Best Travel Camera: Creative, Compact, Tough and Waterproof!

You’re off on the vacation of a lifetime! Beach, bar, city or spa— these are the days you want to remember forever. To capture all the special moments, you need something durable and reliable that can do your experiences justice. And it just so happens we have a couple of perfect options. Here's our guide to the best travel camera!

What makes a good camera for travel?

Buying a new camera can be daunting because of the number of options. Even in the class of “travel cameras”, there are literally thousands to choose from.

So, here are a few more things to consider when choosing the best travel camera:

Portability: NO to clunky and heavy, YES to lightweight and easy to carry around.
Creativity vs. simplicity: Do you want a thousand amazing creative options, or a hassle-free point and shoot?
Image quality: High resolution, great stabilization and superior low-light performance to reduce the chances of that perfect shot being blurry.
Durability: Especially when traveling, your camera needs to be able to endure the elements.
Versatility: Reducing the number of cameras and accessories you need to carry around to make travel more enjoyable.

Best pocket camera for creative travel videos

For those of us whose sole purpose of going on vacation is taking epic shots of absolutely everything, Insta360 X3 is the ideal pocket camera for travel. It isn’t a regular camera. It’s a 360 action cam.

Forget “point-and-shoot”, discover the freedom of “shoot first, point later”. X3 captures images from every angle, so you can relax in the knowledge you’ll never miss that perfect shot again! Just shoot now, then reframe around your subject and favorite angles later.

Bungee jumping over the Nile, kayaking down the Amazon, or flying through the Grand Canyon, you shouldn’t be glued to a viewfinder. When you “shoot first, point later”, you’re free to live in the moment. And when you finally have a moment of calm, either upload as a traditional flat video or in mind-blowing 360. That’s why 360-degree cameras are so great for travel photography.

X3 really comes into its own once you let your creative juices flow. With the help of Shot Lab AI editing, you can create breathtaking cinematic effects with the tap of a button. Effects to choose from include the super popular "Sky Swap" (see below), stop motion, timelapses, clone effects, flying effects, and many, many more. X3 also utilizes Insta360’s signature FlowState stabilization, so your footage will appear even more blockbuster-like.

If you prefer travel vlogs or documentaries to big-screen movies, why not be the star of your own? Use X3 with the Invisible Selfie Stick to create the impression of being filmed by someone else. It’s like having your own personal camera crew in your pocket!

Despite its creative focus, X3 is still an action camera after all. Waterproof to 10 meters, its durable body is designed to withstand whatever adventures you put yourself, and it, through. It also acts as a regular POV action cam for when you’re too busy to reframe your shots. Just use X3's simple 4K single lens mode for easy point-and-shoot photos and videos that you can share instantly to social media.

As for price point, you can pick up this travel camera for just US$449.99!

No drone? No problem.

One of the standout features of X3 is the ability to make the selfie stick completely invisible. That means you get access to stunning, FPV-style shots effortlessly. Put your thinking caps on now... imagine you're in a place that would look incredible with some epic, drone shots. But maybe drones are restricted, or you don't have one... enter the X3!

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Best tiny camera for travel: Meet GO 3

If you're looking for a tiny but mighty powerhouse, look no further than our Insta360 GO 3 - revolutionizing how you capture your journeys. Weighing in at just 35g, this tiny mighty action camera is designed for truly anyone, unlocking unparalleled creative possibilities. Think big here!

The compact size of the GO 3 makes it the perfect companion for travelers on the go. Easily mount it just about anywhere using its included magnetic mounting accessories. From the breathtaking views of mountain trails to the vibrant streets of bustling cities, the GO 3 ensures that you never miss a moment of your travel experiences.

Equipped with leading FlowState Stabilization and creative shooting effects, the GO 3 guarantees that your footage remains silky smooth, even during high-intensity activities. Plus, the brand-new Action Pod takes the camera's flexibility to the next level, enabling remote control and live preview functionality for effortless shooting.

Whether you are an experienced vlogger or a beginner seeking to document your adventures, the GO 3 is the perfect all-around, tiny action camera. Capture perfectly framed selfies or vlog seamlessly, using the Action Pod's convenient flip touchscreen.

For those seeking even more creative angles, the Mini 2-in-1 Tripod is a vlogger's dream come true, serving as a tripod and selfie stick in one compact design. Pair it with the GO 3, and you have the perfect setup for on-the-go shooting, whether you're exploring new cities or venturing into the great outdoors.

Check out the GO 3 in action here: