EP 54: travel tips: learn from my mistakes as a destination wedding photographer
Hey guys! It’s Summer Grace, and today I’m sharing some of my top travel tips—especially for those of you in photography or running a business while constantly on the go. Whether you’re juggling travel logistics for weddings or dealing with the extra challenges of traveling while pregnant (hi, that’s me!), I’ve learned a few things that might make your travel life a little easier.
Life on the Road as a Wedding Photographer
Travel has been a huge part of my career from day one, and not just for me—Jake and I have been traveling together for weddings full-time for the last two years. We’ve had our fair share of travel wins and fails, but we’ve definitely picked up some solid tips to help make things run more smoothly, and I’m so excited to share them with you!
Quick Life Update
Before we dive into the details, we just shot our final wedding before my maternity leave, and it was such a gorgeous one in Hood River, Oregon. This one was especially interesting because we had been booked as local photographers before moving to LA, so we had to recalibrate our whole approach to long-distance logistics. Definitely a learning curve, but we got through it!
My Top Travel Tips for Photographers
Let’s jump into the travel strategies that have really made a difference for us, whether it’s for weddings, events, or any business-related travel. These tips will help make things less stressful and more efficient—because who has time for travel headaches when you’re running a business?
Booking Essentials
1. Always Book Non-Stop Flights: If you can, always go for the non-stop flight option. Layovers are so unpredictable, and there’s nothing worse than worrying about missing a connection when you’ve got a wedding or important event to get to. Direct flights might be a little more expensive, but trust me—it’s worth it for the peace of mind!
2. Hotel Loyalty Programs vs. Travel Agencies: You’ve got two options when it comes to hotels: either stick to a chain and rack up those loyalty points, or get a travel agency membership that offers discounts. We’ve found the travel agency membership has saved us a ton on hotels, so that’s been our go-to. Figure out what fits your travel patterns best and roll with it.
3. Smart Gear Packing: Protecting your gear is key. I’m all about using a Pelican case for my cameras and lenses—safe, secure, and professional. For personal stuff and smaller items, a backpack like mine from Wandrd is a lifesaver. It’s super durable, weather-resistant, and perfect when you’re shooting in less-than-ideal conditions (because, let’s be real, weather doesn’t care about your shoot schedule).
On the Road Tactics
4. Last-Minute Rental Cars: This one might surprise you, but booking rental cars closer to your trip date can sometimes get you better deals—especially with companies like Hertz. Don’t forget to take advantage of memberships like AAA for even more discounts (yes, young drivers, I’m looking at you!).
5. Maximize Your Rewards: If you’re not earning travel points, you’re missing out! Between airline, hotel, and credit card points, you can save a ton. We’ve used points for personal trips, which makes work travel feel like it’s paying us back in more ways than one. Trust me, those points add up quickly.
Staying Healthy and Prepped
6. Bring Your Own Snacks: Let’s talk airport food—it’s expensive and usually not the healthiest. I always pack my own snacks (or even a full-on meal if it’s a long travel day). Pro tip: you can bring ice packs through TSA as long as they’re frozen solid, so you can keep everything fresh while you travel.
7. Get TSA PreCheck or Clear: If you travel frequently, invest in TSA PreCheck or Clear. It saves you SO much time at security, especially in busy airports. No one wants to stress about long lines when you’re trying to get to your gate or focus on an upcoming shoot. Game-changer, for real!
Final Thoughts
Traveling as a photographer is an adventure all on its own, but it comes with its own set of challenges—especially when life throws in extra hurdles like pregnancy. With a little planning and these tips, you can make your travel life a whole lot smoother.
I hope these travel insights help you on your next adventure! If you’ve got any travel tips or questions, hit me up. I love hearing your stories and experiences, and it’s always fun to learn from each other. Don’t forget to share this post if it was helpful, and leave a comment with your best travel advice!
Catch you next time, and safe travels, friends!
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Instagram: @summergrace.photo
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