Traveling with a Drone: The guide to capturing the world from above
- Aubin Patrix
- Apr 19
- 6 min read
When I travel, my drone is one of the first items I pack. It allows me to capture unique perspectives and tell my stories in a way that a regular camera simply can't. Whether it’s to immortalize a paradisiacal beach in Indonesia, fly over an Australian desert, or highlight the grandeur of French castles, the opportunities are endless.
But traveling with a drone requires some preparation. You need to choose the right model, understand the drone regulations of the countries you visit, and protect your gear to avoid bad surprises. (Like my trip to Morocco, which didn’t go as planned—but I won’t spoil it yet!)
In this article, I’ll share my experience and top tips to make the most of your drone while traveling.
I’m Aubin, a passionate aerial photographer, and I want to share my love for the world seen from above.
Why travel with a Drone?
If you’re passionate about photography and travel, adding a drone to your gear will completely transform how you capture the world. A beach from the ground and that same beach from the sky tell two totally different stories. Aerial views add a new dimension to landscapes and emphasize the scale of the places you visit.
During my road trip in Vietnam, I had the chance to fly over some absolutely stunning locations: Ha Long Bay, with its limestone islets and traditional boats floating in emerald waters, the Ha Giang Loop, a winding road flanked by spectacular mountains, and the rice fields of Ninh Binh, where water and greenery blend into a breathtaking natural painting.
Without my drone, these memories wouldn’t have had the same intensity. The images I captured not only immortalized those moments, but also allowed me to share them from a unique angle with my audience.
Which drone should you shoose for traveling?
Not all drones are ideal for travel. You’ll want one that’s lightweight, compact, and powerful, with good battery life and a high-quality camera.
Traveling with a drone DJI Mini 3 Pro
Personally, I only travel with the DJI Mini 3 Pro, and that’s the model I recommend for any aerial photography enthusiast (or the DJI Mini 4 Pro) looking to capture stunning shots without too much hassle. At under 250g, it avoids many restrictions and paperwork. Its 48 MP sensor and 4K HDR video deliver outstanding image quality for such a compact drone.
Another essential feature when traveling: its 34-minute battery life, which lets me shoot multiple spots without constantly swapping batteries.
I even recommend getting the Fly More Combo Kit with 3 batteries, letting you fly for over 1.5 hours!
Another essential feature when traveling: its 34-minute battery life, which lets me shoot multiple spots without constantly swapping batteries. I even recommend getting the Fly More Combo Kit with 3 batteries, letting you fly for over 1.5 hours!
Still not sure which model to pick? I wrote a full guide on this: Which drone to choose in 2025?
Rules to know before traveling with a drone
Before flying abroad with your drone, it’s crucial to check the drone laws in each country. Every country has its own rules—some even ban drones altogether. You don’t want to risk having your drone confiscated at customs or face a fine because of a legal oversight.
When I landed in Morocco, eager to capture the desert and medinas with my DJI Mini 3 Pro, I had no idea my trip would start with a major setback. At customs, as I passed through with my camera gear, an agent immediately stopped me when he saw the drone in my bag.
“Do you have a permit?” he asked. Needless to say, I had none. I assumed, like in many countries, that I’d just have to follow local rules once there. Big mistake: Morocco strictly bans drones without prior approval—and they don’t mess around.
Result? My drone was seized on the spot and stored at the airport. No negotiation possible. I was told I could retrieve it upon departure, but I’d need to pay storage fees. I spent the entire trip without my drone, frustrated at every perfect spot where I could have taken incredible shots. On my way out, after stopping at the customs office, signing a few forms, and paying the storage invoice, I finally got my precious DJI Mini 3 Pro back. Lesson learned: always check drone laws before traveling—especially in countries with strict regulations like Morocco!
In some countries, registering your drone with the authorities is required before flying. Others require a special permit to fly in specific areas. In Bali, for example, drones are banned above temples and sacred sites, with heavy penalties for violations.
Flying with your drone on a plane
Be mindful when flying. Transporting your drone on a plane is another important point. Batteries must be carried in your cabin luggage, as they’re considered dangerous in checked baggage. Some airlines even require them to be transported in fireproof LiPo bags.
Top spots for aerial photography while traveling
Some places on Earth seem like they were made to be seen from above. Every destination has its charm, and a drone reveals its true beauty.
If you’re looking for the best spots to capture stunning aerial landscapes, here are some places I’ve explored:
Bali 🇮🇩: The rice fields of Sidemen, the blue volcano Ijen, and the black sand beaches are must-sees. I detail these in my post: Top Photo Spots in Bali.
Vietnam 🇻🇳: Ha Long Bay, the Ha Giang Loop, and Hoi An’s Coconut Boat tours are unforgettable locations I captured during my latest trip. Planning to travel with your drone to Vietnam? Check out my post on Top Drone Photography Spots in Vietnam for your own amazing shots!
Australia 🇦🇺: The Great Ocean Road, the paradisiacal beaches of the Whitsundays, and the arid landscapes of François Peron National Park are drone heaven. My article Best Drone Landscape Shots in Australia features my favorite shots from the country.
Protecting your drone while traveling
Traveling exposes your drone to many hazards: humidity, sand, dust, extreme temperatures… It’s crucial to protect it properly.
Personally, I always use a hard shell case, which provides solid protection against shocks. I also bring ND filters to handle brightness and get smoother footage in strong sunlight.
Lastly, I always check the weather before flying. Strong winds or sudden rain can easily ruin a flight—and in the worst case, crash your drone.
FAQ: Everything about traveling with a drone
Can you bring a drone on a plane?
Yes, but batteries must be in your cabin luggage and stored in proper bags. Check your airline’s policy before departure.
Which countries completely ban drones?
What is the best drone for travel?
Where can I find local drone regulations?
Conclusion: Why bring your drone when traveling?
Traveling with a drone opens up a whole new way to photograph the world. Whether to capture breathtaking landscapes, create unforgettable memories, or enrich your portfolio, a drone transforms the perspective of the travel photographer.
Of course, it takes some preparation—but with the right gear and the right planning, the results are absolutely worth it.
So, ready to take your drone on your next trip?
This was Aubin – Aerial Photographer. I hope this article helped you get inspired to see the world from above!
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