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How to Use Instagram Stories to Document Your Travels

The hashtag #travel has more than 413 million mentions on Instagram. Sharing our journey is now an essential part of the journey itself.

“Climbers climb mountains because they’re there. Travelers take photographs because we’re there — and we want to convey how amazing that feels,” travel writer Peter Jon Lindberg wrote .

And snapping those photos can actually make you happier , according to a study from the University of California Irvine. The study found that any photo — no matter the quality — taken with the goal of producing happiness will have a positive effect on the photographer.

The study also noted that same happiness applies to any photo that aims to bring together the photographer and his or her intended audience. This means snapping a photo and sharing it on Instagram could bring you happiness too.

But what about Instagram Stories? How can you use those to capture your travels and correctly share them with your audience?

Bumble Will Pay You to Go on Dates and Make New Friends While Traveling the World

As a travel writer, I am constantly on the go, snapping away in the different places I’m in either for work or for my own fun. Which means, I share. A lot. But, to avoid oversaturating my feed (and alienating my Instagram audience of friends and family), I take to Instagram Stories. Here are a few inside tips on how to use stories, and how to ethically share images on social media as well.

What is an Instagram Story?

Instagram Stories are separate from feed photos on the app. The stories function allows Instagram users to share photos and videos to a “story,” which can either be public or viewed only by followers of the user's Instagram account, depending on if the person’s account is set to public or private. Additionally, a user can choose to share a story with just “close friends.” But unlike feed posts that last forever, Instagram Stories last for just 24 hours, much like the social media company’s competitor, Snapchat.

Can you see who views your Instagram Stories?

Yes, it’s possible to keep track of who's seen your story, who just opened your story, and who swiped up on the screen. All you need to do is click open your own story. To see exactly who has looked at your stories, click open your story then click on the tiny profile photos on the bottom left corner of your screen. Here, you'll see the number of people as well as the individual usernames of everyone who has looked at your content. On this screen, you can also click the graph icon on the top left to see who has taken actions from your story, which includes link swipes, sticker taps, and follows.

Does Instagram notify a user when you screenshot a story?

Sadly, no. Though Instagram briefly tested sending screenshot notifications, it has since abandoned the project. So, you won’t know who screenshots your posts, but the good news is nobody will be notified when you do the same thing.

How to add a link to your Instagram Stories

There’s a major caveat to adding links to stories: You must either have 10,000 followers or have a verified Instagram account. But, if you have one of those two things, adding links is both easy and a great way to help people discover more about the travel photos you’ve taken. To add a link, first, take and upload a photo to your Instagram Story. Next, click the icon on the top right that looks like a chain. From here, click "+ URL" to add a link to a web page. Click done and you’re done. But, to take it a step further, try adding an Instagram sticker that says “swipe up” so people know there is something juicy waiting for them with the link.

How to ask a question on Instagram Stories

In 2018, Instagram introduced the question sticker to stories. It allows users to do “ask me anything” question and answer sessions with their followers. To start a Q+A session just take a photo or video, upload it, then tap the stickers icon in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen. Once there, you’ll see “questions” in the third row. Click it to add to your story. It already has “ask me a question” in the body, but you can customize this to anything you want. Examples could include “Where’s your favorite place to travel?” or “Where should I go next?” or “Anyone have packing tips for Greece?”

How to add music to your Instagram Stories

To add a little music to your story post, just follow the same guidelines as above. Take a photo or video, upload it, tap the stickers icon in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen, and click “music” in the second row. Once there, search for the song you’re looking for, click it, and click “done” to add it to your post.

How to create an Instagram story highlight

Though Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, there is one way to save them forever: Instagram story highlights. Highlights are found at the top of a person’s profile on their personal page. To create your own Instagram highlight go to your profile and tap “Story Highlights” below your username and bio. Tap the plus button, then tap to select the story updates you’d like to add to your highlight and click “next.” Finally, choose a cover photo and enter a story name for your highlight, then tap “add” or “done.”

How to ensure the images you share from your travels are appropriate

No matter where your photos appear, be it Instagram feeds, stories, other social media outlets, or just for you, it’s important to ensure all your photos are ethically taken and shared. Alongside the increase in use of social media, there’s also been an increase in questions about how we take photos and how we share them. Though this could be a lengthy essay all on its own, just remember these few points: Never share your location in stories or posts while on a safari, think twice about interacting with and taking photos with animals, and never take and upload a photo of a person without their permission.

As for what you should do next, read up on how to take travel photos you’ll be proud to share and get snapping. (And always feel free to share your travel photos with me here !)

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The 245 BEST Travel Bios for Instagram (2024 List)

Ever seen an Instagram bio with more flags than the United Nations headquarters?

I’m like… I get you love to travel but…

…there’s a much better way of showing this side of you on Instagram.

In this article, I share the best travel bio for Instagram.

These ideas will transform your profile and share your love for exploring the world – without making your bio look like a flag parade .

I have an Instagram account with over 102K followers. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about!

And when you’re looking for more inspiration, explore these TikTok bio ideas , check out the best Instagram bios for boys , find creative WhatsApp about lines , or discover unique Instagram highlight names .

What Is the Best Travel Bio for Instagram?

Here are the best travel bio ideas for Instagram.

Adventure Seekers

Do you thrive on the thrill of new experiences and the rush of adrenaline?

Here are the best bios for your profile:

• Chasing thrills one destination at a time 🌍
• Always on the hunt for the next adrenaline rush 🏔️
• Dare to explore the unbeaten paths 🚵‍♂️
• Life’s an adventure, enjoy the ride 🌄
• Adventure junkie on a world tour 🚀
• Conquering heights and depths 🌊
• Exploring the wild side of the world 🌳
• Born to wander and explore 🌎
• Making memories through adventures 🌟
• Seeking the extraordinary in every corner 🧗‍♂️
• Living for the next big adventure 🛶
• Fearless adventurer with a passport 🧳
• Adventures are my favorite stories 📖
• From mountain tops to ocean depths 🏔️
• Adventure is out there, let’s find it 🚁
• Collecting experiences, not things 🌅
• Always ready for the next journey 🚀
• Adventure is my middle name 🏕️
• Exploring the globe, one adventure at a time 🌏
• Life’s a daring adventure, live it up 🧗
• Out to find the wildest places on earth 🌲
• Adventure awaits at every corner 🌍
• Capturing the world’s beauty through adventure 📸
• Always on the move for the next big thrill 🏄‍♂️
• Travel far, adventure wide 🧭

Luxury Travelers

If your idea of travel includes five-star hotels, gourmet dining, and first-class flights, then luxury travel is your calling.

Here’s how to show you indulge in the finer things in life:

• Exploring the world in style 💼
• Jet-setting to the finest destinations ✈️
• Living the luxe life, one trip at a time 🌟
• Discovering the world’s best-kept secrets ✨
• Travel with a touch of elegance 💎
• Where luxury meets adventure 🌍
• Indulging in the finest travel experiences 🍷
• Traveling first class, always 🌐
• Making the world my luxury playground 🏝️
• From five-star hotels to private villas 🏨
• Experiencing the world’s luxury, one city at a time 🏙️
• Lavish trips and opulent stays 🌹
• Elegance in every journey 🌺
• Savoring the world’s most luxurious spots 🌴
• Redefining travel with luxury 🛥️
• High-end experiences, global adventures 🌏
• Luxury is my travel language ✈️
• Worldly travels with a touch of class 🌐
• Uncovering the chicest spots around the globe 🏰
• Where sophistication meets travel 🌟
• Experiencing travel like never before 🌠
• From the world’s top resorts to hidden gems 🏖️
• Opulent journeys across the world 🌹
• Traveling the globe with elegance and style 🌷
• Luxury travel at its finest 🌸

Budget Backpackers

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the experience.

You can explore the world without breaking the bank with a backpack and a sense of adventure.

Here are some travel bios to highlight your (frugal) fulfilling adventures:

• Traveling the world on a shoestring budget 🎒
• Exploring the globe with a backpack and a dream 🌍
• Adventure doesn’t have to be expensive 🏕️
• Seeing the world one budget trip at a time 💸
• Wanderlust on a budget 🌏
• Cheap flights, big adventures ✈️
• Backpacking through life’s adventures 🚶‍♂️
• Finding treasures in budget travels 💰
• Budget traveler with big dreams 🌠
• Making memories, not debts 🗺️
• The best things in life are free (or cheap) 🎟️
• Every penny saved is a mile traveled 🛤️
• Budget adventures around the world 🌐
• Traveling light and cheap 🌟
• Seeing the world without breaking the bank 🌍
• Living the backpacker’s dream 🏕️
• Small budget, big experiences 🎒
• Budget traveler with an explorer’s heart 🌄
• Exploring the world, one budget trip at a time ✈️
• Frugal adventures for the win 🌟
• Making the most out of every dollar 💵
• Travel smart, travel cheap 🗺️
• Stretching every dollar to see the world 🌏
• The world is my budget-friendly oyster 🌍
• Affordable adventures await 🚶‍♀️

Cultural Enthusiasts

For those who travel to immerse themselves in new cultures, history, and traditions, cultural travel offers endless opportunities for discovery.

Let these travel bios express your passion for exploring different cultures:

• Immersing in the world’s cultures 🌍
• Exploring the beauty of different traditions 🏛️
• A global citizen with a love for culture 🌐
• Discovering the world’s cultural gems 🌟
• Traveling through history and heritage 🗿
• From festivals to rituals, loving it all 🎉
• Every culture tells a story, let’s explore 📖
• Connecting with people and places 🌎
• Celebrating diversity, one trip at a time 🌈
• Cultural journeys around the world 🗺️
• Exploring the rich tapestry of global cultures 🏺
• Savoring the flavors of different cultures 🍜
• Learning through travel and experiences 🏺
• From ancient ruins to modern marvels 🏛️
• The world is a cultural playground 🌍
• Discovering traditions across the globe 🌟
• Living the world’s diverse stories 📖
• Every trip, a new cultural discovery 🌐
• Celebrating the world’s heritage 🌍
• Embracing cultural differences, loving them all 🌈
• From one culture to another, always learning 🌍
• A journey through the world’s rich cultures 🗺️
• The beauty of diversity in every trip 🌐
• Capturing the essence of global cultures 📸
• Traveling with a heart for culture 🌏

Foodie Travelers

From street food markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, foodie travelers are always searching for the next delicious bite.

Here are the best travel bios to capture your culinary adventures:

• Eating my way around the world 🍽️
• Discovering global flavors, one bite at a time 🌍
• Culinary adventures across the globe 🌎
• Foodie with a passport 🍴
• Savoring the world’s best dishes 🍜
• From street food to gourmet meals 🌯
• Exploring cultures through their cuisines 🌮
• A world of flavors awaits 🍣
• Travel far, eat well 🍕
• Food lover on a global adventure 🍔
• Tasting my way through different countries 🍲
• Discovering the world, one meal at a time 🍝
• Culinary delights from around the world 🍤
• Foodie adventures in every city 🌆
• From local markets to Michelin stars 🌟
• Exploring the world’s best culinary spots 🍰
• Traveling for the love of food 🍱
• Global food experiences, unforgettable memories 🌭
• Every meal is a new adventure 🥘
• Discovering hidden foodie gems worldwide 🍇
• Traveling the globe with taste buds first 🌶️
• Food journey around the world 🍲
• From exotic spices to sweet delights 🍫
• Where every dish tells a story 🍜
• Journey through the world’s cuisines 🍣

Nature Lovers

Some people just find peace and inspiration in the great outdoors.

For them, there’s nothing like traveling to nature’s most beautiful spots.

If that describes you, here are some travel bios to reflect your love for nature’s wonders:

• Finding peace in nature’s embrace 🌲
• Exploring the world’s natural wonders 🏞️
• Nature enthusiast on a global adventure 🌍
• Traveling to the heart of nature 🌳
• The earth has music for those who listen 🌿
• Chasing sunsets and mountain tops 🌄
• Nature is my playground 🌏
• From forests to oceans, loving it all 🌊
• Discovering the beauty of the natural world 🏞️
• Nature’s beauty knows no bounds 🌍
• Seeking serenity in nature’s arms 🌲
• Exploring the untouched corners of the earth 🌾
• Travel far, breathe nature 🍃
• Nature lover on a global journey 🌏
• Finding joy in the great outdoors 🏕️
• Capturing nature’s wonders one photo at a time 📸
• From national parks to hidden trails 🏞️
• Earth’s natural beauty is unparalleled 🌿
• Exploring the wild, loving the green 🌳
• Traveling to nature’s most beautiful spots 🏔️
• Nature is where I find my peace 🌳
• Adventures in the great outdoors 🏞️
• The world’s best views are in nature 🌄
• Nature lover on a quest for beauty 🌿
• Exploring the world’s greenest places 🌲

Solo Travelers

Traveling solo means embracing independence and self-discovery.

It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone.

These travel bios will showcase your fearless spirit and the joy of exploring the world (on your own terms):

• Traveling solo, writing my own story 🌍
• Solo wanderer with a heart full of dreams ✈️
• Exploring the world, one solo trip at a time 🌏
• Embracing the freedom of solo travel 🗺️
• Solo journeys, endless discoveries 🌟
• Finding myself in every solo adventure 🚶‍♀️
• Solo travel: my way, my pace 🌄
• Journeying alone but never lonely 🌅
• Solo traveler with a passion for the world 🌎
• Solo explorations, unforgettable memories 🌿
• Discovering the world one step at a time 👣
• Solo traveler seeking new horizons 🌠
• Finding beauty in solo adventures 🌇
• Traveling solo, living freely 🌍
• The world is my solo playground 🏖️
• Exploring new places on my own 🌏
• Solo travel, endless possibilities 🌺
• The joy of solo journeys 🌊
• Alone but always connected with the world 🗺️
• Solo traveler on a global quest 🌍
• Embracing the solitude of travel 🌿
• Exploring the world independently 🌠
• The world through my solo lens 📸
• Solo travel, endless inspiration 🌄
• Finding myself through solo adventures 🌍

Couple Travel Adventures

Traveling with a partner brings a whole new dimension to the journey.

If you’re a duo exploring the world together, these travel bios will highlight the romance and fun:

• Traveling the world hand in hand 🌍
• Exploring together, loving always ❤️
• Adventure partners for life ✈️
• Together is our favorite place to be 🌏
• Couple goals: travel and explore 👫
• Creating memories around the world 🌟
• Two hearts, one global adventure 🌄
• Love and travel, our perfect combination 🌎
• Exploring the world with my soulmate 🌅
• Journeying together, side by side 🌿
• Romantic adventures across the globe 🌹
• Partners in travel and life 🌍
• Discovering new places, together forever 🌠
• The world is our playground 🗺️
• Traveling far, loving deeper ❤️
• Adventure is better together 🌊
• Exploring new horizons with you 🌅
• Couple who travels together, stays together 🌿
• Two travelers, one love story 🌏
• Hand in hand, heart to heart 🌍
• Together we’ve got the world 🌠
• Love and adventure in every destination 🌎
• Our love story is written in every trip 🌄
• Sharing the world with my favorite person 🌍
• From one romantic place to another 🌹

Family Travel Focus

Traveling with family creates memories that last a lifetime.

Whether exploring theme parks or historical sites, here are some travel bios that celebrate the joy of family adventures:

• Exploring the world, one family trip at a time 🏖️
• Creating family memories around the globe 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
• Family adventures in every corner of the world 🌏
• Traveling with my favorite people 🏕️
• Family travel: fun, learning, and love ❤️
• Journeying together, stronger than ever 🌄
• Discovering the world through our children’s eyes 🌍
• Making the world our family playground 🏞️
• Adventures with the ones I love most 🏡
• Family trips: where love meets adventure 🌟
• Exploring together, growing together 🌳
• Family travel: bonding and discovering 🛤️
• World schooling: the world is our classroom 📚
• Traveling the globe with my tribe 🌐
• Family journeys: from beaches to mountains 🏔️
• Making memories in every destination 🏰
• Family travel: adventure and love in every mile 🛣️
• Together we roam, together we grow 🌱
• Family time around the world 🕰️
• Discovering new places with my loved ones 🌺
• From one family adventure to the next 🏜️
• Exploring the world as a family 🌏
• Every trip, a new family story 📖
• Traveling far and wide with my family 🛫
• Adventures that bring us closer as a family 👫

Sustainable Travel Advocates

Sustainable travel is the way to go for those committed to traveling responsibly.

If you’re ready to show your dedication to eco-friendly journeys, use these travel bio ideas:

• Traveling green, loving our planet 🌿
• Sustainable journeys for a better world 🌍
• Exploring responsibly, preserving beauty 🌱
• Eco-friendly adventures around the globe 🌎
• Traveling light, leaving only footprints 🐾
• Caring for the earth, one trip at a time 🌏
• Sustainable travel, endless possibilities 🌍
• Traveling green, living clean 🌿
• Eco-conscious explorer, global traveler 🌱
• Adventures that respect nature 🌳
• Sustainable journeys, unforgettable memories 🌏
• Traveling with a green heart 💚
• Explore the world, save the earth 🌍
• Eco-friendly travel for a sustainable future 🌱
• Green travel, happy planet 🌏
• Sustainable adventures, beautiful destinations 🌿
• Protecting nature, one trip at a time 🌳
• Traveling with care for the earth 🌍
• Sustainable travel, endless discoveries 🌿
• Eco-friendly adventures, responsible travel 🌏
• Travel responsibly, live sustainably 🌱
• Exploring the world with eco-consciousness 🌳
• Green journeys, beautiful destinations 🌿
• Traveling for a greener planet 🌍
• Sustainable travel, preserving beauty 🌏

The Perfect Travel Bio for Instagram

Let’s face it – your bio is the first place people look.

However, there’s more to your Instagram profile if you want to turn it into a first-class travel experience.

Here are the main aspects to consider.

Engaging Captions Are More Than Just a Postcard

Nobody wants to read “Here I am in Paris” for the millionth time.

Your followers crave:

• the juicy details
• the hilarious mishaps and
• the breathtaking moments

…that make travel so magical.

Instead of just dropping a location tag, why not share the (positive and negative) experiences?

Say you almost got swept away by a rogue wave in Bali.

A caption like: “Almost became fish food in Bali, but hey, at least I got this epic photo! 🌊🌴” is a story people want to hear.

Or how about dropping some knowledge bombs?

Consider a caption like: “Did you know the leaning tower of Pisa is actually sinking? 🇮🇹 It’s tilted about 4 degrees now!

Travel can be educational and entertaining.

And don’t forget to get a little deep sometimes.

If you’re on a great morning hike amongst nature, why not post something like, “Feeling incredibly grateful for this beautiful sunrise hike in Yosemite. 🌄

Just remember that brevity is key in Instagram (and bios).

Keep it short, sweet, and sprinkled with just the right amount of emojis.

Storytelling Through Highlights

I feel most people don’t use this feature well.

Highlights aren’t just for show – they’re a great way to tell a story.

Think of your highlights as chapters in your travel novel.

Create a highlight for each destination you visit.

“Thai Adventures 🇹🇭”, “Parisian Nights 🇫🇷”, “Aussie Outback 🇦🇺” – you get the idea.

It’s like giving your followers a virtual bookshelf of your travels!

But why stop at destinations?

You can also organize your highlights by theme.

“Foodie Finds 🍜”, “Adrenaline Rush 🏄‍♀️”, “Cultural Deep Dives 🏛️”

These highlights cater to every type of traveler out there.

And for those epic, longer journeys?

Create a series of connected highlights to tell the whole story.

“Route 66 Road Trip: Part 1 🚗”, “Part 2 🌵”, “Part 3 🎰”.

These highlights take your followers on the journey with you!

It’s like creating a mini movie poster for each of your travel adventures.

Your Instagram bio is more than just a list of places you’ve been.

It’s a window into your soul.

So let your personality shine through, share those unforgettable moments, and take your followers on a journey they’ll never forget.

And most importantly, make it exciting and true to you.

Further reading on AdamEnfroy.com: Looking to add some flair to your travel photos? Check out these top travel Instagram captions .

For a wider variety of bios, check out this ultimate list of Instagram bio ideas that suit any personality or theme.

If style is what you’re after, you might enjoy these stylish bios for Instagram .

Additionally, for girls looking to express their unique style and attitude, these Instagram bios for girls are a must-see.

Editorial Process:

Our reviews are made by a team of experts before being written and come from real-world experience. Read our editorial process here .

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to us at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. These are products we’ve personally used and stand behind. This site is not intended to provide financial advice. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy .

Adam Enfroy

Meet Adam Enfroy

Hey, I’m Adam. I launched this blog in 2019 and turned it into a $1M/year business within 2 years. I then launched my YouTube channel in 2021 and turned it into a $4M/year business. Today, I help over 6,000 students build profitable blogs and YouTube channels.

Check out my YouTube channel .

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How to take Instagram-worthy travel photos

As a travel journalist, I take hundreds of pictures per day. The most striking ones aren’t simply of beautiful people in beautiful places. They’re the ones that capture travelers reveling in their journeys, that reveal how a destination’s people live, and that convey the soul of a place. My goal is to document my fleeting experiences in a way that brings them to life for those who aren’t with me. And, yes, I admit it, I don’t mind getting a bunch of likes on Instagram, too.

How to focus on your travel photography skills even when you aren’t traveling

Sometimes you’ll get lucky and take a great shot without much thought or preparation. However, most five-star pics require a basic understanding of the fundamentals of photography and a little work. You don’t need to buy any fancy equipment; the camera on your phone will do the trick, though a DSLR or mirrorless camera will give you more flexibility and options. If you follow these tips, you’ll come home with pictures that will wow, whether you’re putting them up on the fridge or posting them online.

Let your phone help you look like a pro

Become familiar with your phone’s self-timer function, so you won’t need assistance to take a picture of yourself. A next-level option is the Apple Watch’s Camera Remote app, which pairs with your iPhone so you can see through your camera’s viewfinder on your watch’s screen and set a timer there. Turn on your phone’s camera grid, which divides your screen into nine equal parts using two equally spaced vertical lines and two equally spaced horizontal lines. This serves as a visual reminder of the rule of thirds, where key compositional elements are placed along the lines or at their intersections to create visually pleasing photos.

Check your gear

Before you head out, make sure your battery is fully charged. If you have a camera, bring an extra battery; if you’re using your phone, consider investing in a portable charger. If your camera has an interchangeable lens, bring several lenses of varying focal lengths: macro, wide angle and telephoto. Always pack a microfiber cloth to clean your lenses.

Work with the light

Ideally, you want the sun at your back or just off to your side when you take a picture, so it illuminates your subject. Don’t shoot your subject in front of the sun or other bright light source; this will cause backlighting, which will create a dark mess of shadows.

See the winners of The Post’s 22nd annual Travel photo contest

The best light of the day is during its golden hours: roughly the hour following sunrise and the hour before sunset. This gentle, ample light will lend your pictures the richest, most vibrant colors. To harness its potential can mean getting up early or delaying your dinner plans, but your pictures will pop.

Although the middle of the day might seem like a great time to shoot because there’s so much light, that’s not necessarily true. The light is harsh, which isn’t always flattering to subjects, and it creates strong shadows. That doesn’t mean you can’t get wonderful photos at midday. “When the sun casts shadows, it creates beautiful patterns on things that can be very striking,” says professional travel photographer Lola Akinmade Akerstrom . “It can also create a natural spotlight. Wait for someone to walk into that light, then you take your shot.”

Remember the fundamentals

A photograph has the potential for great color, light, composition and what photographers call a “decisive moment,” which takes the action from meh to meaningful. “You don’t have to have all four, but you must have at least two,” says Nevada Wier , a professional travel photographer. “So, if there’s a great sunset, there still has to be something else to make it unique. And if there’s something with great color, you still have to compose the image impeccably.”

Get out of the middle

“There is a near-universal tendency to center a subject in the middle of the frame,” says professional travel photographer and journalist Christopher Baker , who suggests thinking outside the middle of the box. “If you are going to photograph a group of people in front of a landmark, don’t put them in a straight line. Stagger them instead. Put a single subject to the left or right of your frame.”

Watch your background

Amateur photographers often fixate on the person they are shooting, while completely forgetting about what’s going on behind the subject. Unfortunately, a messy background makes for a messy photo. “Eliminate everything that doesn’t matter in the image, and pay attention to composing what does matter,” says Wier, emphasizing that this might mean moving your subject, moving yourself or moving something distracting that is within the frame of the shot.

Get different perspectives

Don’t shoot a person, place or object from a single angle; photograph them from a variety of perspectives. An easy way to capture an interesting array is to start with wide-angle establishing shots, then work closer and closer to your subject until you’re focusing on the finest of details. Along the way, consider photographing from low and high vantage points, as well as getting both action shots and still lifes.

Think of a theme

Sometimes you’ll come across a festival or market bursting with seemingly endless photo opportunities. It can be so overwhelming that you won’t know where to point your camera. “What’s fun is to start thinking about a theme for your photographs,” Wier says. “Look for the color pink or look for hats. If you give yourself a theme, you start noticing things.”

Get out of your comfort zone

Maybe you love taking pictures of every meal you eat, or perhaps your focus is landscapes. However, when you travel, you need to document all the elements of your destination, “because it’s everything together that tells a story of a place,” says Akerstrom, who also suggests travelers look at pictures of their destination on Google and Instagram before they go, so they can push themselves to get different images.

Make famous landmarks accessories

“Some of the most compelling photos of landmarks are when they are in the background and you’re capturing how life moves around it,” Akerstrom says. For example, if you want a striking image of the Eiffel Tower, go to a cafe where you can see it in the background. Focus your photo on the action at the cafe, such as a server handing someone a cocktail or a diner sipping an espresso, while keeping the Eiffel Tower in the back as a supporting cast member in this miniature drama.

Don’t forget the people

Pictures of people bring a place alive in photos. Be respectful by politely engaging with them and asking their permission to shoot. It can be intimidating to approach strangers, and it is sometimes difficult to navigate language barriers, but creating those relationships will pay off. Once you have the go-ahead, don’t stand back and lurk with a telephoto lens. “Closer is better,” Baker says. “Get up front and personal. Engage. I’ll sometimes have my camera 18 inches from someone’s face.”

“Getting a great shot is about anticipating, observation and patience,” Akerstrom says. That means taking your time. Don’t think you can rush through your trip, snapping perfect pictures. Consider your subject and the options to photograph it, then wait for the right moments to capture it.

Stop taking pictures!

Occasionally, put down your camera for a stretch. “It’s so often that I’ve been on assignment and so dedicated to get photos to please an editor that, at the end of the trip, I realize I didn’t have time to enjoy the people, the place or the experience, because I was always thinking about moving on to get the next shot,” Baker laments. Don’t make this mistake. Remember to savor your trips and live in the moment while you’re on them.

Martell is a writer based in Silver Spring, Md. His website is nevinmartell.com . Find him on Twitter and Instagram : @nevinmartell.

PLEASE NOTE

Potential travelers should take local and national public health directives regarding the pandemic into consideration before planning any trips. Travel health notice information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s interactive map showing travel recommendations by destination and the CDC’s travel health notice webpage .