Last updated: June 2026
You may think your kit is full to the brim, but if you have any more space you may want to check it against this guide. Here are 10 tools that will make your travel photography remarkably easier.
1. Tripod
Many photographers have a love/hate relationship with their tripod. There’s no denying it can get tiring carrying one around for a long day of travel, but the shots it makes possible more than justify the effort.
For those wanting to keep things as light as possible, a compact travel tripod is the way to go. The Manfrotto Befree Advanced and the Peak Design Travel Tripod are both excellent options — lightweight, packable, and capable of handling a full mirrorless or DSLR setup. For ultra-minimal kits, the Joby Gorillapod range offers flexible, pocket-friendly stability that works in almost any environment.
Browse our full range of tripods and monopods
2. Quality camera strap
Plenty of photographers never consider swapping the strap that came with their camera, but there are good reasons to. A plain, unbranded strap is a simple deterrent for potential thieves — no need to advertise what’s around your neck.
Beyond security, a better strap can genuinely improve how you shoot. Brands like Peak Design (with their Capture clip system) and Blackrapid offer cross-body and sling-style options that keep your camera accessible and comfortable over long days on the road.
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3. A well-designed camera bag
Choosing the right camera bag is one of the most personal decisions in a photographer’s kit. For travel, sling bags remain popular for their versatility and easy access — the Peak Design Everyday Sling and Lowepro Passport Sling are both well-regarded options. If you’re carrying more gear, a dedicated camera backpack like the Lowepro ProTactic or F-Stop Ajna gives you the capacity and protection you need without sacrificing comfort on long walks.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Camera Bag
4. Filters
A solid set of filters can transform your landscape work. The essentials for travel are ND filters (for long exposures in bright conditions), a circular polariser (to reduce glare and boost colour saturation), and a UV filter for basic lens protection. Brands like Kase, NiSi, and Haida offer high-quality options at a range of price points.
5. Portable LED light
A compact LED panel or video light is increasingly useful for travel photographers who shoot in mixed or low-light conditions — whether that’s a dimly lit market, a cave, or a hotel room product shot. Small bi-colour panels from brands like Godox or Ulanzi are lightweight enough to slip into a side pocket and can make a significant difference to your results.
6. Weather protection
Many quality camera bags include built-in rain covers, but it’s worth having a dedicated camera rain cover as a backup — especially if you’re shooting in unpredictable conditions. A waterproof phone pouch and a packable rain jacket round out a sensible wet-weather kit that won’t take up much space.
7. Gaffer tape
A small roll of gaffer tape is one of the most underrated items in any travel kit. Loose battery doors, frayed straps, makeshift light blocking — the list of problems it can solve on the road is almost endless. Many experienced travel photographers also use it to cover camera branding and reduce the visual appeal of their gear to opportunistic thieves.
8. Multi-port USB charger and travel adaptor
Depending on your destination, a universal travel adaptor is essential. Pair it with a multi-port USB-C charger and you can keep your camera batteries, phone, laptop, and other devices topped up from a single power point. Anker and Baseus both make compact, high-wattage options that are well suited to travel.
9. Screwdriver kit
A small jeweller’s screwdriver kit takes up almost no space and can save you in a surprising number of situations — from tightening a loose tripod plate to repairing a strap buckle. It’s one of those items you’ll rarely need, but will be very glad to have when you do.
10. Portable SSD
With RAW file sizes continuing to grow, memory cards fill up faster than ever — and unreliable internet while travelling makes cloud backup impractical. A portable SSD is the safest solution: faster, more durable, and more compact than traditional hard drives, with no moving parts to worry about if your bag takes a knock. Samsung T9 and SanDisk Extreme Pro are both reliable, travel-friendly options.
Browse memory cards and storage
Jet-setting across the globe requires plenty of planning — we hope this list makes the photographic side of things a little easier. For any of the gear mentioned above, Ted’s Cameras stocks a wide range of travel photography accessories online and in-store.
Micro SD Cards & Travel Photographer Packing List
One item many photographers overlook until it's too late: storage. A reliable micro SD card is essential, particularly if your camera or drone relies on them. Look for cards rated V30 or higher for smooth 4K video recording — SanDisk Extreme Pro and Samsung PRO Plus are consistently top performers for travel photographers.
Here's a quick packing list for travel photographers to cross-check before your next trip:
- Camera body + backup battery
- Two or more micro SD or SD cards (minimum 128GB each)
- Compact travel tripod
- Quality camera strap
- Lens cleaning kit
- ND and polarising filters
- Portable hard drive or cloud backup solution
- Camera bag or backpack
- Laptop or tablet for editing on the go
- Universal travel adapter for charging
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Travel Photography Gear Reviews: What's Worth It?
Choosing the right travel photography tools is easier when you know what's been tested and reviewed. At Ted's Cameras, our team regularly puts popular travel gear through its paces so you can buy with confidence.
Standout picks from recent photo reviews include the Peak Design Travel Tripod (praised for its carbon fibre build and rapid setup), the Joby Gorillapod 5K (loved for its versatility on uneven terrain), and the SanDisk Extreme Pro micro SD (rated highly for speed and reliability in demanding conditions).
Whether you're researching before a big trip or refreshing your kit, reading a thorough photo review can save you from costly mistakes. Explore expert gear reviews and buyer guides on the Ted's Cameras blog to find what suits your shooting style and budget.