10 Best Beginner Drones for Travel in 2023: Capture Stunning Aerial Views On Your Next Adventure

Kimberly Miller
My Geekin’ Opinion
8 min readMay 1, 2023

Hey, hey, fellow adventurers and future travel influencers! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re ready to up your travel photography game. How can you do that? I have one word for you…drone.

But let’s face it, though you are ready to fly high into those skies there are so many options out there, choosing the perfect beginner drone for travel can be as overwhelming as trying to navigate a foreign language menu. That’s where we come in — we’ve done the research to bring you the top 10 best beginner drones for travel in 2023.

So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to soar through our list of the best beginner drones for travel in 2023. Your Instagram feed (and your followers) will thank you.

Fly High: Factors to Consider When Choosing a Beginner Drone for Travel

When it comes to choosing the perfect drone for travel, there are a few key factors to consider. But don’t worry, we won’t bore you with a list of technical specs and confusing industry jargon.

Instead, we’ll break it down into the important stuff — like portability, camera quality, battery life, ease of use, and cost. Because let’s face it, you want a drone that won’t break the bank and won’t break your back when you’re lugging it around.

First up, let’s talk portability. You don’t want to be that person struggling to fit their oversized drone into the overhead bin on a cramped airplane. Look for a drone that’s compact and lightweight, so you can easily toss it in your backpack and hit the road. After all, you’re on vacation — who wants to carry around a clunky and heavy piece of equipment?

Next, camera quality is key. We all want those crystal-clear and envy-inducing shots for our Instagram feeds, right? Look for a drone with a decent camera resolution and stabilization features, so you can capture those smooth and stunning aerial views without any blur or shakiness.

But what good is a great camera if your drone dies after five minutes in the air? That’s where battery life and flight time comes in. You want a drone that can keep up with your adventures and won’t leave you stranded mid-flight. Look for a drone with decent battery life and flight time, so you can spend less time charging and more time capturing epic footage.

Now, let’s talk about ease of use and safety features. Unless you’re a drone expert, you want something easy to fly and won’t crash into a tree on your first attempt. Look for a drone with beginner-friendly controls and safety features like obstacle avoidance and return-to-home functions. Trust us, your drone (and your wallet) will thank you.

Last but not least, cost. We all want the latest and greatest gadgets, but sometimes our wallets have other plans. Look for a drone that fits your budget, but still has the features you need for epic travel photography. After all, the best drone is the one you can actually afford to take on your adventures.

So there you have it — the top factors to consider when choosing the perfect beginner drone for travel. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning aerial footage and impressing all your followers. If you want some suggestions on where you can take your new drone you might check out my other blog My Shadow & Me)

Top 10 Beginner Drones for Travel

Without further ado, it’s time to unveil the top 10 best beginner drones for travel in 2023. We’ve scoured the market, tested out the latest models, and consulted with travel experts to bring you this epic list. Get ready to add some serious drone envy to your travel gear collection.

DJI Mavic Mini 2 -

This compact and lightweight drone is the perfect travel companion, with a 4k camera and 31-minute flight time. Plus, it won’t break the bank, leaving more room in your budget for that extra shot of tequila.

Parrot Anafi

A sleek and stylish drone option for those looking for stunning camera quality, with a 4k HDR camera and 2.8x zoom. It’s also foldable and lightweight, making it a breeze to travel with.

DJI Mini SE

This affordable option from DJI still packs a punch, with a 12mp camera and 30-minute flight time. It may not have all the bells and whistles of its pricier counterparts, but it’s a great choice for beginners.

Ryze Tello

This tiny but mighty drone is perfect for those on a budget, with a 720p camera and 13-minute flight time. Plus, it’s easy to use and comes with fun features like programmable flight paths.

DJI Mavic Air 2

If your looking for a mid-range option this drone from DJI is a great choice. It offers a step up in camera quality, with a 48mp camera and 34-minute flight time. On top of that, it has features like obstacle avoidance and a 3-axis gimbal for smooth footage.

Autel EVO Lite

With a 4k camera and a 30-minute flying period, this foldable drone is a fantastic choice for individuals who appreciate image quality. It is user-friendly and has capabilities like GPS and obstacle avoidance.

Potensic Dreamer-

This is an excellent alternative for individuals on a tight budget because it includes a 4k camera and a 31-minute flying time. Moreover, it incorporates functions like gesture control and follow-me mode.

Holy Stone HS100D

This drone has a 1080p camera and a 15-minute flight time, making it a solid option for beginners. It also comes with features like GPS and a return-to-home function.

Eachine E520S –

This affordable drone option has a 4k camera and 16-minute flight time, making it a great value for those on a budget. Additionally, it has features like GPS and follow-me mode.

Hubsan Zino Pro –

This mid-priced drone has a 4k camera and a 23-minute flight time, making it a great option for those looking for solid camera quality without breaking the bank. Plus, it has features like GPS and a return-to-home function.

And there you have it — our top 10 best beginner drones for travel in 2023. No matter your budget or skill level, there’s a drone on this list that will take your travel photography to the next level.

Things to Keep in Mind: Tips for the Novice Drone Pilot

Congratulations, you’re now the proud owner of a shiny new drone thanks to our fantastic suggestions above we are sure! Now it’s time to take it on an adventure, but before you jet off to the other side of the world, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips for traveling with your drone:

· Know the regulations: Just like how your aunt Mildred has a strict “no shoes in the house” policy, different countries have their regulations when it comes to drones. Do your research before you leave and make sure you’re aware of any restrictions or permits you might need.

· Pack carefully: Your drone is your new BFF, so treat it with care. Make sure it’s packed securely in a protective case and keep it in your carry-on bag. The last thing you want is for your drone to end up like your luggage — lost and lonely in a foreign land.

· Be mindful of your surroundings: You wouldn’t whip out a tuba and start playing it in the middle of a library, so don’t fly your drone in areas where it might be disruptive or dangerous. Be aware of your surroundings and follow the rules.

· Respect privacy: Not everyone wants to be on camera, especially when they’re lounging on a beach in their undies. Respect people’s privacy and avoid flying your drone over private property or crowded areas.

· Have fun: This one’s pretty self-explanatory. You’ve got a drone, you’re on an adventure — have fun! Take some epic shots, capture some memories, and don’t forget to share them with us.

There you have it, some tips for traveling with your drone. Remember, traveling with a drone is like traveling with a toddler — it requires patience, attention, and a whole lot of love. But hey, at least your drone won’t throw a tantrum in the middle of a busy airport, right?

Wrapping It Up

Well, fellow travelers, that’s a wrap! We hope this guide helped you find the perfect drone for your travels and gave you some helpful tips for flying high in the sky.

Remember, whether you’re soaring over the beaches of Bali, the mountains of Machu Picchu, or just your backyard, a drone can help you capture some truly breathtaking moments. And with the right beginner drone, you don’t have to break the bank to do it.

So go forth, explore, and don’t forget to share your amazing aerial footage with us. We can’t wait to see where your drone takes you next!

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Written By: K.M. Miller (@mygeekinopinion)

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Kimberly Miller
My Geekin’ Opinion

I am a creative freelancer with a passion for film and the written word.