Frustrated solo
travelers are returning home from their trips with little or nothing to show
for it. I know. That really sucks, doesn't it?! I was there before. But, thanks
to some clever tactics and a few social skills, I'm proud to say that, for
nearly three years, I've been getting fabulous photos of myself taken while
traveling solo. And here's four ways you can do the same!
1. Hire an
amateur photographer off ModelMayhem.
So, one time in Paris, I hired a photographer off ModelMayhem to take pictures of me in the city...like, all day. He was an aspiring travel photographer and
needed some shots for his portfolio. I literally only paid him $20 and took him
out for a drink. He got the shots he needed for his portfolio and I got amazing
photos of my solo trip in Paris. It was a total win/win situation. Not only
that but, to this day, he and I keep in contact. He's working as a photographer
in Cambodia right now and I'll totally be reaching out to him during my solo trip
to Siem Reap.
ModelMayhem is
branded as "a place where professional models meet photographers"
but, based on my observations, most of the "models" and
"photographers" on the social networking site are amateurs; which is
perfectly fine for the solo traveler. I mean, unless you're trying to become
America's Next Top Model or something. Just saying. Hire a photographer off
ModelMayhem and get your solo traveling, picture taking life!
2. Book a private tour of the most beautiful places in the city you're visiting.
This is hands
down my favorite way to get amazing photos of myself while traveling solo. It's
like the ultimate travel two-for-one.
Here's how you do it: book a private tour of the most beautiful or most interesting places in the city you're visiting (I suggest using Viator to do this) and simply inform your tour guide that you will need him or her to take several photos of you while on the tour. If you did your research prior to taking the tour, you would already know the locations that you would like to be photographed. Tell your tour guide to snap shots of you there and do not leave that location until you're satisfied with your captures. Also, bring a change of clothes with you, if possible, so that you can coordinate your look with the scenery.
Here's how you do it: book a private tour of the most beautiful or most interesting places in the city you're visiting (I suggest using Viator to do this) and simply inform your tour guide that you will need him or her to take several photos of you while on the tour. If you did your research prior to taking the tour, you would already know the locations that you would like to be photographed. Tell your tour guide to snap shots of you there and do not leave that location until you're satisfied with your captures. Also, bring a change of clothes with you, if possible, so that you can coordinate your look with the scenery.
I took several
private tours while traveling solo in Bangkok and I came home with some of the
most amazing pictures ever. It was worth every penny I paid to the tour guide
and more. I highly recommend that you get into that private tour guide life,
especially if you enjoy traveling solo.
3. Get your
lifestyle photos by putting your service staff to work.
Get your hotel
butler to take pictures of you enjoying room service, get your housekeeping
lady to take pictures of you looking longingly outside your room window, get your restaurant server to capture you while enjoying a glass of champagne, and get
your bellboy to photograph you while hopping in the back seat of your private tour
guide's new Mercedes Benz. See where I'm going with this?
Some of the
most fabulous photographic moments are the ones where you're simply enjoying
the little pleasures in life. And, if you're like me, you'll want
to keep a camera (and your favorite service staff member) close by to capture
those fabulous lifestyle moments.
4. Take a day
tour and get photos of yourself doing something amazing.
Every major
city has something unique and amazing for you to do while traveling solo. The
best part about booking a day tour is, you not only get to experience the
city's best activities, but you also get to join a group of other travelers.
I've booked some incredible day tours on Viator and, as a result, made new
friends and (you guessed it) got a ton of fabulous photos taken of myself in
the process.
Doing a photo
shoot with a tour guide who is giving a tour for a group is obviously not as
easy as doing one with a private tour guide. However, with a little
communication (and good social skills) you'll absolutely be able to pull it
off.
Chances are your tour guide will be picking you up from your hotel - he'll also be picking up other tourists from their hotels as well. Ask your driver if you can sit in the front seat. Usually, especially if you're traveling solo, they'll be more than happy to allow you to ride shotgun. During the drive, converse with your guide, get to know him or her and talk about the country you're from. In other words, socialize! Establish a great (and genuine) rapport with your guide quickly. Lastly, inform them that you'd really like to take some nice pictures while you're on the tour and would tip them generously if they did the honors.
I did this one time in Dubai and you would have thought I had a personal photographer following me around all day...like that one time in Paris. You guys, it was FABULOUS!
As a former
selfie stick user, I know what it's like to go on an amazing trip and only have
a few head shots to show for it. Selfie sticks do not help you fully capture
moments or tell a complete story of your travels. You invest hundreds and
sometimes thousands of dollars on a trip and you should at least have a few
fabulous pictures for your personal photo album...or to slay on Instagram.
Wink, wink.
Hopefully the
above four tips will help make your next trip your best trip. As always, I'm here to answer your questions if you need me.
We're all in this travel thing together...even when we’re traveling solo.
With love,
