Travel Advice for Photographers and Adventurers

Pack Light

The best camera is the one that’s always on you. The Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx are my go-to cameras because they fit right in my pocket. In terms of backpacks, the Peak Design 45L is my best friend—I take it everywhere. Everything fits in a backpack.

Use the packing cube system to keep things organized.
Stick to black clothes: black t-shirt, black shoes, black shorts, black pants. Keep it simple.
Avoid looking like a tourist—no floral shirts and loud outfits. Minimalism is key.

Don’t Overplan, Just Go with the Flow

A lot of people plan every detail of their trip: “I want to go here, then there, then this, then that…” Don’t do that. Just go with the flow.

“Follow your intuition, follow your nose, and let the chips fall as they may.”

Every time I’ve traveled, I’ve gone in without preconceived notions. It makes the experience more real, more organic, and more fulfilling.

How Long Should You Travel?

2 to 4 weeks is the sweet spot.
If you can, stay for a month—it’s the best way to actually get to know a place.
A month gives you time to go slow, take in the culture, and create meaningful experiences.

Where to Travel?

If a place interests you, just go. But if you need ideas, here are two of my favorite destinations:

Mumbai, India – The Real Mecca of Street Photography

Everyone says New York is the mecca of street photography. No. Mumbai is the place.

The diversity of scenes is unreal.
Go in March for Holi Festival—you’ll have a blast.
Watch my Mumbai street photography POV series for behind-the-scenes action.

Hanoi, Vietnam – The Best Budget Destination

Extremely affordable with an amazing cultural experience.
Stay near Hoàn Kiếm Lake and walk around every morning.
Enjoy the delicious phở and incredible coffee.

“I fell in love with coffee in Vietnam.”

Hanoi has that perfect balance—chaos and peace wrapped into one experience.

Where to Stay?

Hotels > Hostels > Airbnbs.
Get a single room hotel—less headaches, less complications.
Use Booking.com—zoom out on the map, check prices, and pick a good location.

Solo Travel vs. Traveling with a Partner?

Travel alone. It’s the ultimate way to experience a place.
You set the pace, do your own thing, and move freely.
If you have a buddy, that’s cool too, but solo is the way to go.

“Keep the phone in your pocket. Stay in the moment. Explore endlessly. Get lost in the sauce.”

Photography & Video – Capture the Journey

Give yourself time—don’t rush photography.
Travel for a month so you can shoot at your own pace.
Use a GoPro Mini—no distractions, just capture raw experiences.
Treat video as a notetaking tool, a way to remember the journey.

Engage with Locals & Stay Open-Minded

Visit temples, mosques, churches—see how people live.
Learn from the locals, don’t just observe from a distance.
My experience: I spent weeks sleeping on the floor of a mosque in Jericho, learning about Islam, praying with an Imam, and living in a community.

“Through travel, you witness humanity in its rawest form.”

Transportation – Avoid Cars, Walk Everywhere

Set yourself up in a walkable city.
Mumbai: Use tuk-tuks and trains.
Hanoi: Walk everywhere or hop on the back of a motorbike.
Rome, Mexico City: Same thing—walk as much as possible.

Avoid day trips and long transit times—it’s just extra noise.

The Secret to Connecting with People as a Photographer

“The camera is the passport—it’s the excuse to experience the world.”

The secret? Bring an Instax camera.

Pick up a Fujifilm Instax Mini.
Carry packs of instant film.
When you meet someone interesting, give them a Polaroid.

This simple act opens doors. It builds trust, creates moments, and lets you make deeper connections wherever you go.

Final Words

Follow your intuition. Have no preconceived notions. Travel slow. Immerse yourself.

“Go with the flow, and go slow.”