is harder to handle
Tech & Specs
4K Video
Built In Camera
7km Range
31-Minute Fly Time
1.9 lbs (907 g)
Foldable
BEST DRONE FOR FILMING
DJI Phantom Quadcopter
No doubt about it, the best drone for filming is the DJI Phantom. A firm favorite with videographers around the world, the DJI Phantom is a cut above the rest. This drone has a 20mp camera and the ability to shoot 4K video. The Phantom has a seven-kilometer 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 the best drone for filming, mainly due to the fact that it can shoot 4K video at 60fps – which is essential for professional videographers.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONPros
- Shoots 4K at 60fps
- Professional Standard
- Flight Autonomy System
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy – 1.3kg
- Not foldable
Tech & Specs
Tech & Specs
4K Video
Built-In Camera
7km Range
30-Minute Fly Time
3 lbs (1.3 kg)
20mp Camera
BEST DRONE FOR BEGINNERS
DJI Spark Mini Drone
The DJI Spark is the best beginner drone with camera, no doubt about it. 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 the best drone that follows 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!
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONPros
- TapFly Mode
- ActiveTrack Technology
- Affordable
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
BEST DRONE FOR TRAVEL
DJI Air Quadcopter
The DJI Air is the best drone for travel for budding photographers and videographers who want to take professional quality footage within a compact drone. DJI Air is one of the best drones with 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.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONPros
- 8GB Internal Memory
- 4K video at 30fps
- Sphere Panoramas
Cons
- Heavy 1.6kg
- Average Battery Life
Tech & Specs
4K Video
Built-In Camera
4km Range
21-Minute Fly Time
15.2 oz (1.6 kg)
Foldable
BEST DRONE FOR GOPRO
GoPro Karma Drone
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 the Android 4.4 through the free to download app. The GoPro Karma features the ever-popular GoPro Hero 6 camera that can shoot 4K video.
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 photography and videography unit.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONPros
- Controllable Through App
- Comes with 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
GoPro Karma Combos
Autel Robotics X-Star Drone
The Autel Robotics X-Star 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 a 4K camera and a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer, this bad boy gives the big guns a run for their money.
The Autel Robotics X-Star Drone can be linked with the Starlink App; your phone or tablet can be transformed into a controller. The HD live-view allows you to see in clear vision exactly what the drone is seeing up to 1.9-kilometers away. This super durable drone is ideal for beginners.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONPros
- 4K Video
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons
- Not Foldable
- Heavy 1.4 kg
Tech & Specs
4K Video
Built-In Camera
1.9km Range
25-Minute Fly Time
3.1 lbs (1.4 g)
3-axis Gimbal Stabilizer
Parrot Bebop 2 FPV
The Parrot Bebop 2 FPV 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 One downside to the Parrot Bebop 2 FBV is that its built-in camera is static – there is no rotation gimbal.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONPros
- Affordable
- Easy to Use
- 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
Yuneec Breeze Flying Camera
Yuneec Breeze is the best cheap drone for filming, hands down. Featuring an impressive 13mp camera that can shoot 4K video, there is a lot to love about the super affordable Yuneec Breeze. It may look a little flimsy, but this drone is durable and reliable.
The Yuneec Breeze is one of the best drones that follows you, and is particularly great for those advanced selfies and group shots. The social download app that links to the drone means your shots can be saved to your phone in milliseconds, ready to upload to Instagram and get those #DroneShot likes rolling in.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONPros
- Affordable
- 4K Video
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Short Fly Time
- Small Range
Tech & Specs
4K Video
Built-In Camera
14-Minute Fly Time
Internal Memory
1 km Range
3.3 lbs (1.4 kg)
5 Flight Modes
Force1 F100 GoPro Compatible Drone
The Force1 F100 is one of the best drones for GoPro. Compatible with GoPro and other adventure cameras of the same size, the F100 Ghost is a great deal.
The F100 has a 500-meter (1640 foot) range, which is ideal for a drone for travel – rarely do beginners send their drone further than this. Because it uses a GoPro Camera you know you will get great shots too. When you’re practising – just don’t attach the camera to your drone in case you crash. This is the perfect drone for beginners!
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONPros
- Built-In Camera & GoPro Compatibility
- Affordable
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Short Range
- Short Fly Time
- Does Not Fold
Tech & Specs
GoPro Hero 3 & 4 Compatible
500 m Range
15-Minute Fly Time
2.93 lbs (1.3 kg)
2 Flight Speeds
Useful Accessories
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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 for sure know it can be difficult to find the best drone for travel and 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!
I just wanted to say that some how I landed on one of your pinterest pins and then your website. After poking around a bit I landed on the drone reviews. Kudos for such an informative review. I particularly love the videos. WOW! Thanks for the hard work that was clearly put into this review. I have saved this website so I can visit more often.
Thank you so much Alex!
I am looking at getting a drone specifically for traveling and I have to say that I am impressed with your article! I was originally looking at getting the Gopro drone, but I am kind of leaning to the DJI Mavic Pro from reading your review. I tried clicking on your link at the top, but it looks like its down. Hope you get it up because you deserve to get commissions from this article!
Thank you for letting me know Nicole. I have fixed it now. The link must have changed now that the new Mavic Pro 2 is out.