5 min read
Travel videos offer viewers a unique slice of life, whether you're sharing your story or the destination's. However, a lot more goes into travel video production than what you see on the screen. From pre-production planning to on-the-go editing techniques, discover everything you need to know to be a travel video creator.
The Evolution of Travel Video Production
Travel videos have always been popular, but their production has evolved significantly over the years. While such content was once typically exclusive to tourism promotions, documentaries, and event video productions, the digital era has completely changed the game.
Today, travel videos are often easy to make and share with only a handful of tools, such as a phone, a gimbal, and an active social media following. Social media, in particular, has helped travel videos become a standard form of visual storytelling. For instance, some creators use travel videos to document their life journeys, while others highlight the unique cultures and stories of each destination.
Mastering Storytelling in Travel Videos
Video is a unique storytelling medium that lets you depict narratives, characters, and locations in countless ways. Weaving a story into your videos motivates viewers to continue watching, whether you're explaining why you're visiting a locale or discussing the trailblazers who came before you.
With enough practice behind the camera, you can learn to capture the soul of every destination you visit — especially if you do your research in advance. Remember, the trick is to balance relatable and unique narratives, inviting viewers in with a sense of familiarity while offering them something new.
Essential Gear and Technology for Travel Filmmaking
Travel video creators can't take their entire video studios with them, but they still need to bring the essentials.
Choosing the Right Camera Setup
Your ideal camera setup depends on many factors, such as the platforms you're sharing on and how hands-on you want to be. While modern iPhone cameras offer excellent quality for most social media vlogs, you'll typically get better image quality from a professional camera, such as a Sony a6700 or a Fujifilm X-S20. Depending on your niche, you may also benefit from specialized cameras, such as GoPro cameras for sports videos or 360 cameras for interactive videos.
You should also have an assortment of camera equipment to prepare for multiple types of shoots. For instance, while a tripod lets you capture stable videos, many locations restrict tripod usage without a commercial photography permit, so you may need other options.
Lighting, Music, and Motion Tools
Ring lights and lights that attach to your camera setup offer easy ways to boost your video quality, especially when filming outdoors or at night. Beyond the footage itself, motion graphics, music, and other tools can significantly enhance your videos and grab viewers. Consider investing in royalty-free libraries for stock music, audio, and effects to easily upgrade your content without worrying about copyright.
Editing Software for On-the-Go Production
CapCut, iMovie, InShot, and Adobe Premiere Rush are relatively easy-to-use editing apps, offering fast ways to assemble layered, high-quality videos directly from your phone. This makes it simpler to crank out video content based on social media demands while still giving you time to experience and capture your trip, especially as you learn new editing techniques.
Pre-Production Tips for Travel Shoots
Even if you're planning on improvising most of your travel videos, you'll still have a lot to plan beyond your flight and hotel reservations. A corporate video production team can help you discover excellent video opportunities and strategize your best pre-production plan.
Building a Realistic Itinerary and Shot List
Before your trip, establish a practical itinerary, including must-see locations, the best days to see them, and the easiest ways to get back and forth. Schedule essential stops early on in your trip to give yourself flexibility in case of any setbacks. For example, if it rains on the day you were planning on seeing the Eiffel Tower, you can visit the Louvre or another indoor location instead and go to the Eiffel Tower on a later day.
You should also jot down a shot list, including every shot and visual you want to capture on your trip. This passive to-do list will keep you from forgetting any essential footage and save you time during on-location filming. For extra prep, consider doing some digital location scouting using "street view" and other online services.
Packing Light Without Sacrificing Quality
Consider the essential gear you'll need on your trip, such as your camera, gimbal, tripod, and lights, but avoid packing too heavy. Of course, a lighter carry-on or cheaper checked bag fee shouldn't be at the expense of your video quality. If you feel that your videos would benefit from additional microphones or even drone shots, then bring whatever equipment you need (and can actually fly with). Be sure to pack extra batteries, along with any other disposable gear you may need, too.
Protecting Your Gear in Transit and on Location
Take extra care when packing your video equipment to protect it from damage and potential theft. Invest in additional padding for your bags, and make sure your equipment can't move around in transit.
Depending on what you're bringing, you may want to keep your equipment in regular-looking suitcases and backpacks to avoid attracting attention. Finally, consider investing in small suitcase locks to prevent anyone from opening your bags.
Cinematic Techniques That Bring Destinations to Life
Close attention to key design elements can amplify your travel video footage to hook viewers and show your destination in the most attractive light. As you capture each shot, consider your video's composition and framing. What details are likely to draw your viewers' eyes, and how can you adjust the camera angle or position to put the focus where you want? Color grading, filters, and other visual styles can further amplify the composition and connect your footage by staying within the same color palette.
Beyond visual storytelling, consider your video's sound design. Sound effects and ambient noises contribute to immersive audio. Try recording ambient sounds at different destinations on your trip to weave them into an authentic and cohesive soundtrack.
Creating High-Impact Travel Videos on a Budget
Having a limited budget and resources doesn't mean you can't create something genuinely engaging.
Short-Form Strategy for Social Platforms
Social media currently thrives on short-form videos, which means you'll typically need to pump out at least a few videos every week to keep your place in "the algorithm." As you plan your travel video production, consider the different types of vlogs you could make on your trip to diversify your content while still maintaining quality. For example, many travel vloggers make videos for specific locations, such as restaurants and museums, while also creating general list videos, such as "The 5 Best-Kept Secrets of Atlanta, Georgia."
Maximizing Reach and Engagement With Limited Resources
Creativity often thrives on limited resources, so only having your basic equipment and your own two hands can inspire you to make something genuinely cool, especially if you already have an idea in mind. Use visual storytelling to show (not tell) viewers why you wanted to visit this destination yourself. Capture your experience from your point of view and share what you're passionate about. In many cases, your passion will keep people watching, no matter where you're filming.
Overcoming Common Travel Production Challenges
Do your research before filming at any location, especially when traveling to foreign countries. Filming laws differ in every area, and even if you're filming for a personal vlog, you could still be fined for unapproved commercial photography or breaking rules such as using a tripod where they're not allowed. Research each location's rules for access, filming, and permits, along with any other restrictions, to avoid any surprises.
Beyond legal barriers, you should also consider natural obstacles. Avoid filming in extreme weather conditions, such as rain or thunderstorms, and be aware of physical limitations when filming in rough, remote terrain, such as on a hiking path.
Capturing Culture With Care and Authenticity
Finally, be aware of how you're portraying the real-life cultures and civilizations you're visiting. Relying on stereotypes and tropes, such as yellow color grading or offensive humor, can cause you to misrepresent locations and miss the appealing factors that make each destination unique.
Research each location's culture, history, and people to approach your travel videos with ethical representation and cultural sensitivity. Of course, you should be sure to go into your trip with an open mind, too — otherwise, you may miss the best hidden gems. Many travel videographers hire local guides for invaluable insight and recommendations.
Turning Travel Into Storytelling That Moves People
Travel videos offer unique opportunities to transport your viewers to entirely new locations. Mastering visual storytelling techniques lets you capture not just the place you are in but also your experience, the area's culture, and a message that viewers can take with them.
Doing this effectively takes the right equipment and know-how, but you don't need to go it alone. Start planning your travel video production by talking to Charter & Co's expert team.
