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

“What’s the best that could happen?”

My Miami fam DELIVERED on my first Art Basel 😮‍💨❤️🔥

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“What’s the best that could happen?”

My Miami fam DELIVERED on my first Art Basel 😮‍💨❤️🔥

Escape the winter chill for a place where the sun shines all year ☀️ @waldorfastoriacostarica
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This brand-new property is truly a dream—incredible ocean views, luxury amenities, and more pools than I’ve ever seen at a hotel in my entire life.

🧖‍♀️ The Spa

A sanctuary of modern wellness and local healing traditions—volcanic mud rituals, rainforest-inspired therapies, and personalized treatments that feel deeply grounding.

🛎️ Amenities

World-class service, beachfront access, curated excursions, a stunning collection of pools, and elevated touches everywhere you turn. Newly opened, but already operating like a seasoned 5-star icon.

💦 Kids’ Club

With crafts, toys and an outdoor playground—traveling with littles has never felt so easy (or so fun).

🥑 The Food

Fresh, locally sourced Costa Rican flavors blended with elevated dining. Oceanfront bites, poolside snacks, and beautifully crafted dishes you don’t have to leave the property to enjoy.

🦜 Nature & Wildlife Adventures

Costa Rica never disappoints when it comes to nature, but this trip was next-level. We took a private boat tour with @nolimitadventurescr and the kids are still talking about it. We spotted turtles gliding through the water, discovered remote beaches, and even squeezed in some tubing—pure magic for the little ones and the grown-ups alike.

We’re already counting the days until we come back. ✨ If you’re looking for a luxury family-friendly getaway in Costa Rica, this is your spot!

A huge thank you to @waldorfastoriacostarica for hosting us on this sunshine-soaked getaway!
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#costarica #waldorfastoria #luxurytravel

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I found foodie paradise… and it’s in New England 🦞🍩🍺
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More specifically, Portland, Maine!

Last fall I took a roundtrip around New England for some leaf peeping, fall frolicking, and most importantly, for all of the eats. And while there are a LOT of incredible places to eat around New England, it’s Portland that has some of the absolute best foods.

From sweet potato donuts to fries made in duck fat to some of the best oysters I’ve ever had, this place is literally heaven.

Some of our fav spots:
@holydonutmaine
@eventideoysterco
@duckfatmaine
@highrollerlobsterco
@twelvemaine
@_rose_foods_
@allagashbrewing
@js_oyster

If you want even MORE of the best local food spots around all of New England, I’ve compiled an extensive guide.

Let me know if you want the MAP and I’ll be sure to send it your way!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
#newengland #portlandmaine #visitmaine #foodie

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I found foodie paradise… and it’s in New England 🦞🍩🍺
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
More specifically, Portland, Maine!

Last fall I took a roundtrip around New England for some leaf peeping, fall frolicking, and most importantly, for all of the eats. And while there are a LOT of incredible places to eat around New England, it’s Portland that has some of the absolute best foods.

From sweet potato donuts to fries made in duck fat to some of the best oysters I’ve ever had, this place is literally heaven.

Some of our fav spots:
@holydonutmaine
@eventideoysterco
@duckfatmaine
@highrollerlobsterco
@twelvemaine
@_rose_foods_
@allagashbrewing
@js_oyster

If you want even MORE of the best local food spots around all of New England, I’ve compiled an extensive guide.

Let me know if you want the MAP and I’ll be sure to send it your way!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
#newengland #portlandmaine #visitmaine #foodie

Happy Halloween from my little Boo Crew 👻
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It’s been a Spooky Season full of fun—Oliver really embraced everything this year (as you can tell by his array of costumes).

PSA for anyone else thinking a sheet ghost family costume would be an easy photo opp… think again.

Swipe for some laughs at me fighting for my life to get the shot, and how hard AI failed at helping me piece together any hope of a usable photo 🤣

Main image is my own Photoshop masterpiece—and a screenshot of the process at the very end—proof that AI can’t always replace our skill sets lol.
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#familyhalloween #happyhalloween

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Happy Halloween from my little Boo Crew 👻
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
It’s been a Spooky Season full of fun—Oliver really embraced everything this year (as you can tell by his array of costumes).

PSA for anyone else thinking a sheet ghost family costume would be an easy photo opp… think again.

Swipe for some laughs at me fighting for my life to get the shot, and how hard AI failed at helping me piece together any hope of a usable photo 🤣

Main image is my own Photoshop masterpiece—and a screenshot of the process at the very end—proof that AI can’t always replace our skill sets lol.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#familyhalloween #happyhalloween

These might just be the best travel bags ever ✨
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Ollie and I recently traveled to Washington and brought the @noreceptionclub travel bags along. And I have to say, these bags have completely changed how I pack with a toddler. Traveling with a little one means not only making sure you have every snack, every toy, and every detail covered — but also making sure you have it all within reach. And if it can look good too? All the better.

We brought with us:

• The Getaway Bag, which works as a diaper bag when your kids are extra little (and as a family travel backpack for bigger kids), includes customizable compartments, an insulated lunch bag and even stroller clips!
• The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel with a cubby system and dividers that you can pull out and hang in hotel closets for optimal convenience. It even has backpack straps and a luggage pass-through for other carrying options!
• The Sidekick V2 has its own compartment in the Getaway Bag and is great for small day trips and hands-free storage. The mesh pockets hold smaller items while the magnetic flap in the back makes it easy to grab baby wipes fast!
• The Dopp Kit, made with parents in mind, keeps personal care essentials organized and accessible.
•The Sliders Complete Set with clear windows and smart compartments making it easy to see and grab everything you need!

Pack smarter for family adventures and get your hands on the @noreceptionclub bag that speaks to you! Use BLONDEABROAD20 for $20 off purchases of $150 or more
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
#noreceptionclub #familytravel #travelwithkids #noreceptionclubpartner #travelbags #travelpacking

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These might just be the best travel bags ever ✨
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
Ollie and I recently traveled to Washington and brought the @noreceptionclub travel bags along. And I have to say, these bags have completely changed how I pack with a toddler. Traveling with a little one means not only making sure you have every snack, every toy, and every detail covered — but also making sure you have it all within reach. And if it can look good too? All the better.

We brought with us:

• The Getaway Bag, which works as a diaper bag when your kids are extra little (and as a family travel backpack for bigger kids), includes customizable compartments, an insulated lunch bag and even stroller clips!
• The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel with a cubby system and dividers that you can pull out and hang in hotel closets for optimal convenience. It even has backpack straps and a luggage pass-through for other carrying options!
• The Sidekick V2 has its own compartment in the Getaway Bag and is great for small day trips and hands-free storage. The mesh pockets hold smaller items while the magnetic flap in the back makes it easy to grab baby wipes fast!
• The Dopp Kit, made with parents in mind, keeps personal care essentials organized and accessible.
•The Sliders Complete Set with clear windows and smart compartments making it easy to see and grab everything you need!

Pack smarter for family adventures and get your hands on the @noreceptionclub bag that speaks to you! Use BLONDEABROAD20 for $20 off purchases of $150 or more
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
#noreceptionclub #familytravel #travelwithkids #noreceptionclubpartner #travelbags #travelpacking

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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