Travel Photo Hacks: My #1 tip for Good Travel Pics with No One in Them!

There’s a lot of travel photo hacks out there-

Traveling is a big deal- it’s expensive, it’s a brave leap, and it’s A LOT of fun. Though when it’s over, we’re often left with just the memories of our amazing times in our destinations. That’s why taking photos and videos are so important. But how do you get GOOD photos of just yourself and the scenery? Especially when traveling is on the rise and many popular destinations are SUPER crowded? 

The solution? Wake up early.

My #1 Hack:

I know what you’re thinking- well of course I’ll be up early on my trip- there’s a lot to pack in and I don’t want to waste time. But I don’t mean waking up at 8, 9, or even 10 am on your trips. I mean waking up EARLY. My number 1 hack for getting photos with no one else in them? Wake up before sunrise. Yes, you heard that correctly- wake up before the sun is up. 

This might not be the most popular travel photo hack- because let’s be real, waking up that early is HARD. Especially when you’re traveling and are probably packing a lot into each day (and therefore need some rest each night). While I don’t suggest doing this every single day on your trip, I would recommend choosing 1-2 days per destination (preferably a week day) to wake up before sunrise. 

How To Get Photos with No One Else in Them:

Here’s what you’re gonna do:

1. Choose 1-2 during your trip where you’ll wake up before sunrise.
2. Plan where you’ll be taking your pictures each day.
3. Make a schedule for those days- the most popular landmarks should be the first ones you take your photos with. 
4. Check when sunrise is on those days and ensure you have a mode of transportation available at that time each day .
5. Wake up and get to your first destination by sunrise. 

Disclaimer

Now of course I can’t absolutely guarantee that no one else will be in your photos if you wake up early. There will always be other people with the same idea as you. It’s important to be respectful of them and their photos too. But I will say that this is probably your best chance to get photos with no one else in them. Locals will most likely be sleeping in before work, and most other tourists will simply not care to wake up so early. Therefore, the most popular landmarks and photo ops will usually be a ghost town at this time.

My Experiences With this Hack

I’ve done this method twice now- once in Paris, and another time in Rome.  What I love so much about doing this is that not only is it a great photo op, but there is something so magical about watching a sunrise over the new city you’re visiting. 

When I was in Paris, I decided I wanted to watch the sunrise over the city and take some pictures at the Eiffel Tower. I thought the perfect place to do so would be at the Trocadero- so myself and my friends made a plan.

We woke up at 4:00 am, walked to the metro, and made it to the Trocadero just in time to watch the sunrise over Paris and grab some incredible photos. With barely anyone else there, I might add. We even managed to grab cappuccinos and a pain au chocolate to enjoy the views afterward- highly recommend. 

 

Another time I did this to take pictures with no one in them was in Rome- I wanted to take pictures with the Trevi Fountain and even toss a coin in to make my wish. However, the Trevi Fountain is notorious for being overcrowded and difficult to take pictures with. My first day in Rome definitely confirmed that- when I showed up to the fountain it was packed- people were standing shoulder to shoulder.

So I decided to enjoy just seeing it, and then made a plan with my friends to come back at sunrise. Rome is beautiful in the early morning, and so peaceful. I think I enjoyed it here the most when I was up early, and I managed to get great pics with no one else in them with both the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. So, a win-win. There’s a reason this is one of my favorite travel photo hacks. 

 

Would You Try This Hack?

We all want to get the best photos when we travel, and you don’t need to be stressed about crowds whilst trying to snap the perfect pic. Waking up at sunrise is a great way to get pictures without getting tons of people in your pictures. It  also doubles as a great way to see your destination at its most peaceful. And who doesn’t love a sunrise? Do you know any other travel photo hacks? Let me know in the comments!

For more travel content, check out this post for part 1 of my Scotland Trip!