Budget Travel Photography: The Top 10 Drones for Travelers

Introduction

At Travellosa.com, we believe that owning a travel drone is one of the best decisions a traveler can make. Drones have the ability to capture the most amazing moments of your trip and create memorable keepsakes that you can cherish for years to come. Whether you’re a travel blogger or just a casual traveler, having a drone in your travel kit can take your photography to the next level.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed guide to choosing the best travel drone for your needs. We’ll discuss the important factors to consider when buying a travel drone, provide a quick roundup of our top picks, and offer tips for flying a drone while traveling. So let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of budget travel photography with drones!

What to Consider When Buying a Travel Drone

When it comes to buying a travel drone, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you make the right choice. These factors include weight, size and shape, experience level, battery life, video and picture quality, and replacement parts and accessories. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors:

Weight

The weight of a travel drone is an important consideration, as it can affect how easy it is to carry and travel with. Additionally, the weight of your drone may determine whether you need a license to fly it. Heavier drones usually have stricter licensing laws. If you’re on a budget and looking for a lightweight drone, we recommend considering the DJI Mini 2.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of a travel drone also have an impact on its portability. Think about how much space the drone takes up in your luggage and whether you can afford the space. If you’re on a budget and looking for a compact option, the DJI Mini 2 is a great choice.

Experience Level

Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to put into learning how to fly a drone. If you’re a beginner, you may prefer a drone with features like obstacle avoidance that can help prevent accidents. However, keep in mind that drones with advanced features tend to be more expensive.

Battery Life

The battery life of a drone is an important factor to consider, as it determines how long you can fly your drone before it runs out of power. If you’re planning to capture long shots or fly for extended periods, look for drones with longer battery life. The DJI Mavic 3 offers a long flight time of 46 minutes, making it an excellent choice for travel.

Video and Picture Quality

Consider what you’ll be using the footage for and how important video and picture quality are to you. Smaller drones may not offer the same level of quality as larger drones, but they are often sufficient for most travelers looking to capture footage of their trip. However, if you’re a professional or plan to edit the footage extensively, higher-quality drones may be worth considering.

Replacement Parts and Accessories

Before purchasing a travel drone, it’s important to consider the availability and cost of replacement parts and accessories. It’s always a good idea to have spare parts on hand, especially when traveling to remote destinations where finding replacement parts can be challenging. Additionally, consider investing in accessories such as polarizing filters, ND filters, SD cards, a drone travel bag, extra batteries, gimbal cover and clamp, and more. These accessories can enhance your drone flying and photography experience.

10 Best Travel Drones You Can Buy

1. Best Travel Drone This Year: DJI Mini 2
   Weight: 249g
   Size: 5.5 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches
   Battery Life: 31 minutes
   Video and Picture Quality: 12MP 4K
   Experience Level: Beginner/Intermediate
   Our top pick for budget travel photography is the DJI Mini 2. It is lightweight, compact, and affordable, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced drone users. With a flight time of 31 minutes, a 12MP 4K camera, and advanced safety features, the DJI Mini 2 is an excellent option for capturing stunning aerial shots during your travels.

2. More Powerful Lightweight Travel Drone: DJI Mini 3 Pro
   Weight: 249g
   Size: 5.5 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches
   Battery Life: 30 minutes
   Video and Picture Quality: 12MP 4K
   Experience Level: Beginner/Intermediate
   The DJI Mini 3 Pro is an upgraded version of the DJI Mini 2, offering improved features and a brand-new sensor. With a flight time of over 30 minutes, advanced safety features, and a 12MP 4K camera, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is perfect for travel photography enthusiasts who want a lightweight and powerful drone.

3. Best Larger Travel Drone: DJI Mavic 3
   Weight: 895g
   Size: 221 x 96.3 x 90.3mm
   Battery Life: 46 minutes
   Video and Picture Quality: 20MP 5.1K
   Experience Level: Professional
   If you’re looking for a larger drone with high-quality photos and video footage, the DJI Mavic 3 is an excellent choice. Despite its size, it is surprisingly light and foldable, making it easy to travel with. With a flight time of 46 minutes, dual cameras, and advanced features, the DJI Mavic 3 is perfect for professional travel photographers.

4. Great Mavic Pro 3 Alternative: DJI Mavic Air 2S
   Weight: 595g
   Size: 7.08 x 3.82 x 3.30 inches
   Battery Life: 31 minutes
   Video and Picture Quality: 20MP 5.4K
   Experience Level: Beginner/Intermediate
   The DJI Mavic Air 2S is a compact and lightweight drone that offers exceptional camera quality and stability. With a flight time of 31 minutes and the ability to record 5.4K video, this drone is perfect for travelers looking to capture stunning aerial shots during their adventures.

5. Best DJI Alternative for Travel: Parrot ANAFI
   Weight: 320g
   Size: 9.6 x 2.6 x 2.5 inches
   Battery Life: 25 minutes
   Video and Picture Quality: 12MP 4K
   Experience Level: Intermediate
   The Parrot ANAFI is a portable and lightweight drone that offers impressive camera quality and unique features such as a 3-axis hybrid stabilization and up to 3x digital zoom. While it lacks safety features and may not be ideal for beginners, the Parrot ANAFI is perfect for travel photographers who want to capture cinematic shots.

6. Most Agile Travel Drone: Karma Drone by GoPro
   Weight: 1006g
   Size: 17.3 x 4.92 x 11.89 inches
   Battery Life: 20 minutes
   Video and Picture Quality: 12MP 4K
   Experience Level: Beginner
   The Karma Drone by GoPro is a versatile and powerful drone that offers excellent photo and video quality. Despite its weight, it is still portable enough to travel with. However, be aware that GoPro has discontinued the Karma Drone, so availability may be limited.

7. Best Affordable Travel Drone for Beginners: Holy Stone HS720
   Weight: 520g
   Size: 6.8 x 4.1 x 2.2 inches
   Battery Life: 26 minutes
   Video and Picture Quality: 4K
   Experience Level: Beginner
   The Holy Stone HS720 is an affordable and beginner-friendly drone that offers good camera quality and stability. With a flight time of 26 minutes and features like GPS assistance and intelligent flight modes, the Holy Stone HS720 is perfect for beginners looking to get into travel photography.

8. Best Waterproof Travel Drone: SwellPro Spry
   Weight: 1006g
   Size: 17.3 x 4.92 x 11.89 inches
   Battery Life: 17 minutes
   Video and Picture Quality: 12MP 4K
   Experience Level: Intermediate
   The SwellPro Spry is the perfect travel drone for adventurers who want to capture footage in water-risky environments. It is waterproof and can go as deep as 1 meter underwater. With a flight time of 17 minutes and good camera quality, the SwellPro Spry is a great choice for travel photographers who want to capture unique shots.

9. Most Immersive Travel Drone: DJI FPV Drone
   Weight: 568g
   Size: 10.0 x 12.3 x 5.0 inches
   Battery Life: 20 minutes
   Video and Picture Quality: 12MP 4K
   Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced
   The DJI FPV Drone is not strictly designed for photography and videography, but it offers an incredibly fun flying experience. With its first-person view goggles and immersive features, this drone is perfect for those looking to have a thrilling flight experience while capturing stunning shots.

10. Best Semi-Professional Travel Drone: DJI Phantom 4 Pro
    Weight: 1388g
    Size: 9.3 x 2.63 x 7.13 inches
    Battery Life: 17 minutes
    Video and Picture Quality: 12MP 4K
    Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced
    The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is a professional-grade drone that offers exceptional camera quality and advanced navigation features. With a flight time of 17 minutes and a range of intelligent flight modes, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro is perfect for semi-professional travel photographers who want to capture high-quality shots on their travels.

Best Travel Drone Accessories

To enhance your drone flying and photography experience, it’s important to have the right accessories in your travel bag. Here are some essential drone accessories that you should consider:

1. Polarizing Filters: Used to darken skies, manage reflections, and suppress glare, polarizing filters are often used in travel photography and videography to enhance the quality of the footage. They are especially useful for capturing vibrant and dramatic shots.

2. ND Filters: ND filters are used to reduce the intensity of light entering the lens, allowing you to achieve balanced exposures in bright light conditions. They are essential for shooting in harsh lighting situations and can significantly improve the quality of your aerial photography.

3. SD Cards (4K Quality): When shooting in 4K, you’ll need high-quality SD cards with large storage capacities. This ensures that you have enough space to store your footage. Look for SD cards that are compatible with 4K footage and have sufficient storage capacity.

4. Drone Travel Bag: A drone travel bag is essential for storing and carrying your drone during your travels. Look for a bag that is specifically designed to fit your drone and its accessories. Many backpacks and travel bags have dedicated compartments for drones and can offer extra protection.

5. Extra Batteries: It’s always a good idea to have spare batteries for your drone, especially if you’re planning long adventures or shooting in remote locations. Having extra batteries ensures that you have enough power to capture all the shots you want.

6. Gimbal Cover and Clamp: A gimbal cover and clamp are important accessories that protect the gimbal mechanism of your drone from dust, water, and bumps. They ensure that your drone’s camera remains stable and functional, even in challenging conditions.

Tips for Flying a Drone when Traveling

Flying a drone when traveling can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to follow some guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight. Here are some tips for flying a drone when traveling:

1. Be Aware of Drone Laws in the Country You’re Visiting: Before flying your drone in a new country, familiarize yourself with the local drone laws and regulations. Some countries have strict rules and restrictions on drone usage, including registration requirements and no-fly zones. Make sure you comply with the laws to avoid any legal issues.

2. Be Considerate: When flying your drone in public spaces, be considerate of others and their privacy. Avoid flying over crowded areas or near people without their consent. Respect any signs or regulations that prohibit drones in specific areas.

3. Don’t Fly Where It’s Illegal to Fly: Some areas, such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and certain landmarks, have strict regulations against drone usage. Flying a drone in these areas can not only lead to legal consequences but also cause disturbance to wildlife and other visitors. Always respect the rules and don’t fly where it’s illegal to do so.

Why Take a Drone Traveling?

Taking a drone with you while traveling can offer numerous benefits. Here are three main reasons why you should consider taking a drone with you on your next trip:

1. Create Epic Pictures and Video Content: A drone allows you to capture stunning aerial shots and create incredible content that will impress your friends, family, and followers. The unique perspective offered by a drone can take your photography and videography to a whole new level.

2. Ability to See Things from a Different Perspective: Drones allow you to see the world from a completely different perspective. You can capture sweeping landscapes, architectural wonders, and natural wonders in a way that would otherwise be impossible. A drone opens up new angles and creative possibilities for your photography.

3. Explore Areas You Never Thought You Could: Drones give you the ability to explore areas that are difficult or impossible to reach on foot. Whether it’s a remote island, a mountain peak, or a dense forest, a drone can take you places you’ve never been before. It’s like having your own personal flying camera.

Travel Drones FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about travel drones:

Q: Which travel drone will you go for? Leave a comment!

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments which travel drone you’ve chosen or are considering for your next adventure.

Q: What are you looking for when buying a travel drone?

When buying a travel drone, it’s important to consider factors such as weight, size and shape, experience level, battery life, video and picture quality, and replacement parts and accessories. Think about your specific needs and choose a drone that best fits those requirements.

Q: What drone has the longest flight time?

The DJI Mavic 3 has the longest flight time of 46 minutes, making it an ideal choice for photographers and videographers who need extended flight time for capturing footage.

Q: What is the best brand of drone to buy?

DJI is considered the best brand for drones, offering a wide range of high-quality drones that cater to different needs and budgets. Their drones are known for their reliability, advanced features, and excellent camera quality.

Q: How much does a decent travel drone cost?

The cost of a travel drone can vary depending on the brand, model, and features. A decent travel drone typically costs between $500 and $1,000, but you can find more affordable options and higher-end models as well.

Q: Why do drone batteries die so fast?

Drone batteries have a limited capacity and can only power the drone for a certain amount of time. Flight time depends on factors such as the weight of the drone, flying conditions, and the drone’s power consumption. More advanced features and high-quality camera settings can also drain the battery faster.

Q: Which travel drone is best for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend the DJI Mini 2. It is lightweight, compact, and user-friendly, making it perfect for those who are new to drone flying. It offers excellent camera quality and safety features without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons of Top Travel Drones

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of some of the top travel drones mentioned in this article:

Pros of the DJI Mini 2 for Travel

• Lightweight and compact design, perfect for travel
• Excellent camera quality with 12MP 4K resolution
• Long flight time of 31 minutes
• Advanced safety features, including GPS, obstacle avoidance, and return-to-home function

Cons of the DJI Mini 2 for Travel

• No obstacle avoidance or hyperlapse mode
• Not suitable for harsh weather conditions

Pros of the DJI Mini 3 Pro

• Upgraded version of the DJI Mini 2 with improved features
• Longer flight time of over 30 minutes
• Advanced safety features and sensors for enhanced stability
• Lightweight and portable, perfect for travel

Cons of the DJI Mini 3 Pro

• Higher price compared to the DJI Mini 2

Pros of the DJI Mavic 3

• Large drone with exceptional camera quality
• Long flight time of 46 minutes
• Advanced navigation and obstacle avoidance features
• Foldable design for easier transport

Cons of the DJI Mavic 3

• Heavier weight compared to other drones on the list
• Higher price compared to smaller drones

Pros of the DJI Mavic Air 2S for Travel

• Compact and lightweight design, perfect for travel
• Excellent camera quality with 20MP 5.4K resolution
• Advanced safety features and automated flight options
• Stable flight and obstacle avoidance capabilities

Cons of the DJI Mavic Air 2S for Travel

• Limited photo editing capabilities in the app
• Shorter flight time compared to other drones on the list

Pros of the Parrot ANAFI for Travel

• Portable and lightweight design
• Unique 180° vertical camera tilt and camera zoom capabilities
• Full 4K HDR camera for high-quality footage
• Compact size and quiet operation

Cons of the Parrot ANAFI for Travel

• Lack of safety features and beginner-friendly options
• Additional purchases required to unlock intelligent flight modes

Update from 2022

Pros of the Karma Drone by GoPro for Travel

• Versatile and powerful drone with excellent camera quality
• Tight controls and user-friendly operation
• Compact size and portability
• Silent operation and stable flight

Cons of the Karma Drone by GoPro for Travel

• Discontinued by GoPro, so availability may be limited
• Lack of collision detection and auto landing features
• Gimbal screeching issue reported by some users

Pros of the Holy Stone HS720 for Travel

• Affordable and beginner-friendly drone
• Good camera quality and stability
• Lightweight and portable design
• Useful features like GPS assistance and intelligent flight modes

Cons of the Holy Stone HS720 for Travel

• Unresponsive charger reported by some users
• Relatively short battery life compared to other drones

Pros of the SwellPro Spry for Travel

• Waterproof design for capturing shots in water-risky environments
• Good camera quality and stability
• Lightweight and compact design
• Unique flying capabilities and angles

Cons of the SwellPro Spry for Travel

• Shorter flight time compared to other drones on the list
• Lack of safety features and beginner-friendly options

Pros of the DJI FPV Drone for Travel

• Incredibly fun flying experience with first-person view goggles
• Sleek race-car design and excellent maneuverability
• Lightweight and portable design
• Immersive flying capabilities

Cons of the DJI FPV Drone for Travel

• Shorter flight time compared to other drones on the list
• Higher cost compared to other drones
• Not designed specifically for photography and videography

Pros of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro for Travel

• Professional-grade camera quality with advanced features
• Great navigation accuracy with dual sensors
• Smart return-to-home system and obstacle avoidance capabilities
• Excellent stability and flight performance

Cons of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro for Travel

• Heavier weight and larger size compared to other drones on the list
• Higher price compared to smaller drones

Conclusion

Drones have revolutionized the world of travel photography, allowing travelers to capture stunning aerial shots and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a travel blogger or just a casual traveler, owning a travel drone can take your photography to new heights.

In this guide, we’ve discussed the important factors to consider when buying a travel drone, provided a quick roundup of our top picks, and offered tips for flying a drone while traveling. We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision about which travel drone is right for you.

Remember to always fly your drone responsibly, follow local regulations, and respect others and their privacy. Happy flying and safe travels!

External Links

• DJI Mini 2 Review
• DJI Mavic 3 Review
• DJI Mavic Air 2S Review

Note: The external links provided are for reference purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any products or services.