The Best Photography Equipment for Travel Blogging • The Blonde Abroad

Every day, I get questions about my travel gear and photography equipment for travel. I want to disclose that I am not a professional photographer but I do love sharing my travel experiences through beautiful photos, videos, and vlogs.

Over the years I’ve tried a number of things, improved upon my photography and editing skills, and found some favorites along the way.

So, here is the best photography equipment for travel blogging!

The Best Camera Bodies

For the Beginner Blogger

Fujifilm X-T50

This camera is perfect if you’re just starting to dip your toes into photography and plan to shoot mostly on auto settings!

I’ve been using the Fujifilm X-T30 for years and loved how easy it made capturing beautiful shots, especially while exploring on the go. The new X-T50 takes everything I loved about the X-T30 and steps it up with a better sensor, faster autofocus, and an even more user-friendly design.

It’s still that gorgeous, vintage-inspired mirrorless camera that’s lightweight, compact, and discreet.

If you’re ready to start experimenting with manual settings, the X-T50 makes it super simple to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and other functions. It also comes with an easy-to-use touchscreen and now features a brand new Film Simulation dial, so you can play with Fujifilm’s iconic color profiles with just a twist.

More details on Fujifilm X-T50!

For the Aspiring or Advanced Photographer

Fujifilm X-T5

I currently shoot with the Fujifilm X-T4 and absolutely love it, it’s been my go-to travel camera for years. But if you’re looking for something even more powerful, the X-T5 is the next step up and packs some seriously impressive upgrades.

The biggest change? The X-T5 features a new 40.2MP sensor, which means even sharper, more detailed images without adding bulk. It’s actually lighter and more compact than the X-T4, but still has that weather-resistant body and the signature external dials that make Fujifilm cameras so intuitive and fun to use.

While the X-T4 has a vari-angle screen that’s great for video and vlogging (one of my favourite features), the X-T5 brings back the 3-way tilting screen, which many photographers prefer for stills. It also steps up with faster autofocus and better subject detection, so whether you’re photographing people, animals, or landscapes, it’s quick, accurate, and reliable.

If you’re more focused on photography than video, the X-T5 is definitely worth considering. It offers pro-level performance in a compact body and is perfect for travel, content creation, and anyone ready to level up their camera game.

More details on Fujifilm X-T5!

For the Travel Vlogger

Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera

This is my favorite point and shoot camera for video! Inside its compact body the RX100 VII is packed with everything it takes to deliver gorgeous images. The 24–200 mm zoom lens is complemented by super-fast AF, new Real-time Tracking, and Real-time Eye AF, plus enhanced image stabilization and an external microphone jack for high-quality movie shooting.

What makes it so awesome for vlogging is the preview screen’s tilt option of 180 Degree up and 45 Degree down, so you can always see your frame, even when you’re shooting yourself. You can check out some of the vlogs I’ve shot on the camera HERE!

More details on the Sony RX100 VII Compact Camera!

For the Adventure Traveler

GoPro HERO Black

The new GoPro HERO Black perfect for on-the-go travel and outdoor adventures—it’s waterproof and more durable than ever.

From shooting sunrise time lapses in Indonesia to diving deep into the Blue Hole off the coast of Belize, I don’t go anywhere without my GoPro, the 3-way Mount, and extra GoPro batteries.

More details on the latest GoPro HERO!

For Any Traveler

Apple iPhone Unlocked SmartPhone

If an SLR camera isn’t in the budget for your next trip, snapping photos on your iPhone is a great alternative for taking travel photos.

A smartphone is not only good for taking photos and editing apps but also as a WiFi remote for your camera!

More details on Apple Unlocked iPhone!

Lenses

FUJINON XF18-55mmF2.8-4.0 R LM OIS Zoom Lens

This 18-55mm lens is a small standard zoom, and the first lens I got for my Fujifilm X Series camera. In my opinion, it is the most versatile and affordable kit lens in the Fujifilm X Series and great for day-to-day shooting. It’s one of the most compact zoom lenses I’ve seen, making it perfect for travel.

FUJINON XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR Zoom Lens

In recent years, the Fujinon 16-55mm f/2.8 lens has become my new go-to over the 18-55mm for a few reasons—it has almost the same focal range as the 18-55, but has an extra 2mm (16-18mm) allowing for a slight wide-angle view (it captures just a bit more of the scene when fully zoomed out)!

FUJINON XF10-24 mmF4 R OIS Wide Angle Zoom Lens

Ever wanted to get an epic shot, but all the elements wouldn’t fit in the photo? You’ll need a wide-angle for that!

Having a wide-angle lens is awesome for landscape shots or shooting indoors in tight spaces. I typically use it when I want to shoot a large building or monument or give something scale. If there’s not a lot of room to capture the entire scene, I’ll always switch to this lens.

FUJINON XF35mmF1.4 WR (Prime Lens)

There are two 35mm lenses in the X Series lineup, I prefer this model for its f/1.4 aperture.

It is most useful for shooting images with a closer subject and shallow depth-of-field, and while working in low-light conditions.

Check out My Travel Photography Gear (Perfect for Female Travelers)!

Photography Accessories

Fujifilm Instax Smartphone Printer

Print Instax photos by sending images from your smartphones to the small, portable printer by using the free Instax Share app!

ONA The Bowery Camera Bag

This bag fits your camera, a lens, and a few small personal items! Remove the strap and the bag functions as a protective camera organizer inside of a larger bag.

Manfrotto Befree Travel Tripod

The perfect tripod for stable video and travel photography.

SanDisk 64GB Extreme SDXC UHS-I Card

For use with the X-T3 camera and shooting 4K video.

SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB SDHC UHS-I Card

High-speed, UHS-I technology for a quick read and transfer speed.

miniSD/microSD Memory Card Case

Keep all of your memory cards organized in this portable, hard carrying case!

4TB Portable External Hard Drive

It is imperative to backup photos and videos, so I use this hard drive. It also automatically save photos from your social networks in cloud storage!

GoPro 3-Way Mount

This mount can be used as a camera grip, extension arm or tripod for ultra versatility and a variety of shots with your GoPro.

GoPro Jaws Clamp Mount

Clamp your GoPro to objects ranging in size from 0.25” to 2” — great for extreme sports.

iPhone Accessories

Lifeproof Waterproof iPhone Case

Be sure to protect your smartphone from water damage, but also capture underwater shots!

Olloclip 4-IN-1 Camera Lens Kit

This 4-in-1 lens includes a Fisheye Lens, a wide-angle lens, a 10x and 15x macro lens, plus 2 lens caps!

Apps

Check out my favorite smartphone photo-editing apps + my ultimate guide to smartphone travel photography!

Want to learn more about photography?

Photography Guide

My years of solo-travel meant that I needed to learn how to travel light with camera equipment and develop professional editing skills for photos taken by others.

My Travel Photography Gear

(Perfect for Female Travelers!)

Here’s the complete list of my cameras and lenses by Fujifilm that I bring on my travels!

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. That income goes to supporting this website and keeping it free for you and everyone else! As always, ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Instagram

Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18075675671194480

Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

The Okavango Delta is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype… and then somehow exceeds it. 🦒🇧🇼
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
A lush, water-filled oasis in the middle of the Kalahari, where the seasons quite literally shape the entire experience.

Floodwaters arrive months after the rains fall in Angola, transforming the landscape into a maze of channels, islands, and wildlife-rich plains.

We stayed at @aksanctuary Sanctuary Chief’s Camp on Chief’s Island — known as the predator capital of Botswana. Because it’s one of the only areas of permanent dry land, animals naturally gather here… which means some of the most incredible game viewing you can experience.

What makes this place so special is the contrast. Early mornings tracking predators on game drives, and afternoons drifting through quiet waterways in a mokoro, surrounded by birds, reeds, and the kind of stillness you rarely find anymore.

And the timing completely changes the experience.
✨ Dry season (May–October): peak flood levels + unbelievable wildlife concentrations
🌿 Green season (November–April): lush landscapes, baby animals, fewer crowds

No matter when you go, it’s one of the most unique safari destinations in the world, and one that feels wild, untouched, and unforgettable.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#OkavangoDelta #BotswanaSafari #LuxurySafari #AfricanWildlife #SafariExperience

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18103021357746846

The Okavango Delta is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype… and then somehow exceeds it. 🦒🇧🇼
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
A lush, water-filled oasis in the middle of the Kalahari, where the seasons quite literally shape the entire experience.

Floodwaters arrive months after the rains fall in Angola, transforming the landscape into a maze of channels, islands, and wildlife-rich plains.

We stayed at @aksanctuary Sanctuary Chief’s Camp on Chief’s Island — known as the predator capital of Botswana. Because it’s one of the only areas of permanent dry land, animals naturally gather here… which means some of the most incredible game viewing you can experience.

What makes this place so special is the contrast. Early mornings tracking predators on game drives, and afternoons drifting through quiet waterways in a mokoro, surrounded by birds, reeds, and the kind of stillness you rarely find anymore.

And the timing completely changes the experience.
✨ Dry season (May–October): peak flood levels + unbelievable wildlife concentrations
🌿 Green season (November–April): lush landscapes, baby animals, fewer crowds

No matter when you go, it’s one of the most unique safari destinations in the world, and one that feels wild, untouched, and unforgettable.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#OkavangoDelta #BotswanaSafari #LuxurySafari #AfricanWildlife #SafariExperience

Flying above the Okavango on a skyfari 🚁✨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
While staying at @aksanctuary Chief’s Camp in Botswana, we had the chance to see the delta from a completely different perspective with @helicopterhorizons — and it was easily one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip.

From winding channels to herds of elephants moving below, it gives you a true sense of just how vast and wild this place really is… something you simply can’t grasp from the ground.

If you’re coming all the way to the Okavango Delta, this is 100% worth adding on. It’s not just a scenic flight — it’s a whole new way to experience safari.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#botswana #okavangodelta #skyfari #helicopter #bucketlist

338 22

Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 17933892243210022

Flying above the Okavango on a skyfari 🚁✨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
While staying at @aksanctuary Chief’s Camp in Botswana, we had the chance to see the delta from a completely different perspective with @helicopterhorizons — and it was easily one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip.

From winding channels to herds of elephants moving below, it gives you a true sense of just how vast and wild this place really is… something you simply can’t grasp from the ground.

If you’re coming all the way to the Okavango Delta, this is 100% worth adding on. It’s not just a scenic flight — it’s a whole new way to experience safari.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#botswana #okavangodelta #skyfari #helicopter #bucketlist

There are places that feel special… and then there’s the Okavango Delta 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Our stay at @aksanctuary Chief’s Camp in Botswana was one of those rare travel experiences that truly exceeded every expectation.

And then there’s the Delta itself. One of the most unique ecosystems on the planet, where floodwaters transform the desert into a lush, wildlife-rich oasis—meaning you get some of the most incredible game viewing in Africa.

In just three nights, we experienced:
• Big Five game drives
• A scenic helicopter flight over the Delta (still not over this)
• A mokoro ride quietly gliding through the waterways
• Golden hour moments that didn’t feel real

It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you travel in the first place.

So deeply grateful to have experienced it 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#Botswana #OkavangoDelta #AfricanSafari #LuxurySafari #ChiefsCamp

639 46

Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 17846732157694489

There are places that feel special… and then there’s the Okavango Delta 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Our stay at @aksanctuary Chief’s Camp in Botswana was one of those rare travel experiences that truly exceeded every expectation.

And then there’s the Delta itself. One of the most unique ecosystems on the planet, where floodwaters transform the desert into a lush, wildlife-rich oasis—meaning you get some of the most incredible game viewing in Africa.

In just three nights, we experienced:
• Big Five game drives
• A scenic helicopter flight over the Delta (still not over this)
• A mokoro ride quietly gliding through the waterways
• Golden hour moments that didn’t feel real

It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you travel in the first place.

So deeply grateful to have experienced it 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#Botswana #OkavangoDelta #AfricanSafari #LuxurySafari #ChiefsCamp

#HotelsDotComAmbassador
If I’m planning the trip… I’m earning the rewards
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
@hotelsdotcom has this feature called Save Your Way, where you can either take the discount now or bank it as rewards for a future trip — and you already know which one I’m choosing.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Planner today. Trip funded tomorrow.

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18103252766490335

#HotelsDotComAmbassador
If I’m planning the trip… I’m earning the rewards
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
@hotelsdotcom has this feature called Save Your Way, where you can either take the discount now or bank it as rewards for a future trip — and you already know which one I’m choosing.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Planner today. Trip funded tomorrow.

Cancel reply

Nicole

Do you have any experience or opinions on the Fujifilm X-T1? I have been living in Berlin and went home for Thanksgiving my local camera store didn’t have the X-T2 and I kept being so indecisive between cameras and looked at sony and some other things but didn’t have time to order anything online and no other stores (like target etc.) had it near me but I really wanted to up my camera game for the rest of my time traveling abroad. So I got the hero5 session and X-T1 and was thinking I could trade up maybe when I get back…
But if you have any advice on the X-T1 that would be amazing! Or just on how to start learning the ins and outs of your camera when you first get it…

Thank you so much for this post it was really helpful! (And I wish I realized you wrote the X-T10 not the T1 but hopefully the T1 is good training for the T2)

December 1, 2016 at 10:33 am · Reply

Katherine

Hey Kiersten!
Any tips for carrying around your camera all day? I’m going on vacation soon and want to be able to snap pictures everywhere but worry about having my fancy camera around my neck the whole time, and also don’t want to deal with too much extra bulk. Do you carry a bag with you?

March 22, 2017 at 11:41 am · Reply

Kiersten Rich

I carry a day bag big enough to hold my SLR– check out Lo & Sons Claremont Bag or ONA’s day bags 🙂

March 28, 2017 at 3:56 pm · Reply

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