A Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Drone to Explore the World

Thankfully, things have changed. Drones continue to increase in popularity. There are many manufacturers such as DJI, Autel Robotics, Skydio, and more that build excellent camera drones that every pilot can enjoy. I now take at least one of my camera drones just about everywhere I go.

You never know when the path you are taking will present you with an unforgettable scene worth capturing on film. Thanks to drone technology, you can capture memories for yourself and ones to share with someone who wasn’t there. This is the magic of traveling with a drone—transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary visual stories.

So, whether you are a seasoned world traveler, an experienced drone pilot, someone brand-new to drones, or looking to pick up a new and exciting hobby this year, we’ve got you covered. Our recommendations are fully vetted and won't leave you in the middle of Costa Rica wishing you had a movie-capable drone. 

Before jumping into our recommendations for travel drones, let’s cover what you need to look for. There are a lot of lists out there for “best travel drones,” and unfortunately, most of them are just a marketing ploy. It’s important to know what you are looking for so you can review a list like ours and decide for yourself which drone is the best option. At a minimum, you’ll want to consider the following:

Portability and travel-friendliness: If you’re going to be traveling, the last thing you need is a large bulky drone taking up a lot of room and adding needless weight for you to carry around. For this reason, portability is one of the most important factors to consider. The best drones for travel are compact and lightweight. Drones with these design features are easy to carry in a backpack or large pocket and take up little room in luggage. Many drones that are ideal for travel are the type that fold, like the DJI Mavic series.

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure any drone designed for travel is made travel friendly by being a little robust. Like any travel gear, drones on the go will need to be able to handle a little bit of wear and tear. Personally, I use hard cases to protect my drones when I travel. Nanuk and Pelican are brands I trust.

Flight performance: Making sure the travel drone you select can handle the skies you take off into is also important. You will want to make sure the drone can fly steadily and that it has a decent battery life/flight time. Look for drones with at least 20-30 minutes of flying time on a full battery charge. I like to have at least an hour’s worth of flight time. For that reason, it’s a good idea to get some extra batteries.

Depending on where you will be filming, you’ll also want to make sure the drone can fly as high and as far as you need it to. Don’t forget that rules and regulations for safe and legal drone operations vary from country to country. So, don’t waste money looking for a drone that can fly five miles from your location if the country you are traveling to only allows you to fly your drone within a visual line of sight. Other important considerations are wind resistance, temperature ranges, safety features, and IP rating.

Camera quality: You'll definitely want a high-resolution camera when selecting a traveling drone. There are some great additional features like image stabilization, zoom capabilities, and preinstalled flight modes, but the quality of the sensor is most important. At a minimum, look for a drone with at least a 12MP 2.7K camera but preferably a 20MP 4K camera or better.

Ease of use: Some drones practically fly themselves, while others require an experienced pilot to keep the drone airborne. Look for drones that cater to all skill levels. Many drones have several flight modes, like beginner and sport modes, that allow pilots to change how responsive the drone is to the pilot’s manipulation of the controls. A great feature regarding ease of use is intelligent flight modes, such as follow-me or orbit, which simplify capturing dynamic shots without manual adjustments.

Budget: Drones can cost anywhere from $20 to thousands of dollars. Most travel-friendly drones will range between $200 to $5,000, depending on the features you are looking for. Decide on a budget that is comfortable for you and find the best drone within that number. There is no need to pay for more expensive drones if you don’t need their pricey features.

For our recommendations, we have only selected drones that meet all the suggestions we have listed above as desirable features in a travel drone. We have two suggestions for each of the three cost-based categories listed below: 

The DJI Neo is the ultimate travel companion for those on a budget. The Neo weighs in at just 135 grams, which is lighter than most phones. With palm takeoff and controller-free operation, it is perfect for on-the-go adventures. This travel drone includes AI subject tracking, 4K stabilized video, and QuickShots, making it effortless to deliver professional-quality footage. If you purchase the three-battery combo, you can extend the drone’s flight time to 54 minutes. It’s compact, versatile, and beginner friendly, making the DJI Neo ideal for capturing memories wherever you roam.

The DJI Mini 4K is a lightweight powerhouse under 249 grams, perfect for fitting in the last bit of space in your carry-on. It captures cinematic-quality 4K footage with a 3-axis gimbal for stunning stability. With a 10km HD video range, Level 5 wind resistance, and extended battery options (up to 93 minutes), it’s built for adventure. On the safety side, the drone has GPS Return to Home, and beginner-friendly features ensure safe and easy operation, making it perfect for both novices and seasoned travelers who aren’t looking to break the bank.

The HoverAir X1 is simple to fly and extremely portable with its lightweight 125-gram design, foldability, and palm-launch feature, making it perfect for adventurers looking to throw a drone in their pocket. Its intelligent follow-me camera tracks movements up to 15 mph, which is ideal for capturing sports or outdoor activities. While the 2.7K HDR video isn’t as good as the 4K options on the market, its triple stabilization and pre-programmed flight paths ensure you’ll capture cinematic-quality footage. A built-in 32GB storage feature guarantees you’ll capture plenty of memories, while safety guards around the propellers provide worry-free operation, making it a top choice for content creators and adventurers alike.

Autel Robotics makes excellent travel drones that are highly portable, rugged, and include professional-grade features all travelers will enjoy. Its 4K HDR camera, paired with a cutting-edge RYYB color filter and 3-axis gimbal, ensures exceptional image quality, even in low-light conditions. With 28 minutes of flight time, intelligent obstacle avoidance, and built-in cinematic modes, the Nano+ empowers travelers and creators to capture stunning moments effortlessly.

The DJI Air 3 takes travel photography and videography to new heights with dual cameras that capture stunning 48MP images and immersive 4K/60fps HDR videos. I have flown this drone for several years, and it is great for travelers. Its omnidirectional obstacle sensing ensures worry-free flying, even in challenging environments. With stable O4 HD transmission reaching up to 20 kilometers, you’ll experience smooth flights and crystal-clear live feeds. The Air 3 is perfect for creators with its advanced features, like ActiveShots 360° and Vision Assist, which enhance safety and subject tracking, delivering professional results with ease. Yo’'ll be filming for travel magazines in no time.

If you are willing to spend the money for it, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro sets a new standard in aerial photography with its flagship triple-camera system, including a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad main camera capable of capturing 5.1K/50fps and 4K/120fps video. Complemented by medium tele and telephoto cameras with advanced zoom capabilities, it’s the perfect travel drone for storytelling and creating cinematic masterpieces of your adventures. With omnidirectional obstacle sensing, 43-minute flight time, and 15-kilometer HD video transmission, it offers unmatched safety and performance. Travelers will love the drone’s folding design and the creative power it offers in such a small package.

Any of the drones we have recommended are great selections as a traveler's drone. As you explore the world with your drone, remember to follow local rules and always fly your travel drone in a safe manner. Practice safe flying habits by keeping your drone within visual line of sight, flying at safe altitudes and distances, and avoiding crowded spaces. Stay alert to hazards like power lines or bad weather. It’s a good idea to make sure you are avoiding wildlife and ecologically sensitive areas and always respect local customs and norms.

Traveling with a drone is a great way to enhance the experience of the journey as well as to get amazing views and remember the exciting moments. Whether you want to capture the ancient architecture of a Roman city, the neon lights of modern metropolises, or the natural beauty of the untouched wilderness, the right travel drone will take your experience to the next level. From the affordable DJI Neo for beginners to the powerful DJI Mavic 3 Pro for professionals, there is a drone for everyone who loves to travel. So, purchase your travel drone and create some memories of the world around you.

Can I bring a drone on an airplane?

Yes, most drones can be carried in your hand luggage, but check airline policies on battery storage and size restrictions.

What should I look for in a drone if I’m a first-time traveler?

Prioritize ease of use, compact size, and features like obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight modes.

How do I ensure my drone footage looks professional?

Use drones with stabilized cameras, shoot in 4K resolution, and take advantage of pre-programmed cinematic modes.