Dos & Don'ts for Traveling With a Camera
Do Make a Packing List
A list makes it easy to ensure nothing gets left behind. You'll need your camera, camera strap, at least one lens, a memory card and your camera bag. Other items you might need are an external power bank, a backup battery or a tripod.
Do Pack Only What You Need
The more gear you bring, the more chances there are for something to get damaged, lost or stolen. Assess what your photography goals are for this trip. You'll need a different lens depending on if you're shooting landscapes, portraits or action shots, but don't bring every single lens you own.
Do Back Up Your Photos
Back up any photos you may have on the memory cards you're bringing with you. Not only will this preserve any existing photos in case a memory card goes missing, but it also allows you to delete any photos if needed while on your trip. In addition, we also recommend backing up while you're on your trip in case anything happens to your camera or memory card.
Do Research Airline Policies
You shouldn't have a problem bringing your photography equipment on an airplane, but it's always wise to check the policies of whatever airline you're flying to minimize the chance of your bag being searched or bringing something on board that you shouldn't.
Do Research Where You're Going
The easiest way to know what gear to bring is to know about where you're going. Are you traveling to a city known for historic architecture? Do you plan to capture breathtaking sunrises? If you have a plan of what you plan to photograph, it's easier to determine which lenses and accessories to pack.
Do Consider the Climate
Where are you going? Any climate with extreme weather requires proper protection for your gear, whether that's a heavy-duty camera bag or a camera rain cover.
Don't Check Your Camera Bag
Don't put your camera in your checked luggage. If your luggage gets lost, you're now without a camera. At minimum, it's inconvenient, but the worst case scenario is that you never get your bag back. Instead, use your camera bag as your carry-on. Plus, the TSA requires that any items with lithium ion and lithium metal batteries (which cameras sometimes use) be transported in your carry-on.
Don't Travel With the Lens Attached to the Camera
If your gear shifts during the flight, you risk damage to both the camera body and the lens. If you're using your camera bag as your carry-on, there should be a designated compartment to safely store the camera and the lens.
Do Use the Safe
Of course, your actual stay is part of traveling with a camera, too. Be sure to lock your camera, lenses and memory cards in the safe in your hotel room when you're not losing them. Whether by theft or accidental damage, keeping all of your camera equipment in one secure location will protect all of it.
Get More Camera Support from Abt
Now you're prepared to travel with your camera and keep your gear safe no matter where you go. Need more camera support? You can explore our camera buying guide or attend our camera classes: we offer them in-store and virtually on our YouTube channel, with courses for beginners, intermediate users and experts.
Traveling With a Camera Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you can bring a camera on a plane.
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Yes, your camera bag will count as your carry-on (or personal item) on a flight.
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Yes, you can put a camera in your checked bag. However, we recommend that you put it in your carry-on to avoid damage to your expensive camera and gear.
