My Travel Writing and Photography Gear

While packing for my upcoming trip to Ukraine, I looked over my gear, checking each item off my list. It occurred to me that there might be some out there who are interested in what travel gear I use. I’ll keep it simple and to the point.

(Tips for Creators on a FAM Trip)

GoPro Hero 12 Kit
I’ll be snowboarding on my trip and my fun little gadget is making the journey. A GoPro is great for adventure shooting. Underwater shots are always cool It’s also durable. I would much rather snag a quick shot on the slopes with a GoPro than dig through my pockets for my iPhone.

iPhone
I don’t go anywhere without it. Not even the store. For travel reasons, it is my number one thing to take. If I was only allowed one piece of equipment to travel with, it would be my iPhone. Besides communication reasons, iPhone takes outstanding photos. And it connects to all my Apple Products.

Apple Watch
I love my Apple Watch. It helps me keep track of directions, how for I’ve walked and the fitness app is helpful. I can also use it for quick memos. That’s useful when I want to take a quick note. Make sure you buy a durable band for the Apple Watch. I had a band once that didn’t clasp tight. I paid a few extra dollars for a good one that doesn’t fall off.

Apple AirTags
I invested a lot of money in my travel gear and I want to know where my stuff is at all times. It even helps to alleviate anxiety when I check a bag at the airport. And I get a little nervous when I check my bags with the concierge at a hotel. When you’re a travel writer, you don’t always get to stay in the grandest of places.

Apple AirPods
I use my AirPods for a variety of reasons. The main reason is I’m a runner. I always take them in hopes of finding a good place to run. I also use them if I need to do voiceover work on the go. If I’m editing a video in a coffee shop or other busy area, I can hear the sounds more clearly.

MacBook Pro
I have jumped on the MacBook Pro bandwagon. It makes what I do easy. Since it’s apple, all my products are connected easily. The MacBook editing apps are great for making my photos pop. It’s the best all-in-one laptop that I’ve used. It’s perfect for a travel writer. I can easily switch from editing photos to writing.

Sony Alpha Camera
The Sony Alpha is the best camera I’ve ever used. Granted, I haven’t used that many. I love taking photos. The camera can be a simple or complicated as I make it. If my settings aren’t right for a photo and I need to take a quick picture, the autofocus feature can take great photos. I have set settings for indoor and outdoor, but I’m still learning on switching things up.

Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens

This is a mid-size zoom lens. If I can’t take my longer lenses somewhere, I rely on this lens.

Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS Lens for Sony E-Mount
This is the lens I used on all wide-angle shots.

Sigma 60mm f/2.8 DN Art Lens for Sony E
I like to use this lens for close-up portrait shots.

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens
This is my big baby. I love this lens. If you see any of my photos of soccer matches, I use this lens. It’s a beast though and heavy. Not ideal for intimate locations. I mainly use it for outdoor shots. It takes fantastic photos.

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens
This is my all-purpose lens. If I’m ever in a position where I can only bring one lens, it will be this lens. It’s the lens that stays attached to my camera.

Vintar European Travel Plug
I like this travel plug because just one plug has 3 outlets and 4 USB outlets.

KuuZuse DSLR Camera Cleaning Kit
It sucks to be out in the field and get gunk on your camera. It’s important to have a good cleaning kit handy. When I was in England, a gust of wind covered my camera in some nastiness. I didn’t have a cleaning kit. First thing I did when I got back was purchase one.

Neewer Battery Charger
I have 3 batteries for my camera. It’s easy to go through batter life, especially when it’s cold out. When I get back to ny room, I charge 2 batteries at once.

Movo iVlogger Kit
This is my most recent toy. I’ve used Movo products for years. If you’ve ever heard me to an interview or mix up a drink, I’ve used a Movo microphone. The Movo iVlogger kit is great for interviews and vlogging. I often work with brands that want me to send them a quick video explaining something. This a great use of it. For me, I mostly use it back in my hotel room. I like to keep a minimal amount of things with me when I walk around.

Portable Chargers
I also use two portable chargers. Those are not in the photos. I haven’t decided which one I like more than the other. I have a drawer stash that I rummage through before I leave.

So, there you have it. I’m interested to know what items other travel bloggers and travel photographers take with them.

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