ARE YOU REALLY TRAVELING ALONE on your solo trips? WHO IS TAKING PHOTOS OF YOU?

On my solo adventures, I am traveling entirely by myself - although how AMAZING would it be to have the money to hire a full time photographer to travel with me? #goals

Here are some of the ways I capture self-portraits while traveling:

• Tripod and remote/interval timer. This is great when I’m in an open area (ie: beach, field) and have time to set everything up. For details on the equipment I use, check out my Shop page.

• Hiring local photographers. This is one of my favorite things to do, because not only do I get amazing photos, but I also get the chance to connect with a local. If there is a location I know I want great photos at but is too crowded to rely on my tripod, I’ll book a 30-minute session with a local photographer to snap some shots. My favorite site to book through is Flytographer.

• Ask a stranger. This can take a little patience, but in a pinch it works. I look for somebody taking photos with a device similar to the one I want to use. If I want an iPhone picture, I look for someone taking Instagram photos on a phone. If I want a photo with my “real” camera, I look for someone else shooting with a “real” camera. If the first stranger doesn’t get it right, I wait around 5-10 minutes and ask someone else!

whAT CAMERA DO YOU USE?

All of my camera essentials are listed on the Shop page!

why solo travel? wouldn’t you rather go with somebody?

I think there are pros and cons to traveling solo and traveling with a buddy. Solo travel makes me feel empowered, and I love having the freedom to create an itinerary with only myself in mind, from travel dates to sightseeing. I do miss having someone to eat with though!

Most importantly, I’ve started solo traveling because it’s easier to plan a trip when I’m not coordinating with other people. When you reach your late 20s/early 30s, everyone has different schedules, budgets, work commitments, family commitments, etc. If I wait around for someone’s schedule to align perfectly with mine, I won’t see all of the places I want to see in this lifetime.

I’M NERVOUS ABOUT SOLO TRAVELING - ANY ADVICE?

Just do it! Pick a place that seems interesting and safe, and I promise you’ll feel like a total badass for making the journey yourself. You won’t regret it!