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6 Ways to Get Instagram Worthy Pictures as a Solo Traveler

Updated: Jul 5

There are a lot of questions that come up when traveling and living abroad and who takes my pictures is one the continuously comes up. Furthermore, as a solo traveler, you may think you give up the possibility to get any pictures of yourself when traveling, but that's just not the case. The initial trip may have been taken solo, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to connect with people when you get there. Here are 5 ways I get my pictures taken when traveling abroad.

Jash drinking an iced tea in a market
Photo creds: My Mom in South Africa (2019)

1. MY MOM

Where I got my "Passport Ready" mindset from.


My Mom is always ready to book a flight, take a road trip, or hop on the train and just go. We have traveled to multiple countries as well as countless US states and we're just getting started.


Our travel styles are different, but we always find a way to make it work. I won't say she enjoys taking my pictures and videos while traveling, but, unfortunately, it's not optional 🤷🏾‍♀️


Some of my best pictures were taken by my Mom on our adventures including this market picture from our Christmas trip to Cape Town, South Africa in 2019.


Being able to share these destinations with my Mom is one of my favorite ways to experience travel both internationally and domestically. Together, we've visited the Grand Canyon, the Cape of Good Hope, Times Square, and that's not even scratching the surface.


Mother-Daughter trips are highly underrated, but I'm forever grateful to have a jet-setting mother that's always ready to be wheels up with her kid ✈️


2. FRIENDS

I primarily travel solo, but I always meet people when I get there. Whether I make friends at a hostel, at work, or just out and about, there are always connections to be made.



I've been able to make so many lasting friendships while traveling the world and I keep in touch with many of them to this day. Going out, exploring, and having photoshoots with your friends is also just fun.

Jash smiling and waving in front of a temple in South Korea
Photo creds: A friend in Haiti (2021)

One of the biggest myths of traveling solo is that you're going to be lonely. While there are times when you're alone, there have only been a handful of times where I've truly felt lonely. More and more people have stopped waiting for their brother, sister, friend, or cousin to book the group trip and taking to the world solo.


We out here, okay?


This shift in travel along with travel becoming more accessible has made making connections that more easier when hitting the road. From apps geared to solo travelers to social media, there are countless ways to find like-minded travelers looking to explore together.


I've found friends through Facebook groups, MeetUp events, and plenty of other methods while globetrotting solo.


You may have taken the flight alone, but there are plenty of people waiting for you at your destination. Book a hostel, take a walking tour, do a group activity, head to an event, the possibilities are endless!


3. TINDER DATES

This one might be a shocker, but when I go on Tinder Dates I *make them* take my pictures.


Jash sitting on a ledge while smiling
Photo creds: Tinder date in South Korea (2020)

Now, let me be clear. This doesn't happen every time and I don't expect 100 pictures, but if we're exploring a new city or trying something different I need the footage. You gotta work with what you got.


Fuck around and take some good pictures and I might have to wife you 😂


There are plenty of pictures on my social media feed that were taken by somebody's son and you wouldn't even know it. And, honestly, it takes all of a few minutes and then we continue the date. I've been on plenty of Tinder dates and have never had any complaints sooo...


You never know. You may find your life partner and photographer all in one.


Shoot your shot, sis.


4. STRANGERS

Yes, strangers. Random people I see around me.


Contrary to popular belief, people are generally good. I've even had people volunteer to take my pictures abroad. There are tips and tricks to finding the right person to take your pictures, but I'm usually not looking for a whole photoshoot so anyone that looks like they won't run off with my phone is good for me.


If you're looking for something more than that you can look for other solo travelers or younger people that look like they use Instagram. Dassit.

Jash standing in front of a colorful city in South Korea
Photo creds: A random family in South Korea (2020)

Again, there are so many solo travelers and people on social media that asking someone to snap a couple photos of you is not news.


Social media has literally changed the world in more ways than one and part of that is almost everyone wanting to document their experiences. From your Dad taking selfies with the grill during holidays to influencers in the wild taking photos of their breakfast, so many of us are creating eternal memories for ourselves and the internet.


So this is me letting you know that strangers are not out there to get you. If you want a couple pictures while traveling, don't be afraid to ask someone even if you don't know them.


5. BUMBLE BFF

Yes, another app.


Jash lying on a beach
Photo creds: A Bumble BFF in South Korea (2020)

Bumble BFF is one of my favorite apps to use when traveling abroad and I've been able to meet some really cool people. There are often a lot of other solo travelers and young people in the area just looking to make friends.


At one point, my bio literally said, "Bonus points if you can take IG worthy pictures because I'm tired of the self timer."


So many girls related to that and messaged me about that very line in my bio. We all out here just tryna live our best lives.


Through this app specifically, I've been able to make friends and explore new cities around the world. Whether you're traveling or even looking to meet new people in your city, I highly recommend Bumble BFF!


6. MYSELF (AND TRIPOD)

🎶 Me, myself, and I. That's all I got in the enddd. That's what I found out 🎶


Jash in a museum crouching and smiling
Photo creds: Me in Senegal (2019)

Sometimes you just gotta make it work. I didn't get a tripod until 2021 so before that it was literally just me finding places to prop my phone up and using the self timer. This can be a bit awkward, but once you get over that it's smooth sailing. I don't use my tripod that much outside the house, but I've set up on the beach, a balcony, and a bunch of other places.


You know how the saying goes: Sometimes if you want it done right you have to do it yourself.


Creating content and taking pictures will have you doing things you never thought you'd do like taking pictures and videos of yourself in public. It feels embarrassing, but we are committed to getting that famous shot.


All are great options, but my favorite is having my friends take my pictures.


Having somebody that will actually take the time to help you get some good pictures or videos is top tier. It's also nice because afterwards you can return the favor.


Some additional tips are to:

  • Give clear instructions of what you're looking for

  • Be patient, and

  • Be willing to accept the fact that you may have to ask a couple different people before you get what you want.


Whether you're trying to get into content creation or just want to create more memories from your travels, there are plenty of ways to get the photos and videos you're looking for.


How do you take pictures when traveling? Let me know if the comments!


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