Nowadays, drones are starting to become one of the most essential travel gears for those of us who create and produce travel content regularly or simply to give us a new unique perspective of the places we travel to that we wouldn’t have been able to see from the ground.
Consumer drones were first made mainstream by DJI, one of the most popular drone manufacturing companies in the world, with the release of their DJI Phantom series, which brought amazing flight technology, high-quality imagery, and a form factor that you can easily carry around to the market.
Ever since drones became mainstream, many competitors, including DJI themselves, have released a slew of newer, better, and smaller drones that are affordable and extremely portable. This makes them great additional camera gear to have for travelers like us.
With so many options out there, I have decided to compile a list of the best drones for travel and adventure that you should definitely check out if you are looking to buy your first drone. Without further ado, let’s first take a look at all the things we should consider when buying a drone for travel.
Looking for the best travel camera to buy? Check out:10 Best Travel Cameras to Buy
Quick Summary: The best travel drones to buy
Product
🏅 Editor’s Choice
Best Value
DJI Mini 2
Features
Shoots 4K
No need to register
Small and Compact
10 km range
30 minutes flight time
Most Compact
DJI Mini 4 Pro
Features
Small and Compact
No need to register
Comes with own remote
Object avoidance & Tracking
34-45 minutes flight time
Best Drone for Enthusiasts
DJI Air 3
Features
2 camera setup
Shoots 48 MP photos
Tons of intelligence features
Improved object avoidance
Good in low-light
Best Drone for Professionals
DJI Mavic 3
Features
Great in low-light
Great intelligence features
Has object avoidance
Best Tracking Drone
Skydio 2 Plus
Features
Great tracking system
Best-in-class object avoidance system
Shoots 4K 60FPS
Best For Photos
Parrot Anafi
Features
Excellent camera sensor
Has a vertical 180° angle field of view
Shoots 21 MP pictures & 4K 60FPS
Best For Videos
Autel EVO II
Features
Shoots 8K video
Shoots up to 120 FPS slow-mo
40 mins flight time
Great alternative
Autel EVO Nano Plus
Features
Great bright camera
Object avoidance system and Tracking
Weigh less than 250g
What to Look For in a Drone for travel?
One of the most important deciding factors when picking up a travel drone is its size and weight. When DJI released their first Phantom drone, it was small by the standards of the time, but it was not practical as a travel drone because you had to carry a separate backpack for it. However, that is no longer the case nowadays.
Drones are getting smaller and better nowadays, and with so many form factors out there, we will be focusing on the practicality of carrying them around in your backpack while you travel or go hiking somewhere. So, the lighter and smaller, the better.
Image & Video Quality
That said, we do not want to sacrifice image and video quality for portability, so we will take a look at drones that strike an excellent balance between their weight & size and image & video quality.
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Nowadays, we can expect a small compact drone to be capable of shooting 4K videos, as well as having at least a 12 MP image sensor to capture those crisp aerial photos when you travel.
Any automated features that will allow you to capture stunning aerial footage should also be considered when picking up a travel drone since you won’t have a lot of time in one place when you travel. So, anything that helps you operate faster goes a long way.
Connectivity
One last important factor to consider is the connectivity and how confident you will be when flying these drones because one of the last things you want to see when you are operating a drone is to lose control of it and see it fly out into the sea.
So the thing you have to consider is the connection technology the drone you want to pick up is using. Is it using Wi-Fi or its own radio technology? Does it get a lot of signal interference while flying, and ultimately, will you be confident enough to fly it when you travel? These are the questions that need to be answered before you pick up a new drone for travel.
8 Best Drones For Travel To Buy Right Now
DJI Mini 2 is hands down my favorite travel drone of the bunch. Released in November 2020, which is already 2 generations older than the new Mini drone, the DJI Mini 2 still is one of the most lightweight and compact drones out there, with an extremely light body of only 249 grams, and a size that is smaller than an iPhone Pro Max when folded for storage.
The DJI Mini 2 comes with a 12 MP camera sensor capable of shooting 4K videos at 100 Mbps, a QuickShot feature which allows you to automatically perform complex drone maneuvers with the touch of a button, and a 10 km transmission range with DJI’s own Ocusync 2.0 technology. Despite being more than 3 years old, the drone is still one of the best value drones out there with the price sitting at only $499 USD, which is the cheapest drone on this list.
I personally carry the DJI Mini 2 everywhere I go when I travel. The drone is so small and compact that I do not mind having it in my backpack at all times, and I was able to fly it extremely quickly (in like 2 minutes) and quite discreetly due to its small form factor.
If you are like me, who enjoys backpacking and hiking in the backcountry, then the DJI Mini 2 is the perfect drone for you. To pick one up, be sure to click the link below to find the cheapest price for the DJI Mini 2.
Looking for a complete review of the DJI Mini 2? Check out:A Traveler’s Review: The DJI Mini 2 Drone
2. DJI Mini 4 Pro
DJI Mini 4 Pro is the successor of the DJI Mini 3 that comes with a set of pro features that the DJI Mini 3 lacks, such as the omni-direction object avoidance and tracking system. It retains its best advantage, the weight of less than 250 grams, which allows you to bypass most drone registration laws and fly without having to register.
With the DJI Mini 4 Pro, you can shoot 48 MP RAW photos as well as 4K/60fps HDR video and even 4K/120fps for slow-motion shots. It has a true vertical mode which if you are an avid Instagram and TikTok user, you are going to love it. It also comes with a new and improved transmission range allowing you to control the drone as far as 20 km whereas the DJI Mini 3 can only go at 10 km.
You also have the choice to pick between a regular battery, which has a flight time of 34 minutes, or an intelligent battery, which has a flight time of over 45 minutes (with a weight slightly exceeding 250 grams), which is pretty impressive.
Combining all of these features with its new active tracking and object avoidance system, you have yourself one of the best, if not the perfect travel drones you can buy right now. If you are looking for a lightweight and compact drone like the DJI Mini 2 and you don’t mind paying a bit more for advanced features, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best drone to buy. Hit the link below to check the latest price.
3. DJI Air 3
DJI Air 3 is another great option from DJI if you are looking for a drone with a better camera setup, flight time, and more functions, and don’t mind carrying a drone that is a bit bigger and heavier than the DJI Mini series.
The DJI Air 3 is better in every way when compared to the DJI Mini 4 except for its price, size, and weight. The drone comes equipped with 2 wide and medium tele cameras, allowing you to shoot excellent 48mp images as well as 4K/60p HDR videos, straight out of the camera. It can fly for over 41 minutes and has an advanced omnidirectional object avoidance system allowing you to fly safely. Best of all, it has all the cool intelligence features like MasterShots, Active Track, and Timelapse/Hyperlaps that will allow you to shoot epic drone videos without having to control the drone yourself.
The Active Track feature is definitely a great feature to have as a traveler as it will allow you to go hiking, and interact with the landscape while having your drone automatically follow you as you move around the environment.
I always recommend buying a combo pack when you are buying a DJI drone because it offers better value for your money. The combo pack includes a protective bag, extra propellers, spare batteries, a charger, and more, all provided in the box. To get a cheaper price, make sure to click the link below and check the recent price of the DJI Air 3.
4. DJI Mavic 3
For professionals and enthusiasts who don’t mind carrying heavier bags while traveling, the DJI Mavic 3 offers all the professional-grade features you can expect from an advanced drone, all in a reasonably compact body.
DJI Mavic 3 is equipped with a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera, capable of shooting 5.1K video, making it one of the highest resolution cameras available. It can capture 20 MP pictures and is equipped with omnidirectional obstacle sensors, providing a fear-free flying experience. Additionally, it features the new OcuSync 3 (O3) technology, allowing for a live feed and a flying range of over 15 km, the furthest among consumer drones.
Not to mention, it also has a 46-minute flight time, and with DJI Mavic 3 Fly More Combo, you get 2 more spare batteries, allowing you to fly for over 120 minutes in total, which is a major game changer. To check the price and see if there are any discounts currently available for the DJI Mavic 3, be sure to click the link below.
5. Skydio 2 Plus
Skydio 2 Plus is the new updated version of the popular Skydio 2 consumer drone, well known for its amazing AI-powered 360° autonomous tracking system. This system allows it to follow you wherever you go, even in the most difficult terrain.
The Skydio 2 Plus drone comes with the usual 12 MP camera sensor with 4K 60 FPS HDR shooting capabilities. It is quite compact, has around 27 minutes of flight time, and has a maximum transmission distance of 3.5 km, which is rather low for a consumer drone of the same caliber. However, what makes this drone worth getting is the fact that it can follow you around in a way that other drones cannot.
Their amazing tracking system can follow and capture a video of you while you do extreme sports like mountain biking, skiing, and hiking. The drone will keep track of you as it avoids obstacles, creating this Hollywood-style follow-cam perspective that traditionally would require a professional to operate a drone for you. With Skydio 2 Plus, you do not have to do anything!
For those of you who like to travel alone or enjoy doing extreme sports and activities when you travel and would like to capture an aerial shot of yourself doing epic things without having to control it, Skydio 2 Plus is the perfect drone for you.
The drone is priced at $1,099 USD for a starter kit, which is pretty impressive for what you get. Hit the link below to check the most recent price for the drone.
6. Parrot Anafi
Parrot is one of the first drone manufacturing companies that followed DJI’s footsteps and produced one of the first compact consumer drones in the market. The Parrot Anafi, their latest compact drone, provides you with some really interesting options in the travel drone market.
The Parrot Anafi drone comes with an excellent Sony CMOS sensor that allows for amazingly clear image capture of up to 21 MP. It also captures incredible 4K footage with a resolution of 4096 x 2160, at 100 Mbps. Additionally, it has a vertical 180° angle, which no other drones have. Furthermore, it has one of the easiest-to-use navigation apps available, allowing you to perform cool maneuvers quickly.
It also has a 4-km transmission range, 25 minutes maximum flight time per one battery, and a price of around 699 USD. What makes the Parrot Anafi so different is the form factor that allows you to fold it into a more vertically narrow body, allowing you to fit it in your backpack easily.
The Parrot Anafi is somewhere in between the DJI Mini 2 and the DJI Mavic Air 2. If you are looking for a drone that is more capable than the DJI Mini 2 but costs less than 900 USD, then this is the one to get.
7. Autel EVO II
Autel EVO II is another great drone that has one of the best cameras available. It is the first foldable compact drone that can shoot 8K video footage and capture up to 48 MP pictures.
It also shoots 120 FPS slow-motion videos at 2.7K resolution and many other features that will assist you in shooting the most cinematic travel footage imaginable.
The drone also comes with 12 obstacle avoidance cameras, a pin-point tracking system, a maximum flight time of 40 minutes, which is the highest out of all the drones on this list, and around 9 km transmission range, which ticks all the boxes.
With such a unique feature list like the 8K capability and long flight time, you would think that the Autel EVO II must be out of your price range. But surprisingly, the drone starts at only $1,269 USD, and you have the option to upgrade to the EVO 2 Pro, which comes with a 1-inch sensor camera, same as the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, for around $1,525 USD.
All in all, if you are looking for an extremely highly capable drone that is compact and weighs around 2.5 kg, then the Autel EVO II drone is definitely worth your consideration. For the cheapest price available, be sure to check the latest price with the link below.
8. Autel EVO Nano Plus
Autel EVO Nano Plus is a great alternative if you prefer a lightweight and compact drone that is as light and compact as the DJI Mini 2 drone but comes with many missing features, such as the 360° subject avoidance system and a 1/2-inch-sized camera that gives you excellent dynamic range and sharpness, all in a compact and lightweight 249g form factor.
It comes with a 48MP camera that shoots 4K 30 FPS HDR videos, an intelligent SkyPortrait feature, and a dynamic tracking system that allows you to shoot with zero hassle.
It has an approximately 10 km transmission range and a flight time of about 27 minutes, which is not bad at all for such a small drone. It also comes in many colors, so you can customize your drone to your heart’s content. It is a little more expensive than the DJI Mini 2 at around 1000 USD, but if you like the compact and lightweight form factor without sacrificing features like tracking and object avoidance, the Autel EVO Nano Plus is the way to go.
Further Reading for Resources
Looking for more articles to help you with your travel, whether it be camera gear or clothing? Here is a collection of articles you might like:
Ever wondered what a full-time travel blogger like myself carries in my camera bag? Check out: What’s In My Camera Bag in 2024?
For the best hybrid travel camera to buy, the Sony a7R V, with its 61-megapixel sensor and video capabilities, is hard to beat. Check out my review here: A Traveler’s Review: The Sony a7R V Camera
Looking for the very best travel full-frame camera to buy for your next trip? How about the Sony a7C, the smallest full-frame camera with an EVF in the world! Check out my review: A Traveler’s Review: The Sony a7C Camera
For APS-C camera owners out there, check out: What’s In My Camera Bag? – A Gear Guide to Sony APS-C Cameras
Looking to buy a new travel camera but not sure where to start? Check out our camera guide on 10 Best Travel Cameras to Buy.
Bought a new camera and not sure what camera accessories to buy? Check out: 14 BEST Sony Camera Accessories You Should Buy.
Looking for a good-looking and functional camera strap to buy? You are going to love the Langly Tactical, Premium Leather, and Paracord camera straps. Check out my review here: A Traveler’s Review: Langly Camera Straps.
Want to start a YouTube channel and looking to buy new cameras for travel vlogging? Check out: 8 Best Cameras For Travel Vlogging to Buy.
Finding a great camera bag you can travel with is not as easy as it sounds. If you are looking for one, here are the 10 Best Camera Bags for Travel, Backpacking, and Hiking You Should Buy.
Now, if you are looking for a camera sling/shoulder bag instead of a full-fledged camera backpack to travel with, here are the 11 Best Camera Sling/Shoulder Bags For Travel.
Looking for the most versatile camera sling bag? Check out: A Traveler’s Review: WANDRD Roam (Rogue) Sling.
For a smaller setup, the Nomatic McKinnon Sling is a great camera bag to check out. Here is A Traveler’s Review: Nomatic McKinnon Camera Sling 8L.
If you are looking for gifts to buy for your photographer loved ones, check out: 12 Cool Gifts To Buy For Travel Photographers
Traveling light with camera gear is all about balancing what you need and what you want. Here are the 8 Best Tips For Traveling Light With Camera Gear.
After years of research, I finally found the most beautiful camera backpack of all! Check this out: A Traveler’s Review: Langly Alpha Globetrotter Camera Backpack
If you are looking for a great camera accessory to help improve your travel photography skills, check out: 14 BEST Sony Camera Accessories You Should Buy.
Are you looking for the best travel camera for your next trip? Why not consider the Sony a6500? Here’s why the Sony a6500 is the best travel camera.
If you want to carry just one lens when you travel, here is why the Sony 16-55mm F2.8 is the best travel lens to get for your Sony a6600 or a6500.
This is the one lens I never knew I needed, but now that I have it, I can’t travel without it! A Traveler’s Review: The Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 Lens.
An ultra-wide lens is perfect for travel, and there is no better lens than the Sony 10-18mm F4 lens. Here is why: Traveler’s Review: Sony 10-18mm F4 lens.
Full-frame or APS-C Cameras? Here’s my take on which camera format to pick for travel: 5 Reasons Why I’m Sticking With a Sony APS-C Camera
Wondering which Sony Mirrorless camera is right for you? The Best Sony Travel Cameras to Buy in 2024.
Just bought a new Sony mirrorless camera? Check out: 15 Tips & Tricks For Your New Sony a7C, a7III, and More.
Wondering which lenses to buy for your Sony cameras? Check out The Best Travel Lenses For Sony a7III, a7C, a7RIV, and More.
Looking for a compact and lightweight travel telephoto lens for wildlife and landscape? You are going to love this lens. Here is A Traveler’s Review of the Tamron 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 lens.
If you are looking for a review of the first Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens to see if it is worth buying now, check out: A Traveler’s Review of the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens.
The king of travel lenses has arrived. The Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens is, hands down, the best travel all-purpose zoom lens I have ever owned. Here’s why: A Traveler’s Review: Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens.
Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II OSS lens is, hands down, the best telephoto lens to get for your Sony cameras, but it comes with an extremely high price tag. Here is a complete traveler’s review of the lens: A Traveler’s Review: Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II OSS Lens.
Looking for a lightweight and affordable landscape/architecture travel lens that is also extremely capable? Here is A Traveler’s Review of the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Lens.
Looking for the best travel portrait lens to buy for your next trip? You can’t beat the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN lens. Here is A Traveler’s Review of the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens.
Picking a camera body is one thing. Picking the lenses is a whole different game. Here is the ultimate guide to the best travel lenses for the Sony a6500.
Looking for the best street and travel photography lens? Here is why Sigma 56mm F1.4 is the Best Travel Photography Lens for Sony APS-C.
GoPro is good and all, but did you know that there are many other GoPro alternatives that are better and cheaper? Here are the 8 Best GoPro Alternatives You Should Buy in 2024.
Looking for a great drone to travel with? Why is the DJI Mavic Mini the Best Drone for Travelers?
The best travel drone just got even better. Here is A Traveler’s Review of The DJI Mini 2, and why it is the best travel drone to buy.
Already have a Mavic Mini or looking to buy one? Here are 25 Tips and Tricks for New DJI Mavic Mini Owners.
Looking for the best travel wireless earbuds or headphones? Here are the 7 Best Travel Wireless Earbuds & Headphones to Buy.
You can’t travel without a backpack, and if you’re looking for one, check out my guide on the best Herschel Supply backpacks for travelers.
If you like hiking and going on adventures for weeks on end, you are going to need a bigger backpack. Here is Why the Osprey Atmos AG is the Best Hiking Backpack to Buy.
If you are into making travel videos, here is my ultimate advanced filmmaking gear guide.
Planning to go on your first-ever hiking trip? Here is How to Pack for Hiking and Camping.
Technical hiking gear doesn’t have to be ugly. Here is a guide to hiking gear that actually looks good on you.
If you are a light-weight traveler and are looking for powerful gear to go with your setup, check out the extremely light-weight photography gear guide.
Looking for gift ideas for your traveler friends or family members? Here are 16 Best Gifts to Buy for Travelers/Backpackers.
Or, if you are into gadgets, here is a quick guide on 10 tech gadgets you should buy this year.
If you are a blogger as well and are looking for free travel images to spice up your content, check out the 9 Best Websites to Find Free Travel Images.
Want to know the secrets on how to travel the world cheaply? Check out: 16 Best Tips on How to Travel the World Cheaply.
Looking for an Airbnb alternative for a better and more authentic stay in a place you are visiting? Here are the 8 Best Airbnb Alternatives to Use.
Looking to plan your first backpacking trip around the world? Check out: How To Plan A Backpacking Trip.
For more resources like this, visit my Resources page.
Want to learn how I was able to take so many good pictures of myself while I travel solo? Check out: How To Take Great Pictures of Yourself.
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