It feels like the summer season is right around the corner, and with it comes lots of exciting opportunities for travel. And yep, that means we can enjoy some travel photography too! Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or Mirrorless camera or just your smartphone, we all want to capture those special moments from our trips. But let’s be honest, most travel photos end up being forgettable snapshots rather than meaningful images.

Travel photographer Leander Hoefler understands this struggle. He’s learned that great travel photography isn’t just about pointing a camera at pretty sights; it’s about storytelling, light, and simplicity. Here are his three key tips to instantly elevate your travel photos.

1. Think in Sets (Not Just Single Shots)

Most travellers take random photos of whatever catches their eye. While this approach isn’t wrong, it often leads to a disjointed collection of images that don’t truly represent a place. Instead, Leander recommends thinking in sets and taking groups of photos that together tell a complete story.

The Three Types of Shots Every Set Needs:

• Establishing Shots – These are the wide, iconic views that set the scene. A city skyline, a famous landmark, or a sweeping landscape instantly tells viewers where you are.
• Everyday Life Shots – These make up the bulk of your set. Capture street scenes, local culture, architecture, and people going about their daily routines.
• Detail Shots – These are the small, often overlooked elements that add depth. A close-up of street food, a weathered door, or a fisherman’s net can say as much about a place as a grand vista.

“Not every photo needs to stand alone,” Leander explains. “Sometimes an ordinary shot becomes powerful when paired with others in a set.”

2. Know Your Light (Don’t Just Chase Golden Hour)

Conventional wisdom says to shoot only during golden hour, the hour after sunrise or before sunset. But Leander disagrees. While soft, warm light is beautiful, limiting yourself to one type of lighting means missing out on other creative opportunities.

How to Use Different Types of Light:

• Front Lighting (Sun Behind You) – Flattens the scene but enhances colours. Great for vibrant street scenes or portraits with even illumination.
• Side Lighting (Sun at a 90° Angle) – Creates depth and texture. Ideal for landscapes and adding dimension to buildings or faces.
• Backlighting (Sun in Front of You) – Produces dramatic silhouettes and emphasises shapes. Works well for moody, high-contrast shots.

“Harsh midday light isn’t the enemy,” Leander says. “It can make colours pop and create bold, graphic compositions.”

3. Pack Light (Less Gear = More Creativity)

Ah yes, this is the one I really need to take to heart! It’s tempting to bring every lens and accessory “just in case,” but Leander swears by travelling light. A heavy bag isn’t just tiring, it stifles creativity.

“When your shoulders ache, your mind is too distracted to notice great shots,” he explains. “Some of my best photos came from trips where I only brought one or two prime lenses.”

Why Less Gear Works Better:

• You enjoy the trip more – Less weight = less stress = better photos.
• You move faster – No fumbling with lenses means you’re ready when a moment happens.
• You think more creatively – Limitations force you to find new angles and compositions.

Final Thoughts

Great travel photography isn’t about fancy gear or perfect conditions, it’s about storytelling, adaptability, and simplicity. By thinking in sets, embracing all types of light, and packing light, you’ll come home with photos that truly capture the essence of your journey.

The pros shared six top tips for looking polished right out of the bag.

You made a thoughtful list, meticulously checked it off, and think you packed for your trip to perfection. That is—until you open your bag to find your go-to dress looking like a wrinkled mess, hardly fit for vacation photos, a milestone occasion, or an important work meeting. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a bit of preparation—and a few insider tips from the experts—you can unzip that bag to find your wardrobe ready for primetime right off the bat.

For tips on how to pack clothes without wrinkles, we tapped the pros for their top strategies. Bookmark these hacks ahead of your next trip to keep your outfits looking fresh, polished, and ready to go when you get there.

Less Is More

As much as you might be tempted, don’t overpack your suitcase. Giving your clothes room to breathe means less compression and, in turn, fewer wrinkles. “Not having to trawl through a bunch of clothes makes it so much easier to avoid wrinkles,” says SteamLine Luggage founder, Sara Banks, who has traveled the world with four kids in tow. “There is more space, fewer wrinkles, and it makes repacking a pleasure. Plus, it leaves room to bring home souvenirs.”

Invest In Packing Cubes

Packing cubes or organizational pouches are game changers for keeping your suitcase tidy and your clothes wrinkle-free. “This will help keep things orderly so everything has a place,” says Banks. “Rolling clothes or gently placing them in packing cubes helps to keep wrinkles away.” Packing cubes also keep items separated and organized, she says. (Plus, “they’re a great way to store dirty laundry separate from items that remain clean.”)

Roll Clothes, Don’t Fold Them

Rolling your clothes instead of folding them is a method well known to savvy packers; it saves space and helps prevent creases. “When it comes to packing clothes without wrinkles, I recommend rolling your garments instead of folding them,” says Monica Mahoney, designer of her eponymous clothing line. “This method not only saves space but also helps keep wrinkles at bay,”

To improve your organization, organize your rolled pieces vertically and tightly in your suitcase. This method—like Marie Kondo’s famous organizational strategy—also makes it easier to see all your wardrobe pieces at a glance.

Hang Clothes On Arrival

Once you arrive at your destination, take a few minutes to hang your clothes. This helps keep them wrinkle-free and ready to wear. If you notice a few creases, here’s a simple hack: hang your clothes in the bathroom while you shower. Banks suggests that the warm moisture from the steam will help release minor wrinkles.

Use Tissue Paper For Delicate Fabrics

Packing with tissue paper can be a game changer for more delicate fabrics. “You can place tissue paper between layers of delicate fabrics to reduce friction and keep your pieces looking fresh,” says Mahoney.

(If you’re traveling with a blazer or dress for a high-stakes occasion, consider a garment bag to keep it pristine.)

Pack Strategically Using Layers

“I suggest packing each item with intention, placing heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase and reserving the top layer for lighter, more delicate fabrics,” Mahoney says. Layering is key to minimizing wrinkles. Start by placing shoes and heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase. Lay rolled or folded clothes on top, and save the most delicate pieces for the top layer.

By packing smarter, not harder, you’ll spend less time worrying about wrinkles and more time enjoying your trip (and snapping fabulous photos along the way).

The top things to know before your next trip to Spain.

With its world-class art, energetic festivals, and a food scene that practically encourages ordering one more for the table, Spain is a place where prioritizing enjoyment reigns supreme. You’ll never get bored in Spain, either. Historic hotspots? Head to Seville. Late-night partying and a great restaurant scene? Check out Barcelona. Dramatic landscapes and avant-garde architecture? You’ll find us in the Basque Country.

Whether you’re planning on sipping vermouth in Madrid, hiking the Picos de Europa, or lounging in Ibiza, Spain should be on your travel list for 2025. Heading there soon? Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Documents and Visas That You’ll Need

For most travelers, Spain requires a valid passport with at least three months of validity beyond your planned departure. U.S., Canadian, U.K., and most E.U. citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement.

If you’re staying longer, a visa is required. Always carry ID because Spain has strict ID laws, and police may (rarely, but you never know) request to see your passport. If you’re an E.U. citizen, a national ID card often does the job. It’s worth keeping a copy of your documents in your suitcase, too: some Spanish cities like Barcelona struggle with pickpockets.

Currency and the Cost of Things

Spain uses the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but cash is handy for small purchases, especially in rural areas. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is common. If you’re eating at a fancier restaurant or dining with a large group, a service charge is typically added to the bottom of your bill automatically.

While Spain is generally affordable compared to other Western European countries, big cities like Madrid and Barcelona are pricier. Expect to pay around €1.50 for a coffee, €3 for a beer, and €15-30 for a mid-range meal.

Transportation in Spain and Transport Tips

Spain has an extensive and efficient transport system. The AVE high-speed trains connect major cities quickly, while regional trains and buses are great for smaller towns.

In cities, metros, buses, and taxis are reliable–get a transport pass for savings in many of the big cities. Rideshare apps like Uber and Cabify are available but not as dominant as local taxis.

Renting a car is ideal for countryside explorations but avoid driving in big cities where parking is a nightmare (Seville, we’re looking at you). If you’re island-hopping, ferries connect the Balearic and Canary Islands.

It’s worth planning your travels before you buy a transport pass or hire a car, though: many Spanish cities are best explored on foot (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville) or via e-bikes, which you’ll find dotted throughout the most popular spots and usable via apps.

Spanish Cuisine and Eating Culture

Spanish dining runs on its own schedule: lunch is the main meal (typically between 2-4 p.m.), and dinner rarely starts before 9 p.m.

Tapas are small plates meant for sharing and are often enjoyed while standing; tapas culture is a big deal in Spain. Try regional specialties like paella in Valencia, pintxos in San Sebastián, or cochinillo (roast suckling pig) in Segovia.

Breakfast is light–often a coffee with a pastry or toast with tomato (pan con tomate). In Andalusia, locals often opt for mollete (soft bread with olive oil, tomato, or cured meats).

Hungry before lunch? Grab a bocadillo (simple sandwich) or churros con chocolate for a mid-morning snack. One of the best things about Spain? Churros are typically a breakfast treat, not a dessert.

Healthcare and Health Considerations

Spain has excellent healthcare, with both public and private options widely available. E.U. travelers should bring an EHIC card for state healthcare access, and U.K. travelers can now bring a GHIC. Regardless, travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors.

No vaccines are required beyond routine ones. Pharmacies (farmacias) are everywhere and can offer medical advice for minor issues but bring a Spanish speaker with you for anything complex.

If you need emergency care, dial 112 (free and multilingual). For minor issues, you can visit a local clinic (called a centro de salud), but private clinics (clínicas privadas) generally often offer faster service for a fee.

Tap water is safe to drink in most cities, but some rural areas and the Canary Islands have a slight chlorine taste, but bottled water is common and available there.

Weather and the Best Seasons for Travel

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Spain’s climate varies by region. Summers (June-August) are hot, especially inland, with temperatures often exceeding 95°F (35°C) in Madrid and Seville. The Mediterranean coast is warm but breezy.

Winters (December-February) are mild in the south but can be cold in the north and mountainous areas. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are the best times for comfortable sightseeing, in our opinion, with moderate temperatures, lower accommodation prices, and fewer crowds.

If you head north (e.g., Basque Country, Galicia), you’ll find it’s rainier year-round, while the Canary Islands are a top choice for that perpetual spring-has-sprung climate.

Packing for Spain

You’re welcome to leave your heels behind when visiting Spain, as the most important thing to pack is comfortable walking shoes—Spain’s cities are best explored on foot.

In summer, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. If you’re traveling in winter, pack a warm coat, especially for the northern regions. A rain jacket is always useful for unpredictable showers, especially in the north.

If you’re visiting cathedrals, bring a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders. And in rural areas, plug adapters (Type C/F) and power banks are handy, as outlets can be sparse.

Staying Safe in Spain

Spain is generally very safe for travelers, including solo and LGBTQ+ visitors. Pickpocketing is the biggest concern, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Barcelona’s La Rambla or Madrid’s Puerta del Sol. Always keep your bags zipped and valuables secure and hidden away.

Female travelers will find Spain relatively safe, but nightlife areas can get rowdy, so stay aware and follow the same precautions you’d exercise in any big city. LGBTQ+ travelers will feel welcome, particularly in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Sitges, where Pride celebrations are massive.

Key Spanish Phrases to Know

If apps like Duolingo just aren’t cutting it (el oso bebe leche, anyone?), here are some key phrases to get you started in Spain:

Hello: hola

Thank you: Gracias

The check, please: La cuenta, por favor

Where is the bathroom?: ¿Dónde está el baño?

A beer/tapas, please: Una cerveza/tapa, por favo

I don’t speak Spanish: No hablo español

How much does it cost?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?

Excuse me / Sorry: Perdón / Disculpe

Internet, Wi-fi, and Connectivity

WI-fI is widely available in hotels, cafés, and public spaces but can be slow in rural areas. SIM cards from providers like Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange offer affordable data plans if you need constant connectivity.

You can also look into global ESIM options like HolaFly or Airalo, although their prices are typically a fair bit higher. Spain uses Type C and Type F plugs with 230V voltage, so bring an adapter if needed. Some hotels require keycards for power in rooms, so charge devices when you’re in. If you’re working while traveling, the most popular Spanish cities all have coworking spaces with high-speed wi-fi, too.

Watch Out for These Scams

Pickpocketing is common in tourist hubs, with distraction techniques like fake petitions, “spilled” liquids, or street performances used to lift wallets. Always be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering help with luggage or ATMs—it’s better to seem rude than get scammed.

In restaurants, double-check the bill for unwanted extras. While this isn’t a scam exactly, some restaurants will offer bread and olives before your main meal, which are rarely free, so expect to see them on the bill afterward, too.

When moving around Spain, it’s important to stay aware as well. In some cities like Barcelona, taxi drivers may take longer routes to drive up fares (this is especially a problem at night from BCN airport). Instead, use apps like Uber when possible.

Whether you write a list of 50 unmissable South American destinations, or cap it at 10, it’s clear there’s something for every kind of traveller across the continent.

Budget comes into play, as does time, but if you’ve started planning and dreaming, you’d do well with starting your adventures with one of the following bucket list destinations.

Machu Picchu

Nestled high in the Andes, this 15th century Incan citadel offers mysterious ruins, stunning views and an opportunity to connect to a lost civilisation.

Located 80 kilometres from Cusco, the journey itself to this UNESCO World Heritage site – whether it’s by train, bus or some solid hiking – is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Hiking the celebrated Inca Trail? Expect a guided four-to-five day hike from the Sacred Valley surrounding Cusco.

Galapagos Islands

Love wildlife? It’s hard to go past an opportunity to explore the 19 islands which make up the Galapagos Islands (not to mention the marine reserve which surrounds them).

Located some 1000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador and considered a melting pot of marine species, this is the place to swim, snorkel, cruise and hike your way through colonies of species you’re unable to find anywhere else in the world.

See the island iguana, the giant tortoise, the blue-footed booby and much more as you marvel about the beauty of Mother Nature.

Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

Welcome to the world’s largest salt flat, a glistening white expanse spanning over 10,000 square kilometres, which transforms into a giant mirror reflecting the sky any time it rains.

Visit between December and April (the wet season) and you’re likely to see a population of vibrant flamingos making the most of the area, which also includes lagoons and volcanos.

The perfect destination for both photographers and adventurers.

Iguazu Falls

Why travel to visit one waterfall when you can see hundreds all at once?

Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls comprises 275 individual waterfalls across two kilometres of lush rainforest, making it one of the largest (and certainly the most eye-catching) waterfall systems in the world.

While the Brazilian side is home to the most powerful falls, Argentina have the majority.

What to do? You can tackle one of the many walking trails, sign up for a local boat tour, or commit to a multi-day guided tour which takes in all the highlights.

The Amazon

Spanning nine countries and producing 20 per cent of the world’s oxygen, it’s difficult to miss the Amazon but you’re going to have to make some decisions.

Which country to visit from? To enjoy a cruise along the Amazon river, the second-longest river in the world, stay in a jungle lodge or explore the vibrant ecosystem of the rainforest by other means?

A few great options are to go via Manaus, Brazil (most of the rainforest is within Brazil), visit the Peruvian Amazon from Manu National Park, Tambopata Province, or the city of Iquitos, and for those visiting Ecuadorian Amazon, take a (lengthy) bus journey from Quito into Tena City where you can then get private transportation. It goes without saying that joining an organised tour is usually the easiest way to see the Amazon.

Pantanal, Brazil

If you’re already thinking about the Amazon (and heading to Brazil accordingly), you’d be crazy to miss tacking on a side adventure to the country’s Panatal wetland.

It’s considered one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet and the world’s largest inland wetland area.

Out here in these wide open spaces, animals are easier to spot and while most are hoping to see the elusive jaguar, any multi-day trip is likely to include more than a few otters, capybaras, caimans and a wealth of exotic bird species.

On the activity list? Put piranha fishing, night safari, horse riding and cruising right at the top.

Easter Island, Chile

Keen to truly get away from it all? It’s tough to beat a remote island in the middle of the South Pacific which is populated by some 900 monumental statues of human figures – or moai – with oversized heads.

Easter Island (aka Rapa Nui) might be famous for said statues but visitors who make the five-hour flight from Santiago can also explore volcanic craters, swim in pristine beaches and scuba dive with the underwater moai.

You’ll only need three to four days to experience all the main attractions the island has to offer, with most adding Easter Island as an extension of a trip to Chile.

Rainbow Mountain, Peru

Known locally as Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain – located right by Cusco in the Andes – is an astonishing (and now, Insta-famous) geographic landmark celebrated for its colourful strips.

Although many of the images you’re likely to see online are vibrant in a way that only only a solid filter can add, you’ll still see the mountain’s distinct stripes in a variety of reds, purples, yellows and greens – the result of many layers of different minerals.

You can lock in a day trip from Cusco (handy if you’re on your way to Machu Picchu) and attempt the Rainbow Mountain Trail. It’s only about three hours, but not only is it challenging, you’ll have to have acclimatised to Cusco first.

Torres del Paine, Chile

Take a snow-capped landscape dotted with towering granite peaks, gargantuan glaciers and turquoise lakes, and you have one of the best destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Some come to this national park, often called the eighth wonder of the world, to go puma spotting and others are all about tackling the park’s famous hiking trails, such as the W and O circuits which wind their way through landscapes as diverse as alpine meadows to ice-gripped fjords.

Don’t miss getting up for sunrise when the peaks glow red and purple – the perfect way to start the day.